Category: Health

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News

The gym at Greg Williams Court was filled with resources, activities, and conversations about recovery on Wednesday, September 23, as the Tulalip Wellness Court held its second annual Alumni Recovery Resource Fair.

Community members moved among resource tables set up throughout the gym, connecting with programs and services while food and games gave families a chance to spend time together. A bounce house and dunk tank were added to the afternoon as organizations shared information about services available to people in recovery and their families.

Wellness Court provides an alternative path for participants dealing with substance use and involvement in the justice system, emphasizing recovery, accountability, and addressing the issues that contributed to their circumstances. Participants work through a court-supervised program while connecting with treatment and other services intended to support long-term recovery.

The alum fair brought those resources together while also giving graduates and others in recovery a chance to reconnect with the programs and people who have been part of their journeys.

After the resource fair concluded, attendees gathered for dinner at 4 p.m. The evening portion gave those in recovery an opportunity to share their experiences, including Summer Lee Blankenship, an author of two books and one of the first graduates of Tulalip Wellness Court. With a clean date of June 18, 2022, Blankenship reflected on a time when she was unsure whether she would survive. “I experienced a life of heartache, pain, and agony,” she said. “I reached a point where I did not think I was going to make it out.”

Blankenship said she first used drugs at 13 years old. Over the years, she witnessed overdoses and experienced several herself. “I’ve witnessed people overdose. I’ve held people’s hands as they’ve taken their last breath,” she said. “I’ve had a heart attack. I’ve overdosed so many times, and nothing ever stopped me. I just continued deeper and deeper and deeper.”

She also spoke about the hold addiction continued to have over her after becoming a mother. “I love my son more than anything, and even if it wasn’t enough to make me quit,” Blankenship said. “It really, truly is a disease.”

Blankenship began going to treatment in 2011 and said she went through treatment 18 times, spent time in and out of jail, and participated in two drug court programs, including Tulalip Wellness Court. After joining Wellness Court, she said she eventually went on the run for several years during what became one of the darkest periods of her life. Looking back on that time, she said, “I don’t know how I am alive today. I’m so thankful that I am.”

Years later, Blankenship said she is thankful for the work that came with Wellness Court and for a life that once seemed beyond her reach. She pointed to her family, including her son, sister, and grandmother, who she said has never missed one of her events. “Today my life is just full of so many things that at one point seemed so impossible,” she said. “I’m super thankful for that.”

Speaking directly to current Wellness Court participants, Blankenship acknowledged how difficult the program can be, having experienced it herself. “If you are in Wellness Court, my hands go up to you,” she said. “I know the work. I know how hard it is. It’s just not easy. Never give up.”

She encouraged those listening to continue showing up, face the difficult parts of their lives, and believe that change remains possible. “You are the creator of your life, and nothing is out of reach,” Blankenship said. “You just have to believe in yourself and just keep showing up and doing the hard thing.”

For Blankenship, that work also means returning to ceremony, taking care of oneself, and learning to live with integrity. “Always go back to ceremonies and take care of yourself in a good, gentle way,” she said. “Keeping our promises, showing up when we say we’re going to show up, being a person of integrity and dignity and respect. It’s never too late for anybody.”

Now in its second year, the Wellness Court Alumni Recovery Resource Fair brought community members, service providers, and Wellness Court alums together in one space. From connecting people with resources during the afternoon to sharing a meal and stories of recovery later in the day, the gathering provided a place to recognize progress while showing those still working toward recovery the support available around them.

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Under a brilliant late summer sun, hundreds of Tulalip community members traded grocery store aisles for garden rows. Together they ventured north to Garden Treasures Farm for an afternoon of harvesting, learning and reconnecting with food.

The September 9 U-pick event, made possible by our own Diabetes Care and Prevention Program, brought together everyone from months old babies to seasoned elders. Strawberries and tomatoes glowed bright red beneath the sunshine. Peppers offered splashes of green, yellow and orange. Throughout the farm, families wandered with cardboard baskets in hand, searching for fruits and vegetables that would eventually find their way onto dinner plates back home.

Tulalip’s relationship with the local farm, located in the Stillaguamish Valley near Arlington, stretches back years now. Previous Diabetes Care and Prevention outings have encouraged families to get outside, move their bodies and experience firsthand where their food comes from. That mission remains at the heart of the popular U-pick gatherings.

“Seeing so many people come together around food, plants, and health was incredibly meaningful. It shows how powerful it can be when we create spaces where people of all ages can gather, learn, eat, and connect with one another,” reflected Diabetes Care and Prevention Manager, Roni Leahy. “Family is medicine. Seeing babies just months old alongside elders in their 70s and 80s is deeply moving to me because it demonstrates to everyone that family is medicine. 

“For our children, being in a gathering like this is medicine in so many ways,” she continued. “They are learning how to be around large groups of people, how to interact, how to share space, and how to be part of a community. They are learning these things simply by being present. When I see babies, children, parents, grandparents, and elders all gathered together, I feel so grateful. I feel like we truly witnessed medicine in action.”

During the Wednesday gathering, Roni’s team estimates over 700 community members roamed the farm, from toddlers to elders, while gathering leafy greens, herbs, berries and vegetables. The recurring outings have emphasized gentle exercise, family togetherness and connecting people with fresh foods in a hands-on way.

Following their time in the fields, attendees were treated to a pickling demonstration led by food sovereignty advocate and tribal member, Rudy Madrigal. Tables quickly became a second kind of classroom as community members learned how vegetables can be preserved in jars, extending the life of a harvest while opening the door to a nearly endless combination of flavors.

Vinegar, seasonings and spices can transform a freshly picked vegetable into something tangy, spicy, sweet or somewhere in between. The activity encouraged families to experiment and think creatively about vegetables they may otherwise overlook. For the youngest participants, the lesson began with the simple thrill of being able to choose their own food.

Mama bear Shelby Whitman attended the U-pick with her two young children, Monroe and Aria, who bounced from row to row deciding which vegetables deserved a spot in their harvest. Knowing they would later have an opportunity to pickle what they picked added another layer of excitement.

“Aria is only 22-months-old and what I think she enjoyed most at the farm today was picking strawberries and tomatoes. She also liked helping with the cucumbers as we pickled them,” said Shelby. “Monroe loves peppers, so he was happy he could pick as much as he wanted. He’ll be walking around eating them plain, like an apple, over the next few days. My only immediate plans for what we picked is to make corn on the cob with our dinner tonight.”

For tribal elders, the farm offered something different. Along with access to healthy food came the opportunity to visit with friends, exchange cooking ideas, and think ahead to the meals their harvest would inspire. One elder already knew exactly where her vegetables were headed. Chicken stir fry.

“I enjoy gardening, so to be invited out here to pick and harvest is an ideal outing for me,” shared 75-year-old Marsha Sateren (Yakama). “I’m 75 and intend to continue picking as long as my body lets me. Being able to eat local, organic foods is a treat. It’s something more elders should be doing regularly. I already have it in mind that what I’ve picked here today is going to be used to make an assortment of chicken stir fry.”

Nearby, another elder took her time examining the day’s offerings while enjoying the sunshine and company of fellow community members learning to pickle veggies.

“Have I pickled before? No, I haven’t. It’s something I wouldn’t have ever done on my own. Being here with members of the Diabetes Prevention team and being guided by them, it’s an activity I couldn’t pass up,” explained Cherokee Screechowl (Muscogee Creek). “As old as I am, I’m still willing to learn.”

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of a U-pick is the invitation to experiment. It is easy to stick with familiar foods. Carrots are carrots. Tomatoes have a place in countless meals. Onions seemingly find their way into everything, but walking through rows of produce presents a different proposition. Suddenly, that vegetable normally passed over at the grocery store becomes something worth picking, carrying home and figuring out.

Tulalip mother-daughter duo Sasha Smith and 16-year-old Jada arrived with exactly that mindset. They’ve been challenging one another to become increasingly creative with what they eat. On this particular afternoon, that challenge led them to eggplant. Rather than walking past the deep purple vegetable because neither had much experience cooking with it, they decided to add it to their harvest and figure out together how to incorporate it into future meals.

“Just being able to get out with my family and enjoy the weather was reason enough to make the short journey to Garden Treasures,” shared Sasha. “We’re enjoying learning about seasonal vegetables and what we should be eating this time of the year. We’ve heard there are a lot of health benefits to eating eggplant, so we picked one and plan on getting creative with how we add it to our meals.” 

Moments like those speak directly to the long-term goal of Tulalip’s Diabetes Care and Prevention Program. Healthy eating does not have to begin with dramatically changing every meal overnight. Sometimes it begins beneath the September sunshine while holding an eggplant and wondering, “What can we cook with this?”

Sometimes it is a child proudly carrying a pepper they picked themselves, or an elder heading home with enough vegetables for several colorful stir fries. Regardless of the how’s and why’s, the day’s Garden Treasures harvest was destined to become new recipes, creative meals, and healthy side dishes for dozens and dozens of local households.

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

For 60-year-old Tulalip elder Melissa Cavender, the opening of Braids2Manes is not the beginning of a dream. It’s the realization of one. For years, she carried a vision of combining her lifelong relationship with horses with her desire to help people slow down, reconnect and find a healthier way forward.

That vision became a recent reality, when Braids2Manes officially opened on her tranquil 8.5-acre property in Arlington. Family, friends, tribal members and nearby community members came out to support the grand opening.

Braids2Manes is an adult-focused Equine Assisted Learning program that uses non-riding, ground-based activities with horses to encourage personal growth, emotional regulation, leadership, mindfulness and self-awareness. Melissa is careful to distinguish the program from mental health therapy.

“This is not qualified as a therapy program nor am I a licensed mental health specialist,” she said. “Braids2Manes is an adult-based equine-assisted service that brings results by combining qualitative results, cognitive learning, and natural horsemanship.”

The program’s mission reflects her desire to blend equine learning with Native cultural teachings. Or as she puts it, “to offer Native American tribal communities’ cultural significance through discovery and regain natural healing with traditional practices involving horses.”

Q: Where did the idea for Braids2Manes begin?

Melissa’s original goal was to become an Equine Assisted Learning coach at the Tulalip Healing Lodge. The Healing Lodge opened in 2015 at its Stanwood location and originally included an equine-assisted learning program. She learned about the work of former EAL Coach Pam McMahon, who described how horses could teach recovering patients life skills and help them return to society with a different perspective.

“This EAL program was initiated in 2015 over a decade ago, under the direction of the Board of Directors to bring EAL services to recovering patients,” Melissa recalled. “This program needs to be revived and executed as an essential healing portion of the Healing Lodge.”

When she discovered that the EAL Coach position remained open, Melissa began researching what she would need to qualify. “My journey began by unfolding and discovering the required qualifications to fill the EAL Coach position,” she said.

The answer was a college degree in equine studies.

Q: What did you do to prepare?

In 2022, Cavender enrolled at Post University in Connecticut in an accelerated online program. “Tulalip Tribes and the Federal Government Grant (FAFSA) for Higher Education allowed me to receive funds to obtain the education required,” she said.

Melissa graduated in July 2025 with a bachelor’s degree, majoring in Equine Studies. And she did so in amazing fashion. “4.0 GPA at the top of my class,” she shared proudly.

She followed up that achievement by pursuing her Equine Assisted Learning Coach certification, graduating in July 2026 from the Equine Assisted Learning Coach Association in Kiel, Wisconsin.

Last she checked, the position at the Healing Lodge is still open. But by now, Melissa had developed a larger vision.

Q: When did you realize you could create something of your own?

She described her realization as an a-ha moment. “A little voice inside my head said ‘You love helping others and you love horses. Why not bring them together and help to bring the joy, happiness, and understanding of these beautiful creatures to others in our tribal community and beyond.’”

That answer to that question became Braids2Manes. The name itself carries a Native connection. “The creative name ‘Braids2Manes’ originated from the idea that we (Native Americans) braid our hair, and we also braid our horses’ hair, called manes,” she explained. “So it was an original idea to put both together as Braids2Manes as in both of us braiding our hair together.”

Q: What can people learn from horses?

For Melissa, the lessons are numerous. “Horse have taught me patience through a sense of timelessness and respect for communication with one another, using horse and human body language as members of a herd, along with trust, which is earned through simple communication and being present with the horses,” she said.

That philosophy is reflected in how Braids2Manes sessions operate. Participants first identify an area they want to change or explore and complete a questionnaire that helps Melissa establish the focus of their session.

A typical session begins with 10 to 15 minutes of grounding, intention setting and safety preparation. Participants then spend approximately 30 to 40 minutes completing a groundwork exercise tailored to their goals before finishing with a 15 to 20 minute debrief and Medicine Circle.

The horses become partners in the learning process. “Leading, grooming, and moving horses through non-verbal cues teaches authentic presence, active listening, body movement, energy projection, and gentle leadership,” Melissa explained.

She believes horses can also help people recognize their own emotions. “Horses mirror human emotions and energy immediately,” she added. “Participants learn self-awareness, grounding, and stress regulation by noticing how the horse responses to their present state.”

Q: How does your Native identity shape Braids2Manes?

Melissa sees the horse as a relative and the work as an opportunity for cultural reconnection. “Horses are our relatives and are regarded as sacred,” she declared.

While Coast Salish people traditionally relied heavily on canoes and dugouts to navigate the waterways, she notes that horses also became part of Indigenous trade and travel across the region. Her vision includes weaving cultural activities into Braids2Manes, such as songs, dances, drumming, nature gatherings, horse painting and farming.

Melissa also envisions horses participating in local community events, like Salmon Ceremony and Veterans parades. “Horses can be woven into other tribal ceremonial and cultural events, such as the Salmon Ceremony and Veterans Parades for sure, but as well as health and wellness events to attract the whole family. Horses can be blended into everyday functions to create a real sense of belonging,” she said.

Q: Why horses?

After working as an automotive technician and heavy equipment operator, Melissa moved into occupational health and safety. She worked on major construction projects and traveled to jobs around Seattle and Tacoma. Through it all, horses remained a source of relief.

“The horses have always been a stress reliever for me when I returned from work and traveled to far-away jobs in Seattle and Tacoma,” she shared. Eventually though, Melissa realized she wanted to help others discover that same sense of peace. “I have always wanted to slow down and help others regulate their emotions and spiritual bodies in this fast-paced world.”

That is where traditional horse medicine enters her vision. “Horses have taught me to be present in the moment and not to be thinking about tomorrow, because tomorrow will be here soon enough.”

Q: What does opening Braids2Manes mean to you?

After the grand opening, Melissa said her most meaningful realization was simply knowing that the dream had finally become tangible. “The longtime dream and vision are finally at the point of doing the medicinal work with horses to help humans heal.”

That dream was built through years of education, horse experience, business development and teachings from elders. “I am a Tulalip elder, and my teachings come from the succeeding elders that have taught us to help others, get an education that can be brought back to the Tribe, and never put yourself first. Always be thinking of others and future generations,” she reflected.

Now, Melissa hopes Braids2Manes can grow beyond her own property. “The future goal for Braids2Manes is to assist neighboring Native American entities in mirroring the image of Braids2Manes EAL program to benefit their tribal communities,” she said, “Continuing with the legacy and healing power of the horse.”

After a lifetime spent learning from horses, Melissa is now opening the gate for others to learn those lessons too. If you are interested in her healing through horse medicine approach, please contact her via phone (360) 722-1008 or email braids2manes@gmail.com  

By Shawn Dick, Tulalip News

Since its launch in 2024, the Tulalip Recovery Workforce program has been helping tribal members rebuild their lives through employment, accountability, and recovery support. Designed for Tulalip tribal members entering sobriety or returning home from jail, the program provides entry-level job opportunities within the Tribe while also creating a support system centered on second chances. 

The program was the brainchild of Tulalip tribal member Jacob James, who envisioned a workforce initiative that would help remove barriers often faced by people trying to restart their lives after addiction or incarceration. At its core, the program is about creating opportunities. Participants are able to gain employment even if they do not have a driver’s license, a high school diploma, or a GED. 

Recovery Workforce also allows employees to meet their court obligations and treatment requirements while maintaining employment, understanding that recovery often requires flexibility and support. Workers are allowed to work a maximum of 29 hours per week, giving them the balance needed to focus on both employment and healing. 

Currently, the program can employ up to 15 people at one time. Since the program began, nine participants have moved on to full-time positions within the tribe, an achievement Jacob says shows the importance of investing in people who are committed to changing their lives. 

“If we want our people to stay clean, we need to give them the opportunity to work because of all the good things a job brings with self-esteem and self-worth,” Jacob explained. 

Jacob hopes the program can become more visible throughout the reservation so that people still struggling with addiction can see that there is a path forward. As the initiative continues to grow, Jacob says the current structure is only the beginning. He believes the program has the potential to expand and evolve.

 “The vision of the program is just a baseline,” Jacob shared. “There is always room for growth from those participating in the program and those who manage it”. Jacob explained he is proud of how the program has developed so far and remains hopeful for what the future holds. 

Kali Joseph, Recovery Workforce Center manager, says she hopes to see even more opportunities created for future participants. Expanding the program, she explained, would require collaboration with other tribal departments to make entry-level positions more accessible for applicants who may not meet traditional hiring requirements. 

Kali explained the program’s mission aligns with the tribe’s larger vision for community wellness and healing. “The program supports our overall goals and objectives, which is as a community, as a tribe, as a whole, we want our community members to be happy and healthy holistically, mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually,” she said. 

Tulalip tribal member Christopher Soloman has been working in Housing Maintenance through the program for nearly two years. Christopher says the opportunity has helped transform his life by giving him responsibility and a chance to give back to the community. 

“It gives me purpose and stability, and I enjoy helping my community,” Christopher shared. 

Christopher says the program helped him rediscover his self-worth and credits much of his sobriety success to the support and structure it provided. 

Just two years after its creation, the Tulalip Recovery Workforce Program is changing lives by giving tribal members the chance to prove to themselves and others that recovery, stability, and success are achievable. 

For more information about Recovery Workforce, contact Kalia Nuno, Recovery Outreach Specialist, at 360-547-5565. 

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Inside Tulalip Court, an emotional milestone unfolded as Tulalip tribal member Loreal Jack officially graduated from Wellness Court. Surrounded by judges, attorneys, case managers, and a tight-knit circle of program participants and supporters, Loreal’s achievement marked not only the completion of a rigorous program, but the continuation of a years-long effort by the Tribe to restore families through healing, accountability, and community.

At 37-years-old, Loreal stood proudly before the court as a mother, a daughter, and a woman who committed herself to change. Her journey reflects the very purpose of the Wellness Court, a program established to provide an alternative to traditional welfare proceedings by emphasizing recovery and culturally grounded support systems. Since its inception, the court has focused on strengthening families rather than separating them, offering participants the tools needed to overcome substance use and rebuild their lives.

“These moments are such a great part of Wellness Court because the program’s participants get to see first-hand the success and accomplishment that is possible when someone makes it to graduation,” said the honorable Mark Pauley, presiding judge. “For us, the team that works here, it’s exciting to see our participants find success and reach their goals through recovery and reunification.”

During the graduation ceremony, it was clear Loreal did not walk this path alone. Seated nearby were her mother, Rose, and her teenage daughter, both of whom played meaningful roles in the day’s events. In a moment that resonated throughout the courtroom, Loreal’s daughter honored her mother by sharing a traditional song, a cultural expression of love and recognition. The song served as both a tribute to Loreal’s perseverance and a reflection of the healing that has taken place within their family.

Shortly after, Tulalip elder Rose Iukes took to the podium. Fighting through tears, she read a speech she had carefully prepared for her daughter. 

“On November 30, 2023, Loreal entered treatment,” recalled Rose. “From that point forward, I spoke with every day. I traveled to see her and never missed a family visit. And today, I stand here beyond thankful. My daughter walked a difficult and painful path, but she found her way back home. Now, I have my daughter back, not only as my daughter, but as my best friend. Loreal, I am so proud of you! Keep moving forward and never look back.”

Rose’s words traced her daughter’s journey, acknowledging the hardships faced along the way while celebrating the determination that carried her forward. With emotion evident in every sentence, Rose expressed how proud she was of Loreal’s commitment to recovery.

Moments like these embody what the Wellness Court strives to achieve. Since its early days, the program has emphasized a collaborative approach, bringing together legal professionals, social workers, and cultural support systems to guide participants toward success. Over time, it has evolved from court program to community.

That sense of community was on full display during this most recent graduation. Fellow participants, court staff, and program leaders filled the room with encouragement and routinely made use of their plastic clappers to add to the lively atmosphere.

Judges and court representatives acknowledged Loreal’s hard work and dedication, noting the courage it takes to face challenges head on and commit to lasting change. Their words reinforced the importance of the program’s mission and the impact it continues to have on Tulalip families.

“Loreal, we’ve seen the last two years together, and I’ve witnessed you grow immensely,” said Erika Moore, Wellness Court treatment coordinator. “Every single goal you set for yourself, you have completed or achieved. When you entered Wellness Court in 2023, you were honest about where you were and sought the structure necessary to get your life back. From day one, she showed a willingness to try even when things were hard. Even when there were setbacks, she reflected and learned.

“As her recovery strengthened, Loreal didn’t just participate in Wellness Court, she became an active leader in it,” continued Erika. “This successful strategy allowed her to rebuild her life piece by piece. She found housing, went back to school, and eventually reunited with her family and reconnected with her community. Loreal’s journey shows that life is not about being perfect, it’s about not giving up.”

The Tulalip’s Healing to Wellness Court has steadily grown since it launched in 2020, guided by the understanding that healing families requires more than legal intervention. It requires compassion, structure, and a deep respect for culture. Each Wellness Court graduate serves as a testament to that vision, showing what is possible when individuals are supported rather than judged.

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.