Health Archives - Tulalip News

Fatherhood is not meant to be carried alone

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.

Becoming the men our children need

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.

Honoring our life-givers

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.

Season of Healing honors Tulalip elders

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.

Tulalip Health introduces new Aquatic Physical Therapy program

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.”

Harvesting Health

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

On an early fall morning, the fields behind Garden Treasures Nursery & Organic Farm in Arlington buzzed with kinetic energy. Elders leaning on canes, parents pushing toddlers in wagons, and teens with pruners in hand made the short journey north by carload to pick fresh produce. The occasion was a community U-Pick organized by Tulalip’s Diabetes Care & Prevention Program, in partnership with Garden Treasures, to reconnect tribal members of all ages with the land’s luscious bounty and time-honored dietary traditions.

The annual U-Pick is part of a concerted effort by the Diabetes Prevention team to reverse rising trends of diabetes and metabolic disorders in Native communities. By encouraging people to harvest their own fruits and vegetables, the program is generating a path to healthier living through cultural reconnection and food sovereignty.

“Over the last 14 years, our partnership with the farmers at Garden Treasures has been a steady source of learning and shared purpose,” explained program coordinator Roni Leahy. “When COVID struck, and we could no longer bring healthy people into the health clinic because of the risks of treating those who were ill, we turned to the farm as a safe place to gather. Out of that difficult time, the U-Pick days were born. What started as a way to keep our community connected and nourished during the pandemic has now become one of the most joyful and inspiring traditions we share”

Nestled in the Stillaguamish Valley, Garden Treasures supplies a wide seasonal palette of vegetables, berries, and fruit. From tomatoes and beans to peaches, potatoes, and winter squash. The farm’s ownership is committed to naturally grown, bio-regenerative production that makes it an ideal partner for health and community initiatives to provide access to the freshest farm-grown produce possible.

For our Diabetes Care & Prevention Program, the opportunity to host another U-Pick at Garden Treasures unites with a larger mission to restore traditional diets. Staff eagerly guided more than 500 community members through the farm’s acres of freshly grown food before organizing an on-site, do-it-yourself pickling activity.

“We want to bring people back to what our ancestors knew – that food is medicine,” said food sovereignty coordinator Rudy Madrigal. He organized the pickling activity that was well-received by one family after another who pickled their favorite veggies. “A big part of food sovereignty is education and teaching yourself and your family how to preserve, so we decided to offer a pickling station. It’s super easy to learn and a fun, family-friendly activity that the kids can do, too.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about education, making learning fun for our people, and changing what we’re eating at home so we can live longer, healthier lives.”

A truly memorable event for those in attendance who sat mesmerized as elders shared memories of picking fruits and veggies from their childhoods, preserving and canning with aunties and grandmothers, and even shared a recipe or two for hearty, nutritious stews that are primo options for a vegetable medley.

“This is such an exciting event. I absolutely love it!” exclaimed rez-renowned chef Lynette Jimicum as she showed off her harvest of Roma tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, onions, and zucchini. “Everything here is so fresh and good for our bodies. I can’t wait to cook with my vegetable harvest.

“There are definitely some people here who are seeing how their food is grown for the very first time, and you can see the excitement in their faces as they roam from garden to garden,” added the soon-to-be Tulalip elder. “I watched one family be in complete awe in the kale garden. They thought kale grew in a tree, not low on the ground like lettuce. Now, they’ll have the memory forever and, hopefully, they add kale as staple to their kitchen and laugh over that story for a long, long time.”

By harvesting their own food, the U-Pick participants bypassed industrial food chains filled with refined sugars and processed carbohydrates. They also reclaimed, even if just for the day, what colonization intended to sever – the connection between people, land, and nourishment.

The Diabetes Care team sees these U-Pick opportunities not as a one-time outreach, but a seedbed for sustainable change. It’s about mobility, quality of life, and dignity for all our people. When elders are stronger, when parents feel less disease burden, when children grow up with taste memories of sweet berries and savory vegetables instead of sugary snacks, the ripple effects are profound.

“To witness our community’s growing excitement for harvesting, cooking, and experimenting with new foods is not only deeply meaningful to me, personally, but also reflects the very heart of our Program’s mission,” shared Roni. She’s been diligently coordinating diabetes prevention in Tulalip for the past 17 years.

“It shows that families are feeding their children more nutritious meals, perhaps even rethinking their relationship with food and how food affects our bodies, and becoming more creative in their kitchens with colorful, nutritious foods,” she continued. “Seeing this transformation fills me with hope because it affirms that through resilience, collaboration, and tradition, we are cultivating healthier generations for the future.”

The link between consistent nutritional habits and metabolic health is well documented. Those who regularly eat foods rich in fiber, phytonutrients, and low in processed sugars reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. For Native communities disproportionately impacted by these conditions, nutritional education is a powerful tool. By bringing elders, adults, and children together at a local farm under the promise of fresh food, Tulalip’s Diabetes Care & Prevention Program is fighting common ailments in our community, while also sowing the seeds for a future rooted in traditional teachings and vibrant bodies.

This fall’s U-Pick may have wrapped up in a single day, but its harvest lives on. In edible memories, in strengthened bodies, and in renewed commitment to establishing the mind-body-spirt connection within our shared Tulalip community. And that’s a harvest worth celebrating.

Family Spirit: Supporting your parenting journey

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.

Wellness Court alumni hosts first annual resource event

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.”

Integrating Tulalip culture into modern day parenting with Family Haven

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.

Tulalip’s annual Health Fair inspires healthy living

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.