As fall arrives, the Tulalip community has launched an exciting new project, The Season of Healing. This initiative offers events, including Ted Talk-style lectures, coastal jams, and hands-on crafting workshops, all aimed at fostering healing, connection, and growth. On Monday, September 9, the first talk of the series took place at the Gathering Hall, where tribal members gathered for dinner and an evening of reflection led by several guest speakers.
The event was hosted by Alicia Horne, executive assistant for the National Native American Boarding School Coalition. She was joined by prominent voices in the healing movement, including Tribal Chairwoman Teri Gobin, Deborah Parker, CEO of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, and special guest, Clinical Addiction and Mental Health Therapist Serene Thin Elk from South Dakota. The theme for the evening was “Weaving Love Back into Our Lives,” and the speakers focused on addressing the traumas that often disrupt daily life while emphasizing the importance of self-love and community support.
Parker set the tone for the evening by reflecting on the seasonal transition and how it relates to personal introspection. “You can really feel the summer was carefree, and now you can feel the clouds roll in. The weather is changing. It’s such a special time for us in the Northwest. We start to go into that meditation state as we go into the winter,” she said, highlighting the opportunity for healing and growth during this quieter season.
Gobin addressed the historical traumas deeply rooted in the Tulalip community, specifically the impact of the boarding schools that operated for 75 years. “As a board, we’ve assembled a series of meetings for the next eight Mondays to address multiple concerns and issues. Many of us may not recognize how the Tulalip boarding schools have impacted us as a people. These talks are meant to encourage open, honest dialogue—without judgment—so we can begin to envision what a healthier, safer community looks like.”
Serene Thin Elk, the evening’s guest speaker, brought her expertise in trauma therapy to the conversation. She shared insights on how personal trauma can manifest in everyday life, often leading individuals to downplay their struggles or minimize the pain they’ve endured. “There might be times in someone’s life when they minimize something hard that they just can’t let go of or cannot go through. They make it seem less important,” Serene said. She emphasized that healing from trauma begins with acknowledgment and the belief that one’s strength and resilience will ultimately prevail. “If you ever doubt your power or strength, remember everything will be okay.”
For Serene, the opportunity to speak at Tulalip was motivating. “It means so much to come to another tribe and see how you do things here. It’s very inspiring. I think that sometimes, when we are in our communities, we don’t see our strengths. I see many of the programs and things that your community is doing, and it gives me ideas to bring back to my community,” she noted.
As the evening ended, attendees left with a sense of purpose, carrying the messages of healing and self-love into their lives. This first event set the stage for the Season of Healing series, which will continue to address various aspects of personal and collective trauma over the next eight weeks. The project aims to foster a deeper understanding of how historical pain shapes modern challenges while offering a path toward resilience and renewal.
Tulalip tribal members can watch this event and others on iamtulalip.com.
On Saturday, September 7, Tulalip artist Tillie Jones led a headband-weaving class at the Hibulb Museum, kicking off the Season of Healing. The class attracted seven participants who came together to weave wool headbands, share laughter, and connect through the art of weaving.
Tillie Jones, along with tribal members Michelle Myles and her son Syrille Jones, guided the students through the process. Participants could use a loom, select their wool colors, and begin weaving. As the intricate process unfolded, the room grew focused, with everyone giving their full attention to the detailed work ahead.
Tillie offered some wisdom during the class, emphasizing the deeper connection between the weaver and their creation. “What you put into your weaving becomes a part of it,” she explained. Weaving with intention, whether strength, love, or positive energy, allows those qualities to be embedded in the piece, making the final product more meaningful.
Tillie also shared practical advice, linking the skill of weaving to mathematics. “If you’re good at math, it helps,” she remarked, gesturing toward her son Syrille. “That’s why he’s so good at weaving.” She explained that a strong understanding of math helps weavers plan their patterns and maintain the structure and balance of the weave, ensuring the design comes together as intended.
Syrille also helped instruct the class and expressed his appreciation for the experience. “Weaving is a good stress relief to get your mind off everything around you,” he shared. Reflecting on the creative aspects of the craft, he added, “I like the different patterns people make, learning from the elders, and getting to experiment and make your patterns. It was good teaching, and I heard people laugh and enjoy their time.”
For many, the class was more than just a lesson in weaving; it was an opportunity to reconnect with tradition and find personal healing. Tulalip tribal member Wilma Gloria spoke about the therapeutic aspect of the practice, saying, “It is about keeping your hands busy and learning something new and traditional. I enjoyed the day; I had my ancestors with me, and they gave me strength.”
When asked about the significance of the headband, Wilma explained, “Traditionally, the headband was used to represent the tribe you were from.”
The event provided a creative outlet and offered participants a moment to bond with their heritage and each other. Through the craft of weaving, both tradition and healing were honored in a meaningful way.
The headband-weaving class is just the beginning of a series of workshops promoting healing through traditional crafts. Other weaving courses are being held every Saturday through September, offering participants the chance to learn various skills, connect with their culture, and continue the journey of personal and collective healing.
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News; photos courtesy of Kali Joseph
“Culture is the answer,” expressed Kali Joseph, Tulalip Resource Center’s Program Coordinator. “It’s what we’ve been doing since time immemorial. There are research studies, like the Healing Power of the Canoe, that I learned when I was in grad school. Basically, the study found that those who participated in a certain cultural activity, it was associated with reduced risk of suicide, depression, or substance use disorder. However, our people have known that it’s the answer since time immemorial, before empirical evidence and research studies existed, we’ve known it in our hearts and in our blood. It’s our medicine.”
On the early morning of August 22, dozens of Tulalip tribal and community members met at the Tribal courthouse to embark on adventure across the Salish Sea. Filled with anticipation and excitement, the people piled into a bus headed toward Anacortes to catch the morning ferry to Lopez Island.
For the third consecutive year, the Tulalip Resource Center organized an event that keeps growing in popularity and celebrates the sobriety of the local recovery community. During a weeklong camping trip, at the third largest island of the San Juans, attendees can participate in numerous group activities, while also taking the time to reflect on their healing journey. Together, they continue to build upon that work with others who are also striving to maintain a clean and sober lifestyle. And furthermore, they are provided the space to learn and converse about why and how they acquired an addiction.
Said Kali, “It’s important because they get to be a part of collective healing and work at reversing the harm that was done to us. In substance abuse disorder there’s a lot of theories and philosophies on why it’s a thing. Is it a personal choice or a moral failing? Is it just because drugs exist and they’re tempting? Is it risky behavior? But really, we know as Native people, with all the trauma and adversity faced in our past, it’s a coping mechanism. It’s something that devastates tribal communities at higher rates than non-Native communities. It feels like we’re reversing some of that harm.”
To back up Kali’s statement, let’s take a look at some local statistics. The Snohomish County Opioid Overdose and Prevention Data and Dashboard reports that there were 188 overdose deaths in our county alone last year. And according to the Washington State Department of Health’s Opioid and Drug Use Data Dashboard, there was a state average of about 30 overdose deaths per 100,000 people in 2022 for all other races and ethnicities. And high above those charted stats, the number for Alaskan Natives/American Indians clocks in at a staggering 120 deaths per 100,000 population – that’s a death rate four times higher than non-Native people statewide.
With that shocking disparity, locally and nationally, it’s easy to get bogged down in those statistics and focus on the damage the opioid epidemic is bringing to our tribal nations and families.This can leave many with a feeling of helplessness and despair when thinking about all the lives lost.
But on the flipside, those stats don’t speak on the resiliency of those individuals who are able to break away from the grasp of addiction. Which is no easy feat. But with the right support system, cultural gatherings, and a desire to understand and overcome their addiction, tribal members are taking back control of their lives, one step at a time.
This is why it’s important to celebrate their achievement of getting clean whenever possible. Because in turn, those success stories help raise awareness about substance abuse disorder and inspires others to break out of that cycle.
Over the years, as the opioid epidemic spread, the Tulalip Tribes has worked to create spaces for their membership to start their journey on the road to recovery. This includes the implementation of the Healing to Wellness Court, the establishment of the Healing Lodge, and a concentrated effort by the Tulalip Police Department to get drugs off the rez.
Additionally, the Recovery Resource Center continues to be a safe space for those struggling with addiction. By hosting events such as Narcan distributions and weekly NA meetings, as well as developing a recovery softball team, people are able to make connections with each other and build community while working toward the same goals.
The annual Recovery Campout is the perfect example of how celebrating those in recovery can inspire others to do the same. And it’s easy to see this taking place in real time by looking at the number of participants each year. At the first campout, there were 35 attendees. That doubled the second year as 72 community members took part in the campout. This year, the attendance rate rose again by 13, bringing the total to 85.
But it doesn’t stop there. The news about the Recovery Campout, and all the good work and fun that is had during the event, reached the ears of several tribes throughout the state. Three other tribes joined Tulalip for the third annual trip to Lopez including Nez Pierce, Port Gamble S’Klallam, and Puyallup. The nations of Makah and Quileute recently began hosting Recovery Campouts of their own within their respective territories. And after making the trip to Lopez this year, the Port Gamble S’Klallam tribe was inspired to host an indoors recovery campout this November.
“I’d like to think we set the precedents for recovery campouts,” shared Kali, half-jokingly. “I was reminded on the campout, by one of our participants who has gone every year, that it’s really what helped her get on the right path. She just had a relapse. She got out of jail and immediately got ready go to the campout. And she always says it’s what helped save her life. It’s moments like that when people keep showing up for each other. And it’s important to show that you can do all kinds of awesome, fun, exciting things in recovery without substances.”
Throughout the week, the campers take part in numerous activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. What makes this trip all the more special for Tribal members is the fact that the location has strong ancestral ties to the Tulalip people.
Long before colonization, the Tribe frequented Lopez Island during the summer months to harvest from both the land and sea, as well as cultivate camas. Today, the island falls under the Tribe’s usual and accustomed areas, and many Tulalip families visit Lopez to exercise their treaty rights and campout beneath the stars, and thus experience summertime like their ancestors before them.
In addition to recreational fun in the sun, there are multiple cultural activities that take place during their stay at the campout. This year, to bring everything full circle, the Recovery Resource Center enlisted members who are currently in recovery to lead workshops such as drum making, medicine pouch making, weaving, and beading.
Kali explained that one of the key aspects of the trip is to get everyone talking, so they can hear other people’s stories and relate it to their own experiences. This helps them work through their addiction and build support within the recovery community. So, every night they spend on the island, they gather together for either NA meetings, talking circles, or wellbriety circles. Traditional songs and prayers are often shared during the meetings around a fire pit.
Campers are encouraged to bring their family members along with them. The kids are afforded the opportunity to not only bond with their parents, but they also get to see their transformation take place in front of their very eyes.
“On the first year I was able to take my youngest daughter, she was just one year old. I just came back from a relapse, the day I had her was the last day that I used,” shared Tribal member, Loris Fryberg. “And then I relapsed the next year and lost all my children. But this year, I got to actually reunite with my children and bring them to the Lopez campout.
“We all had so much fun singing, drumming, circling up. We were really grateful to be engaged in everything and in our culture. It was very uplifting to spread our stories with every single person and to the other tribes, so they know they’re not alone. We’re all doing this one day at a time. And as long as we can share our story with other people who are stuck in addiction, this [recovery movement] is only going to get bigger. For me, I have 14 months clean, and I got my family back together, what more could I ask for?”
After four nights and five days on the island, the recovery community packed up from the Tulalip property surrounding Watmough bay and prepared for the trek back to the reservation. The retreat continues to be something the recovery community looks forward to every year. Next year, the Resource Center is planning on holding the campout during the early months of summer to avoid the rainy and windy days that this year’s participants weathered throughout their stay.
When asked about the ever-growing popularity of the event, and what that says about the local recovery community, Kali stated, “It says that one, the recovery community is growing, more people are recovering. And two, it’s raising awareness and destigmatizing recovery, and people can celebrate it more openly. It is becoming more amplified. This is just a campout where Tulalip community members in recovery, and their loved ones, can camp together and celebrate recovery, and that is so awesome to see.”
Be sure to follow the Tulalip Recovery Community page on Facebook to stay current on any news or events planned by the Recovery Resource Center. You can also reach out to (360) 716-4773 for more information and assistance.
In high school sports, a world of change can occur from one season to another. Change, positive change to be exact, is just what Tulalip Heritage athletic director Lonnie Enick is attempting to manifest this year when it comes to the boys’ football program.
“This season is going to be all about growth. Growth by our players and growth by our coaches,” said Lonnie pregame. “We’ve worked so hard all offseason to prepare for this season. And all last week, in practice, we could see just how much that hard work was paying off. Our players and coaches are really seeing each other, they are hearing each other, and most importantly they are believing in each other.
“This team has so much talent. The only thing that can derail them is lack of belief. That’s why its so important for our community to fill this stadium seating every home game. To bring their energy that we know only Tulalip can. That will fuel these boys competitive fire and give them even more confidence knowing how many are rooting for them to succeed.”
Success has been a difficult thing to come by in recent years. Heritage hasn’t had a winning football team since the 2017 squad went 5-2. The program went into a major funk after that, largely due to the student-athletes being unable to keep themselves academically eligible.
Now, in 2024, the winds of change have blown in a fresh crop of Tulalip boys eager to build something worthwhile, to build something successful. After a number of incoming transfers, and even more on their way, plus uber-athletic basketball players looking to test out their physical gifts on grid iron, the Hawks coaching staff expects to have no difficulty fielding a team with depth at every position.
The new-look Hawks played their season-opener on Friday, September 6. Their opponent? The Concrete Lions. The same Concrete team that ran all over the Hawks last year and handed our boys a 24-point loss.
But that was last year. This is a new year with a new team. And this time around Tulalip was the home team, playing under the bright lights and in front of a mass of adoring fans. The Heritage boys were eager to let everyone know this year would be different.
Senior player James Diaz led the charge on both sides of the ball, playing admirably on offense and defense. He rushed for two touchdowns and then came up with a massive 80-yard interception return for a touchdown right before halftime to give Heritage a 24-18 lead.
“Playing DB, I read the tight end split perfectly,” shared James while catching his breath on the sidelines, following the pick 6. “My uncle Dee is always telling me to stay on the tight end’s hip, to not allow separation, and on that play everything went perfectly. I knew the QB was going to pass it to the tight end, I didn’t give any separation, and the pass basically came right to me. I knew right when I caught it that I had a chance to run it back for a touchdown. Hearing the crowd and my teammates yelling in excitement as I ran it back was pretty cool, I can’t lie.”
James went on to add yet another rushing touchdown early in the 4th quarter, his fourth score of the game, that put the home team up 30-18. The Hawks defense descended on any Concrete ball carriers, gang tackling at its finest, and didn’t yield a single point in the 2nd half.
The 30-18 season opening win puts Heritage at 1-0. It’s only one win, but a huge mission statement in the locker room as the team looks to continue to find even more success. For their next game, the Hawks travel to Crescent High School on Saturday, September 14, in a matchup with the Loggers.
Tulalip citizens, their families, patients of the Tulalip Health Clinic and employees of Tulalip Tribes flocked to Garden Treasures Nursery & Local Farm on Thursday, September 5. While there, they excitedly wandered the six-acre organic farm and were offered ample opportunity to harvest from a delicious medley of in-season fruits and vegetables.
Our local award-winning Diabetes Care and Prevention team have regularly partnered with the Arlington-located Garden Treasures to offer the Tulalip community such well-regarded ‘u-pick days’. These days are typically well attended by multi-generational families because of the intrinsic access to traditional foods, engagement in gentle outdoor exercise, and ability to embrace with community through family-friendly activities.
“My favorite moments are inspired by those who have never attended before, true first timers, and they come out, try something new, and enjoy the offerings of fresh foods,” shared Veronica Leahy. She’s been serving the Tulalip Health System as a Diabetes Care and Prevention Coordinator for sixteen years now. “This specific u-pick day, we had additional offerings like a delicious lunch provided by our Ti Kupihali staff and a couple craft activities.
“I love watching and listening to the newcomers share their u-pick experiences. This makes all the effort it takes to plan and coordinate these days so worth it,” continued Roni. “I love seeing our regular supporters for these events, too, since they are the foundation of building our healthy foods and prevention program. With their support over the years, these newcomers have had the experience of picking and connecting with their food in a more traditional way.”
An estimated 130 community members took advantage of the u-pick day. In what may be the last blast of summer heat, with temperatures near 90 degrees, toddlers to elders strolled the paths of Garden Treasurers naturally grown farm and bountiful green houses.
For their efforts, they were greeted by leafy greens (kale, chard and collard greens), herbs (parsley, basil, mint, and lemon balm), classic vegetables (broccoli, onions, zucchini, and tomatoes) and a sweet selection of berries (strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries).
“Garden Treasures is such a wonderful place for families to come in general, but the days the Diabetes Program is here with their knowledgeable and supportive staff, you can typically see Tulalip tribal members and other Natives of all different ages enjoy everything this place has to offer,” said community health director Verna Hill. “Seeing grandparents with their children and grandchildren come out and enjoy the gardens and pick their favorite fruits and vegetables is so wonderful. There’s so much joy created here. Something as simple as watching faces and seeing our people become inspired after trying a new fruit or vegetable is really a wonder to behold.”
That sense of wonderment carried over into the community lunch, where Roni and her team could be seen assisting with the making of flower bouquets and wreaths to be taken home as a colorful reminder of what Garden Treasurers has to offer.
Among those in attendance was a special guest visitor all the way from Macedonia (a country in the Mediterranean, north of Greece). Natasha Coumou, a restoration ecologist for the Tribes’ Natural Resources department, brought her mother Marija, who is visiting from Macedonia, to the u-pick day in search of stew-ready tomatoes.
“It’s beautiful. This entire event is just awesome; from the people I’ve met to the opportunity to pick from all the vegetables and fruit. I thank those who organized this,” said Macedonian citizen Marija Krstova. “I picked broccoli, peppers, eggplant and of course tomatoes to make a stew for my daughters that will remind them of our village back in Macedonia. There’s a lot more sun where I came from. We have vegetables growing everywhere, so to be here and see this outdoor garden and everything it has to offer, I must say the gardeners have done an exceptional job.”
Eating more fruits and vegetables is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. By making fruits and vegetables a larger part of your diet, you can enjoy the benefits of increased energy, better digestion, and a stronger immune system, while significantly lowering the risk of developing serious health conditions. As we officially enter the Tribes’ season of healing, it’s time to make plant-based foods a priority in our daily lives.
Wow! Tulalip was treated to a fun and busy summer. The season was full of cultural enriching gatherings, such as the Salmon Ceremony, the annual Stick Games Tournament, Spee-Bi-Dah, and the Youth Canoe Journey. These were among many other community building events like the Pride Everyday celebration, the Back to School Bash, and the Health Clinic’s annual Health Fair.
With fall just weeks away, the Tulalip community is already in the midst of a change of pace and transitioning to what the Tribe is officially dubbing, the Season of Healing. Many of the events that will be held from now until the end of the year will be heavily focused on informing and supporting Tulalip’s membership and community about the impacts of generational trauma, and in turn, begin the healing process.
Secretary of the Tribe, Theresa Sheldon, shared, “The Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors support education and healing. We recognize that we may not see how the 75 years of the Indian boarding school that operated here in Tulalip still impacts our lives. As parents, as family members, and as community members of the Tulalip Tribes we are all still living in the consequences of federal assimilation policies. We have heard from the community the need to create safe places, create healthy conversations, and create a place of justice and healing. We hope the Season of Healing will begin this conversation and we hope to begin this hard work for our ancestors and for the next 7 generations to come.”
In addition to the handful of events that are a part of the Season of Healing, there are numerous other gatherings that you will want to keep on your radar throughout the next few months. We’ve compiled a detailed list of upcoming events, so be sure to mark them down on your calendars because you are not going to want to miss out.
September 7 – Beginner Wool Weaving with Tillie Jones
Where: Hibulb Cultural Center
When: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
September 9 – Weaving Love into our lives: Post Boarding School Era with Serene Thin Elk
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News When considering Indigenous culture, one of the most iconic representations is the story pole, often called a totem pole. On Wednesday, August 27, Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary proudly reinstated its story pole, after being carefully restored by its creator, Lower Elwha artist Al Charles Jr. and students from Heritage High School. Standing over 15 feet tall, this striking piece serves as the school’s centerpiece, welcoming all who enter with its powerful presence and cultural significance.
Starting early in the spring, representatives of Quil Ceda Tulalip decided to revitalize the story pole, which has been part of the school since its inception. They connected with Foundry 10, an education research organization, and the Tulalip Foundation for help with funding. This collaborative effort underscores the community’s dedication to preserving and honoring its cultural heritage.
“The story pole has always been a significant part of our school,” said Vice Principal Dr. Chelsea Craig. “My child attended here when they were young, and seeing the pole every day as we arrived was incredibly inspiring. It was a daily reminder of our heritage and the stories of our ancestors.”
Dr. Craig emphasized the importance of cultural representation for the students. “Having such a prominent piece of our culture on display is powerful. Our students need to see themselves represented in the place where they learn. It instills pride in their identity and reinforces the value of our traditions.”
She continued, “The story pole means so much to us. It symbolizes who we are and what we stand for as a community. It’s not just a piece of artwork but a testament to our sovereign rights and enduring connection to our history and land.”
The beautifully restored story pole stands as a beacon of unity and resilience. Visitors to Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary can see it proudly standing at the school’s entrance, symbolizing the rich history and values of the Tulalip people.
The video game landscape has undergone quite the evolution. From an overly dramatic, but somehow not that farfetched, idea that video games will rot a kid’s brain, to the culture-shifting news reported in July that e-Sports are set to take the Olympic stage in 2025. Yes, you read that right – video games are going to be an Olympic sport.
An official International Olympic Committee press release from July 12 reads, “A ‘first’ ever Esports Olympic Games are committed to a special event that respects and celebrates the Olympic values while boldly seizing the momentum to drive esports forward with the international platform the sport and its athletes deserve. The world will have an open invitation to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together.”
It’s easy to imagine a slew of parents shaking their heads in disbelief and thinking, “Yeah, well, video games can still rot a child’s brain. Olympic sport or not.” The thing is that’s simply not true. In fact, as reported by MedPage Today, a cross-sectional study found kids who played video games showed better cognitive performance than non-gamers. Specifically, those who played video games performed better on response inhibition tasks and working memory versus those who never played.
“Many parents today are concerned about the effects of video games on their children’s health and development,” said Bader Chaarani, Ph.D, a research professor at the University of Vermont. “And as these games continue to proliferate among young people, it is crucial that we better understand the positive impact that such games may have.”
One such positive impact is community building. For those in the know, video games have long since transcended their status as mere entertainment. They’ve become a significant social platform for kids and adults, alike.
In the digital era, people are more connected than ever before, and video games play a crucial role in this connectivity. A prime example of this connectivity and community building playing out in real time with real people was at the 2nd Annual e-Gaming Tournament. Hosted at our local Club, thirty-two teams representing all twelve Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County and twelve local law enforcement agencies teamed up for an epic day of e-gaming.
Teams of three (two club kids and one law enforcement representative) battled it out during a competitive four-hour tournament. Their game of choice? The excitement fueled, arcade-style soccer game, Rocket League.
Competitors filled the Club’s teen center that’s become well-known for its plethora of gamer tech; an impressive internet bandwidth able to support supersized TVs, the latest Xbox gaming systems, high-end desktops with overclocked CPUs and graphics cards the size of small novels. Two of those TVs were dedicated to displaying an updated tournament bracket.
What started with 32 teams was whittled down round by round, through heartbreaking losses and literal jump for joy wins, until only two teams remained for an ultimate showdown. Teams that were eliminated early became spectators eager to see who would be crowned champion.
Prior to competing for the Championship, 22-year-old Lynnwood police cadet Cade Moren reflected on the day’s legendary potential. “The most exciting aspect of this tournament is it really shows how much video games can cultivate such a positive experience with law enforcement. Events like these really shows that collaborating with local police departments is such a worth while investment. How many seeds are being planted here that will grown into fantastic relationships in the future? Relationships that can only improve our shared communities and possibly have life altering benefits; such as kids who may go on to pursue a career in law enforcement because of this experience, or a cop who views a community differently because of a super cool interaction they had playing a video game with kid who reminded them of their younger self.”
Expanding on what police cadet Cade so eloquently stated, video games are well-known conduits that attract players with shared interests. This creates a natural foundation for friendship. Kids and teenagers who might struggle with social interactions in every day, real life may find it easier to connect with others in a digital, online environment, where the focus is on a shared activity. For example, Tulalip youth living on their reservation may find support in gaming communities where they can express themselves more freely and connect with others who share similar experiences.
Twenty-six-year-old Jordan Jira isn’t too far removed from being that kind of Tulalip youth himself. Now, a Tulalip police officer, he still remembers that sense of community that came from unified purpose and simple fun. “I think this has been such an amazing experience for us officers and the kids. It’s something we can all come together, have fun in its purest form, and just make cool memories. The energy and excitement here in this building is kind of unmatched. It reminds me of high school sports and how fun it was to cheer on your favorite team or players. Like it should’ve been back then, it doesn’t really matter who wins or loses, all that matters is having fun.”
Jordan can also attest to just how far video game culture has evolved over such a short period of time. He admitted it feels like only yesterday his dad, TPD Sergeant Jeff Jira, wasn’t all that thrilled with video games, but now his dad actively cheered him on from as he navigating the digital realm all the way into the semi-finals. “He’s always been a real supportive father, so now its good to know he’s even supportive of video games, too. This is good practice for him because he’s going to be a grandfather again soon. Maybe this upcoming grandbaby has an Olympic gold medal in his future thanks to video games. Never know.”
Vying for a Rocket League championship, not a gold medal, ultimately came down to Team Everett vs Team Alderwood. Many oohs and ahs were generated by the crowd of spectators as they were treated to a highly contested match that went into sudden death overtime. Team Everett scored in the first minute of overtime and were crowned champions.
The winning team was comprised of City of Everett police officer Brandon Hoelzel, 14-year-old Aweys Hussein (Somalian) and 12-year-old Hamadi Rashid (Kenyan).
“My heart was pumping so hard every match. I was so nervous because it was my first time ever playing this game and didn’t want to let my team down. Now, that we’ve won it all, I’ll definitely be bragging about this for a while,” admitted Hamadi.
Scoring the championship-winning goal was officer Brandon. He said that not having known either of his younger teammates before it felt like he was playing with his younger brothers. “I enjoy playing video games in my free time. Usually I’m the one being humbled by my younger brothers, so it felt pretty good being the one to carry the team this time,” he joked. “Seriously though, it was a total team effort. After every goal and win, we’d celebrate with a high-five or fist bump. I definitely fed off their excitement.”
The collaborative nature of video games, such as Rocket League, brought together a super diverse field of competitors together. Kids and cops from different cities, neighborhoods, and ethnic backgrounds learned to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and work together to achieve their objectives. Interactions like these, as witnessed over and over again during the tournament, greatly promote a sense of empathy and understanding for others, especially as it relates to youth and the law enforcement officers sworn to protect them. Let us revel in the hope that beyond the thrill of gameplay, true community building took place in a safe space forged by video games.
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip Tribes “It’s time to come home,” Tribal Chairwoman Teri Gobin told then King County Sheriff, Shawn Ledford, at a recent event. Fast forward to today, and the Tulalip people welcomed Ledford to the Tulalip Tribal Police Department. On Tuesday, September 3, Ledford was sworn in as Chief of Police. Ledford, a Tulalip tribal member, is stepping into the role previously held by Acting Chief Christopher Gobin.
Every member of the Board warmly welcomed Chief Ledford back to the community. Chief Ledford reflected on his decision to return: “When Chairwoman Gobin hugged me and said it’s time to come home, I felt something. I knew it was time. I always thought about it in the back of my mind. The timing was right, and hearing those words from someone I respect helped me decide.”
With 35 years of experience, Chief Ledford brings a wealth of law enforcement knowledge to his new role. He began his career as a patrol deputy at the Federal Way Precinct and quickly advanced through the ranks due to his extensive skills. His roles included hostage negotiator, detective in the Special Assault Unit, and then, Chief of Police for the City of Newcastle.
He furthered his career as Captain at the Southwest Precinct in Burien and then as Operations Chief at the North Precinct in Kenmore. In 2012, he was appointed Police Chief in Shoreline, where he served for a decade before being promoted to Division Chief with the King County sheriff’s office.
Marlin Fryberg, Tulalip Board of Director, emphasized the significance of bringing Shawn Ledford back to the community. Reflecting on the guidance from previous leaders, Fryberg shared, “Those leaders who were sitting on the Board then and are now gone, instructed me to watch for Shawn as he grew in law enforcement. They said to keep an eye on that young man, that tribal member of ours, because one day he will come home and help this community.”
Fryberg expressed his pride and optimism for the future, stating, “Ledford is home, and this is a good setting for all of us. When we say coming back home, you are home. You are one of us.”
When asked what it means to return to the Tulalip community and serve, Chief Ledford responded, “It’s a great honor and challenge. I want to ensure I am doing right for our community—protecting and serving it passionately. Our focus will be keeping drugs and gang violence off the reservation.”
As Chief Ledford steps into this pivotal role, the road ahead will undoubtedly present its challenges. However, with his extensive background and deep family ties to the community, there is cautious optimism that his leadership will guide the Tulalip Tribal Police Department through these complexities, focusing on the safety and well-being of the Tulalip people.
