Category: Health

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News  

It doesn’t start as a problem. For most, gambling is just a game, something to pass the time, win a little money, or enjoy with friends. But for a growing number of people, that game becomes much harder to walk away from. 

According to the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling, in Washington State alone, an estimated 2 to 4 percent of adults are at risk or already struggling with problem gambling, a mental health disorder that can quietly impact finances, relationships, and overall well-being.

That reality was at the center of Tulalip’s Problem Gambling Awareness Dinner, Recovery Builds Stronger Futures, held at the Tulalip Resort Casino on Sunday, March 29. 

Guests were welcomed with gift bags and a dinner featuring crab legs and salmon, setting a warm and inviting tone for an evening centered on healing, connection, and awareness. Special guest performer Notorious Cree, an internationally recognized hoop dancer from Alberta, Canada, brought both energy and cultural storytelling to the event. 

Known for blending traditional dance with modern performance, Notorious Cree delivered a powerful hoop dance that captivated the audience, weaving together multiple hoops into intricate shapes and symbols. He also invited a young attendee to join him, creating a heartfelt moment. The performance concluded with a round dance, bringing the community together and reinforcing the evening’s theme of unity and support. 

Also featured was Theda New Breast, who brought both humor and honesty to the evening. Raised on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana and later relocating to San Francisco during the Civil Rights Movement, Theda is a founding member of the Native Wellness Institute and an advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. She has also received a humanitarian award for her documentary Why The Women In My Family Don’t Drink Whiskey. 

Theda encouraged attendees to connect with one another, asking them to turn to those beside them and say, “You are handsome and beautiful,” followed by a playful reminder that “there will be no snagging tonight,” drawing laughter from the room. Her approach balanced lighthearted moments with serious conversation about the dangers and realities of gambling addiction. 

While the atmosphere remained uplifting, the message carried real weight. Problem gambling, also known as gambling disorder or compulsive gambling, is a recognized mental health condition that can impact individuals regardless of age, background, or income level. 

Warning signs include constantly thinking about gambling, needing to bet more money more often, chasing losses, mood swings tied to wins or losses, and choosing gambling over everyday responsibilities. In more severe cases, it can lead to financial hardship, job loss, strained relationships, and thoughts of suicide. 

The Tulalip Tribes Problem Gambling Program offers free, culturally responsive services including treatment, counseling, group support, and family therapy, all tailored to each individual seeking help. 

Among those in attendance was community member Loris Josephine Fryberg, who shared her personal connection to recovery.

“I used to struggle with addiction to gambling three years ago, and I haven’t gambled since I’ve been in recovery,” she said. “So it’s a really big inspiration to me to come to the casino and actually not have to gamble anymore.”

She spoke about the importance of sharing personal stories, even when it is difficult. “It’s hard until you do it once or twice, and then eventually it’s easier to talk about your story.” Once you know your story might help somebody, that’s when you really want to share it.”

One of her favorite moments came when her daughter, who is typically shy, joined her in dancing. “What stood out to me was that my daughter actually put her jingle dress on and got out there and danced with me,” she said.

Fryberg also expressed concern about the lack of awareness among younger generations. “I really don’t think enough is being done, but there could be a little bit more to let them know that gambling is really not a cool thing,” she said. “It can be an addiction.”

Janelle Lierman, a recovery coach for Gamblers Anonymous and one of the evening’s speakers, shared a deeply personal account of her journey.

Lierman explained that while she identifies as a compulsive gambler, that label does not define her.

“There is no stereotypical compulsive gambler,” she said. “We come from all cultures and backgrounds, and this disease does not discriminate. Compulsive gambling is not a financial problem; it’s an emotional one,” she said. “For me, it was an escape from problems I didn’t want to face.”

As her addiction worsened, it affected every part of her life. Her turning point came in April 2023, when she lost her job due to her gambling. Despite that, she went to the casino and lost everything she had. Even after coming clean to her husband, she returned again after receiving her final paycheck and lost that as well.

“That was the moment I knew I had a problem and needed help,” she said.

Lierman eventually found support through Gamblers Anonymous and began attending local meetings, including those in Tulalip. As part of her recovery, she helped start a Gamblers Anonymous meeting at the Tulalip Recovery Resource Center, which now meets every Thursday at noon.

She now serves as a recovery coach and sponsor, helping others facing similar struggles. “A stronger future looks like continuing recovery, not just for me, but for my family,” she said. “There’s hope. Just keep coming back. You meet a group that understands. There are always open arms.”

If you or someone you know needs help, they can reach out to Tulalip Tribes Family Services, Sarah Sense-Wilson, Problem Gambling Coordinator, at (360) 716-4303. There are also meetings every Thursday at 12 pm at the Tulalip Recovery Resource Center. You can contact them at (206) 369-4450. National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER).

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News  

In the wake of recent violence in the community, including the attack on a Tulalip elder that deeply impacted many families, a group of fathers is choosing to respond with reflection and action. Every Wednesday afternoon, men gather at the Tulalip Recovery Center for the Dad’s Group, a program organized through Tulalip Behavioral Health that focuses on strengthening fatherhood, supporting men’s mental health, and building unity among parents. The conversations are honest, at times emotional, and centered on one shared goal: becoming better fathers for the sake of their children and their community. 

Tribal member Albert Jimicum said the recent incident involving the youth and the attack on the elder was a turning point for him. As he reflected on what brought him to the group, he described feeling concerned about the direction some young people are heading and wondering how things might look different if stronger guidance had been present earlier in their lives. “What brought me here at first was seeing the at-risk youth and what has recently happened in our community,” Albert said. He explained that situations may have had different outcomes if children had been raised with different tools and stronger emotional support. For him, attending the group is about stepping up and helping shift that trajectory. 

Albert emphasized that he did not come to the group seeking something for himself. Instead, he framed his participation as an opportunity to give back and stand in solidarity with other fathers. “I would rather give support to other fathers who are here and come together in unity and see us all strive as parents.” His words reflected a sense of shared responsibility, the understanding that fatherhood is not meant to be carried alone. 

When asked what fatherhood means to him right now, Albert answered with honesty rather than certainty. “I am still trying to figure it out,” he admitted. He elaborated that fatherhood is a constant learning process. He wants his children to remember him as loving and present, someone they can look to as an example when they become parents themselves. He spoke about wanting his kids to enjoy their childhoods without the weight of adult problems, something he felt he had experienced too early in his own life. Albert also shared that one of the lessons he wants to pass down is emotional awareness, explaining that anger is often a secondary emotion and that learning to pause and think before reacting can change the course of a young person’s life. 

The dad’s group is led by Avel Medina of Tulalip Behavioral Health. He explained that the idea for the group had been encouraged by Sasha Smith, Youth and Family Support Coordinator at Family Haven. For some time, Avel did not feel ready to take on the responsibility. However, after reflecting on troubling events in the community, he said something shifted. He realized that others needed a dedicated space to come together, talk openly, and support one another in a structured setting.

Avel described the group as a safe place where dads can share ideas, get things off their chest, and learn new approaches to parenting. When asked what a healthy father figure looks like, he responded without hesitation, “Being present.” He went on to explain that presence means more than providing financially. It means showing up, emotionally communicating in healthy ways, and applying discipline with consistency and respect. In his experience, many children in the community have grown up without steady father figures. He believes that when fathers are actively involved, they help establish structure, accountability, and a sense of security that carries into adulthood.

He also addressed the broader impact of fatherhood on community health. Many of the challenges facing Native communities are connected to generational trauma, substance abuse, and disrupted family structures. Programs like the Dad’s Group are designed to interrupt that cycle. National data highlights the urgency of this work. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men in the United States are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women. The Indian Health Services reports that American Indian and Alaskan native communities experienced disproportionately high suicide rates, particularly among men. These statistics highlight the importance of culturally grounded spaces where Native fathers can speak openly about stress, trauma, and the pressures of parenting.

Beyond emotional support, the group also addresses practical challenges. Avel noted that some fathers navigating the court system are addressing beda?chelh matters during meetings. Dads can ask questions about how to write emotion, how to speak appropriately in the courtroom, and how to advocate effectively for their children. These conversations blend emotional growth with real-world tools, helping fathers build confidence in multiple areas of their lives.

Looking ahead, Avel hopes the group continues to grow. He recalled that at a previous meeting, several children were present, which he viewed as meaningful. He believes it is powerful for kids to witness their fathers showing up, listening, and working on themselves. When children see that effort, it reinforces the message that they matter.

At a time when the community is working through pain and searching for solutions, the Dad’s Group offers a steady, proactive approach. Rather than waiting for change, these fathers are choosing to be part of it. Through accountability support and honest conversations, they are strengthening themselves to better guide the next generation.

The Dad’s Group meets every Wednesday at 4:30 at the Tulalip Recovery Center. Fathers and father figures are encouraged to attend. 

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News  

The third gathering of Tulalip’s Season of Healing was held on the evening of December 9 at the Tulalip Gathering Hall, bringing the community together to honor the cultural and spiritual strength of Tulalip’s life-givers. Families and relatives filled the space, sharing quiet conversations and warm smiles as a comforting meal was served. The atmosphere carried a sense of calm and connection, the kind that encourages people to settle, breathe, and prepare for meaningful reflection.

This gathering, focused on celebrating and uplifting the women who have shaped Tulalip across generations, invited attendees to be present not only for the ceremony but for one another. Throughout the night, grandmothers, mothers, aunties, and sisters were recognized for their resilience, their teachings, and the unseen emotional labor they carry to keep their families and community grounded.

A decisive moment came midway through the ceremony, when all the life-givers in attendance were invited to step into the center of the room. One by one, they were wrapped in blankets, hugged, and honored with a song that filled the Gathering Hall with emotion. Some wiped tears, others held hands, all surrounded by community members who stood in gratitude for the love and strength these women continue to give. The moment reaffirmed the heart of the Season of Healing: that healing is shared and that women deserve to be lifted with the same care they pour into others.

The evening’s main speaker, Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, guided the room into deep reflection about the generations of women who have held families and communities together. She reminded everyone that healing is not about perfection but about presence. 

“Women are the carriers of life,” she said, noting that mothers, grandmothers, and aunties have long carried the medicines, the stories, and the ways of survival. Her message emphasized that honoring them also means giving them permission to rest, feel, and heal. “You are not failing because you are tired. You are not weak because you need support. You are human, and that is sacred,” she shared, encouraging women to embrace vulnerability as a path to empowerment.

Dr. Gerry spoke about healing as a form of sovereignty, a responsibility not only to ourselves but to the generations that follow. She explained that when women tend to their own healing, “we shift the lineage,” passing down safety, tenderness, and emotional truth instead of inherited pain. Her words invited the entire room to remember that caring for oneself is not selfishness but a gift to the community.

Following her message, tribal member Zenitha Jimicum shared several of her poems, speaking openly about writing her truths and confronting the traumas she has worked through. One of her pieces, My Roots, offered a raw and emotional portrayal of sorrow, struggle, and the resilience required to rise from deep wounds. Her vulnerability resonated with the room and echoed the night’s theme, that healing begins when we name what we have carried alone for too long.

Zenitha then turned her attention to uplifting the women seated around her. “I just want to remind the ladies, whether you are a young woman or you decide to be a mother, that you are not alone,” she said. She encouraged women to surround themselves with support, to reach out when needed, and to give space to both others and themselves. “It is okay not to be okay. It is okay to ask for help,” she added. “Withdraw if you need time alone, just do not stay there too long. We are here for you.” Her words reinforced the evening’s purpose: that every woman deserves healing, connection, and time to breathe.

One of the night’s witnesses, tribal member Clarissa Johnny, also shared a heartfelt reflection, reminding everyone of the importance of compassion in the healing process. She spoke about the unseen struggles people often carry and encouraged women to give themselves grace. “You never know what someone is feeling,” she said, urging the community to be gentle with one another. Clarissa added, “You gotta give yourself the strength and ask the Lord.”

Together, the reflections shared throughout the evening lifted the community’s life-givers in a way that felt both heartfelt and necessary. The Season of Healing continues to serve as a place where truth, vulnerability, and strength are honored, and where women are reminded that they are valued, supported, and never alone on their healing journey.

The next Season of Healing gathering, titled Generations of Guidance, will take place on January 6. This upcoming event will focus on fatherhood and families, continuing the series’ commitment to reaffirming healing, connection, and cultural strength within the Tulalip community.

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News 

The second gathering of Tulalip’s Season of Healing series was held on the evening of November 4 at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. It was a night filled with reflection, laughter, and deep appreciation for the generations who built the foundation of the community. The event centered on honoring the elders and returning to the old ways, reminding everyone of the wisdom and strength embodied in their teachings.

The evening was guided by MC Deyamonta Diaz, with thoughtful words shared by Board of Directors members Marlin Fryberg Jr., Theresa Sheldon, Ray Fryberg, and Deborah Parker. Community members filled the hall, greeted by the comforting aroma of roast beef and all the fixings prepared by Martin Napeahi. The dinner set a warm tone for what became an evening of gratitude and remembrance.

As the singers and drummers filled the room, the elders were wrapped in blankets, a powerful symbol of respect and care. Witnesses to the ceremony included Tammy Taylor, Hank Williams, Mike Gobin, and Sherry Guzman, who ensured the work done that night was carried forward in spirit and memory.

Dale Jones spoke passionately about cherishing the wisdom of those who came before. “Enjoy your elders while you have them,” he said. “You don’t realize how fast time goes. If it weren’t for all the elders who came before us, we wouldn’t have all this. Sixty or seventy years ago, there was nothing here.” He reminded everyone of the sacrifices that allowed Tulalip to grow, adding, “We have a lot to hold on to, the trees and the water. The non-tribal people want that. Water is going to be very important over the next few years.”

Ray Fryberg spoke about the deeper purpose of the Season of Healing and the need to reclaim what was taken from Indigenous people. “We know the traumas that came from boarding schools, the loss of land, and everything that came with being Indian,” he said. “When we identify the source of this suffering, we can begin to heal it. They tried to strip away our spirituality and identity, but those same things are what we need to bring back.” He emphasized that healing begins by restoring traditional values. “We need to take care of one another, raise our children to know their responsibilities, and build self-identity and self-esteem through culture.”

Deborah Parker reminded the community of its blessings. “There are people who are struggling and depending on government support,” she said. “We keep all those relatives in our prayers. For us in Tulalip, we are enormously blessed to have what we have, but the true blessings are our elders.”

For Theresa Sheldon, the night represented a return to the closeness and care that once defined Tulalip life. “There was an acknowledgement that many in our community don’t feel safe,” she said. “So the Season of Healing came together to bring back what we grew up with, that feeling of belonging.” She shared a fond memory of visiting elders as a youth. “I remember sitting on the couches, having coffee with our elders. The scariest thing they could ask you was, ‘Who are your parents?’ That meant you were doing something right. We come from such a beautiful legacy of people. If there’s ever a moment you don’t feel appreciated, know that you are the foundation of who we are. We remember the sacrifices you’ve made so we could live.”

Elder Tammy Taylor reflected on her own journey and the lessons that shaped her. “I guess I’m a junior elder,” she said with a smile. “I remember waiting in my grandma’s car for hours while she was at work, just sitting and behaving. We sang songs that we still sing today. Those teachings, to listen, behave, and sing, came from my relatives. Our ancestors are still teaching us to love one another and to pass that on to the next generation.”

Marlin Fryberg Jr. shared heartfelt words about what it means to step into his role as a young elder. “I’ve been really fortunate to sit with some of the folks you all grew up with,” he said. “I got the finger, sit down, shut up, keep your ears open.” He spoke about carrying those teachings forward. “My role now is to share what I know with those who want to listen. Because it’s my obligation to carry on the teachings that I was taught. Some weren’t easy, but they made me who I am.”

He went on to speak about accountability and preparation for future generations. “We have to stand up and guide our youth to be assertive, because they’re going to be the elders soon. What will they have to offer if they don’t want to listen now?” He recalled learning hard lessons in the smokehouse, saying, “Those days weren’t fun, but those elders saw something in me. They told me to keep going, and I did. One thing they always said was to take care of your elders, take care of your youth, and take care of your families.”

Marlin closed his remarks by thanking Theresa Sheldon for organizing the event. “That’s why we’re here, to heal,” he said. “We all have our own issues, but we come together to work through them. That’s what our elders taught us to do.”

As the night came to a close, tribal elder Denise Sheldon reflected on the meaning of the evening. “It felt excellent,” she said. “It felt like a warm hug. The food was good, the turnout was good, and the speakers were good. I mean, the community does need healing.”

The Season of Healing remains a space where Tulalip’s people gather to listen, reflect, and heal together. The night served as a reminder that strength comes from the teachings of those who came before, and that the love between generations will always guide the community forward.

The next Season of Healing event will be held on December 9, featuring guest speaker Camie Goldhammer, founder and executive director of Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services. The ceremony will focus on building a Strong Foundation.

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Tulalip Family Haven knocked it out of the park when selecting Sasha Smith and Alayna Helland to run the Tribe’s Family Spirit program because they are two of the liveliest spirits you could meet. They are relatable, enthusiastic, caring, and quite frankly, funny as hell. It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child, but with just the support from these two ladies, who exude big auntie energy, you could be set from prenatal ‘til your kiddo hits the age of five. 

“We say that we’re professional aunties,” Alayna exclaimed. “We do wraparound services. I can work with moms from pregnancy up to three, and Sasha can work with moms from pregnancy up to five. One of our goals is to get them started with our services when they’re pregnant, because we do prenatal health and then we also promote healthy early childhood learning.”

Family Spirit has been around for a few years, and has helped many families, but it is presently going through a bit of a rebrand in hopes of drawing in more people to participate in the program. Through Family Spirit, clients will gain access to a number of resources as well as learn new tools to help their babies thrive and be happy and healthy throughout early childhood. 

As many parents know, those early stages are crucially important in a child’s life. And for both new parents and experienced guardians alike, this era can sometimes be overwhelming. But have no fear, if you are raising a young Tulalip tribal member and need additional support, Family Spirit is here. 

Said Alayna, “We give personalized support, emotional support, we help with child development support, and we also do parenting skills, like more on the behavioral side. We teach things like consistency and positive parenting tips. And we also help connect them to resources. Like right now, I’m helping somebody get enrolled in behavioral health because they want to do counseling. We can help people get into WIC, and we can also provide transportation to things like medical appointments. A huge part of our job is providing that emotional support.” 

“We really want to just connect with them where they’re at in their parenting journey and help them navigate through all of that,” adds Sasha. “We hold a lot of knowledge of resources. They come to us for the resources because we’re connecting with everybody – the courthouse, TELA, the Recovery Resource Center, homeless shelter, Family Services, the health clinic. We’re constantly gathering those resources and thinking of how we can help promote wellness and community for our families.” 

The ladies also explained that they provide screenings for the young ones to gauge where they are at in early childhood development, assessing things such as communication skills, fine motor skills, and social-emotional skills. This helps identify areas where the child may need a little extra support. And by doing this work, parents are then able to set goals and further engage with their kids in a fun and meaningful way while focusing on those specific areas. 

“There are different milestones where we’ll do ASQ’s, which is a tool we use to see where the kids are at developmentally,” Sasha explained. “So, at six months, nine months, twelve months, we’ll sit down with the family, and we’ll talk about fine motor skills. Are they talking? Are they walking? And if they aren’t, then let’s bring in materials and get you and your baby to play together, encouraging a certain kind of play so you can work on that together. And we’re not putting that on the parent like they’re doing something wrong or something that isn’t right. It’s more about how do we support them through that? Maybe they just didn’t realize that at this certain age they should be doing certain things.”

Another aspect that Family Spirit focuses on is the mental wellbeing of the parent, through pregnancy, postpartum, and during the early phase of parenthood. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in Family Haven’s weekly peer support groups such as Mom’s Group and Dad’s Group in order to interact with likeminded folk and build community with each other. By doing this, the parents will be able to relate to any challenges they face and celebrate each other’s triumphs, and also offer any advice that could be useful to other parents along their journey. 

So, if you are a parent or guardian of a Tribal member under the age of five, and could use additional support, resources, or parenting skills, be sure to reach out to Family Spirit. And if you have any anxiety of participating in a program like this, a few moments with Sasha and Alayna will help ease that pressure and you will soon forget all about it because you will be too busy rolling with laughter.

“We really want to increase enrollment,” Alayna stated. “If you need an extra support person in your corner, or if you just want to hang out with a mom like me, we really want families who want to participate. What is at the forefront for you and your family right now, what do you want to work on for you and your kids? And wherever you’re at in life, we’ll meet you there.”

Sasha voiced, “It really is a journey because we incorporate the culture and make sure we’re honoring each family’s individual needs; like where do they want to be and how do they want to raise their family? It’s not us coming in and telling them how to be. It’s homing in on what their experiences of what a family should or could be. Because every family is different, they have different styles, cultural beliefs. We just want everybody to see and understand what Family Spirit is, how supportive it is and how it can benefit your family.”

For more information about Family Spirit, please contact (360) 716-3284 or visit www.tulaliptribes-nsn.gov/Dept/FamilyHaven. And be sure to give the Tulalip Mom’s Group Facebook page a like to stay up to date on any upcoming events and activities.