More often than not parents are trying to find programs and groups that are going to help uplift their children, build life skills, and let them hang with kids their age in a safe place. If you have a child between 6-12 grade, the Education Division’s Youth Night might be the place for you.
Much like other gatherings, the Covid-19 pandemic has made it difficult for people to come together, and celebrate life in all its form. A social group that is heavily dependent on the voices of others, is youth. Specifically, when talking about teenagers. These years of their life are so important, because they are learning about who they are and what they want to be. They’re becoming less reliant on their parents for daily tasks, and building habits of their own.
According to a 2020 survey by UNICEF, because of Covid-19, more teenagers in the U.S. are suffering from anxiety and depression, 46% of kids have less motivation to do activities they used to do, and 73% felt they needed help concerning their mental and/or physical health. Without the skills that are learned from having a healthy routine, socializing with others, and doing daily tasks like working and going to school, it has hurt teenagers in a way that could be detrimental to how they start their adult life.
As parents and community leaders, there is little to what can be controlled in a global pandemic. But as things have started to re-open, departments like the Education Division have been trying their best to seize the moment.
Primary leader for the Youth Night events, Adiya Jones-Smith said, “The first couple weeks we just want to focus on team building, and then we’ll get more into interpersonal communication skills. Lastly, we want to target safe thoughts and get them outside their comfort zone, and express how they may be feeling or what they may be going through. Because who knows, they might be able to relate to one another.”
She went on to talk about how it’s important because these are activities and skills that kids don’t normally get to experience in school. Since it is at the Youth Center, it is a perfect time to get them out of the house, and keep them engaged outside of school.
When speaking with one of the tribal youth who attended the event, she said, “Sometimes I’m bored after school. I come here once in a while. I’ve made more friends and I get to have more stuff to do.”
Sometimes, that’s all a child needs; time spent with friends, and an area to decompress.
Youth Night takes place every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 PM, at the Don Hatch Youth Center. During the event, food and snacks are supplied by Uppy’s Kitchen. Other than the program’s organized activities, kids can hang out, socialize with one another, and play in the gym with basketballs, volleyballs, etc.
Events like this have the ability to build our adolescents, by reducing risky behaviors, helping academic development, and promoting overall physical and mental health. It is available for any tribal youth from 6th-12th grade, and there is no sign-up necessary. If you would like more information about Youth Night, please contact Adiya Jones-Smith at adiyajones@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.
She’s too humble to admit she’s a dominating low post player on the basketball court. Yet anyone who has been following Jacynta Myles’ high school career knows it’s a simple truth. She’s too big, too strong…simply too much to handle one-on-one for any Northwest 1B high school program. And now playing for Lummi Nation, she’s looking to make one last playoff run before her high school days are over.
During her freshman and sophomore years, Jacynta was a foundational player for Tulalip’s Heritage High School. She was a walking double-double even while still adjusting to her still growing, powerful physique. Then the pandemic hit. She managed to still dazzle her opponents with monster stat lines in her junior year while wearing a Heritage Hawks jersey. But going into her senior season, she was forced to make a change.
A combination of factors, largely due to the ongoing pandemic, led to Heritage sports being temporarily disbanded. The athletes were granted permission to continue playing sports at other high schools. Most chose programs in Marysville, but not Jacynta. The 18-year-old culture bearer refused to play for a non-Native basketball team. So what did she do? Routinely drive herself from Tulalip, all the way up to Lummi, in order to gain eligibility, that’s what.
“I really hoped we could’ve had a basketball season at Heritage for my senior year, but it wasn’t meant to be,” reflected Jacynta. “I love being Native American and representing our culture through sports, especially basketball. Our crowds are always so passionate and really enjoy seeing us play. So when that all got cancelled, my choices were to play for a school that doesn’t really represent us or play for our on-court rival, Lummi. It was a no brainer for me. I chose the culture.”
Long-time rivals, on the court anyway, Lummi Nation hoops welcomed the towering Jacynta with open arms. Sure, there was an adjustment period, more so because the guard heavy BlackHawks weren’t used to playing with a truly talented post player before. However, once both player and team got used to one anther the results spoke for themselves.
Fueled by Jacynta’s presence in the paint anchoring their defense and her low post dominance on offense, Lummi reeled off one W after another. Coach Krista Mahle explained by adding Jacynta to the team, her guards were able to play a much more up-tempo style. Four wings who can all dribble, pass and shoot typically share the court with Jacynta.
“Jacynta has been a game changer for us,” said Coach Krista. “She’s been a leader for my girls and helped them develop really develop their games. We’ve been so happy to have a player of her caliber on our team.”
Lummi’s new style of play with Jacynta at the center spot created havoc for their opponent’s coaches. Do they sell out to slow down the biggest girl on the court or focus on the perimeter ball handlers and let Jacynta have her way in the post? Neither strategy worked particularly well.
The BlackHawks dominated the regular season with a league best 7-1 record. After getting a first round bye, they hosted the Darrington Loggers in a second round playoff matchup on February 5th. The game was the first home game all season that Lummi Nation allowed fans in the stands. A decent sized crowd showed up, including a handful of Tulalip families, to cheer on the all-Native BlackHawks team.
They made quick work of the Loggers who were clearly outmatched in all facets of the game. Jacynta barely broke a sweat while filling the box score. Lummi gave their excited crowd what they came to see, a 54-39 W.
“It’s been a really fun season, especially having teammates who help me be the best post player I can be, which just makes the wins that much sweeter,” said Jacynta post-game. “My teammates and coach have really embraced me. Now, together, we hope to make a deep playoff run. Personally, I’ve never been to State before, so that’s my goal. How amazing would that be to finally make it happen in my senior year?”
Next up for Jacynta and her Lummi BlackHawks is a matchup with Grace Academy on Thursday, February 10, with a 6:00 p.m. tipoff.
It’s a common occurrence for American children, especially young boys, to dream of one day becoming a police officer, fire firefighter or army soldier. Whether its socialization from Saturday morning cartoons or play fighting with their prized action figures, there typically comes a point where a child’s hero worship manifests itself into visualizing a future self where they are the actual hero. That may look like a brave police officer catching bad guys, a fearless firefighter running into a blazing fire to save people, or a valiant soldier fighting to defend freedom and democracy.
For some, this calling to be a hero who protects and serves their community never fades. Such is the case with homegrown Tulalip tribal member Kanoe Williams. He recently returned from a lengthy stay in New Mexico where he attended and graduated from the U.S. Indian Police Academy.
The 29-year-old Kanoe becomes the latest in a long, proud history of tribal members who chose to wear the Tulalip Police Department shield. He sat down with Tulalip News staff to reflect on his journey to this point and what he hopes the future holds for him in law enforcement.
What inspired you to join TPD?
“My inspiration to become a Tulalip police officer is a passion to serve my community. The thought first came to me when I was 24, but I knew I wasn’t ready then to take on this role. Now, I’m a little older, more mature, and willing to take on this responsibility to protect and serve our people.”
Describe the process to become a tribal police officer.
“First things first, you gotta have the courage to apply and put yourself through a series of tests. A polygraph to test your honesty and integrity, a medical to test physical capableness and general fitness, and a series of interviews to make sure you’re a good fit to join Tulalip police.
After passing those required tests, then it’s on to police academy where you learn the basics of the law and other essential skills for successful police work. Attending academy was the longest I’d ever been off the Reservation, so there was an adjustment period, but I knew it was all part of the process to create a better future for myself, my family, and my Tribe.”
What kind of impact do you hope to make in the community?
“A positive one, that’s for sure. What that may look like will vary from person to person and family to family. But in general, I want our people to feel safe and confident that when they need police assistance that we have their best interest at heart, always. By giving our people the respect and empathy they deserve, I hope to earn their trust as an officer who knows what they are doing and is fair in enforcing the law to everyone.
Looking even further in the future, I hope to become a training sergeant who is able to recruit more of our tribal members into joining and give them the confidence to do this job well.”
It’s a fascinating political and social climate to become a cop, especially when considering social media. Did any of this play a role in your decision?
“It’s funny because if you just looked at the news and social media you might wonder why anyone would want to become a cop today. However, most the time, when you see first responders around large groups of kids like a school, the Boys and Girls Club, or the Youth Center, the interactions are always positive. The younger kids will often share how they want to become a police officer or firefighter. That’s empowering.
To pursue and accept a role to serve your community is empowering as well. And something I want do so that our next generation continues to dream of becoming heroes and choosing careers where they serve others instead of only themselves. Deterring and preventing crime may not be glamorous to everyone, but knowing those we love and care about are safe is the ultimate reward.”
Why is it important for Tulalip to have representation in its police force?
“There are many tribes that don’t have their own police force. They are instead policed by outside agencies and county police who don’t understand what its like for our people who live on a reservation. When we have Tulalip tribal members hear the call to serve their own people by becoming officers, we are not only embracing our sovereignty but creating a better community.
Growing up on the reservation, we see and hear things that are very different from outside communities. Our experiences make us more compassionate and understanding because we know there all different kinds of traumas at work and those traumas can be healed in a variety of ways. Through community outreach and creating networks with all the departments that want to make our people healthy, our police department actively works with our people, not against them.
In my short time in the department I’ve witnessed firsthand how much our officers, tribal and non-tribal, respect and care for our Tulalip community. I’ve also been hearing the stories of past tribal members who built the police department into what it is today. That’s a legacy I intend to build upon for all of us.”
There are many things Tulalip is known for. Depending upon who is asked, the responses may vary widely. However, within Snohomish County coaching circles a common response is raw athleticism.
Indeed, for generations now, Tulalip has churned out athletes who have showcased an uncanny ability to learn and compete in sports at a high level. Whether it be at the beginning stages at the Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, middle school intermediate stage or varsity quality at local high schools, Tulalip is well-represented across the sporting spectrum.
As our proud athletes continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible for a simple Rez kid, like those currently fulfilling their dreams to play collegiate sports, it’s critical for the next generation to receive access to the newest training technology and latest performance-based guidance.
Analytics and data is quickly becoming the preferred method for evaluating college prospects and professional athletes. In keeping up with the data-driven times, husband/wife duo DeShawn and Sharmane Joseph created a first-of-its-kind partnership to bring cutting-edge athletic assessors Basic Athletic Measurement (BAM) to Tulalip.
“Moving in real-time, many Tribes, educational systems, and business institutions throughout the world are using data and analytics to make informed decisions about any number of things. Why not, then, use data and analytics to assess our children’s athletic needs and abilities? This way we can showcase their talents and give them something real from top level trainers to motivate, inspire, and change their path, one kid at a time,” explained DeShawn.
The Joseph’s Reservations Without Borders program and BAM hosted a modified skills camp in the friendly confines of the Tulalip Youth Center on Saturday, January 29. The skills being tested? That raw athleticism Tulalip is known for.
Athletic assessment typically relies on stop watches, manual data collection, and non-standardized testing protocols. Due to bias and inconsistency, comparing and benchmarking an athlete’s performance has historically been a subjective measure. BAM has revolutionized the process with remote sensors, motion tracking lasers, and other SmartSpeed tech wizardry. BAM’s staff and methodology have been stamped with approval by the NBA, ADIDAS, Under Armour, EuroCamp, and power 5 college conferences such as the PAC12 and the BIG10.
“We were invited to come to Tulalip and present our service we offer to athletes around the world,” said BAM founder Brett Brungardt. He has nearly thrity years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach for the Dallas Mavericks and University of Washington basketball teams. “We brought this technology to the NBA fourteen-years-ago and since then its been utilized for twenty-two different sports. Our design assesses each athlete and provides them with a foundation to build from. This way they can workout or train in a manner that they know is making them faster, improving agility, increasing power…basically improving all the components necessary for becoming a better athlete.”
After the preregistered Tulalip athletes showed up at the Youth Center, joined by a few excited day of participants, things quickly got going on the freshly waxed gymnasium hardwood. Brett and his team gave the aspiring sport superstars a quick orientation and immediately got to warm-ups. Everyone hit the lines and participated in a 15-minute group warm-up session to adequately stretch and prepare for the training to come.
The traditional basketball court area had been reconfigured into five testing zones, each with a unique function and it’s own set of challenges. The group of kids were split up into groups and rotated through each zone, being allowed a practice try and then two scored attempts. A nearly identical set up as professional ballplayers at the annual NBA Combine.
Each testing zone provided a key measurement that when used as a whole can determine a participant’s overall athleticism. The zones were as follows:
Vertical Jump. Evaluates the ability to exert a maximal force in as short a time as possible within vertical distance depending upon sport specifics.
Sprint. Evaluation to determine acceleration, maximum speed and endurance speed. Sprint time can be performed over varying distances, depending upon sport specifics.
Reaction Shuttle. Evaluates the ability to show how quick and effective decisions are made and actions initiated, plus the brief interval of time it takes to react to an external stimulus.
Broad Jump. Athlete starts within 15 feet of the Vertec. It is a running start vertical jump. Measurement is similar to the vertical jump, but also includes athlete’s ability to coordinate and incorporate strength and power with reach.
Agility. Valuation measures the ability to make quick changes of direction while moving at speed and the ability to move quickly and change directions.
Every basketball player knows that major bragging rights go to the player with the most hops, and the easiest way to determine that is the though an official vertical jump test. One by one the athletes got into position, buckled their knees for an added boost and then leaped skyward, extending their fingers as far as possible. After the competitive jumping session, the day’s vertical jump crown went to 17-year-old Tommy Nguyen.
“I knew I could jump high, but not that high! A thirty-seven inch vert is definitely low key bragging rights,” said Tommy to his fellow Marysville-Pilchuck teammates.
During the agility and reaction shuttle drills, it become apparent to the athletes that pure speed and power could be outdone by light, nimble feet and a lightning fast reaction. It was in these events that 13-year-old Mayleah Madera shined brightest.
“My favorite sports are basketball, softball and volleyball. I can’t choose just one, I love them all,” beamed Mayleah after her days testing session. “Today was a lot of fun and different than anything I’d ever done before. The coaches told me that by being light on my feet and continuing to develop better foot work that I’ll be an overall better athlete for all my sports. Also, it was really cool to outscore the boys on some activities.”
New and developing technologies like BAM’s athletic assessment system make it possible to standardize a player’s performance level. Giving them not only an athletic GPS to track their progress, but to recognize areas in need of growth as well. For families who dedicate endless time and financial resources to their child’s dreams, these assessment systems validate a commitment to athletic excellence.
Emphasizing the event’s unique nature, BAM staff made sure the young athletes recognized how special they were by remarking multiple times this was the first group of Native Americans to ever test their athleticism under the BAM system. Something DeShawn and his wife are proud of, as they hope to test thousands of Native kids throughout the country with this latest partnership.
“They got to witness the beautiful athleticism come out of our kids. The showcasing talent we’ve always seen in our communities came to life today, in front of real professionals who were able to track the data we need to move our kids forward in a good way,” reflected DeShawn after the day’s session concluded. “With this technology, our kids and athletes can gauge themselves and know exactly which parts of their training they need to focus on to improve their overall skills.
“With this BAM partnership we hope to achieve the same outcomes in Indian Country that the professional institutions are getting from their athletes – the inspirational improvements and the amazing stories,” he continued. “I’m hoping over a 5-10 year span we can test over 10,000 Native American kids in all of their communities throughout the United States and Canada.”
DeShawn added a special thank you is in order to the Tulalip Board of Directors for believing in his vision for our athletes and the Youth Center for providing an amazing facility and lunches for all the participants.
scissors cut a cigarettes, concept for anti smoking
By Shaelyn Hood, Tulalip News
Like most goals, people have the mindset to change habits in their life. Whether it’s to negative a habit or improve upon one. Throughout the years, one common goal amongst Americans, and one of the hardest to stop, is trying to stop smoking.
According to the FDA, smoking cigarettes accounts for 480,000 premature deaths per year. Even though the knowledge about the negative effects of smoking is widely known by Americans, still around 34 million Americans smoke cigarettes today and smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. “In 2015, nearly 70 percent of current adult smokers in the United States said they wanted to quit. In 2018, about 55 percent of adult smokers had made a quit attempt in the past year, but only about 8 percent were successful in quitting for 6-12 months.”
If you break down the components of cigarettes, the most harmful ingredients are nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar. Not to mention, over 600 other deathly chemicals including but not limited to, benzene, arsenic, and formaldehyde. These chemicals lead to issues like cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The active and most addictive ingredient is the nicotine, which inevitably makes quitting that much harder.
Much like cigarettes, what is becoming more of a concern in society is the rise in use of e-cigarettes. Even though they do contain different ingredients, and cause different health issues, e-cigarettes can be equally as devasting to your health. According to monthly newsletter from the National Institutes of Health, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “A new survey found an alarming rise in the number of American teens who tried vaping last year. The study suggests that vaping may be driving an increase in nicotine use for teens”, and “Exposure to nicotine during youth can lead to addiction and cause long-term harm to brain development. The vapor can also contain toxins (including ones that cause cancer) and tiny particles that are harmful when breathed in.”
One could argue that the use of tobacco is a part of tribal culture. Traditional tobacco used to be harvested and used by Native Americans for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. It used to hold cultural and spiritual importance, and was offered when asking for help, guidance, or protection. In many teachings, the smoke that burned from the tobacco would carry thoughts and prayers to the spirit world or to the Creator. However, these traditions used tobacco in its purest form, and its ingredients differ widely from the products that tobacco is paired with today. Along with that, the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes don’t hold the traditional values that smoking tobacco once had, but rather are used on a more recreational basis.
Like many other health issues, the Tulalip Community Health Department is invested in the wellbeing of tribal members. One of these efforts includes the 12-week, Smoking Cessation program. The purpose of the program is to provide a sanctuary for tribal members and any Snohomish County residents and assist them as they attempt to tackle quitting smoking. They do this by providing education and resources for community members on replacing addictive behaviors with health and wellness. This is accomplished through prevention activities, counseling (one-on-one, and group), and support for ongoing prevention (such as smoking cessation and use reduction). Additionally, they provide various nicotine replacement therapy like patches, gum, and lozenges.
When speaking with Seilavena Williams, prevention coordinator for the program, she said “what makes it unique is that we intertwine with myself, and two nurses who have had the tobacco specialist training. Also, that it is free. Most clinics or services don’t offer those products for free. But we do training, provide education and support, but also, we supply you the products as well.”
The value of the training that these representatives have is that they have a better understanding of someone’s journey. Williams said, “We know it takes time and understanding and patience with an individual. When they want to take this next step of wanting to quit, sometimes it doesn’t happen right away. Sometimes it takes a few times, but we are there supporting them throughout their journey.”
Currently with the Covid-19 pandemic, and the respiratory issues that follow the virus, it becomes a crucial time to stop smoking. Studies have shown that people that have predisposed illnesses and health concerns are more likely to have higher complications when contracting Covid-19. In a pandemic time, with the assistance of the Smoking Cessation Program, you have the ability to try and take control of your health again.
If you or someone you know is needing help quitting cigarettes or e-cigarettes, and need more information about the Smoking Cessation program, please contact Seilavena Williams at 360-716-5662.
It takes a village to raise a child is a powerful proverb that means an entire community of people must provide for and interact positively with a child so that it may grow in a safe, healthy, and culturally vibrant environment. On paper it sounds perfect, right? But among the concrete jungles and techno-filled landscapes of modern America, its increasingly difficult to find examples of this proverb being fulfilled.
For expectant mothers and those with babies, not having a village or support system of encouraging individuals around during such a vulnerable time can be devastating. On the Tulalip Reservation, there’s a new program striving to provide that critical support for our life givers. The Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP) seeks to improve birth outcomes within the Tulalip Tribal community. The program’s vision is to provide education and support resources that create an environment of empowered, educated and supported mothers and children.
To better explain the program’s purpose and services, it’s coordinator, Community Health nurse Morgan Peterson, sat down with Tulalip News for a thorough overview. A Rosebud Sioux tribal member, she’s lived locally to Tulalip most of her life. After receiving her nursing degree and working in OB-GYN offices throughout the area, Morgan has spent the last twelve years dedicated to prenatal health in Tulalip.
Morgan Peterson, Community Health nurse
What is the purpose of the Maternal Infant Health Program?
“The ultimate goal is for our families to feel empowered and to ensure they are having a birth experience that is positive. For young, first time moms this may mean education and providing a safe space to ask questions or seek guidance. For a mom adding to her family, this may mean improving birth outcomes and healing from past traumas so that mom and baby are treated with the best care available.
A major part of MIHP includes building resiliency. We want our life givers to be confident in all aspects of motherhood. I’m passionate about meeting my clients wherever they are in life, and walking beside them on their journey to self-determination.”
Does this include coordination of home births?
“Yes, it does. More and more moms are choosing to give birth in the comfort of their own home or a setting of their choosing outside of a hospital. We’ll help our life givers achieve their birthing goals, whether it’s by coordinating a hospital birth or navigating the home birth process. There’s different options available to our families, such as birthing centers, too, which we can tour together if they’re interested.”
Are MIHP services for individual mothers only, or can family units be included?
“Having a child in a warm, nurturing environment may mean having your family or even grandparents involved. We understand a lot of Native homes are multi-generational. We are more than willing to work with our Native family units, however they may look, to assist mothers be in the best position possible. If you’re living with your parents, grandparents, or other relations we want to make sure your immediate support system is educated to yours and baby’s needs.”
Breaking cycles of abuse and healing from generational traumas are common concepts to Native parents. Are these processes you help with?
“Our history with boarding schools and the foster care system has resulted in whole generations of traumatized families. If not addressed and healed, then that trauma gets passed on from one generation to the next, which we often see. I understand the intricacies of this process because my grandma was in a boarding school. She was forcibly taken from her family in Pine Ridge and never mothered. She grew up with the nuns, was beaten and stripped of her language. My grandma was never taught to be motherly or maternal, so when she raised her kids, she provided for them, but was never motherly. That’s to say she wasn’t loving. That led to my mom wanting to be better, and to do so she had to learn to be loving because she wasn’t taught that by my grandma.
We understand everyone is trying to be better than the generation before, but it’s often difficult to admit these traumas that need to be healed so we don’t pass them on to our kids. That’s where we can help by offering services to learn how to change parenting styles in order for our children to be nurtured and feel loved.”
The concept of ‘birth outcome’ is new. You mentioned your goal to improve them, but what does a negative birth outcome mean?
“A common negative outcome is described by those who have experienced racism and traumas by medical providers or the medical community at large. Those who have felt judged or were treated as addicts, and those who experienced a general lack of cultural competency by their providers, all lead to negative birth outcomes.
Another common one is unnecessary CPS reports or accusations of bad parenting that lead new parents or parents with multiple kids to avoid routine doctor visits and check-ups. Teen moms can feel shunned and stereotyped in ways that deter them from receiving the critical information and services they need.
We seek to improve birth outcomes by providing education and support resources that create a positive environment where mothers and their children feel supported. This includes recommending medical providers who are familiar with Native American culture and are sensitive to the unique aspects and issues of Tulalip families.”
Can you share one of your favorite improved birth outcome experiences?
“Sure. One of my favorites is about a mom who found out she was pregnant while in jail. She contacted me after she was got out and was living in a halfway house while going to treatment…all while having a new born baby. I was familiar with their family and knew where the traumas come from. Their parents had massive addiction. Assisting this mom build the resiliency to stay strong, find the right support system for her, and maintain a journey of sobriety was life changing for her and her children. That was a couple years ago when she called me, and she’s still sober to this day. Her journey and love for her children inspired one of her parents to get clean as well. This is an inspirational story for some and motivational for others. It lets them know what’s possible.”
For an expectant mother or mom with a new born, what does the MIHP startup process look like?
“It starts with either a simple phone call or in-person visit, whichever they prefer. We would discuss their pregnancy, how they are doing, and what services they need. Each mom is unique as is what she may need help with. Our help ranges from maternal and infant health assessments; pregnancy and parenting support; infant health and development education; breastfeeding and nutrition support; and referrals/registration to community resources based on their needs. Just to name a few. We have so many possible services and ways of helping our new moms.”
The Maternal Infant Health Program is an evidence-based, culturally-tailored home visiting partnership designed to assist, support, and empower expectant moms (those currently pregnant) and moms with children under 3-years-old. If you or a loved one meets these criteria and could benefit from hearing all of the amazing details this program can offer, please contact Morgan directly via email mpeterson@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov or call/text 360-926-5978.
