Category: Health

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News  

As the New Year begins, many people find themselves seeking change, growth, and a renewed sense of direction. At Tulalip, the Season of Healing series has become a space where that kind of reflection is welcomed, encouraged, and grounded in cultural strength. On January 6, community members gathered for the fourth installment of the series, entering 2026 with the intention of honoring the teachings and relationships that guide their way forward. This month’s gathering centered on uplifting the men who shape Tulalip families and futures, recognizing the important roles held by grandfathers, fathers, and uncles.

The day opened with a lunchtime talk at the Tulalip Administration Building led by Coast Salish artist Walter Moses, whose work has become a recognizable part of the Puget Sound landscape. Walter shared stories about his artistic journey, the cultural teachings that guide his work, and the responsibility borne by those watched by younger generations. His carvings and artwork appear throughout the region, including his water-themed installation at the University Village Starbucks in Seattle, where salmon, otter, canoe, and killer whale imagery reflect the Coast Salish connections to water, identity, and community.

Later that evening, community members made their way to the Tulalip Gathering Hall for the workshop titled “Honoring Fatherhood: Uplifting Our Grandfathers, Fathers, and Uncles — Walk with Honor, Speak with Care, Your Footsteps Guide the Generations.” Through shared stories, teachings, and reflection, the workshop highlighted the strength and stability men bring to their families and the wider community.

Walter reinforced these teachings by reminding those in attendance of the impact men have on youth simply through everyday actions. “Men give guidance, protection, presence, and example. All of these are beyond biology. Men have always been our first teachers. Whether we are trying to teach or not, the children are always watching,” he said. “Children are constantly asking themselves questions like, ‘Do I belong here? Do I matter? Am I safe?’ And they learn the answers not through instruction but through experience. Belonging is something we show them again and again through consistency and care.”

This message echoed throughout the evening: even when men are not trying to be role models, they inherently are. Youth absorb the way men speak, act, and respond to challenges. Being present, attentive, and consistent was emphasized as one of the greatest gifts a man can offer a child. This aligns with research from the Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which found that children with engaged fathers or male role models develop stronger emotional security, improved social skills, better academic performance, and fewer behavioral challenges.

However, the night also carried a heavier weight as the community continues to reel from the recent brutal attack on a Tulalip elder. Board of Director Theresa Sheldon addressed the hurt and urgency surrounding the incident, saying, “Violence is never the answer. It’s the violence in our community that has to be talked about and has to be dealt with. We have to demand better for ourselves and our families, and how we hold parents accountable and how we hold our youth accountable for violence.” 

Following Theresa’s message, Tulalip Tribal Police Chief Shawn Ledford spoke powerfully about public safety, community trust, and the responsibility his department carries. He shared not only professional insight but personal emotion, explaining how deeply violence affects those who serve. 

He began by saying,  “I want to speak about what’s on my mind and what’s in my heart. When you’re in law enforcement, and you work in a community like Tulalip, one of the best things is we know the people, we know our community. But it’s also hard when we see senseless acts of violence. And it is our job to keep this community safe. It’s my job to keep this community safe. And I want to let you know that what we do behind the scenes is we talk about the priorities of this Tulalip community, that people want to feel safe in their homes. We want our kids to be safe in the schools. We want people to be safe at work. And we’re also compassionate. We serve with compassion. We serve with courage. And we want to hold people accountable to reasonable standards. But there are some times that we’re going to have zero tolerance. Zero tolerance for  gang violence, gang affiliation, anything associated with that on the reservation, or any acts of violence that are towards an elder.”

His words added a firm, necessary reminder: healing must be paired with action, safety, and a commitment from everyone in the community to reject violence in all forms.

Following Chief Ledford, Ty Juvenile spoke on the responsibility men carry when they choose to guide others. “It’s important to make a choice to be a father figure, because it’s a choice. Being a father figure doesn’t necessarily mean your own kids. It could be any kid — the kids down the street or kids at another school. Being a father is a choice.”

Deyamonta Diaz offered gratitude for the positive role models who shaped him into the man he is today. “I have had plenty of men be good father figures in my family and not in my family,” Diaz said, later thanking Josh Fryberg for teaching through presence and example. “I witnessed Josh be a good man and father figure to his children and family.”

The final witness, Bradley Fryberg, reflected on his challenging youth and the unexpected mentor who helped guide him back onto a healthy path. “We can prevent things like that incident the other night by trying to point the young men in the right direction,” he said. “It could be as simple as lending an ear or buying a Gatorade for someone who needs it. Sometimes they need guidance or love – something they just don’t have at home.”

Among the community members attending was Cesar Santibanez, who shared how several men shaped his own growth. “My uncle Whaakadup Monger, my dad Oscar Santibanez, and a buddy that passed away, Tony Craig,” he said. “Whaakadup taught me how to be more spiritual and connect. My dad taught me how to be a son and to become a father. And Tony showed me how to be an entrepreneur, to keep pushing forward even when you are tired.” Reflecting on how Tulalip men support strength and guidance in the community, he added, “Everybody just has to be there for one another, even when times are tough. Sometimes just being there for them is good enough.”

As the evening came to a close, the message was unmistakable: healing grows when men step forward with presence, intention, strength, and care. In honoring their roles as protectors and teachers, Tulalip continues to strengthen the generational ties that hold the community together.

The next Season of Healing, “From Surviving to Thriving” will take place on Thursday, February 12. The day will include a special lunchtime session with the Tulalip Youth Council, offering young leaders an opportunity to share their perspectives as the community continues its journey into the new year.

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News 

Physical therapy has long been proven to help individuals regain strength, mobility, and independence, particularly after an injury or surgery. However, recent studies indicate that aquatic physical therapy can enhance these benefits even further. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints, making movement easier and less painful, while the resistance naturally strengthens muscles and improves balance. Research published in the JAMA Network Open found that patients who participated in aquatic therapy experienced longer-lasting relief from chronic pain and improved mobility compared to those who received traditional land-based therapy. Water’s hydrostatic pressure also improves circulation and stability, allowing participants to move freely and safely while rebuilding confidence in their bodies.

That same philosophy of movement through healing water is now being offered to Tulalip community members through the new Aquatic Physical Therapy program led by physical therapist Agnes Borjal of the Tulalip Health Clinic. The program, held at the Stanwood YMCA, represents a thoughtful blend of science, accessibility, and cultural connection.

Agnes explained that the decision to host the program in Stanwood was made after carefully evaluating several nearby facilities. “My background with aquatic physical therapy is that I had been working at the Everett YMCA with Providence Physical Therapy, and I created the aquatic program there,” she said. “The amenities were essentially the reason why we chose Stanwood. We originally tried to get the Everett locale, but they had so many programs, and I didn’t want our elders or patients to feel rushed to participate in their aquatic program. Then we looked at the Marysville Y, but it didn’t have the riverwalk or stairs into the pool space. The Stanwood YMCA mirrored what I had created before at Everett, and I knew patients would feel more comfortable with that kind of timing.”

Her passion for water therapy runs deeper than convenience or logistics. It is rooted in understanding how water connects to the Tulalip community’s identity. “Learning about the history of the Tulalip Tribes, I’m essentially an outsider. I’m Indigenous to my culture, which is the Philippines, but learning about the Coast Salish tribes and how water was so fundamental in their life, I felt like pool therapy would be so meaningful as a medium,” she said. “Water is healing. We talk about movement being medicine, but in my 20 years as a therapist, I’ve learned that the medium of water brings its own properties into that healing space. I love that historic background for the tribe.”

When Agnes joined the Tulalip Health Clinic, she saw an opportunity to expand the integrative health program to include aquatic therapy. “Coming onto the team, I loved the direction the clinic was taking,” she said. “They had this holistic vision of Native health, healing, Reiki, massage therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy, and I wanted to bring in another aspect for our skilled PT services. I asked, ‘Have you considered aquatic physical therapy?’ because of chronic pain. At my previous clinic, we successfully transitioned many of our chronic pain patients into aquatic programs, not just for the physical benefits, but also for the social ones. Group sessions foster connections and promote wellness beyond just recovery. Since Tulalip already had partnerships with the YMCA, it made sense to create this bridge for patients to feel safe and supported in that space.”

Each aquatic therapy session begins on land at the Tulalip Health Clinic, where a physician’s referral helps determine treatment needs. “You’ll see me on land first because our goal is always to perform better on land,” Agnes said. “The first visit is a session in the clinic, and then we move into the water. We do warm-ups, balance and endurance exercises, and cool-downs, just like on land. However, underwater, we can also perform manual therapy, which is really enjoyable. Patients can experience weightless posture, and their joint and muscle tensions release in a totally different way.”

The program is designed for individuals facing chronic pain, arthritis, mobility challenges, or those recovering from surgery. “It’s great for people with multiple joint pain, chronic pain issues, or balance problems, and for anyone who has a high fall risk or struggles to exercise on land,” Agnes said. “Because a physician prescribes the therapy, it’s covered through insurance for Tulalip Health Clinic patients.”

Currently, the Aquatic Physical Therapy program is exclusively available to Tulalip tribal members who receive care through the Tulalip Health Clinic. Because it’s a medically prescribed service rather than a public exercise class, participants are referred directly by their healthcare providers.

Since the sessions take place at the Stanwood YMCA, about a 25-minute drive from Tulalip, transportation can be a consideration for some patients. Currently, there is no formal shuttle or group transportation in place, although the idea has been discussed among clinic staff and community programs.

“Right now, our physical therapy patients are getting to the Stanwood YMCA on their own,” Agnes explained. “There have been early discussions about possible transportation support through the senior program or community health, but since the program is still new, patients are currently responsible for arranging their own rides.”

Since its recent launch, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “They’ve loved it,” Agnes said with a smile. “Usually, sessions start one-on-one, then move into duet or group sessions. I think the biggest thing is that people are learning how their bodies respond to active recovery. I’ve seen so much improvement, especially among patients preparing for surgery. Some are waiting on knee replacements and tell me how much better they feel just being able to move their whole body again.”

The partnership with the Stanwood YMCA has also been strong. “They’ve been so welcoming and kind,” Agnes said. “The staff and regular members are supportive, and I’ve had patients say how comfortable they feel there. Some people even ask if they can join our sessions, but I remind them it’s exclusive for Tulalip Health Connect patients, which is kind of neat because it shows how visible and valued the program is becoming.”

When asked how she measures success, Agnes didn’t hesitate. “It’ll come from our patients, their outcomes, how they feel treated, and how their recovery carries forward,” she said. “Our goal is to help them become independent with a mindful movement program for themselves. The true testament is when they can go back to their normal routines, gardening, fishing, preparing their boats, without worrying about pain holding them back.”

For anyone hesitant to try aquatic therapy, her message is simple. “This is an environment meant to help your body feel lighter and freer,” she said. “Let the water support you. Let it help you find movement again.”

Agnes hopes this new program will become a lasting part of Tulalip’s larger health and wellness journey. “I think this is one of those things that can help inspire,” she said. “Learning about the Coast Salish tribes and their water connection, I see how resilient the Tulalip people are, always doing their best for their community. This program is a reflection of that. We just want to do our best by the people, following the Tribe’s vision, mission, and values.”

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

From the northside Tulalip Resort Casino parking lot, you could hear the sound of music, laughter, excited conversations, and an occasional joyous shriek, followed by a kerplunk and splish-splash of water, on the afternoon of September 3. It was an 80-degree day and though the volunteers of the large dunk tank, at the center of the Tulalip Amphitheater, feigned terror of falling into the tank, one could easily surmise that they felt a bit of relief from the weather once they hit the cold water. 

Fold in tables with portable awnings were placed along the vendor plateau of the amphitheater. And catching some shade underneath the canopies were friendly faces who were ready to answer any questions from the local recovery community. In addition to the many information booths, there was also a dedicated hair braiding area, a lemonade stand, a hot dog kiosk, and a haircut station. There were smiles everywhere you looked as both participants and graduates of the Tulalip Healing to Wellness Court caught up with each other and visited the resource tables. 

“I came out today in honor of past family and friends, to support my own sobriety, and to come together with the sobriety community and enjoy time with my friends,” shared Wellness Court participant, Victor Garcia. “I visited pretty much all of the booths today, the dunk tank, Erika’s lemonade, and I got my haircut. It’s a really cool event and a lot of fun.”

Over the past several years, the Healing to Wellness Court has had a significant impact on the Tulalip community. The intensive program has helped many Tribal members find sobriety with a personalized 18-month plan that always incorporates a cultural component. Through group therapy and events, the people in the Wellness Court have developed community and found strength in supporting one another.

Recently, a number of graduates of the program created an alumni group where they meet twice a week at the Tulalip Recovery Resource Center and continue to uplift each other in their daily lives. 

Erika Moore, Wellness Court Treatment Coordinator, explained, “We’ve been trying to start an alumni group for the longest time because we wanted people to be able to have a fun and safe place to go after Wellness Court. We finally got a group of people who all like to hang out. The alumni is just a group of friends who enjoy helping each other stay in recovery because it’s really hard when you get out in the real world and you don’t have that sober support. And that’s exactly why we built the alumni group.”

Wanting to extend their support to the entire recovery community, the alumni planned this event with an emphasis on helping people access the many resources that Tulalip and its surrounding communities offer. 

Said Wellness Court Alum, Kyle Moses, “This is the first big event that we’ve actually done. It’s something that’s needed, because we have support in the courtroom, and certain people have certain groups together. But for us all to be able to come together, outside of the court, outside of our groups, and be there to support each other it’s important. Any resource event is good. There’s a lot of resources that people don’t know about, so being able to see them in person, it’s always a good thing.”

In total, there were a dozen resource tables at the four-hour event including TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), TOCLA (Tulalip Office of Civil Legal Aid), the Recovery Resource Center, Cocaine Anonymous, Holman Recovery Center, the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services, and the Quil Ceda Creek Counseling Company. The goal for both the alumni and the Wellness Court is to build on this event and grow the number of resource tables and participants year after year.

“This is just the beginning,” exclaimed Leora Jones, Wellness Court Program Manager. “We’re hoping that we can continue this and continue bringing in more resources for the participants and continue to collaborate with all these departments. These are all resources that the participants can benefit from and can help move them along their journey. I think that a lot of people don’t know that these resources are available through the Tribe. And so, the idea of it was to bring them all in one place and have the participants be able to go to each booth and see what’s available for them. And the dunk tank was just a bonus. It’s so great for the participants and the alumni to come together. I think that just having them in a group setting like this, they thrive off of each other. They understand each other’s struggle; they want to help each other. And that’s what we want for them.” 

After winning a hat in the raffle, Victor took a moment to share, “It’s a really loving feeling, that’s for sure. To be able to have [the alumni] there for you, as well as the Wellness Court. They watch out for us, they help keep us on track, they hold us accountable, and they give us the tools we need to move forward, even if it’s small steps. I think the sobriety community had a really good time this summer, and this was a good close to the summer.”

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Have you heard about the new program available to Tribal families through Tulalip Family Haven? Centered around Tulalip traditions, stories, and activities, the Cultural Parenting Program helps connect families to their heritage and ancestral teachings while also providing a space for teens and parents to grow together and address issues they are facing within the family unit.

At its essence, the Cultural Parenting Program was specifically designed for families with adolescents between the ages of 10-18, who are currently experiencing the difficult trials and tribulations of youth that many Indigenous teens face while growing up. 

Family Haven Director, Alison Bowen, shared, “We were often seeing that families that had guardianship of children, when they hit ages 13 to 16, there was an increase in issues for the families – between the youth and the adults being able to communicate with each other. And what I was hoping for is that we could create something that had those really good hands-on techniques for helping families maneuver around difficult behaviors, by using a cultural lens, reflecting on traditions and tribal knowledge of raising children in our community.”

She continued, “The goal is for families to feel better prepared to deal with issues and resolve them in a way that feels good for them, but also to think about how to prevent issues from coming up. The program focuses on youth who are having difficulties, whether they’re having problems at school or whether they’re arguing with their parents all the time – and just supporting the youth through those troubling teenage times.” 

By combining two successful evidence-based programs, Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) and the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), and implementing a healthy dose of Tulalip culture, Family Haven has curated a 16-session program that will help strengthen the family’s communication and their overall bond. The program is tailored to each family’s needs, and though the topics of conversation and issues addressed will vary from family to family, the lessons and exercises are all based around the Tulalip way of life.

“We’re aiming to have16 sessions over a six-month period, so we could build a deeper connection between me, the parents, and the youth,” explained Cultural Parenting Specialist, Andrea Coberly. “I’ll be having those one-on-ones with the parents and the youth separately and then together. And sometimes I’ll help by giving them prompts to talk about. One of my favorite sessions is the cedar paddle exercise where I go in and explain a canoe to the family. A lot of these families don’t necessarily have that direct tie-in to the culture, to the traditions.  I have pictures of a canoe that is full of people. I explain what a skipper is and then I have them envision a scenario where they’re the skipper, the canoe is their life. Who are your pullers? Who is going to help you navigate the rough waters?”

Andrea also stated that throughout the program, the families will also learn about traditional plants and medicines, as well as attend a drum making class. Family Haven will also incorporate a number of stories into their curriculum that is sourced from the elders at the senior center, helping those important and educational Tulalip stories live on. 

The idea behind the program is that by integrating ancestral knowledge into modern day parenting plans, the families will gain a new perspective on their ongoing problems and develop a better understanding of where some of those issues historically stem from. And through that understanding, they can find common ground and build a strong foundation for their relationships going forward. 

Said Andrea, “The way that I explain it to them is, let’s start at the root of the problem, which is what our ancestors went through, what our great grandparents and grandparents went through. So, the boarding schools, and how that experience has trickled down to how we’re parenting our kids now, with all the negative discipline tactics. How can we work through to remove those? How can we create positive ones? How can we acknowledge what has happened to us, but also forgive our parents, knowing that they went through this as well? How can we work to stop that cycle? We’re focused on really building upon the positive. And those interaction skills will create better bonds between the family, so the youth feel supported and empowered.”

Enrollment is referral-based, and you can be referred by beda?chelh, the Family Wellness Court, Family Services’ substance use disorder program, or by filling out a self-referral form online. You could learn more about the Cultural Parenting Program by contacting Family Haven directly at (360) 913-7357 or (360) 716-3284. You can also visit their website, www.TulalipTribes-nsn.gov/Dept/FamilyHaven, for further details, as well as access their universal referral form.

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Tulalip’s annual health fair once again brought the community together in the name of wellness, prevention, and togetherness. Starting on the morning of Friday, August 15, and continuing well into the late-summer afternoon, dozens of tribal programs, health professionals, and wellness advocates gathered under the Gathering Hall’s vaulted ceiling to provide resources, screenings, and hands-on activities designed to inspire healthy living.

What made this year’s event stand out was not just the variety of services and activities offered, but the overwhelming display of community participation. Children, parents, and elders alike came out in full force, filling the room with laughter, curiosity, and connection. The health fair has always been about medical check-ups and preventive health measures. But it’s also about caring for the mind, body, and spirit, while honoring the shared responsibility to keep one another healthy.

At its core, wellness is about prevention. Health Clinic staff were intentional about reminding participants that annual screenings can make all the difference when it comes to long-term wellness. Blood draws, finger pricks to check blood sugar levels, and blood pressure tests were available free of charge. For many, these screenings serve as an early warning system, helping to catch potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol before they become more serious.

“Our goal is to make it easy and comfortable for our people to stay on top of their health,” explained Health System deputy administrator Jennie Fryberg. “When you know your numbers, you can take small steps now that can prevent big problems later. That’s why these events are so important.

“There’s that saying, ‘Health is wealth’. That’s so true, especially here in Tulalip where our people are our greatest wealth,” she continued. “We want our children to grow up healthy, our adults to thrive, and our elders to live long, strong lives. With the outpouring of participation we’ve had we’re today, you could see and feel how the health fair brings us closer to that vision.”

Participants of all ages rolled up their sleeves for finger pricks and blood pressure cuffs, exemplifying Jennie’s sentiment that caring for oneself is an act of community responsibility. Parents encouraged their teens to get screened, while elders proudly modeled the importance of regular check-ups for younger generations.

“I just wanted to see what they had available here,” admitted Sonia Sohappy as she perused the many health fair stations. Her curiosity soon turned to a health-conscious cause as she got two vials of blood drawn for a full health screening. “I haven’t done blood work for a few years and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have it done here. It was super easy and convenient.” 

While health screenings provided essential data, the fair also made sure wellness was fun and engaging. Children lit up when they discovered the frisbee golf station, which encouraged movement and outdoor play. With discs flying across the lawn and friendly competition unfolding, it was easy to forget that the activity was really about promoting exercise and physical activity.

Nearby, families visited a booth offering healthy drink alternatives to sugary sodas and energy drinks. Participants sampled fruit-infused sparkling waters and refreshing Kombuchas while learning about the dangers of sugar overload and how small swaps can add up to big health benefits.

  “I’m trying to encourage healthy beverage choices by offering samples of low-sugar or no-sugar drink options. We’re realizing that many people aren’t aware of all the options available now. There’s so many brands that offer so many flavors,” said recently recruited member of the Diabetes Prevention crew, Virginia Jones. “By presenting just a sample of the many choices out there, we’re hoping to get adults and children to make the switch from high-sugar loaded drinks, like soda and energy drinks, to a much healthier low-sugar or no-sugar option.” 

Virginia was greeted by local community members of all ages who tried a swig or two of her healthy beverage options. Carlotta Davis was blown away by the full flavor profile of a strawberry vanilla Olipop. The prebiotic soda alternative is loaded with plant-based fiber and promotes good digestive health. 

Sisters, 10-year-old Udora and 8-year-old Yuliana, eagerly sampled a selection of Waterloo sparkling water flavors. Big sister wasn’t a fan, but that’s ok, just meant more for little sister who finished off her drink and her sister’s. “It’s good. I like it!” chimed young Yuliana while holding out her cup, hoping for a refill. 

For those seeking a calmer, more creative activity, flower bouquet and lavender bundle-making stations were a big hit. Elders and adults stood side by side, helping tie blossoms and fragrant herbs into arrangements that could be taken home as natural mood enhancers. This simple activity made wellness about more than numbers on a chart – it’s also about joy, creativity, and finding balance.

What stood out most about this year’s health fair was the intergenerational participation. Grandparents, parents, and children moved together from station to station, modeling what it means to prioritize health as a family and as a community.

That goes for work families, too. Coworkers Ratina Hatch, Rhylee Marchland and Santana Sheldon attended the event after the lunch hour rush. They went from table to table asking questions, gathering info, and taking the necessary steps to fill their complimentary yellow buckets with free merch and essential home aids. When they arrived at the blood pressure check station, the competitive spirit took hold. The question, “who has the lowest blood pressure?” had to be answered so bragging rights could be had. 

Rhylee and Santana were confident they had the lowest blood pressure, but were quickly informed that their caffeine-only consumption earlier in the day was a serious detriment in this competition. Both had higher than normal blood pressures (that darn coffee!). Meanwhile, Ratina casually took a seat, had the cuff wrapped around her arm, and breathed with an impressive level of nonchalance. The medical tech informed Ratina that her blood pressure was in the optimum zone. 

Bragging rights bestowed, Ratina shared, “It feels amazing to win our lowest blood pressure competition. I knew I was going to win. I’ve always had perfect blood pressure.”

Smiles, laughter, and meaningful conversations filled the Gathering Hall throughout the six-hour event. If there’s any singular takeaway, it’s the gentle reminder to community members that small, consistent actions – like an annual screening or choosing water over soda – are truly impactful forms of self-care.