Health Archives - Tulalip News

Braids2Manes: Healing through horse medicine

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

Back to the berry fields

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

High in the Cascade Mountains, where pavement gives way to gravel and the everyday sights and sounds of civilization slowly disappear behind a wall of evergreens, a treasured sign of late summer has returned. The huckleberries are ready!

Tulalip tribal members once again have access to swədaʔx̌ali, Lushootseed for “Place of Mountain Huckleberries,” marking the beginning of a precious harvesting window that lasts only a few weeks. For those willing to make the journey into the upper Skykomish River watershed, the reward is measured in purple stained fingertips, buckets of berries, and an opportunity to participate in a cultural practice carried forward since time immemorial.

Nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, swədaʔx̌ali encompasses approximately 1,280 acres within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Through years of cooperation between the Tulalip Tribes and U.S. Forest Service, the area has become an important co-stewardship landscape where treaty rights, traditional knowledge and modern resource management meet.

Mountain huckleberry has long been an important food, medicine, and trade item for Coast Salish peoples. Generations before highways and Forest Service roads reached these mountains, Native families traveled into high elevation gathering areas when the berries ripened toward summer’s end. Knowledge of where to gather and when to gather was passed from one generation to another.

That relationship with the land remains at the heart of swədaʔx̌ali. In previous Tulalip News coverage, elder and cultural knowledge keeper Inez Bill explained the importance simply, “Huckleberry is a superfood and medicine to our people.”

Indian man with huckleberry basket, OSU Special Collections.

Inez shared how ancestors knew their gathering places intimately, including the plants that grew alongside the berries and how each resource could be used. Caring for the environment was also a part of maintaining culture itself and ensuring those resources remained available for future generations.

“Through the teachings of how we value, take care of and utilize our environment, we pass down our history and traditions, and what is important to the cultural lifeways of our people. This connection to the land enables us to know who we are as a people,” added Inez.

That responsibility is visible throughout the huckleberry fields today. Mountain huckleberries flourish in open landscapes, particularly areas shaped by natural disturbance. Long before contemporary forestry practices, Indigenous people intentionally used fire to maintain productive gathering grounds. Controlled burns cleared competing vegetation, returned nutrients to the soil, and helped create the sunny openings where huckleberry plants thrive.

Tulalip Forestry has increasingly incorporated that ancestral knowledge into its management of swədaʔx̌ali. Forest Manager Tisen Fryberg explained that restoring fire to the landscape became a priority after seeing the berry fields struggling several years ago. Controlled burns and the clearing of accumulated slash have since helped reduce competing plants while allowing huckleberry bushes greater access to sunlight and nutrients.

“Using fire and controlled burns in the same way our ancestors did ensures that the berries will continue to be abundant,” Tisen said prior to the 2025 harvest season. “This is what planning for the seventh generation is all about.”

Last summer, those efforts were already producing noticeable results. Berries were reported to be larger and more plentiful throughout portions of swədaʔx̌ali offering a tangible example of what can happen when generations of Indigenous ecological knowledge are once again allowed to guide stewardship.

Every handful gathered represents continuity. Children picking beside their parents and grandparents are learning through experience. They see which berries are ripe and which should remain on the bush. They learn patience while searching beneath leaves for flashes of red, blue and deep purple. They hear family stories while filling containers one berry at a time.

Last year, the Tulalip Lushootseed Department made its own harvesting trip shortly after the fields opened. Department manager Natosha Gobin shared that berries gathered at swədaʔx̌ali are incorporated into lessons about traditional harvesting and food processing, served during community events and used for culturally meaningful gifts.

“Reconnecting with the spaces that our ancestors traveled to harvest brings a sense of belonging,” shared Natosha. “It’s an emotional connection that helps increase our desire to continue learning, teaching and honoring the ways of life that helped our ancestors thrive, since time immemorial.”

That connection is especially meaningful because the opportunity is so brief. Mountain huckleberries generally ripen toward the end of summer and into early fall, leaving only a matter of weeks when conditions are ideal. Unlike grocery store produce available year-round, their limited season demands that harvesters follow the calendar of the land.

When they are ready, you go. When the season passes, you wait until next year. That fleeting availability is part of what makes the annual opening of swədaʔx̌ali special. Each August brings another opportunity for Tulalip families to renew a relationship extending countless generations into the past while simultaneously ensuring those teachings continue into the future.

Recovery Workforce creates pathways to sobriety and stability

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.

Jacob James; photo courtesy of Jacob James.

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.

Wellness Court celebrates the journey of Loreal Jack

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.

A stronger future looks like continuing recovery

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).

Season of Healing 2.0 concludes with youth honoring

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The final installment of Tulalip’s Season of Healing 2.0 series brought the community full circle on February 12, centering the voices, vision, and vitality of Tulalip’s young people. Titled Honoring Tulalip Youth: Your Voices, Your Strength Carry Us Forward, the gathering drew nearly 150 community members to the Youth Center for an evening rooted in culture and collective hope.

The choice of venue was intentional. The Youth Center stands as a dedicated space where local youth are not only welcomed but empowered. By hosting the concluding Season of Healing event within its walls, organizers underscored a compelling message: our young people are not an afterthought in community healing, they are at its heart.

Throughout that Thursday evening, youth leaders shared stories of growth, responsibility, and the challenges they face navigating today’s world while carrying ancestral teachings. Their words were met with encouragement from parents, elders, and tribal leadership.

A particularly moving portion of the event featured former Tulalip Youth Council members, invited back nearly a decade after their own time in leadership. They reflected on their experiences as young representatives of the Tribe and spoke candidly about the evolution they’ve witnessed.

“First of all, I want to say how much of an honor it is to be invited to speak,” said Kordelle Phillips. “I’m so happy to have seen how much the Youth Council has grown. They are so present in our community and appear to be extremely active at events. I see them speaking Lushootseed and proudly wearing their regalia, and that just reminds me that every day is a good day to be Indigenous. If I have a lasting message for everyone, it’s that a united Tribe begins with a united Youth Council.”

Following Kordelle was former Youth Council speaker Eddie Reeves. The Heritage High School grad spoke eloquently when she shared, “When we served, we were passionate. But what we see today is something even stronger. Today’s Youth Council is more united, more organized, and making an even greater impact than in my day.

“You are all living in a time with more opportunities than any previous generation,” she continued. “More importantly, you are capitalizing on those opportunities by showing up and announcing that your voice matters, your identity matters, and your presence matters. You all aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow. You are the leaders of now.”

The former Youth Council members and the audience members selected as witnesses, time and time again, praised the current Youth Council’s cohesion, cultural grounding, and confidence in advocating for their peers. According to the enthusiastic speakers, today’s youth leaders have access to clearer pathways to civic engagement and receive broader community support. This has amplified the ability of today’s youth to effect meaningful change.

The reflections of each speaker illustrate the very essence of Season of Healing 2.0, which is progress rooted in continuity. The seeds planted years ago have grown, and the next generation is standing taller because of it.

“When I look around at not just the current Youth Council members, but all the youth at this gathering, I see many who were so quiet and timid just a few years ago,” noted witness Melissa Gobin, Natural Resources Education Outreach coordinator. “But now they’ve come out of their shells and have chosen to be leaders. It makes me so proud. Seeing you all grow and find yourselves just fills me with such joy because I feel like the ultimate auntie.”

The evening culminated in a compelling blanket ceremony honoring each youth in attendance. One by one, adults stepped forward to wrap the young people in custom-made quilts designed specifically for the occasion.

Each quilt depicted a Coast Salish individual adorned in cedar regalia, their long hair braided into a single, beautiful braid. Prominently displayed at the top of each quilt was the Lushootseed language. At the bottom, the phrase was translated into English: “Our ancestors stand behind us and set the path before us.”

By concluding Season of Healing 2.0 with a focus on youth empowerment, Tulalip leadership reaffirmed a foundational truth that healing is sustained by uplifting the unwavering spirits of our young people.

“Its so powerful when we get the chance to come together as a community and reflect on how much our youth have grown,” concluded witness Andy Williams. “They’ve really poured their hearts into this Youth Council platform, and our Tribe is better because of it.”

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.