Arts & Entertainment Archives - Page 29 of 112

Hibulb United Schools Spring Pow Wow brings community together

by Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

The Hibulb United Schools Spring Pow Wow was held at Totem Middle School on Saturday May 14, 2016. The venue was small, however, it was a more intimate setting, which allowed everybody to take part in the festivities. There were five drum circles, and several vendors selling clothing, beadwork, art prints, sage, and sweet grass.

A dinner, featuring hamburger stew, dinner rolls, and fresh fruit, took place before the grand entry. Once everybody made their way to the gym, Totem Middle School Principal, Tarra Patrick, briefly spoke of the importance culture, and keeping traditions alive. MC, Arlie Neskahi, then welcomed everybody and a culture filled night with drums, singing, dancing, competition and laughter followed.

In the middle of the ceremony, all dancers stopped on a whistle, elder Charlie Pierce, signaled for everybody to stop momentarily. “Thank you all for stopping immediately, there is a pressing issue that I must acknowledge right now,” said Pierce, “Three times I was stopped in my tracks, there is somebody here who is hurting, three separate occasions something came to me and told me I have to address this situation.” He then called for complete silence while he prayed for the gym. Pierce continued, “Whoever you are, if you are going through a tough time, then get yourself out here, there is medicine on this dancefloor come and receive your healing.”

The evening really began after that moment; dozens of on-lookers came out and danced, seeking healing, A father, who brought his new born out to dance said “That was amazing, I am not sure if there was a particular person that was addressed to, but there were many people who needed this, and his words gave them the courage to get up, share memories and have some fun.”

In between dances there were raffles, donations, and birthday wishes. Gifts were also handed out. One of the gifts were coloring books for every kid that danced. “I think the books were a great gift, we worked with Everett Community College, and we just wanted to encourage kids to stay in school.” stated committee member Terrance Sabbas,“I am very happy with the turn out, especially because our community had so many events going on in the same night.”

Terrance expressed that the vision of the Hibulb Pow Wow was to create a more traditional experience. “It’s officially Pow Wow season! We just wanted to have a more traditional vibe, we paid drums equally, we had competitions, but we didn’t want it to be about the prizes. We wanted to bring it back to the days where the community got together and enjoyed good song and dance.”

sgʷigʷialʔtxʷ at 20: Building upon the past, visioning into the future

Young Nation Ka’ila Farrell-Smith (Klamath/Modoc). 2015. Oil paint, spray paint, wax crayon on canvas. “Young Nation is a painting using direct visual symbolism to create dialogue about the attempted erasure of Indigenous cultures through forced assimilation by violent European colonization in the Americas (and abroad). American mythologies of ‘manifest destiny’, ‘frontier expansionism’ along with the use of Christianity’s land claims via papal bull’s like the Doctrine of Discovery were utilized to enact agendas such as: Indian Boarding Schools, Termination acts, Relocation acts, Reservations, land theft and biological warfare. This systemic and environmental racism is still happening across Indian Country today. Young Nation asks the questions: is forced colonization worth the attempted erasure and destruction of Indigenous culture, art & paradigm? There is sadness and pain in recognizing the losses, but there is also an empowerment in acknowledging the injustice. When the dominant culture is unaware of the ugly horrors in our shared histories, such as the Indian Boarding schools whose motto was “Kill the Indian, Save the Man,” then I feel creating paintings that bring light to these cultural secrets are of the imperative.” — **Young Nation –** Ka’ila Farrell-Smith (Klamath/Modoc). 2015. Oil paint, spray paint, wax crayon on canvas.
“Young Nation is a painting using direct visual symbolism to create dialogue about the attempted erasure of Indigenous cultures through forced assimilation by violent European colonization in the Americas (and abroad). American mythologies of ‘manifest destiny’, ‘frontier expansionism’ along with the use of Christianity’s land claims via papal bull’s like the Doctrine of Discovery were utilized to enact agendas such as: Indian Boarding Schools, Termination acts, Relocation acts, Reservations, land theft and biological warfare. This systemic and environmental racism is still happening across Indian Country today. Young Nation asks the questions: is forced colonization worth the attempted erasure and destruction of Indigenous culture, art & paradigm?
There is sadness and pain in recognizing the losses, but there is also an empowerment in acknowledging the injustice. When the dominant culture is unaware of the ugly horrors in our shared histories, such as the Indian Boarding schools whose motto was “Kill the Indian, Save the Man,” then I feel creating paintings that bring light to these cultural secrets are of the imperative.”

by Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The House of Welcome Longhouse Education and Cultural Center located at Evergreen State College in Olympia is celebrating 20 years of groundbreaking work. Work that emphasizes promoting indigenous arts and cultures through education, cultural preservation, and creative expression. The House of Welcome celebrates the essence of that work with its latest exhibition, Building Upon the Past, Visioning Into the Future.

Curated by Longhouse staff members, Erin Genia (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate) and Linley Logan (Seneca), the exhibition features the works of artists from this land, local Squaxin Island, Skokomish, Puyallup and many other Salish tribes. Tribes from across the nation are also represented, from Alaska, the Plains, and across the Pacific Rim, including Kanaka Maoli artists from Hawaii and Maori artists from New Zealand.

We Are Their Only Voice Scraped Bucket, Salmon and Beaver. Dawn Walden (Mackinac Band of Chippewa and Ottawa). Birch bark, cedar bark, cedar roots, sweetgrass, bass wood corded handle. “Essense of Birch Tree. Though I consider myself a Contemporary Native Artist, I look for the sacred in form and traditional materials, blending contemporary with traditional weaving. For me it is about showing respect for the tradition and spirit of the materials, always seeking a balance between myself, the materials, and the form they are creating. There is a sense that I am imbuing admiration, respect and belonging to the solid form of the tree, plants and the artwork as well. I would like the viewer to be removed from current time and space, and drawn into the work so they might experience what I have translated. It is no longer a thing, but a trigger for the expression of feeling.” — **We Are Their Only Voice Scraped Bucket, Salmon and Beaver.**
Dawn Walden (Mackinac Band of Chippewa and Ottawa). Birch bark, cedar bark, cedar roots, sweetgrass, bass wood corded handle.
“Essense of Birch Tree. Though I consider myself a Contemporary Native Artist, I look for the sacred in form and traditional materials, blending contemporary with traditional weaving. For me it is about showing respect for the tradition and spirit of the materials, always seeking a balance between myself, the materials, and the form they are creating. There is a sense that I am imbuing admiration, respect and belonging to the solid form of the tree, plants and the artwork as well.
I would like the viewer to be removed from current time and space, and drawn into the work so they might experience what I have translated. It is no longer a thing, but a trigger for the expression of feeling.”

“This exhibition reflects the twenty years of building relationships with artists locally, regionally, nationally and internationally,” stated exhibition co-curator Erin Genia. “Native artists are using so many different methods for expressing themselves and we really wanted to display as many of those methods as possible. The result is we have close to ninety beautiful pieces of art, treasures really, that make up this exhibition.”

The subjects and techniques exhibited by the Longhouse artists draw from a diverse range of stylistic traditions, which arise from cultural teachings, ancestral lineages, and each artist’s unique experiences as indigenous peoples. Works on display include paintings, drums, carving, beadwork, photography, baskets, and jewelry.

“As a curator of this exhibition it’s such an awe-inspiring experience to hear from the artists themselves as to the perspective and inspiration behind their artwork,” added fellow co-curator Linley Logan. “We have artists who are very traditional and roots oriented; artists who use the natural resources around them to showcase their creativeness. In a contemporary lifestyle in nature, we’ve continued to use the resources around us which now include materials other than natural materials. We’ve come full circle in our intent to build upon the past and vision into the future creatively and intellectually as indigenous people.”

hat — **Cedar Bark Fedora.** Patti Puhn (Squaxin Island). 2016. Red and yellow cedar bard, sinew, pheasant feathers.

Sustaining Traditions for Future Generations. Kelly Church. Grand Traverse Bay of Ottawa and Chippewa. 2014. Black ash, sweetgrass, Rit dye, black ash bark, black ash splints. — **Sustaining Traditions for Future Generations.** Kelly Church. Grand Traverse Bay of Ottawa and Chippewa. 2014. Black ash, sweetgrass, Rit dye, black ash bark, black ash splints.

I Believe in Falcons Kayeri Akweks (Upper Mohawk, Six Nations Reserve). 2015. Watercolor, graphite, prisma, red iron oxide on 100% rag paper. “I recognize that there are two cores of identity within me and at their fundamental, both have direct internal attachment to and beliefs in the land as a constant spiritual force. Indigenous people know things - the land gives authentic direction about how to live. The land can and will offer instructions about healing. In my experience, I’ve consistently found that all of nature communicates concerning their healing properties, that lying directly next to the earth will comfort you and send love into your pain, that there is strengthening power in expressing gratitude, that self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others is about cleaning one’s own soul. Lately, I have added these: that love can and does heal anything and everything, that connecting to Creator/Source daily makes more love, clarity, and cleans the earth - and somehow helps ancestors who in turn are more available to assist.” — **I Believe in Falcons.** Kayeri Akweks (Upper Mohawk, Six Nations Reserve). 2015. Watercolor, graphite, prisma, red iron oxide on 100% rag paper.
“I recognize that there are two cores of identity within me and at their fundamental, both have direct internal attachment to and beliefs in the land as a constant spiritual force. Indigenous people know things – the land gives authentic direction about how to live. The land can and will offer instructions about healing.
In my experience, I’ve consistently found that all of nature communicates concerning their healing properties, that lying directly next to the earth will comfort you and send love into your pain, that there is strengthening power in expressing gratitude, that self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others is about cleaning one’s own soul. Lately, I have added these: that love can and does heal anything and everything, that connecting to Creator/Source daily makes more love, clarity, and cleans the earth – and somehow helps ancestors who in turn are more available to assist.”

The exhibition was on display from March 31 – May 11. The House of Welcome was gracious to allow syəcəb staff a private tour of the exhibition so that we could share amazingly creative and exceptional Native art with our readers over the next couple issues.

Hibulb United Schools Spring Powwow, May 14

“For the Next Seven Generations” Film at Hibulb Cultural Center, March 29

Hibulb Cultural Center Film Series Event presents “For the Next Seven Generations” a film documenting the work of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, tonight beginning at 6pm.

Easter at the Tulalip Resort Casino: One Special Day, Several Dining Choices

On Sunday, March 27, Select From Several Egg-citing Dining Options For The Whole Family

Tulalip, Washington — The chef team at the Tulalip Resort Casino has hatched several egg-citing dining options for the whole family. Guests can choose between two grand buffet brunches with one in the Orca Ballroom and one at their signature Eagles Buffet, to dinner specials at the award-winning Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill, Tulalip Bay Restaurant and Cedars Cafe. The offerings are a dining sanctuary for the senses.

Annual Orca Ballroom Easter Sunday Brunch
The annual Easter festivities in the Orca Ballroom are an awe-inspiring culinary adventure for the entire family. Diners can enjoy an array of specialties, such as the made-to-order omelet station, a carving station with Roast Baron of Beef and Bone in Ham, Niçoise Potato Salad, pasta station featuring a build your own Fettuccine and more, and Teriyaki Salmon with shiitake mushrooms, to Pigs in the Blanket and a Belgian Waffle display with fresh berries, whipped cream and maple syrup.

For the sweet tooth in all of us—a plethora of dessert delights will be available, featuring Carrot Cake with maple cream cheese frosting, Decorated Egg Shaped Sugar Cookies, Tropical Fruit Breton Tart, Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons, Lemon Panna Cotta, and Individual Blueberry Crisps.

Children can also enjoy their very own kid’s knee-high buffet, featuring Mini Pepperoni Pizzas, Chicken Strips, Macaroni and Cheese Bites, and Mini Burgers.

Adults and children can celebrate the holiday in grand style in the Resort’s Orca Ballroom, with seating from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. Easter brunch is priced at $42 inclusive for adults and $22 for children ages 4 to 12. Reservations* are highly recommended and can be made by calling 360-716-6888.

*Note: All reservations will have pre-assigned tables; each reservation will require pre-payment at time of booking and is non-refundable; parties of 10 or more will be placed within close proximity of each other.

Eagles Buffet
Eagles Buffet is offering a mouth-watering selection for Easter Sunday Brunch, Dinner, and items that will be served all day during both meal services. The menu** will feature a selection of brunch items, such as Made to Order Waffles, Steak and Eggs with chopped onion rings and pepper jack cheese, Prime Rib Hash, French Toast Casserole with bananas and rum sauce, and BBQ Braised Pork Belly.

With a nod towards dinner, here are a few palate teasers: Rotisserie Leg of Lamb with rosemary and garlic, Artichoke and Spinach Stuffed Chicken wrapped in bacon, Smoked BBQ Beef Ribs, Stuffed Shells with Italian sausage marinara sauce, and Vegetable Lasagna.

Throughout the day guests can also enjoy chef specials, such as the Baked Wild Salmon with lemon dill pepper, Slow Roasted Prime Rib, Honey Baked Ham, Tender Pot Roast, a grand Salad Bar, and a huge dessert selection with Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream.

Savor Eagles Buffet Easter Sunday Brunch and Dinner all day from 9 am to 9 pm. The holiday brunch and dinner are priced at $24.95 for adults and $13.95 for children ages 2 to 10 (prices do not include sales tax and gratuity). Tables are seated on a first come, first served basis. For more information, call 360-716-1462, or visit online at www.tulalipresort.com.

**Note: Menu items subject to change due to availability.

Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill
Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill is the Resort’s innovative Pacific Northwest seafood restaurant, influenced by traditional tribal culture and cuisine, served in a casual setting.

This year, Chef David Buchanan will be serving fresh Pacific Halibut with a pine nut pesto crust laced with Parmesan Cheese and served with gourmet rice blend, baby carrots, patty pain squash, French green beans, and pesto lemon beurre blanc for $39. The special will be available in addition to the regular dinner menu from 5 pm until closing on Sunday, March 27, 2016. To book a table online, visit OpenTable, or reserve by phone at 360-716-1100.

Tulalip Bay Restaurant
Tulalip Bay Restaurant is a winning combination of a classic steakhouse and a traditional Italian restaurant with a superior wine list — where old world taste is fused with local Northwest ingredients.

For Easter 2016, Tulalip Bay Chef Jeremy Taisey has crafted a Lavender and Rosemary Crusted Lamb accompanied with cauliflower puree, local fiddleheads, apricots, wild mushrooms, and lamb demi-glace. The special is priced at $40 and will be available in addition to the regular dinner menu from 5 pm until closing on Sunday, March 27, 2016. To book a table online, visit OpenTable, or reserve by phone at 360-716-1500.

Cedars Cafe
Cedars offers a relaxed atmosphere for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

This Easter Sunday, Chef Brent Clarkson is serving up lamb chops rubbed with olive oil, seasoned with garlic and a fresh herb marinade; served with a Riesling wine demi-glace, orange mint sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, charred asparagus, and crispy onion straws. The special will be available for $25 and comes with a choice of a house salad or soup du jour; and will be in addition to the regular menu on Sunday, March 27, 2016. Cedars Cafe is open 24 hours a day. For more information and to reserve a table by phone, call 360-716-1276.

Skate On: New skate park opens at Tulalip

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

It was back on May 3, 2014 that the Tulalip Board of Directors made a motion to approve funding to build a community skate park. The skate park’s purpose is to give Tulalip youth another recreational opportunity, while offering alternative sport modalities to youth not interested in the most popular reservation activities, such as basketball, volleyball, and weight lifting. Nearly 21 months after the Board motion, after much careful planning and collaboration with Tulalip skateboarders, the Debra Barto Memorial Skate Park officially opened on Friday, February 19.

There has always been a passion for skateboarding amongst Tulalip youth, but they didn’t have an outlet for that passion or a location to showcase their skateboarding skills on the reservation until now. The newly minted Tulalip skate park cost an estimated $400,000 and is nearly 12,000 square feet in size. It features a variety of skating elements including half-pipes, quarter-pipes, ramps, bowls, and grinding rails.

Ours is but one of the growing number of skate parks being built on Pacific Northwest reservations to address the recreational needs of Native youth. Recently, the Port Gamble S’Klallam, Muckleshoot, and Lummi reservations have opened skate parks of their own.

Seattle-based Grindline Skatepark, Inc was contracted for the design and construction of Tulalip’s skate park. Grindline emphasizes community engagement during the design process, and that was displayed during a number of collaboration meetings Grindline designers had with Tulalip skateboarders and the Board of Directors.

Grindline, who also built the Port Gamble S’Klallam skate park, is well-known for creating progressive and engaging skate parks with a design philosophy that each be tailored to its users and existing surroundings. To tailor to the Tulalip location, key aspects of our culture can be found in the skate park as stylized representations of a lake, river, waves and even an orca tail fin.

Prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony held at the skate park, there was a presentation to honor the skate park’s namesake Debra Parto. According to those who knew her best, her friends and family, Debra was a beautiful, kind and gentle spirit who had a nurturing energy to all. She loved helping people and supporting the youth in the Tulalip community.

Debra was familiar with skateboarding through her children and their friends. She became a big supporter of the sport and all of the youth who participated in it. For many years, she would listen to the youth’s dream of having their own skate park in Tulalip and she started dreaming with them. Debra was determined to see the youth’s dream to have skate park built on the reservation come to fruition. She supported youth in the request for funding in 2014.

Debra passed away June 24 of breast cancer at age 49, but her determination lived on through her children and all those youth she dreamed with. Now, we are able to honor her for her fight, encouragement, support and love with what is now the Debra Barto Memorial Skate Park.

“She wanted to make sure the young ones were happy and they have a fun, safe place to go,” said Debra’s son Shane McLean. “When you’re out there skating, you fall down a lot and get a lot of scrapes and bruises. That’s how I think my mom’s life was, with a lot of ups and downs, but she always got back up and kept on doing her thing.”

Having a skate park in our community will address many of the goals the Board and Youth Service workers are tasked to achieve for our Native youth. Understanding the need to support the youth who wish to pursue healthy, active lifestyles and provide them a safe and fun area to progress in their athletic interests has remained a constant mission for the Tulalip Tribes.

The commitment to Tulalip youth is commendable and goes to show we will continue to invest in them. As Board of Director Theresa Sheldon said at the ribbon cutting ceremony, “The true leaders are our youth, and any time we can give them a voice and a platform then that’s what we’ll do.”

In the next syəcəb issue we will be detailing the opening of the Alpheus Gunny Jones Sr. Ball Field. With the additions of the ball field and our skate park, the popular Tulalip Youth Center will continue to grow in capacity and further diversify the activities local youth can participate in.

Contact Micheal Rios: mrios@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov