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.
The tradition of doll-making dates back as far as 2.5 million years to 10,000 B.C. Dolls have played a pivotal role in nearly every Indigenous culture, teaching children how to navigate the world by modeling adult behavior and offering a miniature glimpse into life’s complexities. These tiny figures have long served as powerful guides for the next generation.
On Saturday, September 14, Tulalip tribal member Melissa Gobin held a doll-making class at the Hibulb Cultural Center, featuring yarn and cedar regalia. Over 20 people attended the event, with a mix of adults and kids. Each person could pick out a couple of balls of yarn to start. The overall process was easy to learn, and all who created a doll could finish before the end of class.
Anchorage, Alaska residents Shannon Hawkins and her son Evan the Crow, were first-time doll makers that joined that class. Shannon shared, “We had fun, and I’m happy we could learn a new skill.” When asked about his creation, Evan excitedly described his doll, saying, “I made a ninja with a sword on his back.”
Melissa Gobin shared her experience and knowledge of doll-making, crediting tribal member Virginia Jones for teaching her many of the techniques. “I learned a lot of how to do this from Virginia,” Melissa explained, adding that they made the dolls more tribal by incorporating cedar paddles and headbands.
When asked how making these dolls contributes to cultural healing, Melissa thoughtfully explained, “I think making these dolls allows you to work with your hands and be creative. Plus, you’re thinking of tools our ancestors used, like the paddle and cedar, to help make clothes.” She emphasized the value of coming together as a community: “Getting together and talking about our past and future helps with healing.”
Reflecting on the event, Melissa said, “I think the event went well. I like how everyone puts their spin on how they create the doll.” She noted the joy the activity brought adults and children, adding, “I think the adults had just as much fun as the kids. The kids gravitate towards the dolls because they are easy to make.”
Upcoming workshops at Hibulb will feature cedar basket weaving and twill wool headband weaving. In addition, a cedar carving class will be held weekly in October, providing further opportunities for hands-on learning and cultural connection. For more information, visit hibulbculturalcenter.org.
On Saturday, September 7, Tulalip artist Tillie Jones led a headband-weaving class at the Hibulb Museum, kicking off the Season of Healing. The class attracted seven participants who came together to weave wool headbands, share laughter, and connect through the art of weaving.
Tillie Jones, along with tribal members Michelle Myles and her son Syrille Jones, guided the students through the process. Participants could use a loom, select their wool colors, and begin weaving. As the intricate process unfolded, the room grew focused, with everyone giving their full attention to the detailed work ahead.
Tillie offered some wisdom during the class, emphasizing the deeper connection between the weaver and their creation. “What you put into your weaving becomes a part of it,” she explained. Weaving with intention, whether strength, love, or positive energy, allows those qualities to be embedded in the piece, making the final product more meaningful.
Tillie also shared practical advice, linking the skill of weaving to mathematics. “If you’re good at math, it helps,” she remarked, gesturing toward her son Syrille. “That’s why he’s so good at weaving.” She explained that a strong understanding of math helps weavers plan their patterns and maintain the structure and balance of the weave, ensuring the design comes together as intended.
Syrille also helped instruct the class and expressed his appreciation for the experience. “Weaving is a good stress relief to get your mind off everything around you,” he shared. Reflecting on the creative aspects of the craft, he added, “I like the different patterns people make, learning from the elders, and getting to experiment and make your patterns. It was good teaching, and I heard people laugh and enjoy their time.”
For many, the class was more than just a lesson in weaving; it was an opportunity to reconnect with tradition and find personal healing. Tulalip tribal member Wilma Gloria spoke about the therapeutic aspect of the practice, saying, “It is about keeping your hands busy and learning something new and traditional. I enjoyed the day; I had my ancestors with me, and they gave me strength.”
When asked about the significance of the headband, Wilma explained, “Traditionally, the headband was used to represent the tribe you were from.”
The event provided a creative outlet and offered participants a moment to bond with their heritage and each other. Through the craft of weaving, both tradition and healing were honored in a meaningful way.
The headband-weaving class is just the beginning of a series of workshops promoting healing through traditional crafts. Other weaving courses are being held every Saturday through September, offering participants the chance to learn various skills, connect with their culture, and continue the journey of personal and collective healing.
Wow! Tulalip was treated to a fun and busy summer. The season was full of cultural enriching gatherings, such as the Salmon Ceremony, the annual Stick Games Tournament, Spee-Bi-Dah, and the Youth Canoe Journey. These were among many other community building events like the Pride Everyday celebration, the Back to School Bash, and the Health Clinic’s annual Health Fair.
With fall just weeks away, the Tulalip community is already in the midst of a change of pace and transitioning to what the Tribe is officially dubbing, the Season of Healing. Many of the events that will be held from now until the end of the year will be heavily focused on informing and supporting Tulalip’s membership and community about the impacts of generational trauma, and in turn, begin the healing process.
Secretary of the Tribe, Theresa Sheldon, shared, “The Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors support education and healing. We recognize that we may not see how the 75 years of the Indian boarding school that operated here in Tulalip still impacts our lives. As parents, as family members, and as community members of the Tulalip Tribes we are all still living in the consequences of federal assimilation policies. We have heard from the community the need to create safe places, create healthy conversations, and create a place of justice and healing. We hope the Season of Healing will begin this conversation and we hope to begin this hard work for our ancestors and for the next 7 generations to come.”
In addition to the handful of events that are a part of the Season of Healing, there are numerous other gatherings that you will want to keep on your radar throughout the next few months. We’ve compiled a detailed list of upcoming events, so be sure to mark them down on your calendars because you are not going to want to miss out.
September 7 – Beginner Wool Weaving with Tillie Jones
Where: Hibulb Cultural Center
When: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
September 9 – Weaving Love into our lives: Post Boarding School Era with Serene Thin Elk
A year ago, then 11-year-old Tulalip youth Spencer Horne jokingly asked if he could have a cedar hat, a very specific cedar hat; one that belonged to elder Monie Ordonia. She would’ve gladly given it to him, but she couldn’t because it was gifted to her. The not at all bashful youth then asked if she could gift him something. To which Monie replied, “I’ll make you something special if you dance with all your heart for me.”
Dance Spencer did. He danced to Monie’s admiration whenever possible. He danced at Canoe Journey practice after Canoe Journey practice until, ultimately, he was dancing when the pressure was most intense, on Puyallup territory during Tulalip’s protocol.
“The real beauty of this process was we established a truly beautiful relationship that began with respect,” explained Monie. “Today, not many youth pay attention to that very important aspect, respect. It’s part of our teachings; treating others, especially elders, with respect. When you carry yourself in a good way, represent your tribe in a good way, then you show respect to not just your own family, but other families and other tribes, too.
“Spencer carries himself in a good way,” she continued. “He dances with his whole heart and when he sings, he sings as if his ancestors are listening. That means so much to me. As a creator, watching him, seeing him, and hearing him got me excited to create something that depicted my respect he had earned.”
What she created was a one-of-a-kind, from the heart painting that captured the essence of his and his fellow youth’s Salish spirit as she witnessed them rise and soar on the dance floor. Titled Snohomish Warrior, Monie gifted the finished product to the beaming with pride Spencer during the Tulalip Canoe Family’s post-journey celebration.
After unwrapping it and giving Monie the biggest of hugs, he casually strutted around the Gathering Hall offering all in attendance a glance at his long-awaited gift.
When asked what he sees in the painting, he responded, “I see me, my sister and my cousins. I like it. It’s powerful!”
And his message to his elder? “Thank you, Monie. I love you.”
It’s impossible to know exactly how many Native Americans attended the Seattle Mariners vs. Tampa Bay Rays baseball game on Monday, August 26. But what we do know is the game’s official attendance was announced as 29,755 and, based on pure observation, one can safely say that a good percentage of that was proud Indigenous culture bearers from across the Americas who journeyed to T-Mobile Park to celebrate ‘Native American Heritage Night’.
Knowing full well how chaotic evening traffic can be, citizens of the region’s Coast Salish tribes hit the road early to ensure arrival into the Emerald City prior to the game’s 6:40pm opening pitch. Additional incentive to arrive early came in the form of a highly coveted, limited-edition jersey created by Muckleshoot tribal artists. Jerseys were only made available to the first 10,000 fans.
Last year, Muckleshoot and the Seattle Mariners announced a long-term, multi-faceted partnership allowing the organizations to work together to impact the broader community throughout the Pacific Northwest.
“This partnership is the result of two organizations coming together who share common values and beliefs. We’re excited to celebrate the Tribe’s culture and traditions with fans at T-Mobile Park, while providing enhanced baseball and softball access to more children throughout our region,” stated Catie Griggs, Seattle Mariners President of Business Operations.
“To be able to assert … our place and our identity within the city, within the region, with organizations like the [Mariners and Kraken], it’s hugely important and it’s hugely meaningful and really a powerful step for our tribe, for our people,” added Muckleshoot tribal councilman Donny Stevenson at the time of the announcement.
Prior to Monday night’s first pitch, the Muckleshoot Canoe Family took to the always stunningly manicured green grass of T-Mobile Park and shared their culture though dance and song.
The Mariners’ 11,000-square-foot scoreboard routinely displayed facts about Indigenous tribes of Washington State throughout the evening. The monstrous digital screen even showed Tulalip tribal members on multiple occasion. The first being 7-year-old Anthony Jefferson Jr. saying “Let’s play ball!” in Lushootseed. Then again, when the cameras panned to Morning Star Creations founder Nina Gobin-Scott hard at work sewing a ribbon skirt. She was asked by members of the Mariners’ public relations team to represent Indigenous entrepreneurs on the center field foyer, where her custom-made ribbon skirts were being sold and auctioned off to benefit Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services.
“It’s a huge deal for me as an Indigenous woman and small business owner be asked to setup and display my work for so many people and communities to see. I feel so honored,” shared Nina while taking a brief break from her devout sewing machine. “An underrated part of opportunities like this are being able to impart insight and expand perspectives of non-Indigenous people who may be curious about our cultures, arts and businesses, but unsure of who or how to ask.
“One of my favorite moments from the night was being able to sell a skirt to a First Nations relative from Canada attending her first Native Night,” continued Nina. “It’s truly breathtaking. There are so many places someone can go to buy a ribbon skirt and recognizing this, I don’t take it for granted when someone sees one of my designs and is excited to purchase from me.”
Turns out that Canadian purchaser was Councillor Morning-Star Peters of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. Think of her as a tribal councilwoman of her First Nation. Morning-Star graciously shared, “My family was determined to not miss out on Native American Heritage Night this year, so we got the specialized tickets and got here early for the jersey and hat. I definitely did not expect to find a ribbon skirt, but that’s the beauty of our people – they always find a way. I’m so excited to bring this ribbon skirt back home with me. It’ll be a precious memento of this special night.”
During actual gameplay, the Mariners gave their adoring fans much to cheer about for 9 full innings. Second baseman Jorge Polanco (Dominican Republic) hit a 341-foot homerun in the second inning to tie the game at 1-1. In the following inning, recently acquired outfielder Randy Arozarena (Mexico via Cuba) smashed a 376-foot, 3-run homer that gave the home team the lead for good. Starting pitcher Bryce Miller went 7 strong innings and tied a career-high with 10 strikeouts.
Ultimately, the M’s won an excitement-filled game, 5-1, in front of the largest Monday home crowd they’ve had all season. Only adding to the growing legend that is ‘Native Night.’
Elders from near and far came together at the Tulalip Gathering Hall on August 15 for the Annual Elders Potlatch. With an impressive 898 elders signed in, the event saw over 1,000 attendees who gathered to enjoy camaraderie, delicious food, and thoughtful gifts. The line stretched out the door and down the street as people eagerly arrived to partake in the festivities.
A lively bingo game added to the festive atmosphere and allowed participants to win prizes, enhancing everyone’s enjoyment of the celebration.
The event began with tribal member Tony Hatch welcoming everyone. Following his introduction, the Tulalip Canoe Family performed traditional songs, enriching the atmosphere with their powerful voices. Reigning King and Queen Ray and Sheryl Fryberg were honored at the event, drawing smiles and applause from the attendees.
A special moment of the day was the recognition of the two oldest attendees: 96-year-old Donald Smith from Yakima, born on May 28, 1928, and 97-year-old Vera Drake (Charity) from Campbell River, born on June 6, 1927. Both elders were celebrated with handmade gifts donated by local artists, including a wool skirt, shawl, and handcrafted cedar hats.
Lloyd Belmont from Suquamish shared his reflections on the event, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the elders. “Meeting all the grandmas and grandpas, introducing myself, and getting to know who they are and what territory they come from—Yakima, Elwa, Lummi, Ground Round—is so meaningful. Receiving those blessings and experiencing the hospitality that Tulalip has to offer is something special,” he said.
For Lloyd, the event was more than just a gathering, it was an opportunity to watch, learn, and honor the elders. “Teachings come in many forms, and it’s important to give them that acknowledgment, from the youngest to the oldest,” he continued. “Often, people tend to leave their elders sitting at home alone. Sitting down with them, sharing a smile, and connecting is essential. We need to remember they blazed the trail that allows us to be doing what we are doing today.”
Stan Manzano from Yakima and Wiley Close from Lindale, Texas, both had high praise for the event. Stan particularly enjoyed the seafood selection, especially the crab, remarking, “It was a good event. I enjoyed it.” Wiley, who traveled back for the second year, added, “I loved the event. I came the first year and had to travel back for the second one. I liked the Canoe Families’ songs.” Both expressed their excitement by stating they would be back next year.
The Annual Elders Potlatch united generations, strengthened connections, and honored the elders. The day’s atmosphere of respect and community left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Tulalip’s annual LGBTQ+ celebration experienced quite the glow up this year, moving from the small concession area of the ball fields to the spacious Gathering Hall. New location, same good times, with the addition of more activities and more room for event goers to get their groove on.
The vibrant colors of the rainbow flag and the transgender flags served as official colors of the celebration and decorated the entire Hall on the afternoon of August 4, including in a variety of balloon arrangements and dessert displays. Everywhere you looked, people were smiling ear to ear and laughing whole heartedly amongst friends and family. The major inspiration behind this gathering was to create a fun environment where tribal and community members, who identify as LGBTQ+ or 2-spirit, could build community and celebrate their lifestyle in a safe space.
From the get-go, the pride event has been a smash hit in the community and has seen both great attendance and participation. During the planning phase of the first pride celebration in 2020, event organizer and Tulalip community member, Phoenix Two Spirit (Cree), shared, “It is so very important for the 2-spirit community to be included in all of Indian Country, in all the councils, education, youth, advisory committees – It’s part of the decolonization process, recognizing that 2-spirit people have been in the Indigenous community since time immemorial. And it’s time to recognize that there is a place for 2-spirit people in the tribal community, that they hold a special place. This is not new. This is reclaiming our past.”
The gathering is sponsored and organized by the Problem Gambling Program. Coordinator Sarah Sense Wilson assured they are just getting started, and there’s still much work to be done in embracing and showing support to our local LGBTQ+ community.
Said Sarah, “I would love to bring in even more people and have more visibility to honoring, and respecting, and holding up our 2-spirit relatives. I know in different pockets of the community that there is still a non-acceptance. Even though there’s this idea that we’re a community of inclusiveness, we know that we’re not there yet. And I don’t mean just Tulalip, I mean nationwide. And so, anything that we can do to keep moving the needle forward and marching forward and celebrating and honoring and including everybody, the healthier our communities are overall. That’s my hope. It would be wonderful to have more Tribal leaders participate as well. I wish we had more Coast Salish drumming and singing, an opening prayer in Lushootseed, and just those kinds of elements.”
DJ Monie
Aptly dubbed ‘Pride Everyday’, this particular celebration also includes a healthy dose of culture. Indigenous pride was on full display as attendees participated in events such as the popular fashion contest, which categories include best ribbon skirt, best ribbon shirt, and best earrings. And of course, there ain’t no party like a DJ Monie party, who returned this year and provided all the classic summertime jams throughout the afternoon. Also returning for the third consecutive year was MC Randy Vendiola and Grand Marshal Sage Vendiola, who ensured everything went smoothly and according to schedule, with both good humor and grace.
With the additional space, Sarah called in a few programs to host resource booths. Event goers could learn about the services that programs like beda?chelh, the Legacy of Healing, and the Healing to Wellness Court offer, all while obtaining free swag, playing games, creating arts and crafts, getting temporary tattoos, and building sage bundles.
Indigenous author Sasha LaPointe (Upper Skagit/Nooksack), who wrote Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk, was the guest of honor at this year’s event. Sasha held a live reading of her book, as well as a signing, and everyone in attendance received a free copy of her work.
The five-hour event concluded with a dance party that has now officially become a yearly tradition. Everyone joins together to leave it all on the dance floor, getting down to jams like the Cha Cha Slide, the Macarena, and We Are Family.
Following the gathering, DJ Monie shared a parting message, “Thank you for all the folks who showed up today to represent. It means a lot to our community to be heard, seen, acknowledged, and included. Keep up the good work in including all of us, because at the end of the day, there’s no difference in sexual orientation when you take your last breath. Love one another. Be more compassionate of the people who are around because you never know who is listening. One of my friends’ kid was using the word gay as a slander. If I didn’t correct him, he wouldn’t know better. If you see someone using words like gay in a demeaning way, correct them, because it only perpetuates separation if we continue to allow it.”
Tulalip Lushootseed Camp wrapped up its second week of the play “Little Mink and Younger Cousin Tetyika” on Friday, July 19, at the Kenny Moses Building. This marked the end of another successful camp. Each of the two weeks, the camp welcomed 50 kids, providing both a break for the parents and an opportunity for the youth to fully immerse themselves in the culture and language of their ancestors.
Michele Balagot, Lushootseed department manager for over 15 years, was honored for her decades of service in the department at the Lushootseed Camp. Appreciating her contributions, all her former co-workers and employees gifted her a blanket.
The two witnesses, who observe all the work the children have done to put on the play, are also honored. These two are chosen on the day of the play and brought to the front of the audience to get a full view, and then they speak about the work after it is over. One of the witnesses was tribal member Dean Pablo.
He said, “We want to take the time to honor these kids. There was a time when this language couldn’t be spoken, and now our youngest in the community get to speak it in gatherings, and I think that’s something to be proud of.”
Lushootseed Manager Natosha Gobin added, “Seeing the kids consistently for a week is good. I wish we could keep them for longer. But it seems to be the perfect amount of time for this age group to spend one week with us. They are able to pick up all the teachings, and they have fun doing the crafts. The play will never be perfect, but the kids will always remember it.”
“Camp was fun!” said Eddie, a camp student. “My favorite part was when we got to make the paddles. I made an orange one. I learned that when you bother the whale, he will eat you, and you will learn a lesson.”
Another student, Kamille, enthusiastically confirmed that she had a great time at camp. and particularly enjoyed going to the beach. When asked what she learned during the play, she replied, “I learned to sing songs.”
Wrapping up the 27th annual Lushootseed camp, one thing is sure: the kids will come and learn a bit about their culture, but the memories of being a part of the play and being with friends will last a lifetime.
