On Sunday, November 10, the Tulalip Tribes hosted the heartfelt Missing from Fire Trail Road premiere, directed by Sabrina Van Tassel. The film has garnered international recognition for its sensitive portrayal of the ongoing case of Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis, a Tulalip Tribes member missing since November 2020. The event brought together the Tulalip and surrounding communities, united in support of Johnson-Davis and the broader issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW).
As Native culture continues to gain recognition, the film highlights the urgent need to address the tragic issues affecting Indigenous communities and work toward healing. Van Tassel’s documentary delves into the deep-rooted causes behind the MMIW epidemic, examining the challenges Indigenous communities face in securing justice and support. It shines a light on the systemic issues that lead to insufficient investigation of crimes on reservations, such as jurisdictional gaps, lack of resources, and historical trauma that exacerbate Indigenous women’s vulnerability.
Deborah Parker, a respected tribal leader and advocate for Native American rights at both state and national levels, serves as the documentary’s primary interviewer, and co-producer. Her partnership with Van Tassel aims to amplify Indigenous voices and further the search for Mary Ellen. “Our hope is, one, to find our path to Mary, and two, to honor her and her life,” Parker said at the premiere.
During the Women’s Warrior Song, she led the audience in raising their hands in solidarity with Johnson-Davis’s family, marking a decisive moment of unity. After the film, Parker expressed, “As emotional as this film is, it’s also healing.”
The documentary also highlights the barriers Indigenous communities face in the legal system, including the limitations tribes face in prosecuting non-Native offenders on reservations. Van Tassel hopes to increase awareness of these injustices, explaining, “It was my goal to give [Mary Ellen] an identity.” The film advocates for enhanced tribal authority to pursue justice for crimes committed within Indigenous communities, as current jurisdictional limitations often allow non-native offenders to escape prosecution by leaving the reservation.
Carmelita Escarsega, an anti-human trafficking advocate with the Puyallup Tribes, attended the premiere and shared her perspective on the film’s impact. Her friend, and anti-human trafficking manager, Carolyn DeFord, has personally been affected by the MMIW crisis—her mother has been missing for 25 years. “This is a powerful story to get out to the public and the world and let them know what is going on and what is not,” Escarsega said. She reflected on law enforcement’s response in the documentary, “The FBI looked like he was squirming in his seat with what he was saying. I’m grateful that they did this.”
When asked how well the film represents the Indigenous community, Escarsega emphasized its impact: “It’s powerful. It shows that we are underrepresented in the media and that we are just as human as everybody else, and we deserve to be heard, seen and believed. When we say something is wrong, something is wrong. To let people get away with coming jurisdictionally onto our reservations and taking and stealing our women and our children and our people is wrong.”
This call for accountability resonates with Tulalip Chief of Police Shawn Ledford, who emphasized the importance of community support in solving Mary Ellen’s case. “If you know something or have an idea, come forward and give us a call. We want to bring Mary home,” he urged, adding, “What we do need is additional leads.”
Missing from Fire Trail Road is available to stream on Amazon and Apple TV, allowing audiences across the U.S. to engage with this important story and support the search for Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis.
Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis is still missing. If you or anyone you know has information or tips regarding her whereabouts, please call the Tulalip Police Department tip line at (360) 716-5990 or contact the FBI online at tips.fbi.gov.
Following an engaging, educational, and introspective Season of Healing, Tulalip enters November with a fresh perspective and with their hearts on the mend. It’s fitting that the community is experiencing such a grounding sensation as the leaves make their descent down to Mother Earth’s floor. And like the trees from which they fell, the people of Tulalip are preparing for a new chapter.
Speaking of new chapters, we have a few book recommendations for you to enjoy in this transitional period before the holiday rush kicks in. And since it’s Native American Heritage month, we wanted to highlight ten different Indigenous authors on this list, whose works span across multiple genres in the literary world. So, whether you’re looking for crime thrillers or children’s tales, we got you.
Bad Cree by Jessica Johns
A little bit of horror. A little bit of mystery. Extremely thrilling from beginning to end. Bad Cree follows a grief-stricken young woman, Mackenzie, who moved to Vancouver B.C. from her reservation in Alberta for a new start. However, upon getting acclimated to the city life, she begins having eerie encounters with crows and realistic nightmares about an incident from her past. Taking these as signs to return home, Mackenzie finds comfort and strength in family, while also repairing broken bonds along the way. But the closer she grows to her sisters, mom, and aunties, her nightmares seem to intensify, and they keep calling her back to that ill-fated night. There is plenty of rez humor in this page-turner and author Jessica Johns does an excellent job in incorporating her tribe’s culture, traditions, and stories into her work.
Shutter and Exposure by Ramona Emerson
Taking place in New Mexico, these two novels are collectively known as the Rita Todacheene series. As a forensic photographer for the Albuquerque PD, Rita is usually first on the scene, snapping photos of victims and the manner in which they died. As a Navajo woman, she is naturally in tune with the spirit world, for better or worse. In her line of work, she often encounters the ghosts of the victims. Many of whom she helps crossover by informing them of their passing, the others, however, seem to linger. In Shutter, things take a turn when a particular spirit haunts her every waking moment, demanding that Rita solves her case and finds her killer. But the further Rita digs, the more danger she finds herself in. Exposure is the second novel in the series and was just released in October. Early reviews have Exposure rated a notch higher than Shutter with an average of 4.5 stars on sites like Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. This time around, Rita is working to uncover the identity of a serial killer who is targeting Native Americans in the city of Gallup.
Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America by Matika Wilbur
You already know we had to show some love to Matika! This book is original as it is beautiful. Filled with hundreds of stunning photos and stories, Project 562 highlights Native peoples from each of the 562 federally recognized tribes across the nation. And through their voices and portraits, she captures the perfect picture of present-day Native America. Dedicating over a decade of her life to Project 562 and traveling to each reservation, Matika put together a book that connects all of our people, while also educating the reader about our different traditions, our cultural way of life, our resilience, and the issues we face as Indigenous people in today’s society.
Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk and Thunder Song Essays by Sasha ‘taqʷšəblu’ LaPointe
Let’s keep things local and explore the works of Sasha LaPointe (Upper Skagit/Nooksack). By reading the titles of her books alone, one could surmise that Sasha has a strong connection to music. And that love for punk rock and the lifestyle shines in her writing. First, she grabs a hold of your attention by referencing local reservations, cities, and places. Then once you’re hooked, she reels you in by speaking on the teachings she’s acquired from influential tribal leaders known throughout the Salish Nations. Her grandmother was thee Vi Hilbert after all. But what closes the deal is her lyrical prose and her ability to turn her experiences with heartbreak, transgressions, and devastation into these deep and elegantly composed sentences and poems that are drenched with the pain of generational trauma. But yet, at times, are also filled with joy, optimism, and a strong love for her culture and heritage. Both of Sasha’s books are a must-read. And if you do pick them up, be sure to have a box of Kleenex nearby because the tears are sure to fall.
Come Home Indio: A Memoir by Jim Terry
If you aren’t familiar with Jim Terry, Come Home Indio is the perfect introduction to this up-and-coming author and cartoonist. Jim’s artwork can usually be found in the horror realm, but this graphic novel is about his personal journey. Growing up as a suburban Indian, Jim struggled with his identity from a young age. This is his story about reconnecting with his Indigenous roots and consequently overcoming grief and alcoholism through that work. And what makes it all the more impressive is that it’s a comic-style memoir which features over 200 pages of his remarkable artwork.
Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty
This collection of short stories all occur in the state of Maine, on the Penobscot Indian Reservation. Featuring twelve Indigenous horror stories in total, Morgan explores numerous problems that Native people experience on the daily. This includes drug use, generational trauma and violence, and the numerous challenges that come with living on a reservation. Each story is relatable if you are a product of the rez. And if you aren’t, Morgan does a fantastic job at bringing attention to these issues while incorporating some humorous Indigenous dialogue. Within these atmospheric stories, he showcases the strength of our families and tribal communities. Clocking in at just under 300 pages, this book is a perfect weekend read.
Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones
What would an Indigenous book list be with the incomparable SGJ? Now, we know you are probably familiar with The Only Good Indians or the Jade Daniels trilogy, and though this story is significantly shorter in comparison, it is still packed with the same amount of unnerving energy, supernatural horror, and mystique as his heavy hitters. We don’t want to give away any spoilers about this beautifully haunting story, but we would like to note that it is centered around Junior, a young Native American man who begins to see the ghost of his late father. What happens next? You’ll have to check out this novella, which is free on Kindle Unlimited, for yourself.
Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Aarigon Starr.
Switching gears, we are going to share lighthearted books from this point on. And after reading Mapping the Interior, these next recs might be just what you need. Starting with Contenders, this brightly illustrated YA book takes us back to the year 1911and is based on a true story. Set around the World Series, this read follows the trials and tribulations of John Meyers (White Earth Band) and Charles Bender (Cahuilla Band) as they face-off against each other for the chip, becoming the first two Native American players to do so in baseball history.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
An ode to our favorite commodity creation? Kind of, but not really. What it’s really about is how the delicious food creates an opportunity for our people to connect with one another. It’s about how sharing a meal can bring families closer. It is cute, heartwarming, and speaks on the importance of keeping traditions and practices alive. The children’s book also explains how frybread was born out of necessity, after hundreds of tribal nations were relocated to reservations with little to no access to their traditional foods. Whether you are sharing this story with your children or enjoying it by yourself, this picture book is not only a fun learning opportunity, but also a great example of Indigenous representation for tribal youth and families throughout the nation. Author Kevin Noble Maillard (Seminole Nation) also included a frybread recipe for you to try at home!
Modern Native Feasts: Healthy, Innovative, Sustainable Cuisine by Andrew George Jr.
Last but not least, we have a cookbook. There are many Indigenous cookbooks out there, but very few cover the foods of the Northwest and First Nations coastal tribes. Even fewer blend tradish recipes and contemporary cuisine together. With the upcoming turkey feast that takes place on Tulalip Day Eve, this book is the perfect companion if you are looking to feed your Indian on the last Thursday of November. Might we suggest elk stew, poached salmon with white wine sauce and julienned veggies, mussels with tomato salsa, or clam fritters with a spicy sage dipping sauce? No matter your culinary background or skill, Andrew George Jr. (Wet’suwet’en Nation) created some fun and innovative dishes for you to master in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Happy Native American Heritage Month and happy reading!
When thinking of Halloween time, one’s mind typically conjures up ideas that come straight from the cauldron. We’re talking creepy creatures, supernatural spirits, haunted houses, macabre movies, and vile villains. But the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy (TELA) did something quite magical. They took the scary completely out of the holiday with their annual Pumpkin Extravaganza. And when their students, ages birth to five, put on their costumes for the event, they were so cute you could die.
“The Pumpkin Extravaganza is TELA’s annual Halloween event that we put on for our students and families to spread some spooktacular fun,” said Absyde Dacoscos, TELA’s Family Engagement Coordinator. “Our staff puts together fun booths that consist of games and activities for students to do such as cookie decorating, a spooky hallway with glowsticks, and yard games like ax throwing, mini golfing, and shooting baskets at basketball hoops. We even had a face painting and tattoo station!”
Last year, the Pumpkin Extravaganza was held inside the corridors of the academy due to an excessive amount of rain. The 2024 holiday event made its return outdoors on the afternoon of October 25, as the weather was just a typical overcast day in the northwest. TELA’s teachers and staffers setup their activity stations along the school’s drop-off zone, transforming their parking lot into a mini-Halloween-themed carnival.
Both the Tulalip Police Department and the Tulalip Bay Fire Department took part in the extravaganza, engaging with the kiddos by distributing candy or playing alongside the students at the game booths. The event’s main attraction is, of course, the pumpkin patch and decorating station. The amount of joy the kids displayed when choosing their orange gourds, and then rushing to customize them with silly face stickers, was as wholesome and heartwarming as it gets.
Absyde shared, “I personally love seeing the kids light up. It’s rewarding to see all of them working together, to play and engage with one another. The event is fun because it gives the staff the opportunity to connect with the students and the families outside of the classroom. We get to all dress up, be silly, dance, and enjoy each other’s company.”
For many of TELA’s students and families, the Pumpkin Extravaganza served as a kick-off to the Halloween festivities around the reservation. If you look closely, you may spot some familiar and adorable faces amongst those in attendance of the Tribe’s community Halloween party and Together We’re Better’s annual Trunk or Treat event, which were all held during the same weekend.
After the kiddos were treated to another entertaining Pumpkin Extravaganza, Absyde reflected on the significance of hosting holiday-focused gatherings for their students. She said, “It’s important for TELA to host these events because it creates memories and moments of bonding for our families and students. And it also helps create positive school experiences for them as well.”
The next event that TELA has planned is their annual Family Feast which is tentatively set for November 21. For additional details, please contact the academy at (360) 716-4250.
Growing up on the rez, basketball is more than just a game—it’s woven into our culture. From broken-down hoops in backyards to the pristine hardwood of tribal gymnasiums, rez rats are always ready. You’ll spot them with shorts on under their pants, prepared for a pickup game or to jump in for a tournament. Always in the gym, with a ball in hand, dribbling away the troubles of the world, they live for the game and its escape.
If that sounds familiar, Netfix’s Rez Ball might make for the perfect watch for you and your family, especially if you have a few rez rats under your roof. The story follows a high school basketball team from Chuska, New Mexico, as they try to come together after the tragic loss of one of their teammates. The team faces adversity on and off the court, navigating the challenges of rez life through hardship, unity, and their shared love for the game, all while striving for victory.
Recently, Tulalip News sat down with one of the stars of Rez Ball, the Pacific Northwest’s own Damian Henry Castellane, who plays Ruckas Largo. Castellane, enrolled in the Puyallup Tribe but raised on the Squaxin Island Reservation in Washington’s Mason County, shared insights into his journey to becoming part of the film.
Scene from the movie Rez Ball, now streaming on Netflix. Courtesy of Netflix.
When asked about his connection to basketball, Damian shared, “I started playing reservation basketball at about five years old. I’ve only played in tournaments and never played school ball. For us rez kids, basketball is all we have. It’s the only way we know to escape our home and school lives. Growing up, my uncles were excellent basketball players, and I was always encouraged to pick up where they left off, so I just had to take it there.”
The conversation then turned to how Castellane landed his role in Rez Ball. He recounted, “I like to tell this story because it encourages people to take risks. My good friend Thomas sent me a casting call he found on Facebook for a Netflix movie produced by LeBron James. I laughed and thought, ‘They’re not going to pick me; I’m from Squaxin.’ But he insisted I give it a shot. I submitted my name, and they called me for a video audition. They liked my look — the tattoos, the hair — and asked me to read for the role. I set my phone up, had my girlfriend read the other lines, and sent it in. They loved my humor and invited me to audition in person in Albuquerque. There were 5,000 auditions for Rez Ball, and I felt honored to be picked from such a large pool. I performed well in both the basketball and acting sides of the audition. Two days later, they called to offer me the role of Ruckas Largo and asked me to fly out in four days. I stayed for two months, and the rest is history.”
When asked what it meant for him to be part of the film, Damian said, “It meant everything because I feel like I was doing it for Indian Country. Basketball is so meaningful and powerful to me. What better film to be a part of than Rez Ball? I can’t express enough how grateful I am for this opportunity.”
Castellane also spoke about how his community has responded to his success. “What’s funny is that on the Squaxin Reservation, people still treat me like the same person I was before. They don’t see me as a Netflix star, which I love. I can walk into the tribal store, and it feels like home. However, when I go outside my reservation, such as to the Puyallup area, I can’t go into stores or casinos without being recognized. It’s picture after picture in those places, but I appreciate that my reservation treats me like I’m still just me.”
In today’s era, shows like FX’s award-winning Reservation Dogs offer hope to Indigenous youth. Many of us grew up without seeing anyone who looked like us in movies. All we had were films like Dances with Wolves and Smoke Signals. But now, shows like Reservation Dogs have paved the way for Native representation in Hollywood. “Now we see people who act and look just like us,” Castellane said. “I believe Native cinema is opening doors for many young Indigenous individuals, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Photo courtesy of Damien Henry Castellane
Damian shared his childhood dream of acting: “Since I was a kid, I would tell my mom, ‘I’m going to be on TV one day, Mom. I’m going to go to Hollywood!’ She always supported me, saying, ‘I believe you, son.’ Growing up, I’d tell my friends I wanted to be in movies or become one of the biggest rappers of all time, and they would laugh at me, saying things like, ‘Yeah, right. Pick a different dream.’ So finally achieving this dream by being in the film has been the best experience ever. I’m a humble person, and I’m just proud of myself.”
One of Castellane’s favorite memories from filming was a lighthearted moment involving sheep herding. “During the scene where we were herding sheep, it was real—we were actually pushing those sheep to the pen. There was this one timid sheep that was hyper. A background character named Cooper is in the movie, and that sheep managed to juke him out, causing him to fall. I hoped that would make it into the film, but it didn’t. It was a funny moment that everyone on set still talks about.”
Regarding the heavier themes in the movie, including struggles with suicide and addiction, Damian said, “I can relate a lot. In Indian Country, issues like drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and suicide are significant concerns. If you haven’t experienced it personally, you’ve likely seen it firsthand through family, friends, or in your community. For example, when I was 13, my aunt Jamie committed suicide. The film addresses suicide—like the character Nataani taking his life—which brought back memories for me. I also connected with Jimmy, who tells his mom he’ll get her beer money. I had a neighbor growing up who struggled with alcohol, so that resonated with me.”
As the interview concluded, Castellane urged, “I encourage everyone to watch the film. If you need to, watch it again because it’s truly an amazing movie. The whole cast and crew of Rez Ball would appreciate your support as we aim to win awards with this film.”
As for his future, Damian teased exciting projects ahead. “Whether in music or acting, I want to take everything as far as possible. I have a big acting gig coming up that I can’t discuss yet, but it’s exciting. I also recently dropped an album titled AJ’s World, dedicated to my little brother, who passed away on March 9. You can find it on all platforms—Apple Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and more.”
Damian Henry Castellane’s path from reservation basketball courts to the big screen is a quiet reminder of the power of pursuing one’s passion. You can catch his work in Rez Ball, which is now streaming on Netflix.
Dentalium was once a symbol of wealth for the people of the Salish Sea. Often used as ornaments in clothing, headdresses, or even as currency by some tribes in the Northwest Coast of the United States and Canada, dentalium comes from scaphopods, a hollow-shelled mollusk. Its tusk-like shape and shiny white appearance made it highly prized. Today, dentalium holds cultural significance and is often crafted into jewelry.
Cultural bearer Santana Shopbell-Proehl and her husband, Nick Proehl, incorporated this material into a jewelry-making class they led. On Saturday, October 12, over 20 participants gathered at the Hibulb Cultural Center to learn how to create their own dentalium earrings. During the session, which lasted a couple of hours, attendees worked with the delicate material, creating unique jewelry pieces to take home.
Santana described how she became involved in teaching jewelry-making classes. She explained that her connection to the class began through her work as an artist in the community. “I recently started making dentalium earrings, and I’ve also done a lot of salmonberry, abalone work, and bracelets. I’ve had a couple of classes here already, so they had me on their list of artists, and that’s how I was invited.”
When discussing the concept behind her class, Santana reflected, “Honestly, it’s weird. I wanted to make something modern but with a story of Indigenousness—a modern touch. When I create pieces, sometimes I think, ‘Oh, that would look good,’ or, ‘Maybe this would look good.’ It’s a process of trial and error. I now look at some of my first pieces and think, ‘Oh no, I wouldn’t make that again.’ But as you grow as an artist, you start seeing and envisioning things differently.”
She explained that the class was designed to be both creative and accessible. “When I pieced this set together, I wanted to make something easy—a beautiful earring design that anyone could learn.”
Tulalip tribal member Aliana Diaz shared her experience attending the jewelry-making class. “It was terrific, and Santana’s detail-oriented. She helped us feel welcomed. I’ve never made Native jewelry before. It was my first time dealing with dentalium, and I found it was a little more delicate than I thought it would be, so it made it a little bit harder,”
She further expressed the importance of connecting with her cultural heritage. “Beadwork has been in our family—my aunties have done beadwork—and ever since I was a kid, I’ve been interested in it. Being able to connect with our culture is important to me, and for my daughter to connect with it as well.”
Gloria Warner, Diaz’s daughter and tribal member, spoke about the class. “One of the biggest reasons I wanted to return to the rez was more than just making earrings; I wanted to be around other Native people to heal that historical trauma. Art and culture are a huge part of that, and it’s been scientifically proven to help heal historical trauma.”
Diaz echoed Warner’s sentiments, adding, “We’re trying to fill the gap that our family has experienced with the loss of culture.”
As the class ended, participants proudly admired their handmade earrings, each piece showcasing a blend of creativity, culture, and connection.
Only two more arts/crafts Season of Healing events remain; on October 19, Jamie Sheldon will lead a cedar jewelry class, followed by a painting session with Monie Ordonia on October 26. Also, bonus carving classes with Ty Juvinel are every Thursday throughout October. For class times and pricing or to register, call (360) 716-2600 or visit online at info@hibulbculturalcenter.org.
“When I say Indigenous People, you say hell yeah!,” instructed Tulalip Board of Director, Theresa Sheldon. The call was met with a resounding response that reverberated off of the Gathering Hall walls, and was accompanied by many whistles, cheers, and drumbeats.
Native pride was on display as the people of Tulalip arrived at the Hall in full regalia on the evening of October 14. They were greeted by the aroma of traditional foods as salmon was prepared over flame for the gathering.
More than a day of recognition, Indigenous Peoples Day has become a time to celebrate our heritage, traditions, and culture across the nation. All of which were nearly stripped away from us due to colonialism and assimilation efforts. It’s become a day to educate the wider population about our history and our connection to the land, the waters, and how the stewardship of Mother Earth provided sustainability for our people generation upon generation. Perhaps most importantly, it’s a day to hold our youth up and pass those teachings on to ensure our way of life continues well into the future.
Fittingly, nearly the entire Indigenous Peoples Day gathering was led by the youth. Approximately 250 community members were in attendance. After an hour of socializing and enjoying that salmon dinner, event emcee, Deyamonta Diaz, asked everyone to take a seat at the center of the Gathering Hall as the festivities of the night began.
At the head of the hall stood fourteen young adults, ten Tulalip tribal members and four visitors hailing from O’ahu, Hawaii. Now, we don’t want to gloss over this moment, because it was beautiful and powerful. And beyond the dreams of many Tulalip ancestors, who faced unspeakable punishments for this very act while attending Indian boarding schools. Every single member of the youth coalition took time to introduce themselves, and their lineage, in traditional Lushootseed. And what followed was equally heartwarming and promising as the youth took matters into their own hands and introduced the Tulalip Youth Education Declaration to the public.
With the assistance from those four visitors, Maliatoa Tuallii, Ka’iwa Foster, Lilia Iokepa-Guerrero, and Maui Iokepa-Guerrero, the Tulalip youth spent the entire weekend, leading up to Indigenous Peoples Day, building a detailed declaration. The areas of focus included youth protection, elder and youth interactions, tribal sovereignty education, and health and wellness.
Maliatoa, Lilia, Ka’iwa, and Maui are members of Hawaiian nonprofit, Papahana Aloha ʻĀina. Ten years ago, the organization wrote their own declaration dedicated to Hawaiian cultural education, youth leadership development, language preservation, as well as land stewardship and environmental advocacy. Since then, the group spent those years spreading their message and sharing their culture across the nation. With their experience and success, the Tulalip youth called upon Papahana Aloha ʻĀina to not only learn how to design their declaration, but also to learn new ideas of how to implement those motions and initiatives into everyday Tulalip.
The result was astounding. In solidarity, the group presented the declaration as one, taking turns stepping up to the podium and passing the mic with each PowerPoint slide.
Tribal youth, Ariel Valencia, shared, “We chose food sovereignty to highlight because we can decolonize from the inside out by eating our traditional foods – being able to harvest and differentiate the native plants, being able to survive off the land. We want to have traditional medicine classes for devil’s club and stinging nettle – harvesting it, making salves, and making tea. It is all connected to food sovereignty and our traditional plants/food. Being able to gather also follows the medicine wheel which has four sections and four directions – spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health, which helps you harvest right and produce the good medicine from those plants.”
Highlighting another topic of the declaration, Tribal member Lilly Jefferson got the crowd fired up. She said, “We want to implement the Lushootseed Young Learners program. I think this is an idea that we can take active steps to. It opens the door so that kids of all ages can learn Lushootseed outside of school. I think it’s a good opportunity for young adults who want to learn the language. Every Tribal department should be required to incorporate our language into their work. I think this is really important because we, as a people, should be using the language on a daily basis. So, why not incorporate it into our work? We think it should be expected of our Tribal members to be using our language on the daily.”
Lilly continued, “The next thing I wanted to highlight is that the Board of Directors have to know how to use our language – write it, read it, and speak it. This is very important because you’re the leaders of our Tribe, you should be speaking our language. Also, why would you even run if you’re talking like a colonizer? I think I speak for us all when I say that we’re so very proud of all this work that we’ve done in the last three days. And how much we’ve gotten to know each other, problem solve and create this beautiful document that will grow and thrive in the next couple years.”
After the thirty-minute presentation by the youth, Deyamonta invited three Lushootseed language warriors to the podium to kick off the cultural exchange between Tulalip and Hawaii. Tribal members Thomas Williams, Oceana Alday, and Natosha Gobin each shared an interactive and traditional story in their ancestral language. The stories told were Crow and Octopus, Owl and Chipmunk, and Grandmother Cedar Tree. Like Theresa, the language warriors utilized the call and response technique to share their stories, and thereby introduce Lushootseed words and phrases to the attendees. Once all the stories were shared, the language warriors passed the baton to Papahana Aloha ʻĀina.
The similarities between the two cultures were recognized from the get-go as Ka’iwa blessed the floor beforehand by blowing on a conch shell in all four directions. Lilia, Maliatoa, and Maui then took the floor in their traditional garb. They danced to the rhythm of the ipu, a drum unique to the Hawaiian Islands, all while chanting in their traditional language.
“We greet you from Hawaii; from the highest of heavens down to your fertile lands of Tulalip; from the highest peaks to your waters here with abundant fish that has sustained your people,” stated Papahana Aloha ʻĀina member, Dino Guerrero. “The youth did a chant that talks about our people on our islands. How the islands were created. And how after the islands were created, our people stepped foot on those islands and sustained themselves for thousands of years. It was a traditional hula, a welcoming chant. We’re going to take you on a tour of our islands with our traditional dances, from our oldest island down to our youngest island.”
The community was mesmerized as the Hawaiian youth danced each intricate step of their traditional songs. After several songs, the dancers left the floor for a brief intermission. During this time, Ka’iwa grabbed the attention of everyone in the hall when he began playing the guitar and singing soothing melodies in the Hawaiian language. Ka’iwa performed three songs before the dancers returned to the floor. After changing out of their regalia, Dino informed everybody that the first half of their cultural exchange was solely traditional dances. The second half was reserved for more modern songs and dances.
Papahana Aloha ʻĀina closed their ceremony behind microphones, with a song performed in unison by the entire group. Our Hawaiian relatives were honored and blanketed by the Tulalip youth and leadership. Donning new shawls and cedar headbands, Papahana Aloha ʻĀina received a standing ovation from Tulalip.
Originally intended to be a two-hour event, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Indigenous Peoples Day Gathering and cultural exchange went late into the night, to absolutely nobody’s dismay. Grateful that Papahana Aloha ʻĀina gave the community a glimpse into their traditions and culture, Tulalip was excited to return the favor. The group was invited to front row seats, and the Tribe brought the evening to an end with high energy throughout several of their ancestral songs.
The Tulalip Resort Casino’s Orca Ballroom has been an ideal venue for thousands of events, from extravagant weddings to charity auctions to stand-up comedian acts and a fair share of employee holiday parties. Most recently, for perhaps the very first time, the Orca Ballroom was redesigned to host a red carpet, TV series premiere.
In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day weekend, series director and Global Net Productions founder, Michael Lienau, held the first public viewing of his latest project Even the Darkness in Tulalip. An estimated 350 cinephiles convened for the exclusive October 13 viewing, including Chairwoman Teri Gobin, elected leaders from nearby tribes, Tulalip youth representatives, and many Even the Darkness cast members who basked in the limelight of their first red carpet experience.
Child actor Phillip James and his family enjoy the red carpet experience
One such actor was 8-year-old Phillip James who donned a cedar headband with abalone shells and a one-of-a-kind ribbon vest with imagery of his distinct Indigenous ancestry that spans the Americas. Most notably, he wore a heartwarming smile that was impossible to miss when he took front and center beside his family for his red carpet photo.
“I was happy and excited to get to act in a TV series,” said young Phillip after taking his seat in the Ballroom. “I thought it was going to be a fun thing and it was. My favorite memory [while shooting my scene] was seeing how happy my mom and grandma were. They were so happy they cried.”
Actress Amber Cantu and writer/producer Larisa Koenig greet the audience.
One of Phillip’s on set coworkers was actress Amber Cantu. She joined producer/writer and fellow stunning ribbon skirt wearer Larisa Koenig on center stage to welcome all those who managed to carve out time of their busy lives to celebrate an intersection of film, advocacy, and indigeneity.
“Even the Darkness started out as a dream, and now we’re all here at this red carpet premiere to celebrate it becoming reality,” shared Amber. “This project was a beautiful collaboration of amazing people with a vision to bring the realities our First Nations People face to the big screen. It’s about telling our stories of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), sharing traditional stories that connect us to the land and our ancestors, and so much more. I’m so thankful to be a part of this incredible series.”
Even the Darkness features Coast Salish culture, gives credence to our stories that predate settler contact, has an Indigenous co-producer and several Indigenous advisors/consultants, and gave a number of aspiring Indigenous actors and actresses their official break into the film industry. Moreover, the independently created TV series seeks to honor and unite people of all ethnicities and generations, all while promoting environmental stewardship.
Bringing the Orca Ballroom hosted premiere full circle is the fact that several scenes were filmed within traditional Tulalip territory. One such scene took in the natural splendor viewed from Tulalip Marina and its central location within the Reservation.
Director Michael Lienau and his wife Shari at the Even the Darkness premiere.
Showcasing Native actors, Native lands, and Native stories within the creative lens of filmmaking is something Director Michael Lienau and the show’s producers were intentional about from the very beginning.
“We thought it was significant to hold the premiere here in Tulalip because our series seeks to honor the Native American people and really amplify their voices,” explained Director Lienau. “Using the premier as a means to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day and to be able to bring so many together on such a significant day is really special. I’m just amazed to see so many people from Native communities all over the state came to celebrate with us and to view an unknown, unseen TV series.
“This outpouring of support proves why its so important to listen to our local Native American tribes’ stories and learn of their rich histories,” he continued. “Across this nation, especially here in Washington State, the Native American culture is so vibrant and filled with amazing stories that have stood the test of time. My hope is to see more filmmakers and media companies showcase these communities and not tell the stories for them, but work alongside them in a respectful way and allow them to tell their own stories.”
After all, honoring traditional stories and amplifying the Native voice is foundational to any proper Indigenous Peoples Day celebration.
The Northwest Native American Basketweavers Association (NNABA) selected Tulalip as the host for its 27th annual gathering, held at the Gathering Hall. The two-day event on October 4 and 5 saw over 600 registered guests and 38 teachers, marking the largest gathering in the organization’s history. The NNABA continues to provide a space for Indigenous peoples of the Northwest to share and learn cultural and artistic skills, including creating native regalia and various styles of basketry.
The gathering offered guests various weaving classes to choose from, where they learned techniques using materials like cedar, sweetgrass, wool, and yarn. Participants had seven hours each day to work on their projects, with classes filling up on a first-come, first-served basis. Each teacher provided the necessary materials for their craft, with fees for both lessons and supplies varying depending on the craft and instructor.
Tulalip tribal member Hiedi Zackuse expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “This is super cool.” Another attendee, Jack McCloud from Nisqually, reflected on the significance of the gathering: “I didn’t grow up with much tradition. My grandparents spoke our language fluently but weren’t allowed to teach us about our culture. Being part of this year’s gathering makes me proud. It feels like our culture has come back stronger than ever. Seeing the imagination of all the artists here is incredible.”
During the event, each completed item was announced by teachers, who would stand up to share what had been created and by whom. Applause filled the room as participants proudly raised their finished projects for all to see, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere.
Tulalip tribal member and teacher Toni Jo Gobin flew in from Hawaii to share her unique basketry techniques. Reflecting on her experience, Gobin said, “It was awesome teaching at the Gathering Hall. It was a lot of fun meeting everyone. This was my first time teaching and attending a NNABA event, and while it was super busy, it was nice.” She also expressed her gratitude to the Tulalip staff, adding, “I want to give a huge thanks to the staff at Tulalip. They ensured all the elders and guests had everything they needed and kept things running smoothly.”
NNABA representative Ramona Townrae, a Yakama Nation member and resident of Black Diamond, praised the event’s success. “Every year, the NNABA selects a host by advertising proposals, allowing us to connect with people from all over the Northwest, including Canada, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and parts of Montana,” she explained. “This year’s gathering was one of the largest we’ve ever held. When we first started back in 1996, we barely had 100 attendees. Now, we’ve brought in over 600 people. Seeing individuals who saved their nickels and dimes to attend and participate warms my heart.”
Reflecting on the venue, Ramona shared, “This is a fantastic place—not only is it beautiful, but it truly maintains our culture and traditions. The staff and tribal members have been working hard for months, ensuring everyone felt welcome. I always ask, ‘What would you do if someone came to your home?’ That’s the approach Tulalip took. It’s not just a conference; it’s a gathering, and that distinction is so important.”
Ramona also highlighted the event’s growing significance within the community. “Our mission is to promote, perpetuate, and preserve Native American basketry, and a key part of that is involving the youth. We run a program for kids; whether we have hundreds or just a handful, those kids are the ‘promote’ part of our mission. They’re the ones who will carry our traditions forward. I always tell them, ‘You are our future. You will be the cultural bearers.’ It’s heartwarming to see their little hands weaving—knowing they’re the ones who will keep this alive.”
The 27th annual NNABA gathering at Tulalip celebrated basket weaving and the strength of Indigenous culture and community. Bringing together elders and youth, the event ensures that these traditions will continue to thrive and be passed down for generations.
If you want to know more about the NNABA or their next gathering, you can find out on the website at http://www.nnaba.net
On Saturday, September 28, culture bearer Tillie Jones taught a second wool headband weaving class at the Tulalip Hibulb Cultural Center as part of the Season of Healing. A small group attended the event, which provided a warm and welcoming environment. It was a beautiful day characterized by focus and a peaceful atmosphere.
Tillie expressed her appreciation for the class, noting how much she enjoyed witnessing the bonding experience between families. “It was a great class,” she said. “I loved seeing mothers and daughters learning side by side.”
Attending the weaving class with her daughter was a meaningful experience for Tulalip tribal member Stephanie Fryberg. She shared her enthusiasm for the session, saying, “I loved the class. I’ve always wanted to try weaving, and doing it with my daughter was great. It was easy to do, and I liked being able to focus on the task. It helped me imagine my ancestors doing this, making me feel connected.”
Stephanie also spoke about the more significant impact of the Season of Healing, saying, “I think it’s been great. Our community needs to think about how we push back against settler colonialism. Colonialism taught us to be mean to one another and not to love ourselves or each other. This focus on bringing love back and weaving it into our everyday lives is the first step toward truly finding healing in our community.”
As the wool headband class ended, the room buzzed with laughter and pride as participants admired their creations. With fall just beginning, the cozy spirit of the Season of Healing felt more like the start of a new tradition—one that wrapped everyone in warmth and connection, just like the wool headbands they’d made.
The Season of Healing continues through October, and there is more to look forward to. Up next is Dentalium earrings with Santana Shopbell-Proehl on Saturday, October 12, followed by a painting session with Monie Ordonia to wrap up the month on Saturday, October 26. To save your spot and get pricing details, call the Hibulb Cultural Center at (360) 716-2600 or email info@hibulbculturalcenter.org.
On the final day of summer, participants gathered at the Hibulb Cultural Center for Tulalip Master Weaver Jamie Sheldon’s cedar basket class. Held on Saturday, September 21, as part of Tulalip’s Season of Healing, the class welcomed 14 eager attendees ready to learn.
Throughout the session, Jamie moved swiftly around the room, guiding each student to stay on track to finish their cedar baskets before the class concluded. The day’s task required a lot of focus. As Tara Polk from Everett noted, “It’s frustrating; you want to be good at it your first time, but it requires so much concentration to perfect it.”
With Tulalip tribal member Wilma Gloria’s help, Jamie Sheldon could provide individual attention to each student, ensuring no one felt left behind.
Reflecting on her experience of making a basket for the first time, Tara added, “Jamie’s patience and ability to help were astounding. The class was great, but it was a difficult process to start. But I stuck with it, and I’m happy I could finish. I would highly recommend taking a class.”
Jamie Sheldon, a traditional weaver with over 20 years of experience, shared that the Hibulb Cultural Center reached out to her because of her extensive background in weaving. She has been teaching at the center for over five years.
Reflecting on the class, Jamie said, “I loved the class. A lot of people finished their basket, and those who didn’t, I feel, got the concept, and that’s fine with me. But if they keep coming back, they will get even better.”
Jamie also emphasized the cultural significance and healing properties of cedar. “Cedar is healing. Cedar has always been a healing part of our culture,” she explained. “When you harvest your cedar, it’s quiet and serene—it’s just you and the cedar. And as long as you keep working with the cedar, it will heal you.”
Upcoming events at the Hibulb Cultural Center in October include Weaving Toddler Wool Skirt with Virginia Jones on Saturday, October 5, Dentalium Earrings with Santana Shopbell-Proehl on Saturday, October 12, and Painting with Monie Ordonia on Saturday, October 26. Be sure to call ahead to register and inquire about class pricing by contacting the Hibulb Cultural Center at (360) 716-2600 or emailing info@hibulbculturalcenter.org.
