Tulalip Tribal Member Charged in Death of Toddler

Source: 7th Space, 7thspace.com

An enrolled member of the Tulalip Tribes was charged today with second-degree murder and two counts of criminal mistreatment related to the October 2012 death of her young daughter and the neglect of her second daughter, announced United States Attorney Jenny A Durkan. Christina D Carlson will make her initial appearance in United States District Court in Seattle at 2:30 today. Carlson was transferred to federal custody this morning and the criminal complaint was unsealed. The complaint describes how on October 8, 2012, emergency crews were called to an address on Marine Drive NE on the Tulalip Tribal Reservation where Carlson was performing CPR on her 19-month-old daughter, who was unresponsive on a blanket on the ground.

The child was unconscious, not breathing, and covered in urine and feces. A second child, a 33-month old girl, was found strapped in her car seat in a nearby vehicle. The child was pale, unresponsive, and covered in urine and feces. The girl was transported to the hospital and later recovered.

The 19-month old child died and the Snohomish County Medical examiner classified the manner of death as homicide by parental neglect. According to the report, the child was malnourished and dehydrated, weighing only 19 pounds. The child’s skin in the diaper area was excoriated and infested with maggots. Her hair was infested with lice.

The investigation revealed that Carlson had been living in the car with the girls on the property since mid-September. On October 8, 2012, Carlson had left the girls in the car while she went to use a phone at the residence on the property. Carlson was away from the car for more than an hour by some estimates. About 20 minutes after the neighbors told her to go back to the car and her children, Carlson returned asking them to call 9-1-1 because the youngest child was unresponsive.

Second-degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison. Criminal mistreatment is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the Tulalip Tribal Police and the FBI. Press contact for the United States Attorney’s Office is Emily Langlie at (206) 553-4110 or Emily.Langlie@usdoj.gov.

Tulalip Health Clinic offering flu mist through Jan 14

The Karen I. Fryberg Tulalip Health Clinic has the flu mist, a type of a influenza vaccine in the form of a nasal spray available for tribal children ages 2 to 18.  This is not an injection but a mist in the nostrils.

The Clinic will have the mist available until January 14th, 2013.  No appointment necessary, walk-ins are welcome.

Off the Rez, serving Native American eats since 2011

off the rez

Off the Rez, a mobile food truck has been serving up Native American eats around Seattle since 2011.

The outfit of Mark McConnell and partener Cecilia Rikard, Off the Rez is inspired by Native American food, a cuisine generally not found on menus around Seattle. McConnell, A Ballard native, grew up on Indian tacos, frybread and other foods that his mom and grandmother would cook for gatherings and special occasions. Marks; mother grew up on the Blackfeet reservation on Montana.

McConnell says he originally intended to open a restaurant but opted for a mobile operation. The Native food truck can be found at lunchtime around downtown, with possible stops in South Lake Union and late nights on Pike Street and Capital Hill.

This not-to-be-missed truck of tasty meals features a mural of a chief in a war bonnet on one side and a fellow smoking out of a peace pipe with a scene of Seattle on the rear.

The highly-rated menu includes pulled pork smoked for ten hours, a bacon burger, and frybread and tacos, slathered in homemade jam or chicken chili verde.

You can find the Off the Rez truck on Facebook. The Capitol Hill stops are fairly regular, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. by the Caffe Vita at 1005 E. Pike St.

By Kim Kalliber, Tulalip News staff

 

SAIGE Announces Youth Program at 10th Annual National Training Program

Saige, www.saige.org

The Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) is a national non-profit organization that advocates for American Indian and Alaska Native Government employees. SAIGE will host their 10th annual National Training Program, Guiding Our Destiny with Heritage and Traditions, June 3-7, 2013 in Spokane, Washington, at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino, owned by the Kalispel Tribe.

As part of the Training Program, SAIGE will also host the annual Native Youth Program. This program is designed to provide Native American students an opportunity to learn about careers within the federal government, to participate in professional and personal development workshops and leadership training, and to network with Native American professionals.

SAIGE encourages Native American youth to realize their potential to become leaders in their communities and schools, continue their educations by obtaining a college degree, and ultimately, to seek a career in the government sector in one of the multitude of civil service professions. Federal agency representatives attending the conference will have the opportunity to participate as Exhibitors, meet students, and promote career opportunities within their respective agencies.

SAIGE is offering a limited number of scholarships for Native students to attend the 2013 Training Conference June 3-7, 2013 in Spokane, Washington. The scholarships will include conference fee, airfare, hotel accommodations and meals.

The Youth Program is open to Native Students between the ages of 18 and 25 who can demonstrate they are currently enrolled in good standing at an accredited high school, college or university. Students must be interested in gaining a professional degree and in the possibility of pursing a career with the federal government. SAIGE invites American Indian/Alaska Native students to submit their application form, letter of reference, proof of school enrollment, and completed emergency medical information form for consideration to attend the conference. A short essay about their interest in government careers and information about themselves is also required. Completed application packets must be postmarked or electronic copies sent no later than April 1, 2013. To obtain a complete application visit our website at: www.saige.org under Youth Program.

Flu more widespread in US; eases off in some areas

Associated Press,  Mike Stobbe AP Medical Writer, Jan 11, 2013

Flu is more widespread across the nation, but the number of hard-hit states has declined, health officials said Friday.

Flu season started early this winter, and includes a strain that tends to make people sicker. Health officials have forecast a potentially bad flu season, following last year’s unusually mild one.

The latest numbers, however, hint that the flu season may already have peaked in some spots.

Flu was widespread in 47 states last week, up from 41 the week before, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday Many cases may be mild. The only states without widespread flu are California, Mississippi and Hawaii

The hardest hit states dropped to 24 from 29. Those are states where large numbers of people were treated for flu-like illness.

Those with less activity include Florida, Arkansas and South Carolina in South, the first region hit in the current flu season.

Nationally, 20 children have died from the flu. There is no running tally of adult deaths, but the CDC estimates that the flu kills about 24,000 people in an average year.

Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months or older. Health officials are still recommending vaccinations, even in areas with widespread flu reports.

Nearly 130 million doses of flu vaccine were distributed this year, and at least 112 million have been used, according to CDC officials.

Vaccine is still available, but supplies may have run low in some locations, health officials say.

Also on Friday, CDC officials said a recent study of more than 1,100 people has concluded the current flu vaccine is 62 percent effective. That’s in line with how effective the vaccine has been in other years.

The flu vaccine is reformulated each year, and officials say this year’s version is a good match to the viruses going around.

Flu usually peaks in midwinter. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, head and body aches and fatigue. Some people also suffer vomiting and diarrhea, and some develop pneumonia or other severe complications.

Most people with flu have a mild illness. But people with severe symptoms should see a doctor. They may be given antiviral drugs or other medications to ease symptoms.

National Indian Council on Aging, Inc Public Service Announcement

Are you an elder looking for work? The National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) is seeking participants in its recently funded Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).  Participants are selected based on their needs and must be at least 55 years old; there is no upper age limit!  Veterans and persons over the age of 65 are especially encouraged to apply.

The NICOA SCSEP offers paid training through meaningful community service and skills development as well as job search assistance. Applicants selected will be assigned to local agencies and paid 20-30 training hours per week. To see if you qualify, call toll-free 888-642-6297 for a referral or contact the West Region NICOA office in Tempe, AZ at 480-921-3406 or email dbegay@nicoa.org.  Also, local public or private nonprofit agencies interested in hosting an elder trainee are encouraged to contact the program.

NICOA’s Elder Employment Project (SCSEP) is provided from American Indian Set-aside funds in the Older Americans Act through a grant from the US Department of Labor.  NICOA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

http://nicoa.org/

Nisqually Indian Tribe Awards $2.5 Million to Community Groups

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com

The Nisqually Indian Tribe has distributed approximately $2.5 million in grant funds to local groups to keep people safe, help children succeed, improve community health, honor veterans, preserve culture, protect the environment and support dozens of other critical community services and programs benefiting Indians and non-Indians alike.

“Philanthropy is deep in the roots of our culture and we are committed to helping needy families and individuals,” said Cynthia Iyall, chair of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, in a press release. “Through generous giving and strong community partnerships, the Nisqually Tribe is laying the foundation for generations to come and improving the quality of life for all of our neighbors.”

More than 140 local organizations will receive funds from the Nisqually Tribe. Charitable grant recipients include the Child Care Action Council in Olympia, Washington; Turning Pointe Domestic Violence Services in Shelton; the South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group in Olympia; the YMCA of Pierce County; the Nisqually Land Trust; Safe Kids Thurston County; Operation Homefront; Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southwest Washington; the Mary Bridge Foundation; and the Tenino Food Bank Plus. Grants to government programs will pay for much-needed equipment and services including Eatonville Fire and EMS Department (to cover the costs of their fire engine), City of Lacey Parks and Recreation, and Thurston 9-1-1 Communications.

Every year the Nisqually Tribe awards money to local charitable and government programs through a competitive grant application process. Eligible charitable groups include 501(c)3, tax-exempt organizations that provide public safety, literacy, religious, educational, charitable or other community activities. Requests from scholarship funds and community groups are also considered. The local government fund supports police, fire, emergency services and other public safety needs.

School board names superintendent search consultant

The Marysville School District Board of Directors at their regular session meeting held Monday, January 7, 2013, selected Northwest Leadership Associates as the firm to assist the board of directors in the search and recruitment process for a new superintendent.

After nine years of service as Marysville’s superintendent, and 42 years in education, Dr. Nyland plans to retire.

Northwest Leadership Associates consultants will work closely with the board over the next several weeks on a process to involve stakeholders across the district by providing opportunities to staff and the community to help select the type of leader that will sustain the strong educational foundation already established under Dr. Nyland’s leadership and continue to take Marysville School District to the next levels of success.

Please take the time to thoughtfully answer any surveys or questionnaires that are presented to you, keeping in mind the best interests of current and future students.

http://www.msvl.k12.wa.us

 

Incident involving a fake gun

Marysville School District, January 9, 2013

A Marysville Mountain View High School student was expelled today for bringing a fake hand gun to school.

As a result of this incident, the student was taken into custody by the police.

Three schools; MMVHS, M-P campus, and the district Service Center were placed in lock down as a safety precaution.  The principal placed Marysville Middle School into lock down as an added precaution.

The police department, school district security and staff responded quickly and efficiently to ensure the safety of all students.

http://www.msvl.k12.wa.us/

Margaret Cho bringing new stand-up work ‘Mother’ to Tulalip

Margarwt Cho_TulalipBy Albert Rodriguez – SGN A&E Writer, http://www.sgn.org/

Margaret Cho is at it again! The Grammy-nominated comedienne has created a new production called ‘Mother’ and will unveil it during a brief 10-date tour, including a February 15 performance at Tulalip Resort Casino.

The freshly assembled show is said to be the comedy/TV star’s edgiest work ever, as it will give audiences an untraditional look at motherhood and an insight into maternal figures and strong women in Queer culture. It will also include laugh-out-loud examinations of race, sexuality, celebrities, politics, social culture, and everything in between. If you’ve seen Cho live before, you know that nothing is off limits.

Cho received a Grammy nomination recently for her recording Cho Dependent: Live in Concert, in the category of Best Comedy Album. She’s also a cast member of the TV sitcom Drop Dead Diva and will appear in an upcoming film titled Wedding Palace. A longtime supporter of the LGBT community and an open Bisexual, she’s performed at numerous Gay Pride celebrations around the world, aside from joining Cyndi Lauper’s ‘True Colors’ tour several years back.

Tickets for Cho’s show at Tulalip go on sale December 14 at www.tulalipresort.com (packages including accommodations and buffet brunch are also available). There is no direct shuttle service from downtown Seattle to the resort, but you can take the Bellair Charter (www.airporter.com) from Sea-Tac Airport to the casino and stay overnight, then return the next morning. Individual tickets are priced at $40.

Look for Cho to appear on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on January 10 and The Ricki Lake Show in mid-January.

http://www.tulalipcasino.com/