On Tuesday, August 5, the Tulalip Police Department hosted a memorable National Night Out at the Kenny Moses Building in Tulalip, where community members, law enforcement, and first responders came together for an evening full of games and laughter. The event provided an opportunity for families to engage with officers outside of their typical roles, creating a welcoming and fun atmosphere for all ages.
From the inflatable bouncy house to the dunk tank, kids were excited to participate in the festivities. The highlight of the evening? Getting the chance to dunk Chief of Police Shawn Ledford. “It was great, especially when the kids are trying to dunk you,” Ledford said with a smile.
The event wasn’t just about fun and games, though. It was a chance for the community to engage with officers on a personal level, breaking down barriers and misconceptions about law enforcement.
“We want our officers to be approachable and for the community to get to know them better,” Chief Ledford explained. “Building community trust is something we always have to do, and events like this help us show that we are human too, just like everyone else.”
Erik Delarosa, a three-year veteran with the Tulalip Tribal Police, emphasized the importance of being visible and approachable in community events like this. “It’s a good chance for a lot of us to see each other outside of work and see the families. We’re just like everybody else, we want to have fun,” he said.
National Night Out also served as an opportunity to address some of the common misconceptions about police work. “People often think that police officers are just here to enforce laws and stop people from having fun, but that’s not the case,” Delarosa added. “We’re here to build relationships and create a safe community for everyone.”
Chief Ledford echoed these sentiments, clarifying that the role of law enforcement extends beyond making arrests or using force. “Some misconceptions are that we want to arrest people or use force, but we want safe communities. We use de-escalation to avoid using force. Our goal is to keep the community safe, and we’re always trying to do our best in a challenging job.”
In addition to the recreational activities, several local services were available to support the community, including Family Haven Behavioral Health and beda?chelh, offering resources for those in need.
This year’s National Night Out was a perfect example of how law enforcement can strengthen bonds within the community. It wasn’t just about building trust; it was about showing the human side of the officers who serve and protect and proving that they are approachable, caring individuals who share the same community values. With such a successful event, it’s clear that the Tulalip Police Department is committed to creating lasting relationships, one splash at a time.
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News; Photos courtesy of Paula Cortez
Back in the summer of 1950, a momentous event was organized to celebrate the connection many Seattleites share with the local waters. Long before the establishment of sports teams like the Seahawks, Mariners, and the Sounders, this ten-day festival was the spectator event that everyone looked forward to each year.
Originally, Seafair was established to pay homage to the city’s maritime history as well as claim the title for Seattle as the ‘boating capital of the world’. The first Seafair festival included a milk carton boat derby at Green Lake, a show by synchronized swimmers the Aqua Follies, the debut of the Seafair Pirates, a beauty pageant dubbed the Queen of the Seas, bicycle races, a boat parade, and a steamboat race on Elliott Bay.
In the following years, the festival would add several other fan favorite events such as the famous aerobatics show by the Blue Angels, a triathlon, a fireworks show, and hydroplane races on Lake Washington. The event has grown tremendously since its inception, expanding from ten days to the entire summer.
This year’s Seafair celebrations took place from June 20to August 3. And during its last weekend of August 1-3, at the Apollo Mechanical Cup Hydroplane Race, a special tribute was paid to seven local police officers who died in the line of duty, which included Tulalip Fish & Wildlife Officer, Charlie Cortez. Upon each hydroplane, the officer’s names were emblazoned on the spoiler of the vessel, which is just about as badass as it gets, as far as tributes go.
Said Charlie’s mother, Paula Cortez, “We initially got an email from the Behind the Badge Foundation that invited us to the hydroplane races, letting us know that they will be honoring Charlie on one of the hydroplanes at the Seafair. And the date we got notified was actually on Charlie’s birthday, May 28. We all made a commitment to go.”
The family made the journey from the reservation to Genesse Park, located on the banks of Lake Washington. Paula was joined by Charlie’s father, Alan, his aunt Teri, his grandmother Sandra, his brother Moochi, his cousin Tyson, and his two children, Dominic and Peyton.
Once they arrived, they had the chance to view the U-27 Miss Apollo up close, the hydroplane that bore Charlie’s name and End of Watch date. They also met with the mechanics in the pit crew, as well as Miss Apollo’s pilot, Dave Vilwock.
“I presented Dave Vilwock with a coin and a necklace with Charlie’s picture on it,” shared Alan. “And then he wanted to know the story behind Charlie, so I went ahead and told him what happened that night and that we never got to bury him. They had no idea. And then his crew started showing up one-by-one so we explained the story to them, so they knew as well.
“I shared with them that Charlie used to race motocross and was one of the only tribal members that made it to the pros. They were happy to hear that. It was a good day, I kind of struggled with going, but once I got there, everything just kind of fell into place and I got to open up. I’m glad that we went.”
This November 17 will mark five years since Officer Cortez was pronounced lost at sea while in the line of duty. On that stormy night in 2020, Charlie’s boat was capsized while he was returning home after safely escorting another boat to the Everett Marina. This news sparked a nationwide show of support and numerous volunteers joined in the weeks of searching before he was presumed deceased.
Following that night’s tragic event, Charlie’s loved ones were embraced by the law enforcement community, particularly the Behind the Badge Foundation. In the family’s darkest hour, the foundation assured them that he would be honored – and his legacy, that of a hero, would be shared for years to come. Behind the Badge has kept their promise to the family and over the past several years Charlie’s name has been etched into a number of memorial walls and read aloud during roll call at vigils across the country. Tulalip also paid tribute to Charlie by naming the new Marina building in his honor. And his famous smile will be remembered forever, as his photo is featured on a plaque outside of the building, and it is the first thing many people see as they enter the facility.
Once their meet and greet with the crew of Miss Apollo was complete, the family was personally escorted throughout Genesse Park for the races. One of the highlights for the Cortez squad was meeting the families of the six other fallen officers.
“It wasn’t hard talking about Charlie. It was gratifying to talk to other families and hear and listen to their stories of their loved ones,” voiced Alan. “There was a family two tables away from us and I went to talk with them while the grandkids were swimming. I asked if they still had a hard time, and they said there are good days and bad days. That’s just like how it is for us. You know, those families kind of understand what we’re going through with no closure.”
Paula added, “It was a chance for us to connect with other survivors and that’s part of healing. And for the kids, I think this was important so that they understand the severity of what happened and keep his memory alive. They’re going to enjoy these memories when they’re older and will understand why we have them come with us to these honorings. I think that they’ll appreciate it in the long run. It was good for them to be a part of this.”
After making its way through the circuit at upwards of 220 mph, and leaving behind towering rooster tails in its wake, the Miss Apollo hydroplane placed third in the weekend’s races. The Cortez family was presented with a plaque with Charlie’s name as well as limited edition decal replicas that matched Pilot Vilwock’s vessel.
“Third place; that’s a podium! It was an extraordinary celebration of honor, remembrance, and gracious hospitality,” Paula stated. “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to H1 Unlimited, Beacon Plumbing, and Behind the Badge Foundation for presenting a truly memorable event at the Seafair hydroplane races. Their attentive care made our experience seamless and enjoyable. When the Behind the Badge says, ‘We will never forget’, they truly live by that commitment. The sight of Charlie Cortez’s name on the U-27 Miss Apollo hydroplane was genuinely uplifting. Thank you for racing in honor of our son at Seafair 2025.”
“Eli” Pacheco was born September 21, 1977, in Everett, WA to Myrna (Hatch) Pacheco and Daryle Pacheco. He passed away July 28, 2025. At a young age Eli of Tulalip was adventurous and protective, he had a passion for outdoor life of wood cutting and fishing. Eli stayed in touch with his siblings and was a proud uncle. He had a passion for carving. Eli is survived by his mom Myrna Pacheco; siblings, Christina Cladoosby, Cyrus Pacheco, Alicia Pacheco, Vanessa Flores, David Ivarra; uncles & aunts Cy Hatch III, Marilyn (Jordan) Flores, Lucinda Cladoosby, Rose Webb, David & Tina Fryberg Jr.; and numerous nieces & nephews. Preceded in death by father Daryle Pacheco, sister Sarah Ivarra, grandparents: Cyrus Hatch Jr, Emily Beatty, Magdeline Monger. Aunts: Sharon Morken, Holly Jones, Anita (Pacheco) Rodgers, Delores Reyes. Uncles: Wayne Hatch, Robert Monger, Mark Monger Sr., Joey Pacheco Sr., Chuck Vassar and niece Chantel Craig. Eli will be deeply missed. An evening service will be held Monday, August 4, 2025 at 6 PM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.
On the bluff overlooking Tulalip Bay, four young women proudly stood tall on the afternoon of July 27. They watched the distant waters as dozens of canoes approached the shoreline one by one. A representative from each canoe family spoke of their travels on the water, and kindly asked permission to come ashore to rest, share a meal, and offer the songs and dances of their people during protocol. And the young Tribal members responded in unison, inviting their visitors into the village while speaking completely in Lushootseed, their ancestral language.
It was a gorgeous Sunday, with minimal clouds in the sky and around an 85-degree temperature, the community of Tulalip setup their canopies and lounge chairs in front of the longhouse, the perfect spot to view the arrival of the canoes. Tulalip was one of many stops on this year’s Canoe Journey, as the pullers make their way to the final landing destination of Lower Elwha.
For spectators and pullers alike, the annual summertime Canoe Journey continues to be a symbol of resiliency for Northwest Tribal nations, as well as a great way for the youth to connect to their history and traditions.
And though one might initially think of the beautiful cedar dugouts cruising the Salish Sea when they hear of the Canoe Journey, decades of this gathering have proven it to be much more. Many can attest that on a personal level, it is a healing journey; helping individuals find their way by fully immersing in the culture, helping addicts attain and/or maintain their sobriety, passing on near-lost traditions to the next generation, connecting Natives with people from different tribes, and finding solace by living how our ancestors did since time immemorial.
“The first time I got out on the canoe and went outside of Tulalip Bay, I felt a deep connection not only with the water, but with the canoe,” expressed Tulalip tribal member and Canoe Puller, Monie Ordonia. “I felt my ancestor’s gratitude for me being on the water, the silence of serenity is palpable. It was like an interconnection meditation for me. Every time my paddle digs into the water, it’s like a prayer for my people, the community, and for the water with all that live in it.”
This event is highly anticipated throughout the entire year, and many Tribes spend months preparing for Canoe Journey. For Tulalip, preparations begin as soon as springtime arrives, where they hold an awakening ceremony for their three family canoes, Big Brother, Big Sister, and Little Sister. The participants then practice building their endurance on the water in the subsequent weeks leading up to the journey. Additionally, Tulalip also hosts weekly culture nights where the people can create their own regalia as well as gifts to distribute to other tribes along the way.
Following the first canoe practice of 2025, Tulalip youth, Maleia Kickingwoman, shared, “This is my third year pulling, so going back out on the water was pretty nice, got to feel the sacred connection again. The water was a little rough at the beginning, but once we got towards Hermosa it got calmer, and we got to cruise a bit. We saw two whales. It was pretty fun. We had some laughs and funny jokes out on the water. I am excited about meeting new friends at Canoe Journey this year.”
For those who aren’t familiar with the origins of the Canoe Journey, it began in the summer of 1989, when Quinault tribal member, Emmett Oliver, organized an intertribal canoe pull for Seattle’s centennial celebration. The success of that event inspired tribes to keep it going, resulting in a cultural revitalization movement that continues to grow each year. Today, hundreds of canoes travel across local waters to celebrate their heritage, embrace their traditions, experience that special connectedness to the waterways, and represent their tribe and people.
As mentioned earlier, this year’s Canoe Journey will conclude in Elwha territory, and the canoes are anticipated to arrive at the final landing destination on July 31. A weeklong celebration will then take place, where each participating tribe and canoe family will have the opportunity to share their songs and dances, as well as showcase their regalia and tribal pride, in front of thousands.
Once all the canoes arrived safely, the people enjoyed a traditional meal and several hours of protocol at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. The canoe pullers camped out in various lots throughout the reservation. And following a short night’s rest, the canoes departed the shores of Tulalip Bay in the early hours of July 28.
Said Tulalip Skipper, Taylor Henry, “Getting in the canoe and being on the water is such a huge medicine for us. These canoes have been designed for us for over 10,000 years the same way. When I say we have to take care of them so they can take care of us, this is part of it. And when we go out there, they return that. Because every stroke we take, we’re leaving some of that hurt, some of that pain, or whatever you’re going through. We let some of it go with every stroke, that’s what we’ve always been told.”
To follow along with the canoes and to stay up to date on the protocol schedule, as well as follow any other Canoe Journey related news, be sure to follow the official Tribal Canoe Journeys page on Facebook.
After 20 years of devoted service, we are saying farewell to Dave Sienko, a pillar of language revitalization efforts. Known reservation-wide as Lushootseed’s Media Developer and behind the scenes tech guru, Dave’s legacy stretches far beyond his job title. He helped usher Tulalip Lushootseed into the digital age, ensuring the ancestral language of the Coast Salish people could thrive across screens, speakers, and generations.
From the early 2000s, when cassette tapes and black and white picture books were still standard, Dave envisioned a future where technology could be an ally to language preservation. Then he built it. Take a quick visit to TulalipLushootseed.com and you’ll find songs, stories, games, family activities, and an entire assortment of language learning tools at your disposal.
“Dave has done so much for us,” said language warrior Michelle Myles. “On our website there is 20 years’ worth of content that he’s basically built from the ground up. That website was his first work baby. I say that lovingly because my daughter Jacynta was born shortly before Dave started with us. She’s 20-years-old now. She grew up learning Lushootseed, in part, by using that site and all the fun additions Dave made to it over the years.”
Among his most groundbreaking achievements, Dave co-developed the source code for the Lushootseed Unicode keyboard. That innovation gave Tulalip language teachers and learners the ability to write Lushootseed accurately and consistently on modern devices, opening the door to emails, websites, and digital lesson plans in the ancestral tongue.
“What am I most proud of? That’s a big question, but I’d say pushing for and never giving up on the idea of having Lushootseed keyboard,” shared Dave. “The Lushootseed keyboard enabled the language to be fully on the internet, where it can be used by anyone, anywhere in the world.
“I love seeing the text being used,” he continued. “Whether its via social media posts, websites, books and magazines, or, my personal favorite, on display at Hibulb Cultural Center, I’m always filled with pride whenever I see the Lushootseed text being used. I believe the language will proliferate the Tulalip Reservation and beyond as more and more people desire to learn and speak it. Knowing I played a role in that is, well, it’s beyond words. I’m just so thankful and eternally grateful for my time spent with Lushootseed and in this community.”
Dave’s forward-thinking approach culminated in several major digital platforms, including the extensive Tulalip Lushootseed website home to countless learning tools and teacher resources. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in the creation and launch of the Tulalip Lushootseed App – a sleek, intuitive mobile app now available for most major platforms, including iPhone and Android devices. For learners young and old, the app puts pronunciation, vocabulary, and language games right in their pocket.
“Dave is the reason our language lives online,” said a teary-eyed Natosha Gobin, Lushootseed Manager. “He truly does have a love for the language. He’s always prioritized making Lushootseed compatible with evolving technologies, which was his way of treating our culture with the highest respect.
“Also, Dave has always tried to find the newest way to connect with our community. And he did it in a way that ensured there were no barriers for language learning. From cassette tapes and floppy disks to CDs and USB drives, and now QR codes that take you directly to our website and app, Dave made sure that regardless of what kind of technology you have available at home, we have learning resources for you.”
But Dave was more than a tech developer, he was the department’s go-to fixer. When the Wi-Fi went down or a corrupted file threatened to derail a presentation, Dave was there. His calm demeanor and quiet determination became a backbone of day-to-day operations and special projects alike.
There was no project more special than the annual two-week-long, Lushootseed Camp every summer. Where Dave remained a fixture and his technology station a children’s favorite, year after year. From bulky desktop computers to compact Nintendo DS to touch screen tablets, Dave transformed whatever the technology of the time was into child friendly learning devices. His ability to ensure the kids could navigate these tools with ease, while capturing their imagination though storytelling videos and interactive language games will not be forgotten.
During the closing ceremony of this summer’s Lushootseed Camp, Dave was honored by his fellow language warriors. First, he was wrapped in an 8th Generation wool blanket appropriately named ‘See You Again’, then he was adorned with a handmade cedar headband.
“I’ve been with Lushootseed going on 13 years now. Dave has been there every step of the way,” shared language warrior Nikki St. Onge following the closing ceremony. “It’s been cool watching him input the language into his own life, like he’ll greet us every morning in Lushootseed and says ‘thank you’ in Lushootseed instead of English. Anytime I ever needed a story, video, or children’s book to implement into my lesson plans, he’d always find a way to get them to me. I’m definitely going to miss you, Dave, and I hope you come back to visit as often as you can.”
As the 65-year-old Dave Sienko closes this chapter and steps into well-earned rest and retirement, the digital infrastructure he helped create will continue to empower the Tulalip tribal members of today and tomorrow to learn, speak, and celebrate their language.
“We know that Dave’s work here, with us, is finished, but he’s not done with the work,” asserted Natosha. “We want him to come and join us at future Language Camps, even if its just to bring his grandkids as participants. Wherever his heart feels drawn to continuing the work, he’ll always be welcomed here.”
From all of us within the Tulalip community, day̓ čəd ɬušudubicid (Be seeing you again).
Over 80 young learners, the largest group to date, gathered at the Kenny Moses Building from July 14 to 18 for the second week of the 28th annual Lushootseed Language Camp. With eager hearts and curious minds, the campers immersed themselves in a week-long celebration of language, tradition, and community.
This year’s theme, ‘How Chipmunk Got Its Stripes’, wove its way through stories, games, and projects, tying together each activity with a deeper cultural meaning. Campers explored eight engaging activity stations each day, led by culture bearers, Lushootseed educators, and community volunteers.
At the woodworking station with Michelle Myles and Thomas Williams, students crafted paddle necklaces, wind chimes made from devil’s club, and chipmunk houses, though some campers playfully insisted they were birdhouses. The weaving station, hosted by Melissa Young, guided students in creating wool skirts and sashes for the honored witnesses of the end-of-week play, tribal members Joyia Kinlicheeney and Marc Robinson.
Another popular stop was the technology station, where kids interacted with tablets and explored a new Lushootseed language app developed by the Tulalip Lushootseed Department. Longtime team member Dave Sienko, who has been a media developer since 2005, was honored for his dedication with a blanket and a cedar headband. Reflecting on the new app, Sienko said, “It makes you feel good when you see all the different ways the kids utilize the apps—some are even working on the longer Lushootseed words, and those aren’t easy to learn.”
Each day brought new adventures. Outdoors, campers played traditional games like “Owl and Chipmunk,” a language-based twist on tag. As temperatures climbed, laughter still rang out under the sun. “It’s never too hot to play,” a pair of campers said while dashing between hula hoops, shouting Lushootseed words like “kayə,” which means grandma, in a spirited chase to escape the owl.
Across the camp, joy and pride in cultural identity were evident. Eleven-year-old Cruz Pablo shared, “I liked being the basket lady and playing games. My favorite word I learned was ləqəc—it means ‘listen to me.’” She added, “I like speaking Lushootseed, but it is challenging.”
Acaela Jimicum reflected on her experience with reverence: “My favorite part was meeting new people and learning about my culture.” Her favorite word? ʔačeda, meaning “oh my goodness.” She especially enjoyed learning the Berry Picking Song. “It’s important for us to pick up the tradition and learn to speak the language since our ancestors who were at the boarding schools couldn’t. I feel excellent and happy being able to speak my Indigenous language.”
Parents, too, expressed appreciation for the camp’s cultural impact. Lisa St. Onge, mother to campers Amira and Kalayna, said, “I signed my kids up for the cultural experience. They’ve been speaking Lushootseed at home all the time. I think it’s good to see them learning their ancestral ways.”
Behind the scenes, 23 summer youth workers aged 14 and up played a vital role as group leaders, assisting at stations and ensuring the camp ran smoothly. Among them was Evan Taylor, participating in both the youth program and Lushootseed Camp for the first time. “It was fun, and I learned a lot,” he said. “Week two was a little easier because we had more older kids, so they understood more.”
Language warrior Michelle Myles summed up the week’s energy: “It was a fantastic camp. We had so many projects and such a big group, this was the biggest we’ve had. It was awesome. We might need to add a third week,” she joked.
With lively conversations, creative hands-on learning, and stories echoing in both Lushootseed and English, Week Two of Lushootseed Camp offered not just education but inspiration. The week closed with a final performance of How Chipmunk Got Its Stripes, a living expression of cultural pride and youthful enthusiasm, a sign that the Lushootseed language is alive and thriving in the voices of the next generation.
Saturday, July 19, started out chilly and gray. With an overcast sky and light mist keeping temperatures in the low 60s, Spee-Bi-Dah beach was eerily quiet except for the steady rhythm of waves brushing the shore and an occasional seagull squawk. But as the clouds slowly burned off around noon, the sunlight broke through and warmed the sand.
Suddenly, it was like a mass text alert went out inviting families to gather for one of the community’s most cherished traditions. By 1:00pm the aroma of smoked salmon and steamed clams lingered in the air as kids ran barefoot along the beach and splashed endlessly in the water. Their parents and elders looked on with smiles galore, sharing stories and laughter. Tulalip’s annual Spee-Bi-Dah beach seine was in full swing.
“I can remember camping out here in the ‘50s,” shared 89-year-old Tulalip elder Dean Ledford. “Back then, none of these fancy houses were here. It was just the beach, the ocean, and little campgrounds that different families used when it was time to fish. My uncle was the big fisherman of the family. He’d bring the teenagers out here with him and teach them to fish year-round. I’ll tell you what, there’s nothing like pulling in a frozen net in the winter. Was it difficult? Sure it was, but we did it together.”
That togetherness Dean so fondly recalled from his childhood continues to be created on those same Spee-Bi-Dah sands some seventy years later. Albeit, only one day a year now compared to the year-round access Tulalip people had back then. For one glorious day, the community descends upon a traditional fishing ground and, together, form a living expression of their shared cultural identity.
Of course, the highlight of the event is the beach seine. A very hands-on demonstration of traditional fishing practices where a large net is pulled in from the shore to harvest salmon from the shallow waters.
Teenagers beamed with excitement as they helped tug at the massive seine net under the supervision of experienced fishermen and elders. As the net gets pulled closer and closer to the shore, their catch would reveal itself. Shimmering silver flashes emitted from sea when salmon would break the water and catch the sunlight. Gasps of anticipation and cheers of excitement erupted equally from the crowd gathered on the shore.
For many of the younger ones, it was their first time experiencing the fishing method that their ancestors once practiced to provide food and sustenance to the Tribe.
“This really is special because it’s not something everyone gets to do anymore,” said fisherwoman Darkfeather Anchetta while knee deep in the sea, her two hands firmly grasping the net. “You can’t just go beach seining. So to see the youth who run up to grab part of the net and then pull with everything bit of strength they have, it’s special.”
Nearby, large banquet tables were being set with generous portions of traditional foods. Steam poured from a massive clambake pit as clams, shrimp, and crab were unearthed, each item cooked to perfection via hot stones over an open flame. Pitmaster Tony Hatch, rake in hand, looked on as his crew filled the pit with a seafood bounty.
“After so many years of the same people learning and doing, we’re really like a well-oiled machine now,” described Tony. “My crew consists of my three kids, several nieces and nephews, and a few others, like Junior Hunt, who show up every year and put in the work.
“Eventually, I want to step back and sit in my chair while one of my kids takes the lead,” he continued. “That’s how we empower that next generation to step up and really embrace their culture. First, we teach them. Then, we let them lead.”
Families sat on folding chairs, picnic blankets, and large driftwood logs, filling their bellies and their Salish spirits in equal measure. Children crowded around elders, some asking questions, others simply listening to old stories about fishing adventures, family lineage, and the changing tides of tribal life. It’s this intergenerational exchange that makes Spee-Bi-Dah so special.
A Quileute elder, 69-year-old Harvey Eastman, proudly strutted the beach with his newest grandson at his side. “I’m out here with family members. My mother-in-law Joy Lacy, my daughter Marysa, and my grandkids,” he said. “The seafood bounty is something that is passed down from generation to generation, just to share with family and friends. Its so good to see all the smiling faces. The sun is shining. I couldn’t ask for more.”
His daughter, Tulalip tribal member Marysa Sylvester added, “This is a special day because it’s my 10-month-old son Jonah’s first time at Spee-Bi-Dah. I’m just glad to be here with my family and grateful that our Tribe continues to hold this event. My grandma Joy was telling us about her memories of splashing on a row boat out here when she was a little kid. Now, my kids, her great-grandbabies, are here splashing in the same water.”
Behind the scenes of the community celebration were some three dozen support staff and several volunteers who provided invaluable help throughout the day. They helped elders walk along the uneven, sandy surface to find a comfortable seat, brought them plates of food, and assisted in set-up and clean-up.
One unofficial volunteer was Henry Dwan, a 37-year-old Taiwanese transplant who currently resides in Shoreline. Henry was witnessed pulling in the net and helping to bring large trays of seafood from the pit to the banquet tables for sorting.
“It’s such a cool experience,” shared Henry, in between bites of shrimp. “I’m from Taiwan, an island surrounded by water. Being here and being surrounded by the water and being immersed in nature is such a gift. I feel such a blessing being here and seeing everyone enjoy Mother Nature’s gifts. This is definitely something we all want and we need to preserve so it can sustain.”
As an event, Spee-Bi-Dah continues to serve several purposes. It unites multiple generations while honoring the richness of Tulalip culture, allows tribal members to experience a traditional way of life no longer attainable on a daily basis, and serves as a reminder to not forget where we come from. And at the center of it all is a sense of unity. Community gathered not out of obligation, but out of shared joy and cultural identity.
“Days like this are how we keep our traditions strong and our people connected,” reflected Darkfeather shortly after hauling in a massive 23 salmon set. “You see kids learning from elders, cousins playing together, aunties laughing, and our people taking in that good medicine from eating traditional foods. It’s our people connecting with the water and each other. That’s what Spee-Bi-Dah is all about.”
It’s official! On the evening of July 21, a historic moment took place inside the board room of the Marysville School District (MSD) headquarters. In an intimate setting, surrounded by her family, friends, and a handful of her biggest supporters, Tulalip tribal member, Malory Simpson, took an oath to serve on the MSD Board of Directors until the end of the current term.
Taking up the duties and responsibilities of the District 1 seat, Malory joins the team in an interim position, filling the spot of Connor Krebbs who resigned from the position at the beginning of the summer season. After Connor’s resignation, Malory was voted in by the MSD Board, who all welcomed her with much enthusiasm and each shared that they are excited for her insight and the experience that she brings to the table.
Since the news was announced mid-June, Malory has seen an abundance of support and congratulatory wishes from the Tulalip community. Immediately after she solemnly swore to uphold the U.S. and state laws, as well as fulfill all the duties of the MSD District 1 seat, Tulalip News posted pictures of the ceremony to their Facebook page. Throughout the following days, an outpouring of love flooded the comment section.
When asked how it feels to see so many people rallying behind her, Malory expressed, “It means everything to me. Who are we without our families, our friends, and the communities that shape us? These are the people who guide, challenge, and nurture us—whether through joy or adversity, each experience becomes a powerful lesson.”
For those who are just getting to know Malory, she has dedicated both her career and personal time to uplifting Tulalip and its surrounding communities. For the better half of the past decade, Malory found a passion in serving her people and bringing the communities closer together. She is the founder of the local nonprofit organization, Together We’re Better, which hosts fan favorite and family friendly events such as monthly potlucks, the Easter Bunny Run, and the annual Trunk or Treat gathering.
Malory also comes from a long line of educators, and before taking on bigger roles within the Tribe’s government, she was once a student advocate at Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary. Currently, Malory is the Director of both the Tulalip Child’s Advocacy Center and the Legacy of Healing. Perhaps one of the biggest highlights for Malory was celebrating this achievement with her grandma in the crowd, as well as her daughters, Shylah and Elyssa, who are both following in her footsteps and are highly active within the Tribe’s community gatherings and cultural circle. And we’d be remiss to mention that Elyssa also recently accepted a teaching position at Quil Ceda Tulalip.
Said Malory, “One of the greatest honors of this moment was having my Grandma, Dawn Simpson, by my side. She’s been a cornerstone of the education team in both Tulalip and the Marysville School District, offering wisdom, leadership, and heart. In fact, both of my grandmothers devoted their lives to education: Betty Taylor served for 35 years, and Grandma Dawn continues to uplift and empower students as the Manager of the Tulalip Homework Support Program.”
The reason that this is such a historic moment is the fact that Malory joins fellow Tribal member, Eliza Davis, on the School District’s BOD, amplifying that Tulalip voice and representation.
Eliza, who has held her position since 2023, shared, “I want to welcome Miss Mal. It’s exciting and historical that we have two Tulalip women on the school board at the same time. That’s something that’s never happened before. I am thankful you’re here and super proud of you for stepping up and putting yourself out there, because I know it’s not easy. I’m looking forward to serving with you.”
Malory added, “It’s vital to have Tulalip representation, not only to support our students and community, but to show that anything is possible when we uplift one another. Our presence sends a message: we stand together, and we show up for each other. Sitting beside Eliza today feels truly special. Not long ago, we shared an office at Quil Ceda Elementary, she served as the Native liaison, and I was the school advocate for our Tribe. Now, we’ve come full circle, united once again in service to our people. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and the strength we carry when we move forward together.”
Following the moving swearing-in ceremony, Malory took her seat on the podium with her constituents and locked in. While she listened to presentations regarding budgets and beautification projects, her brand-new name plaque shined almost as bright as her smile and the pride that her loved ones showed at her first board meeting.
“I’m eager to embrace growth and tackle new challenges,” stated Malory. “Stagnation isn’t in my nature—I thrive on progress and forward momentum. My goal is to join a team committed to driving meaningful change and working collaboratively for the betterment of the district. After being sworn-in, it was straight to business—our meeting kicked off and we hit the ground running. The energy was good, the conversations were meaningful, and it felt right. I’m genuinely excited to be part of this team.”
As this is an interim position, Malory is still on the campaign trail and her name will be on the ballot this coming fall. To learn more, be sure to visit her website, www.electmalorysimpson.com.
