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 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.
Snacks in hand, blankets spread out on the beds of trucks and in the backs of SUVs, hundreds of people gathered for a nostalgic and exciting drive-in movie experience on Saturday, August 9. Once a year, the Boom City parking lot behind the Tulalip Resort Casino transforms into a lively outdoor cinema, thanks to Kelsie and Dan Pablo, in partnership with Tulalip Tribes, and Great Rides Cure for Cystic Fibrosis, hosting their much-anticipated annual movie night.
The event was packed with food vendors offering delicious treats. And there were a variety of fantastic prizes to win—think Mariners tickets, luxurious hotel stays, colorful gift baskets filled with home and garden goodies, fun yard games, golf gear, and more.
“The turnout this year was probably one of our biggest yet,” said Kelsie, event host and mother to Keldan, whose battle with cystic fibrosis inspired the event. “I attribute that to the growing support, people spreading the word, and just the overall excitement surrounding it. We’ve seen a lot of people returning year after year, and new faces too, and that means so much to us.”
The community spirit was undeniable, with families, neighbors, and friends enjoying a fun-filled night under the stars. Through this event, Kelsie and Dan have not only raised funds but have also provided a platform for families living with cystic fibrosis to connect and support one another.
“I had a lot of conversations with people this year who were so thankful for this event,” Kelsie explained. “Especially for families dealing with cystic fibrosis. They mentioned how grateful they are to have a local event like this to raise awareness, because not many people outside of our community truly understand the challenges of CF. Every time we complete an event like this, it feels like we’re one step closer to finding a cure. Seeing how this has evolved from a small gathering to something much bigger, I know we’re on the right track.”
The event has also made a lasting impact on the community’s attitude toward cystic fibrosis. Many attendees, some of whom are personally affected by CF, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about the disease and contribute to finding a cure. “It’s not just about raising money, it’s about starting conversations, educating others, and creating a lasting bond among people who share the same challenges. Keldan is my motivation, and I know we’re making a difference,” Kelsie added.
This year’s event also marked the beginning of more involvement from the community. “We’ve had several people reach out, wanting to help or get involved,” Kelsie said. “It’s wonderful to see this momentum building, and we’re already looking ahead to next year. We’re even considering adding a golf tournament or other events in the future, but for now, we’re grateful for the support we have.”
Tribal Member Ronnie Moses, who was excited about the movie choice, said, “I love coming to the drive-in. This is so cool; I have seen Minecraft before but never at the drive-in so I am very excited.” When asked how his night was going, he responded, “It’s fun, eating good food and being able to be with my family is great.”
Local attendee Carrie Kalma shared her thoughts on the event, saying, “This is my first time coming to the event. I heard about it through my friends. I think it is a cool idea, especially with all the food vendors. I also really liked being able to go for some prizes, but more importantly, donate to a good cause.”
Kimberly Ineze, first-time attendee, was also impressed by the event, saying, “First time attending this drive-in movie event. It’s been an excellent night, I enjoy seeing all the families together.” When asked to describe the evening in one word, she said, “Fun.”ive-in movie event. It’s been an excellent night, I enjoy seeing all the families together.” When asked to describe the evening in one word, she said, “Fun.”
Tulalip has made strong efforts over the years to reclaim and celebrate their traditional way of life. Whether that is through the revitalization of their ancestral language, the practice of harvesting from and the caretaking of the natural world, the connection to the songs and dances of their people, or the passing of those teachings to the upcoming generations. Tulalip has, in many ways, become synonymous with words such as culture, tradition, and heritage.
Among the many things that were stripped away from tribal communities during the years of assimilation, such as the language, the songs, dances, stories and spirituality, was how our people view sexuality and gender identity within our nations. All across Indian Country, in recent years, there has been a reawakening. And through studying our shared history and ancestral knowledge, it has become undisputedly clear that countless tribes not only acknowledged but also celebrated and relied upon people who identified as a third gender within their communities, known as Two Spirits.
Embodying both masculine and feminine energies, Two Spirits played a significant role in ancestral times. The community looked to them for their wisdom and perspective, as they were believed to have the gift of double vision. Back in the day, within numerous tribes, Two Spirits were known to have a deeper connection to the spiritual world and thus served as healers and visionaries for their people.
In true Tulalip fashion, the tribal community has intentionally put their energy and time into reclaiming the narrative of how we perceive the Two Spirit people, ensuring that they feel welcome, loved, honored, understood, and seen, and that they always have a space to celebrate who they are. One example of this is the annual Pride gathering held every summer on the reservation.
This year marked the fourth annual Tulalip Pride celebration. Held at the Tulalip Gathering Hall, this event has grown exponentially since it debuted at the multi-sports complex in 2022. Over 250 people traveled from near and far for the 2025 event, to show their pride as members of the LGBTQ+ community, or for allies, to show their support to their loved ones who identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, or queer.
“I had to come,” exclaimed Jackie Crane (Cowlitz) of Seattle. “I found the event on Instagram and always wanted to check out an Indigenous queer event. I haven’t been up here, haven’t seen this space before, so I was really excited to come and see it. I think being queer and Indigenous is not a common intersexuality to have and so seeing such a wide variety of folks who support us and want to be involved in the community and support each other and hype each other up, I think that’s really important. I was impressed by the generosity and so grateful for the wide variety of folks who came out and of showed their support.”
Also making the trip north from the city was Nigerian American, Shola Colonduro, who reflected on the parallels between the colonization his people of Nigeria and those of Native America. Shola stated, “I have come to every Tulalip Pride so far. I come here because I enjoy the vibes, I like all the dancing, but more importantly, I get to learn something every time I come here. This event means a lot to us, the Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ community.
“Our community has dealt with a lot of struggles and that’s due to an element of colonialism – they tried to strip that away and shame those who are Two Spirit and those who are gender non-conforming. Between the colonization of this country and the country now known as Nigeria, the people know we didn’t draw those lines. The settlers did. And in many ways, there are similar issues here and I see how that struggle connects where colonization has affected our cultures. I think it’s an important part of the decolonial effort to support those who are Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ amongst the Indigenous communities who are still here now. And I hope we can continue with this decolonizing dream together, whether it’s within ourselves or our communities.”
The vibrant colors of the Pride and transgender flags were on display throughout the entire Hall. People adorned in rainbow-colored shirts, hats, and leis, lost their selves in the moment and danced to the beats that DJ Auntie Monie dropped throughout the three-hour event.
Taking in some sunshine outside the Hall, near the snow cone line and bean bag toss games, Tribal member, Santana Paul, simply shared, “I came today to celebrate Pride! I am bi-sexual, and it brought me a lot of joy to see that everyone was so welcoming. I loved the face painting, the music, and just everybody’s laughter.”
Santana’s statement perfectly coincided with this year’s theme, which was Sharing Our Medicine, as it is often said that laughter is the best medicine. To expand further on that notion, the headliner of the event was none other than Native Comedienne, Toni Jo Hall, who took on her raunchy and hilarious persona, Auntie Beachress for the Pride celebration.
Nearly everyone in attendance had tears coming from their eyes from laughter as Auntie Beachress served up some top-tier Native humor, touching on subjects such as dealing with tribal council, snagging culture, and misadventures at the bingo hall. Following her set, Auntie Beachress held a meet and greet where she signed posters and posed for photos with the event goers.
Tribal member and new mother, Lauralee Tom, expressed, “My favorite was Auntie Beachress. I follow her on social media, and this is my second time meeting her at Tulalip. I came here to volunteer; I passed out the food and shirts. It was really exciting because there was so much happiness today. And most of all, I’m glad I got to bring my son here. His name is Hunter Bill, he is six months old today and a new Tulalip tribal member. This was a fun event and I’m glad we got to connect with more people.”
Keeping true to the Sharing Our Medicine theme, numerous tribal programs were invited to the Pride event to share resources with the community. Tables were stationed all along the outer rim of the Hall, where attendees could learn about the various services those programs offer, as well as take part in craft making.
While visiting representatives of programs such as Family Haven, Lushootseed, TOCLA, the Child Advocacy Center and the Legacy of Healing, as well as the Tulalip Youth Council, participants had the opportunity to create items including medicine bundles, prayer pouches, beaded regalia, and paintings. And each person at the event also walked away with a T-shirt designed by Tribal member, Marysa Joy Slyvester.
Said Warm Springs tribal member, Loni Long, “I came to support my brother-in-law, Angel, because I love him very much and I wanted him to know he has a community here at Tulalip on the rez; he lives here in the area. I enjoyed the dancing, and Auntie Beachress. And also, just all the cool stuff, the beautiful shirts, artwork, and all the community. There were a lot of people here and that’s amazing to see. I’m looking forward to next year and I’m going to bring more people.”
Loni’s brother-in-law, Wilson ‘Angel’ Whitefoot, added, “Today was good. I feel happy that we’re getting the recognition and are able to dance and feel that respect from our elders. My favorite part was probably the dancing, the food, and the games. I just want to thank everybody for being here and showing us support, because not too long ago, we didn’t have this kind of support and now we finally do.”
Tia Pinzon (Spokane), Tulalip Heritage High’s Trauma Informed Counselor, voiced, “I wanted to be in community with everyone and support the event. It’s important to show support because not everybody feels safe in who they are, and we need to show up for folks and show them they’re safe with us. I helped my friend Jacob at his Evergreen State College table – they have a really awesome Indigenous student program, so I wanted him to get connected with folks. We got our picture with Auntie Beachress and had fun stopping at all the different tables and saying hi to everyone.”
DJ Auntie Monie held a cake-walk style game, where the winner received prizes such as wool blankets, formline artwork, books, and carvings.
And many attendees were also pleasantly surprised to meet Tulalip Author, SummerLee Blankenship. SummerLee distributed and signed copies of her newly published book, The Greatest Teacher of All.
About her book, SummerLee remarked, “It’s a story about my life. It’s a very condensed version, but it’s something that I always knew would happen eventually. And it was just kind of like a little nudge, from the man upstairs, and he was like, you know, it’s time. And my dad also inspired me to do it now. I’m a recovering drug addict, and I went through the majority of 20 years of using hard drugs. I’ve been clean and sober over three years now. So it’s basically a story about what that kind of looked like. I went to treatment 18 times, had a multiple criminal history, and then going from that to my healing journey, through ceremony and prayer. And, you know, working with the medicines that the Earth offers to heal and working on that connection and finding myself, and remembering who I truly am and why I’m here. I wrote the book to not just share my story with hope that it reaches who it needs to reach, but with the hope that it will encourage others to also pursue their dreams.
“This was my first book signing since I published the book, so it was really beautiful and wholesome, and it was like full circle for me. To see so many people come out and support the event and the LGBTQ+ community, it goes to show that people are finding their voices and that they’re learning how to stand for something they believe in and who they are. There’s so much going on in the world that isn’t right, and it’s just really beautiful to see the camaraderie and the coming together as one, especially here on our land with our people.”
Following another successful Tulalip Pride, event organizer, Phoenix Two-Spirit, shared, “It was marvelous to see the support, not just of the Two Spirit people, but from the allies. That fills my heart with joy to see the allies come out and support the Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ community. This was the fourth annual Tulalip Pride and we’re going to continue going as long as we can because it’s such an awesome event. Thank you for the support of the Tulalip community to be able to do this, because we need it.”
Crisis responders Michael Stewart and Shannon Duffy during a community meet and greet at the Tulalip Admin Building.
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
Launched in April 2024, the Mobile Rapid Response Crisis Team (MRRCT) was created to serve the Tulalip community with timely, culturally responsive behavioral health crisis intervention. The team operates out of Tulalip Family Services. It is available to respond to both mental health emergencies and crises that may not be life-threatening but are still deeply distressing to those experiencing them.
MRRCT includes certified peer counselors, interns working toward licensure, and leadership from Rochelle Long, a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. As a DCR, Rochelle has the authority to involuntarily commit individuals who are deemed a danger to themselves or others, ensuring immediate safety and stabilization when needed.
Certified peer counselor Michael Stewart explained the team’s mission and the types of situations they respond to. “For crisis, it’s up to the individual—car accidents, death, trouble with family. Whatever you say is a crisis for you is what we are here to support,” he said. “We’re kind of like a bridge to Family Services. If someone doesn’t want to talk right away, we let them know they can come down to start the healing process. We stay with them until they get connected to a counselor.”
The team responds to calls both in person and over the phone. In-person services are available Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with 24/7 support available via phone. “One of the team members has the phone at all times,” Stewart said. “I was on the phone at 4:50 a.m. the other day with someone in a struggle. We talked through a lot and started helping that individual.”
In the event of a mental health emergency—defined as a life-threatening situation where someone is an immediate danger to themselves or others—the Tulalip Police Department (TPD) should be called at 360-716-9911. For non-life-threatening mental health crises, MRRCT can be reached at 360-502-3365. Community members can also call 988 and select Option 4 for the Native and Strong Lifeline.
According to MRRCT’s program materials, a crisis is when thoughts, feelings, or actions prevent a person from engaging in everyday activities. It can feel overwhelming and may seem like familiar coping skills are no longer working. Crises can happen to anyone, even those without a formal mental health diagnosis.
Examples of when to call MRRCT:
Suicidal thoughts, with or without a plan or access to weapons
Homicidal thoughts, with or without a plan or access to weapons
Active psychosis, including panic attacks or manic behavior
Voluntary psychiatric hospitalization assistance
Clinically significant mental health scores, such as moderate to severe PHQ-9/BDI
Behavioral disruptions at school that prompt police or crisis intervention
Older adults with dementia symptoms or wandering behaviors
Frequent 911 callers suspected of having behavioral health needs
Death or traumatic events, when the family or community requests support
Suspicious activity calls, where MRRCT can help calm distressed individuals while TPD investigates
Car accidents, when TPD requests help with de-escalating emotional responses
MRRCT also coordinates detox referrals and support for substance use-related crises in partnership with Tulalip’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) department, which operates a 24/7 line at 425-754-2535.
The team’s flexibility and reach enable them to respond to a wide variety of situations, from de-escalating an emotional response at a car crash scene to assisting someone in completing a mental health packet and initiating therapy. Their role is not just crisis intervention but walking with individuals through their recovery journey until they are safely connected to the care they need.
Giggles galore and the sweet scent of thimbleberries filled the air as the Tulalip Early Learning Academy (TELA) hosted its 4th annual clam bake for this generation’s youngest learners. Nestled a mere block away from the Tulalip Bay shoreline, outside a recently built mock longhouse on TELA’s campus, the academy’s Children of the Salmon got a taste of traditional Coast Salish lifeways.
Designed as a hands-on experience to introduce toddlers and preschoolers to their Coast Salish heritage, the clam bake brought together tribal educators, elders, and families in a memorable celebration of food, identity, and tradition.
“Today, we just live on a tiny portion of territory, 22,000 square acres, compared to the millions of acres our ancestors controlled pre-treaty. Our leaders of the time signed the treaty, ceding those millions of acres in order to reserve the rights to fish and hunt and gather in our traditional area,” explained Tulalip elder and cultural historian, Ray Fryberg. “Our people used to live all along the water and traveled from village to village via canoe.
“Their paddles were made hard enough and with tips that they would use to dig into the beach and gather clams. They’d take the rocks, heat them up, and create steam to cook those clams. That was our ancestor’s version fast food. They’d use the natural elements of fire, water, and steam to cook their food and nourish their bodies on the go.
“They didn’t have seasonings, like the salt and pepper, that we have today. Instead, they used locally harvested sprouts to season their food. Today, we’ll be using skunk cabbage leaves and thimbleberry leaves to season the clams. You might smell a sweet aroma from the fire pit. That’s the thimbleberry seasoning the clams.
“And so, we’re going to have this clam bake, in a similar way that our ancestors used to cook their food when they traveled in canoes,” continued the venerable elder. “These are our first foods and these are our medicines to keep our bodies healthy. This is what we mean by traditional teachings and we don’t want to let these things get away.”
TELA’s mission to immerse its Children of the Salmon in culturally rich activities and develop strong cultural values and traditions was on full display. This includes the priority to make it completely normal to hear Tulalip’s ancestral language of Lushootseed spoken every day via word learning, fun activities and story time.
In keeping with teachings from a traditional clam bake, in which Lushootseed would’ve been the primary language, the Tribe’s Language Warriors were on-site sharing songs that many of the kids knew word for word. There were even a few traditional stories shared that kept the children’s attention while the clams were being prepared.
“Here at TELA, our teaching model is rooted in our traditional ways,” said TELA Director Sheryl Fryberg as she watched the anticipation and excitement grow from her Children of the Salmon. “Our teachings aren’t confined to a classroom or a particular book that says you have to remember this or that. Instead, our teachings are taught by active participation and learned experience.
“How do these experiences, like from his clam bake for example, make our children feel? We want them to feel this experience in their spirit so they have confidence and pride in who they are, always,” continued Sheryl. “We understand that as they grow older, they may move away from Tulalip. But having these good, welcoming cultural experiences as a child, they’ll know that Tulalip will always be here for them and for their future children. It’s about planting the seeds so the roots grow.”
Several students couldn’t help but make their way as close as possible to the fire pit, where they watched with wide-eyed wonder as the clams were prepared and placed over hot rocks layered with wet seaweed and large skunk cabbage leaves, and then steamed the old-fashioned way.
After nearly 20 minutes of steaming and being seasoned in sweet thimbleberry, the clams were ready to eat. The Academy’s students lined up and one by one were served a heaping ladle’s worth of oceanic deliciousness. For some of the students, it was there first time ever eating clams. For others, it was just another day at an all-you-can-eat seafood line. In either case, the clam bake successfully served as an extension of its primary mission by bringing abstract ideas like cultural identifyand traditional teachings into a very tangible and very tasty form.
“This right here is everything,” said Lushootseed Language Warrior and lifetime fisherman Thomas Williams, smiling as he watched the children devour their traditional food. Together, with his brother Andy, they manned the fire pit and ensured the clams were steamed to perfection. “When we were growing up, the excitement with food was getting a McDonald’s Happy Meal. Now, here we are, getting that same reaction from kids today with our traditional foods.
“We hear concepts like food sovereignty, but what does that really mean? For us and these kids, it’s about gathering and harvesting our traditional foods without having to purchase them from a store,” he added. “In order for them to want to learn to gather and harvest, or hunt and fish, they have to like traditional foods, which means introducing them to these foods at an early age. Just look around. Seeing these kids eat these clams and run back into line for more is so encouraging. I’m sure there are future fisherman here. They may not remember this specific moment when they are adults, but they’ll know they like the taste of clams and they’ll embrace that knowledge by harvesting clams or crab or geoduck to feed themselves and their family.”
Planting the seeds early so our Tribe’s children embrace tradition and grow to know who they are and where they come from are ideals both TELA and Lushootseed strive to impart onto the greater Tulalip community. If the clam bake’s success shows us anything, it’s that sometimes all it takes is a taste to ensure tradition lives on.
Sixteen pharmacies across the region are taking part in a new campaign led by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA). This includes the Tulalip Clinical Pharmacy, one of two reservation-based pharmacies, the other is Kirk’s Pharmacy in Puyallup. The campaign is known as ‘Starts with One’ and is part of the HCA’s new Pharmacy Safe Storage program. Starts with One aims to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs and opioid overdose by providing lockable canvas bags to patients of the participating pharmacies.
Said Tulalip Clinical Pharmacy Director, Kelvin Lee, “We enrolled in the department of health’s program where they provide free bags to the pharmacy, because they found that more than half of the people who abuse narcotics start off by using someone else’s prescriptions. So, the whole idea behind the program is to give our patients lock bags so they can secure their prescriptions and protect it from other people’s access, so they don’t have the chance to try it. I think it’s a wonderful program.”
Kelvin explained that upon filling an opioid prescription, the patients are given a detailed explanation about the program. The patients then have the option to take part, and if they do decide to participate, they must sign a pledge card before receiving their free bag. The bag itself is a medium-sized black zip-up pouch with a lock in the upper left corner. The patient can simply store their medication in the bag, close it, and lock it up. They are given two keys per bag, one to have on-hand and the other to keep in safe location in case of a misplacement.
The campaign officially kicked off at the beginning of spring and according to the HCA website, there have already been 3,255 patients who were informed about the program, of which 1,877 people pledged to lock up their meds, and a total 1,742 bags have been distributed across all sixteen locations over the past few months.
In the latest research conducted by Snohomish County Overdose Prevention, there were 46.1 opioid overdose deaths per 100,000 population in our county in 2023. That is staggering compared to the statewide average of 33.7 opioid overdose deaths per 100,000 people that same year. However, thanks to an increased effort to provide education and resources countywide, much like this new campaign, the preliminary data shows Snohomish County’s death rate by opioid overdose of 46.1 per 100,000 population decreased to 40.6 in 2024.
“This program is focused on patients who are taking narcotics because that’s the biggest category,” Kelvin shared. “It’s not just about addiction or abuse; a lot of people die from overdose because they don’t know what they are taking. They’re just taking their grandma’s prescription or their parent’s prescription and have no idea what it is. And they overdose. The lock bags keep everyone safe. And the best part is it’s free. And we can make a really big impact with this campaign.”
In addition to the black lock bags, the pharmacy also received slightly smaller lock bags from the Tulalip Health Clinic. These bags were purchased with grant funding and are meant to be distributed to Tribal members only, whereas the HCA bags can be dispersed to any patient of the Tulalip Clinical Pharmacy. The Health Clinic’s lock bags are white and feature the Tulalip Tribes logo along with a selection of resources printed on the front, such as the phone number to a crisis team and a substance abuse disorder line, as well as the website address to the For Our Native Lives program.
“We have hundreds of bags, and we are not going to stop providing them until we give them all away,” Kelvin stated. “We want to encourage people to take one, especially elders who are taking a lot of medications so they can secure their prescriptions. We look at this like a community service. We definitely want to offer it to those with a prescription, but also to anybody who needs to secure their medications because any prescription can be dangerous.”
Taking part in the Starts with One campaign is just the latest effort by the Tulalip Clinical Pharmacy to help combat the opioid epidemic on the reservation. Last summer, the pharmacy introduced the first reservation-based Narcan distribution box, which is a success so far and has been utilized regularly throughout its first year.
After thoroughly explaining the campaign and the free lock bags with Tulalip News, Kelvin switched gears before the interview concluded. He used this time to discuss another new program that the pharmacy has recently implemented known as the Over the Counter (OTC) program. Kelvin detailed, “We have a brand-new program for Tulalip members. We had a similar program before called the Nix program. It was like a hidden benefit where we give free lice shampoo treatment to Tulalip members. We just recently expanded the program to include six other items: a tablet cutter, 7-day pill organizer, touchless thermometer, acetaminophen (liquid or tablet), antibacterial ointment, and hand sanitizer. Again, this is only for Tulalip members. We think these are safe enough for everyone, that’s how we decided on this list. So, anyone who needs these items, they can come in and those are free of charge.”
For more information about the Starts with One campaign, the free lock bags, or the OTC program, please contact the Tulalip Clinical Pharmacy at (360) 716-2600 or visit within their normal operating hours.
The courtroom was packed wall to wall on the afternoon of May 15. At the center of the room were close to a dozen Tribal members, their chairs formed in a circle. And a look around the outside of the circle showed about thirty community members beaming with pride and happiness, wiping tears from their eyes, as they gathered to celebrate two individuals for overcoming what some would consider the near-impossible.
Said Wellness Court Interim Manager, Leora Jones, “Both Sierra and Dustin have been a part of the program since I started. To watch them grow in the program and use all the tools that were given to them and be successful in the program so they can be successful outside of the program, it’s been emotional. To watch two people overcome their struggles and barriers, it feels really good.”
“I’m super proud,” added Judge Christine Frausto. “They’ve worked so hard at everything they’ve done, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching them grow. They’ve become such a great support for their peers and for the program and I know they will continue to grow. For them to go through the program and do so well, it totally changed their lives. And it goes to show the strength of the program and that what we do works. They are the proof.”
A Quick Look Back
Back in 2017, the Tulalip Justice Department implemented a new program with the intention of saving lives. At the time, the program was met with some skepticism as there had already been a few failed attempts at drug courts on the reservation in previous years.
Attending one of the very first hearings for the new Healing to Wellness Court model, Tulalip News caught a glimpse at something that would ultimately change the lives of numerous Tribal members over the coming years. As the first few Wellness Court participants took the stand, they each shared some friendly banter with the judge while also giving an update on their lives. The judge then went over their personalized plans to recovery with each participant, discussing goals and setbacks. If they were in compliance, they received an incentive of their choosing. If they strayed from their plans, they were given an opportunity to explain what happened before receiving a sanction, which ranged from a writing assignment to additional jail time.
Though participants and courthouse staff could see the changes in the participants week after week, the community was still unsure how the Healing to Wellness Court would play out. Keep in mind, this was at the beginning of some of the bleakest times in Indian Country, as the death by opioids epidemic reached an all-time high of 72,000 people in 2017. And according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Native American communities were the most affected by this crisis.
The overall perception of the program began to change about a year-and-a-half after its inception, when Tribal member Verle Smith emerged victorious as the very first graduate of the Healing to Wellness Court model. At the time Verle shared, “If it wasn’t for the Wellness Court, I don’t know where I’d be – if I’d even still be here. They gave me the opportunity to experience something that works for my life. I didn’t know which way to turn, so I figured I’d try something different and I’m grateful for it. I want to thank the Wellness Court for it all. I now plan to go through the rest of my life bringing the next person closer to where they’re supposed to be, to where they’re needed.”
Verle kept his word. Throughout the past eight years, more and more Tribal members have found success with the Wellness Court. And one-by-one, the local recovery community has grown exponentially. And to this day, Verle can be spotted at recovery-focused events offering support to others and leading by example.
The Tulalip Recovery Community Grows
Fast forward to present day. Unfortunately, looking at things from a broad scope, not much has changed. Overall, it’s gotten worse as the opioid epidemic continues to be a major issue all across the nation. In 2017, there were about 15 opioid deaths per 100,000 population nationwide. That number jumped significantly, doubling to 31.3 deaths per 100,000 population in 2023. If we narrow that scope to just the American Indian/Alaskan Native community, there were 65 deaths per 100,000 population that same year, as this is the most current statistic by the CDC.
But what the Tulalip Justice Department is showcasing through the Healing to Wellness Court is that there is an upward trend of getting clean and sober locally. In fact, the Healing to Wellness Court has been a beacon of light for addicts looking to make a change. The program has impacted so many lives in a positive manner, that they were recognized on a national level, and held the honor of serving as a national mentor court for outside communities.
In addition to receiving a tailor-made plan to recovery, each participant must also complete a set amount of ‘give-back’ hours in the community. This is culture-focused and is perhaps one of the main reasons why the program has seen much success. The give-back hours help reconnect the people to their heritage and traditional way of life. It also provides an opportunity for them to reacclimate into the community, building bonds with not only fellow Wellness Court attendees, but also with tribal leaders, elders, and families. Wellness Court participants are often seen putting in work at events like Canoe Journey, Salmon Ceremony, and Smokehouse gatherings throughout their time in the program, as well as after successful completion. And every summer, the Recovery Resource Center organizes the Recovery Campout at Lopez Island. The number of participants for that outing has grown year after year, and a majority of those attendees also own a Healing to Wellness Court certificate of achievement of their own.
There are several Tribal departments that assist in the recovery journey for those in the Wellness Court program, including the Tulalip Police Department, the Healing Lodge, Family Haven, Family Services, and the Recovery Resource Center. During this time, many participants are able to find work within the Tribe as well. And with all hands on-deck, as long as the participant remains locked in, they are able to receive their certificates just 18-months after embarking on the red road. Which brings us back to the afternoon of May 15.
The Graduation Ceremony
The graduation kicked off with some words from the inner circle of the Wellness Court. Time after time, the current Wellness Court participants thanked Dustin and Sierra for their support both inside the courthouse and out in the community. Although they were happy to see the latest graduates’ success, the also expressed a bit of sadness to see them leave as they each had become a prominent voice in the program’s weekly talking circle.
Next, Sierra and Dustin’s families, friends, and various counselors and advisors took a moment to reflect on how far each of them have come over the past 18-months, while also commending them on their determination. No matter the amount of obstacles or setbacks, these two worked hard to attain and maintain their sobriety. They have found their true selves again and developed a deep appreciation for the culture and community. And most importantly, they have become a source of inspiration for others within the program.
“When it comes to this program, it’s working because we are working with participants at their level,” shared Leora. “We know they may be met with struggles, but we’re going to be here to help them. We sit down with them as a team. We have a judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, chemical dependency, mental health, we all sit at the table together and see how we can help them move forward. We get to know these people, we get to work with them, help them grow, and help them set long-term goals. Dustin and Sierra have come a long ways, not only in their sobriety but overall growth and they both have plans moving forward.”
Dustin and Sierra were blanketed and received their certificates to an uproar and near-deafening applause as the community celebrated their milestone achievement. With the program now complete, they are both looking to make a fresh start. Their eyes are set on the future as they each plan to reunite with their families. In the next coming months, Dustin will be heading to Yakima and Sierra plans on moving to Alaska.
Before the ceremony ended, both of the graduates shared a few closing remarks with the Wellness Court participants.
Dustin
“It’s been one hell of a journey. I just want to say keep moving forward. It gets better if you don’t put obstacles in front of yourself, “ Dustin Moses.
First of all, I’d like to thank the court system for putting up with me for so long. It feels amazing that I found a program that will actually work for me and help me mentally. Going in and out of the court systems, it was hard, always being on the run.
Finding this program, at first, I didn’t know nothing about it. I was kind of skeptical when they told me about it. I was going to say no and go right back out into the streets after doing my jail time – but I’m glad I didn’t.
And these guys keep telling you, communication is key. It really is. It helped me. At first, I had a few speed bumps in the road in the first stages. Once I actually opened up and started getting vulnerable and asking these guys for help when I needed it, it helped me grow not only in the program but in my recovery. I’m glad to say today I’m celebrating 15 months clean.
It’s all thanks to the support that I got from everyone in here. Not only the court, but my family, friends. It’s been one hell of a journey. I just want to say keep moving forward. It gets better if you don’t put no obstacles in front of yourself.
Sierra
“It’s really hard to take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. Love who you are,” Sierra Boston.
I as well want to thank the program. This is my third try. The first time I came in I felt like I was going to make it seem like a facade and run. I wanted to be here, but I was scared to face the trials and tribulations. The second time I was ashamed of who I was and embarrassed, so I showed up once and I ran again. I actually tried to disappear.
The third time this place, home, has saved my life. This will always be my home. The people and learning what a community is and a tribe, big or small, we’re not meant to be alone. And I really had to face myself to be able to face others in both good and bad times. I will always be hoping and praying that this journey continues for all of us.
It’s really hard to take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. Love who you are.
Tribal elders and leaders, including Elders Commission Chairman Dale Jones, Interim Health System Administrator Dr. Gary Ferguson, and Diabetes Care and Prevention Coordinator Veronica Leahy, along with many other workers from different organizations in Tulalip journeyed across the mountains to visit Magana Farms and Yakama Nation Farms. This two-day trip, which took place on April 30 and May 1, was organized to explore partnerships with Indigenous agricultural operations and to gather ideas to strengthen Tulalip’s food sovereignty and trading opportunities. Notably, tribal member Rudy Madrigal helped organize the trip to support this initiative, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in enhancing community livelihoods.
The visit was centered on collaboration and education. “What we want to do is build a bridge and create a connection,” said Madrigal, who facilitated the visit. “Not just with vegetables, but with stone fruits, apples, cherries, peaches — and bring that variety back to our people.”
Magana Farms in Sunnyside, WA, offered insight into their unique approach to farming. Known for a wide range of fruits, including white peaches, candy apricots, cherry plums, donut peaches, and nectarines, they supply schools, local markets, and have held a booth at Pike Place Market since 1995. “Since 1995, we’ve been at the same table,” shared farm manager Tovias Magana. “You’ll never taste fruit like this unless you get it fresh, picked right from the tree.”
The farm operates with a commitment to eliminating waste. Any unsold produce is dehydrated and repurposed. “Any fruit that doesn’t sell gets turned into something else. Apple chips, dried peaches — everything is used,” Madrigal explained.
For Tulalip, the visit to Magana Farms reinforced the vision of creating a community-based, self-sustaining food system. “Imagine our people processing deer, elk, clams, and berries in a shared space with freeze dryers, canners, and vacuum sealers,” Madrigal said. “Distributing that to elders who can’t hunt or gather — it’s about creating access and building security through our foods.”
The next stop was Yakama Nation Farms, a 1,500-acre operation purchased by the Yakama Nation in 2021. Fully functional from seed to shipment, the farm welcomed Tulalip visitors to observe their operations and discuss the potential for future trade. Interim General Manager Jonalee Squeochs led the tour.
Dr. Ferguson reflected on the importance of the visit, saying, “I want to acknowledge our elders and invite them to share their thoughts so we can work towards healthier individuals and a healthier nation. Food is vital to our health; we should return to traditional foods and practices from our ancestors. It’s exciting to see efforts that highlight community engagement.”
Elders Commission Chairman Dale Jones also spoke, emphasizing unity and shared learning. “I want to thank you for allowing us to come visit, learn what we can, and share the brotherhood and sisterhood we have,” he said.
Veronica Leahy expressed hopes for continued collaboration. “The idea of growing food on a large scale has evaded us, and I’m hoping this group from many departments can be inspired by what we’ve seen here,” she said. “I want to do a work exchange with Jonalee, to show her what we are doing with Box of Goods and how we provide food for our patients.”
Squeochs detailed the farm’s evolution: “We started with five or six different crops and have now expanded to a certified organic farm covering 500 acres. Our goal is to grow our organic program to meet market demand and respond to requests for healthier options.”
As a predominantly wholesale operation supplying major retailers like Fred Meyer, Safeway, and Walmart, Squeochs highlighted a significant concern. “I went to Safeway looking for our produce, but it often ends far away, even to California. We want to develop local food systems to enhance food security in rural and tribal areas where supply chains struggle to reach.”
She stressed the importance of food sovereignty and culturally relevant food options. “Food equity matters because it reflects who is cooking and how it relates to cultural practices,” she said. Squeochs also emphasized the connection between health and traditional diets. “Chronic diseases in our communities are linked to a lack of access to our first foods,” she added.
Finally, she shared Yakama Nation’s long-term agricultural strategy. “In 2019, our council initiated a plan to create a diversified agriculture program to manage our lands more sustainably and improve local food production.”
The Yakama Nation recognizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving these goals. They aim to integrate traditional practices with modern agricultural techniques by leveraging community resources and expertise. This approach not only honors their heritage but also ensures the resilience of their food systems in the face of climate change and economic challenges.
When asked about collaborating with Yakima Farms and Tobias Farms to enhance self-sustainability, Assistant Biologist Teesha Osias expressed, “I think it’s a fantastic opportunity, mainly because we’re at the early stages. Seeing what they offer and bringing those ideas home is incredible. This event is significant, and I feel honored to be at the table. This will fundamentally change how our reservation is perceived and enhance the Indigenous trading network. To be able to help my child move in this direction is a dream come true. I can’t believe this is happening, and there’s no turning back now. We’ve already acquired some equipment for our processing center with the help of grants, so now we need to find the right people to keep the momentum going.
As for the trip, I’m excited to return; there’s so much work to do, and many valuable connections and conversations ahead,” continued Osias. “We are developing a five-year work plan for our food service, including hiring a director to oversee everything. We are working together to keep that vision alive and connect our community partners and programs with natural resources. They must understand our current position and aspirations.”
The journey proved to be both inspiring and productive, offering valuable insights and forging new relationships. The connections made and lessons shared are laying the groundwork for future collaborations, with a shared vision of building stronger, more self-sufficient tribal food systems.
“Recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month at Tulalip is important because sexual violence affects more people than we often realize—children, teens, adults, and elders alike. At Tulalip, it’s essential to recognize that sexual assault happens here, and that survivors should never feel like they have to remain silent. Programs like Legacy of Healing and the Child Advocacy Center (LOH/CAC) play a critical role in raising awareness, educating the community, and providing a safe place for those impacted to seek help. Most importantly, April is a time to honor the strength and resilience of survivors, and to affirm that their voices matter and their experiences are seen.”
– Marisa Chavez, Tulalip Legacy of Healing Lead Advocate
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
On the afternoon of April 30, dozens of Tulalip citizens laced up their sneakers and joined together at the Tulalip Track & Field outside of the Teen Center. Every April, communities are rising up to bring attention to a subject that isn’t often openly talked about, providing a safe space for those who are ready to share their story, show support to those who aren’t, and bring healing to all survivors of sexual assault.
Although this isn’t the first time the Legacy of Healing and the Child Advocacy Center (LOH/CAC) participated in National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this was the first year that they held a major event on the reservation.
The slogan for the gathering was, ‘No survivor should have to walk alone’, and in a symbolic effort of unity and support, participants walked upwards of three miles around the multi-sports complex to help bring attention to something that continues to happen at alarming rate in Indian Country.
According to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network, Native Americans are at the greatest risk of sexual violence. Their study shows on average, American Indians age 12 and older experience 5,900 sexual violence per year and are twice as likely to experience sexual assault compared to all other races. The website also lists that 41% of sexual violence acts against Natives are committed by a stranger; 34% by an acquaintance; and 25% by an intimate partner or family member.
Said Legacy of Healing and Child Advocacy Center Director, Malory Simpson, “It is important to recognize and support survivors because it takes a lot of courage to disclose. In all areas of abuse, supporting and believing survivors will help to reduce any further harm. It also helps to provide a support system to help navigate the system after disclosing.”
She continued, “Our team wanted to make a statement. Trying to think outside the box we came up with a Walk-A-Thon. The name, “Stepping with Survivors” seemed perfect to show our support for the survivors around our area. We want to see this become an annual event and are looking forward to the growth and education that will be put out into the community.”
After checking in near third base of the baseball diamond, people began walking laps around the paved track. While making their rounds, they were met with multiple posters that were placed along the fence of the fields that offered words of support such as ‘We believe you!’, ‘It’s not your fault!’, and ‘You are not alone!’ And upon completing each lap, they were awarded with a raffle ticket.
Participants were also asked to wear denim, as April 30th is recognized worldwide as Denim Day. Malory explained that this is a way to show support to an Italian woman who experienced life-threatening sexual violence at the age of 18 and pressed charges against her abuser. The abuser then filed an appeal and won, with the primary reason being that the jeans she wore were ‘too tight’ and therefore the act was deemed as consensual. Malory provided a link, and she encourages See-Yaht-Sub and Tulalip News subscribers to read more information about Denim Day, https://denimday.org/why-denim.
In total, there were around 40 participants, and their ages ranged from toddlers all the way to elders. The walk itself lasted around an hour and fifteen minutes. Before the people sat down in the common area of the sports fields to enjoy a delicious Hawaiian meal, they were afforded time to peruse the many resource tables stationed near the skate park.
As the people dished up their plates from the buffet style dinner, Kennady Proctor, Sexual Assault Family Advocate bravely shared, “I am speaking here today not just as a Legacy of Healing advocate, but as a survivor. That is one of the many reasons why I became an advocate. I was in those tough and scary situations from talking with police, to getting an invasive exam, to having to face my assailant in court, feeling utterly alone, thinking what will friends and families think of me? What did I do to make this happen? It was not until I was in college that I spoke out about what had happened to me. Many survivors of sexual assault may have had more than one incident or type of trauma that they have gone through. And unfortunately, in many communities, including this one, survivors may be too scared or nervous to reach out or make a report. Growing up we may think ‘Oh if this happens to me, I will call 911 or I will do A, B, or C.’ But truly no one knows until you’re faced with that situation. It wasn’t until later in the process of speaking up, was I offered and given an advocate. From that moment on, my perspective and viewpoint changed. I realized this is what I want to do in my future, once I have recovered and healed some from the trauma, I want to offer survivors of DV, SA, and other trauma the support, services, and give them back their voice, power, and control. Throughout the entire process, advocates can be there, and you do not have to do this alone.”
Kennady then asked for those who have been affected by sexual assault in their lifetime to stand up and relayed, “Once you have the strength and courage to stand, you will see you are not alone. This community is trying to do what is best for our children, learn from our elders, and build a better tomorrow.”
More than half of the people in attendance stood up in response to her request and a moment of silence was observed to show support to each of those individuals.
Following Kennady’s moving speech, the LOH/CAC then held their raffle for the event. This raffle was separate from the one they were promoting all throughout April for Child Abuse Awareness and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Prizes included a T Spa gift basket, Lushootseed children’s books, and Native-designed blankets.
After it was all said and done, the LOH/CAC tallied up the amount of total steps taken at the walk-a-thon by calculating the number of raffle tickets dispersed during the event, which was 130,020 and equates to approximately 62 miles.
Walk-a-thon participant, Mona Soltero, stated, “I came out to support Sexual Assault Awareness Month. My daughter Savanna is also an advocate now for the Legacy of Healing. But also, in the healing work I do, I see a lot of survivors. I’ve also had my own experiences. It felt good to come out and just be here, provide some energy, hear the stories, and support everyone.”
Following a successful first year for the walk-a-thon, that shows promise to grow as they build upon the event year after year, Malory expressed, “Today felt amazing! It truly was beautiful to witness the strength in each person with every lap completed. One word that was shared with me at the end of the event was, “VALIDATION!” A tribal elder who was there mentioned that to me after the event was over, she shared that we provided validation for survivors, for herself – she felt validated! That warmed my heart to hear.”
For more information, resources, and support, please reach out to the Legacy of Healing at (360) 716-4100.
