A quiet war rages in the foggy waters between traditional and territorial lines, where fishing for Indigenous coastal communities of Washington State is not just a means of survival—it’s a vital aspect of their identity. As governments encroached upon fishing grounds and enforced maritime laws, the tribes of Washington fought to uphold their sovereignty, which was established in the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott. The age-old rights to the sea are being challenged, and at stake is not merely access to resources but the fundamental right to exist as sovereign people in a world where states are tightening their grip on the waterways.
One powerful example of this struggle is captured in Fish War, a compelling documentary highlighting the challenges faced by the Coast Salish Indians in Washington. As they fight to fish in their ancestral waters and co-manage fisheries, the film provides profound insight into the importance of protecting sovereign rights. It illustrates that these rights are defended in the waters and the courtroom.
The Everett Performing Arts Center hosted the Everett Film Festival on Saturday, April 5, showcasing various films over two days. For over 25 years, this festival has celebrated local and national filmmakers. This year, Tulalip contributed at the screening for the documentary “Fish Wars.”
As the festival got underway, Patti Gobin said a few words before leading members of the Tulalip Tribes in an opening song before the film started. She said, “We are stronger together than apart.” A fundamental aspect that played a major role in what the tribes had to do.
After the film ended, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission Chairman Ed Johnstone said a few words. “I am very proud of this film. It hits on all the major components of how we found ourselves, signing treaties. And the expectation when we signed those treaties was to become citizens of the territory. They used the language “citizens of the territory” because it was many years before statehood.”
When speaking about how he wished non-natives would receive the film, Johnstone said, “I hope they realize how we got to the courts and prevailed. I also hope they ask themselves how can we bring the salmon back?” He then discussed what actions we must start doing to help the salmon now. “Recovering the streams and suitable habitat. That’s where the battle is in the habitat. If we don’t start winning that battle, we will be down to zero fish and out of business.”
When talking about the youth and what was intended for them to take away from the film, Johnstone said, “First of all, we want to leave the place better than when we found it. We also want to get them energized to get in there and help. They are our future leaders. Our messaging has to be relevant to them and their way of life. We want to equip them to succeed.
Johnstone continued, “We are just going to keep telling our story about who we are. We aren’t going anywhere. This is Indian land here in Washington State, where we hold our treaty rights and will be the voice for the habitat. The fish that can’t speak for themselves, we have to do that.”
As the tides of policy and climate continue to shift, the voices of Washington’s tribal communities remain steady-rooted in generations of knowledge, resilience, and responsibility to the land and waters. The story in Fish War is not only a call to recognize treaty rights but a reminder that the health of our environment is deeply intertwined with the survival of Indigenous lifeways. In standing firm for their sovereignty, the tribes also stand up for a more sustainable and just future for all.
If you want to watch the movie, it is currently available for preorder on Amazon Prime and is expected to release on April 15.
A truly heartfelt and emotional event took place recently that brought together veterans, families, and community members from all walks of life. The event, named “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans,” was organized by respected Tulalip elder and Vietnam veteran, Andy James.
Andy, now 69, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1975 to 1977 where he earned the rank of Private First Class. After returning home nearly five decades ago, he, like many others who served their country during the tumultuous Vietnam War, was not met with gratitude. Instead, they returned home to resounding hostility or even worse, spirit piercing silence.
For the past 12 years, he’s made it his mission to ensure that the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans are acknowledged, honored, and remembered. Since 2013, Andy has organized a veteran-led gathering at Tulalip to bring the Native community together with compassionate individuals and local organizations who wish to give those past warriors the welcome home they were previously denied.
“That first gathering in 2013 was achieved by word of mouth alone. I roamed around Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom Counties letting people know what my intentions were,” Andy explained during the 2025 event, held at the Tulalip Youth Center. “That first year 40 veterans showed up. They were impressed, the non-Indians in particular, and shared with me they wished they had something similar in their respective communities. Most don’t get to experience the love our Indian people extend to our veterans and elders.”
The morning-long gathering blended traditional Native ceremonies with modern tributes. It opened with a smudging ritual and drum circle, followed by a 13-student color guard from Marysville School District, which included an honorary bugle player.
Chief Kathleen Wilde, naval science instructor for Marysville School District, led the color guard. “When we were invited to participate, the kids were very excited and considered it a great honor,” she shared. “It’s so important for veterans of every branch and community to be able to teach the students what it meant to serve and what it still means to serve our country. These lessons that only veterans can teach and share are invaluable. I’m humbled to be here and just so grateful that the students were included. This is something they’ll never forget.”
The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans events included tear-evoking testimonials from vets willing to share their experiences of war and their return, as well as intertribal dances, flute music, songs from two drum circles, and a communal meal. A true sight to behold was a solo powwow dancer fortified by a wolf headdress and full-bodied eagle staff. He summoned the warrior spirit within that shared space and managed to radiate healing medicine for all who needed it.
Andy emphasized that one of his goals was to use the event to share Native traditions with the wider community. “We’ve always had ceremonies for returning warriors,” he said. “This is our way of showing gratitude and helping the spirit return home. I want all people, all veterans, Indian and non-Indian, to experience the power of our culture.”
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Native Americans serve in the Armed Forces at five times the national average, having the highest per-capita involvement of any other ethnic group. Yet, those stories are often left out of the broader narrative. Events like Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans aim to change that by platforming the voice and experiences of Native vets.
One of Tulalip’s oldest living tribal members, 94-year-old Hank Williams Sr., attended the event and praised Andy’s continued efforts. “This is powerful. Shows one person can bring us together,” the proud U.S. Army veteran (1952-1954 Korean War) said before taking to center floor during a ceremonial salute to vets.
Tulalip Chief Judge Meredith Drent and U.S. District Judge Diane Humetawa.
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
In a historic visit, federal judges from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Committee on Tribal and Native Relations recently visited Tulalip Tribal Court. The purpose of their visit was to inquire about and observe firsthand how holistic justice is practiced within a tribal legal system. This rare and significant event highlighted the growing recognition of tribal justice systems and their potential impact on broader judicial practices.
“The Ninth Circuit has by far the largest populations of Indigenous peoples and Indian nations as compared to other circuits in the nation,” said Judge Diane Humetewa, Chair of the Tribal and Native Relations Committee. Judge Humetewa (Hopi) made history in 2014 when she became the first Native American woman to ever serve as a federal judge. “Eighty percent of Indian Nations’ tribal population is within the 15 districts of the Ninth Circuit. As one of the objectives in the Committee’s charter states, we seek to better understand the common concerns related to judicial functions and open communication.”
Tribal Court executive director Tate London with Tlingit & Haida Supreme Court judge Cheryl Demmert Fairbanks.
The well-respected judicial visitors were welcomed by Chairwoman Teri Gobin, special projects manager Patti Gobin, Tribal Court executive director Tate London, and Tulalip’s current presiding judges, the honorable Meredith Drent, Christine Frausto, Peter Boome, Mark Pouley and Thomas Miller..
Spanning the morning of March 28, the visit took place at Tulalip Tribal Court, a courthouse within the jurisdiction of the Tribe’s 22,000-acre reservation that is governed by its own laws and justice system. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals plays a crucial role in legal matters affecting tribal communities. By engaging directly with Indigenous legal practitioners, the Ninth Circuit judges sought to better understand the nuances of tribal justice systems and how they differ from the conventional colonial model.
Honorable Chief Judge Drent conversing with 9th Circuit Committee member Lloyd Miller.
Unlike the traditional U.S. court system, which often prioritizes punishment and incarceration, many tribal courts emphasize restorative justice – an approach that seeks to heal relationships, rehabilitate offenders, and restore balance within the community. The visiting judges learned of Tulalip Court’s procedures that incorporate mediation, community involvement, and cultural traditions, such as talking circles and elder guidance.
“Restorative justice is about addressing harm, not just punishing crime,” explained Chief Judge Meredith Drent of the tribal court. “Tulalip Court’s services to the community include Healing to Wellness, Mental Wellness, and Family Wellness Court, Tulalip Office of Civil Legal Aid (TOCLA), Probation, and Tribal Court Elders Panel. These services are dependent upon judges, case managers, and service providers who are well-versed in cultural sensitivity and are driven to collaborate and partner with other necessary programs in order to heal the individual and mitigate future harm.”
Tulalip elder Patti Gobin welcomes the federal judges and magistrates by offering up a song created by ancestor Martha Lamont.
For the Ninth Circuit committee members, the experience provided valuable insight into a justice system that is both effective and culturally grounded. In many Tulalip Court cases, holistic practices have led to lower recidivism rates and stronger community ties, outcomes that have drawn increasing interest from legal scholars and policymakers.
With increasing discussions on criminal justice reform, restorative justice models, such as those seen in tribal courts, are attracting national attention. Some advocates argue that restorative justice principles could be integrated into the U.S. legal system to address issues like mass incarceration, youth rehabilitation, and community healing.
As the Ninth Circuit’s visit concluded, both tribal and federal judges expressed optimism about future collaboration and dialogue. “We’re hopeful for the opportunity to develop a collaboration with the Federal District Court for Western Washington,” said Tulalip Chief Judge Drent. “A collaboration where we can share resources and knowledge, but also develop methods so that when people interact with the federal system, they have ways to come home and put their best foot forward if there is an opportunity to do so.”
The honorable Judge Humetawa added, “Meeting with the Tulalip Chief Judge, Tribal Judges and court staff provided a rare opportunity for federal judges in the Western District Court of Washington and members of the Ninth Circuits Committee on Tribal and Native Relations. Identifying areas of mutual concern in adjudicating cases that arise from tribal communities, such as Tulalip, can only happen when we meet in this way.”
Last November, the Tribe’s legal department added a new facet to their civil legal aid program. This service aims at helping Tribal children with disabilities and special needs, ensuring that they have an opportunity to thrive and succeed within the state’s education system. During their search in finding someone to represent Tulalip students, they were introduced to Alexis DeLaCruz, whose passion in education and disability rights has made a big impact in Native America, specifically for Southwest tribal nations.
That passion is fueled by her personal background, having a father with a disability and mother who dedicated her life to public school education. Among her many accolades and list of important work that she’s conducted thus far, Alexis was instrumental in the Steven C Vs. the Bureau of Indian Education, which resulted in a big win for Native students nationwide.
Alexis is looking to bring that knowledge and experience to her new position as TOCLA’s Education Attorney to help parents/guardians understand the rights that their children are legally entitled to. She plans on doing so by providing education and resources to the community at large. And when necessary, she is ready to step into the legal battlefield if an institution or school district is violating those rights.
Tulalip News recently sat down for a one-on-one with Alexis on the morning of March 20, just hours before President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. Which is why it is extremely important for Tribal families to understand what this means for their students and how it will affect students with disabilities going forward.
Below, you’ll find an in-depth Q&A with Alexis. Please take a moment to read about Alexis’ new role and how she intends to uphold the Tribe’s educational values and protect the rights of its future generations.
Why don’t we start with a little bit about your background?
I am biracial. I am half Mexican American and half Anglo. I grew up in a trailer park in Denver, Colorado. I was the first in my family to go to school, to receive any type of education; the first in my family to go to law school. My first career was actually in journalism. I worked at a small daily in northwest Colorado called the Steamboat Pilot in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I was their cops and courts reporter.
What led you to your current work?
There was an incident in my personal life. My dad was involved in a single vehicle rollover accident, and that left him a quadriplegic. It really changed the way that I viewed the world, that my family viewed the world. And just seeing the discrimination and hardship that people with disabilities face was very eye-opening to me. And at that point in my life, I was complaining a lot to my sister about the injustices that people with disabilities face every day. And she said, you either need to do something about it or stop complaining to me. And I said, ‘Okay, I’ll go to law school’. And so, I left the newspaper and started applying to law schools. I was looking for programs that had a strong commitment to social justice and public service, and that’s what led me to Seattle University School of Law. I was very myopic in my approach and what I wanted to do – a Disability Justice lawyer. I wanted to focus on disability rights work, and I was very fortunate to get connected to Disability Rights Washington, which is a statewide nonprofit that protects the rights of all Washingtonians with disabilities, including folks who live in Indian Country.
I interned for them for two years. And then my path led me to the Southwest. When I was in law school, I had not taken federal Indian law or was not necessarily connected that way. So, I’m very unique in what I do, because I’m at the intersection of disability rights work and representing Indigenous folks. And it has been the greatest gift of my life – to be invited into these spaces and to try to help kids the best I can, and their families.
Can you touch on some of your work in the Southwest?
I was in the four corners of the Southwest, working for a program called the Native American Disability Law Center, and was serving predominantly the Navajo Nation and Hopi communities, as well as the Pueblos in New Mexico. We also represented and served the reservations in southwest Colorado, parts of Utah and Arizona. I feel very strongly about my services, and so wanted to make sure it was the right change, and being able to join this strong team of incredible attorneys and advocates was the right thing. Before I started here in Tulalip, I brought a federal lawsuit against the Bureau of Indian Education called Steven C vs BIE (Bureau of Indian Education).
Do you mind expanding on the that lawsuit?
It was the first time anyone had ever held the Feds responsible for Indian education. It is one of the most important, if not the most important, education case that has ever been brought in Indian Country. And I was one of the co-architects of that lawsuit. That case was brought on behalf of individual members of the Havasupai community. They’re the tribe that lives at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. And those students only had one option to go to school. It was a BIE operated school, and it is K-6. And so, it was really important for that community to address the long-standing concerns that they had about the types of education that their students were getting.
At the time we got involved, in early 2014, students were only receiving math and English. And even only learning those two subjects, 0% of the students were proficient in either. So, our team of attorneys started looking into those issues and realized that it was more than just an individual concern, that it was really a system-wide issue that was impacting all of the students. We brought together a dream team of attorneys from a number of organizations and filed a lawsuit in January 2017 in Arizona Federal Court. That case went all the way to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and ended in two landmark, historic settlement agreements after the judge found that we had proven much of what we were alleging was wrong at that school. It was an important outcome for Indigenous kids in this country, particularly those who attend BIE schools.
That’s amazing. Can you speak to how that affects Tulalip students?
Here at Tulalip, there’s not an operating BIE school. There was one. Historically, there was a boarding school here. And I think many of the experiences that I’ve heard those students and families talk about sound a lot like the types of stories that this community has about how the boarding school has impacted them and how the boarding school era had impacted them. So, it’s all related. The practices that the states or the federal government can have on Indigenous students at school, it’s really a big deal. And as an education lawyer, it’s a particularly concerning time because of what’s happening at the federal level. We expect that President Trump will be signing an executive order today dismantling the Department of Ed, and I think it’s going to throw the state systems into even more chaos. And for this community, it’s been really important for me to start figuring out what Washington State’s plan is to protect not only all students, but students with disabilities, tribal students, students who have been impacted by historical trauma, students who are in foster care, students who might be involved in the juvenile justice system. Those are all core components of my work and things that I’m hoping to contribute to ensuring that Tulalip’s kids are getting not only a legally sufficient education, but one that feels holistic, afe and healthy.
Can you talk about TOCLA and your role in the department?
TOCLA is the Tulalip Office of Civil Legal Aid. We are a legal aid law firm that provides free civil legal services to the Tulalip community. I am the first-ever education attorney in this role. It’s really exciting because my understanding is this role was created in response to the community organizing and coming together and saying, ‘We need somebody who can help address the educational concerns of the community.’ It’s really, in my experience, rare and unique for a tribal legal aid program to have a position specifically earmarked to represent the educational needs of its young people. It’s so thrilling to me to be here, and I’m so honored and humbled and privileged to be in this community and working with these students and families because education is everything. If students don’t receive good quality, legally sufficient education, it impacts their outcomes later on. All of the data and the research tells us that if young people are not reading well by the third grade, it is very difficult to make that that time up. And then you add concerns about disability status. If students with disabilities are not having a free, appropriate public education provided to them, they fall behind.
When I think about my work, and approaching it with humility, I always say children are a community’s most precious resource. And I know Tulalip is incredibly committed to its children. When I was learning more about the community and just immersing myself in the traditions and the customs of the community, it was very clear to me that education is a value. It’s a priority.
Now that you’re here, what does it feels like? What are your first impressions about the community?
I have been welcomed with open arms. It has been a really beautiful experience to be invited into this community, and I think anytime a non-native person is invited in, it’s not something to take lightly. I always approach not just my individual clients, but everybody with respect. I am learning a lot, and I appreciate deeply the community trusting me with their stories and their experiences. Because it is not easy to talk about when things have not gone well at school, or when I am hearing elders talk about the impact of their time at the boarding school. We know that those experiences get passed down generationally. You might have a grandma or a grandpa who were forcibly removed from their community and sent to a boarding school and forced to assimilate into dominant culture. And then that passes to the next generation, and then that passes to the next generation.
I think approaching the work with a trauma-informed lens, and knowing that, particularly for Indigenous students, who have been very impacted by destructive, harmful federal policies and practices, and seeing that again here in 2025 is concerning. It’s also something that drives my work, like when I think about what is yet to come, there’s so much we don’t know, but I do know that when people stand shoulder to shoulder together and say, ‘We are not going to accept this, we’re going to fight for our children, we’re not going to be afraid, we’re not going to take it,’ that’s when true social change happens. And particularly in the education context. When you see successful models of education reform, it’s when students and families stand up and say, what’s happened here is not right. And again, very humbly, I am excited to continue to stand shoulder to shoulder and build on the already good work that the community has been doing to move the needle forward.
You just touched on it, but can you talk a little more about why it’s important for parents to know their rights and to know they have this support?
As I’ve been learning more about the concerns, I’ve heard stories about longstanding mistrust within Marysville School District and families – not knowing where to go or whom to turn to. A part of holding a school system accountable is knowing what your rights are. Because when people have that education, knowledge is power. When individuals can say, this is actually my right, and I’m going to stand up and do it, that is when you see students getting what they need, what they are legally entitled to. It’s when you see people taking concerns more seriously. One of the reasons I love being an education civil rights lawyer is forcing systems to do things they maybe don’t want to do or wouldn’t do otherwise, even though these rights have always existed.
For Tulalip students and families – without having access to those rights or really knowing where to go. Where do you turn? Do you go to the school’s website? Do you go to the State’s website? Who talks about this? I know, before I came on, there were a number of attorneys here doing community education presentations. And so, it’s like we’re sort of building momentum of what’s happening. When we see systems change and social movements, it’s because people have said, I know my rights and I’m going to stand up and enforce them. And this community particularly has a strong history of doing that, particularly around natural resources, like the Bolt Decision and so many other cases where this community has enforced its treaty rights. Education is also something that is included in the Point Elliot treaty. So that’s another area where folks can start harnessing some power around treaty rights.
With the looming executive order and the mistrust between Tribes and school systems, can you speak about some of those rights in regard to special needs students and examples of areas you can help with?
These laws have been on the books for 30, 40, 50 years, and so it really is about letting people know there’s a better way. It doesn’t have to be this one way. Something I tell families all the time, you might not know what your right is or what the law says, but you know when something’s wrong in your gut. Every parent, every guardian, every grandma, every auntie, every uncle that I have ever talked to, when they’ve said something felt wrong, they’ve always been correct. I always tell people, just trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not. And come and talk with me and my team. Start educating yourself about what is supposed to happen so you can educate yourself first, as your child’s first advocate and sometimes only advocate, so that you can make sure that your student or your child is getting the absolute best education that he or she can get.
With all of these rights we’ve been talking about, there are ways that you can make a complaint when things don’t go right. I’m going to take a very specific example. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or the IDEA, is the primary federal law that protects students with disabilities. That law contains a set of what are called procedural safeguards that tells families what they can do to address concerns. And there are options, from what I call informal advocacy all the way to something that can look like filing a lawsuit or something that’s more formal. I can help with all of that. I have been able to help families at IEP meetings, those are Individual Education Program meetings, and that’s the place where you can come together and talk about a student’s concerns with the school. The IEP meetings are meant to be collaborative, where the student and families voice is heard, and folks talk about what a student needs – What are the parents’ concerns? What needs to happen? And maybe it’s not working for this particular student. It can be just going to meetings and supporting families that way. And then it can be looking into concerns and investigating what has happened for a student and then advising families of what those legal options are.
There’s a state complaint system. They’re called Community complaints that families can file with the state OSPI, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. There’s a state complaint mechanism that you can say, I have concerns that the school has done something wrong to my student with a disability, and file that. And then you can go all the way to what’s called a due process complaint, and that’s the most formal complaint you can file under the IDEA. We do advise that folks either consult with or talk with an attorney if you’re considering that level of advocacy, because it can result in a hearing that looks like a trial, where the school will have an attorney. There will be folks testifying, and witness documents will be exchanged, and so I can do all of those.
Why is this work important to you?
The work is important to me, personally and professionally. I’m the child of a public-school teacher. My mom was an AP calculus teacher. She strongly believes in public education and ensuring that all students have equal access to good education. I am the product of a public school system. I did not go to private school. I didn’t have money growing up, and my education was my key out of poverty. Having an education literally changed my life, and I recognize the privilege that I have. And to quote Spider-Man, with great power comes great responsibility. So, it’s personally important to me to protect the rights of all kids to get a good, strong public education.
Professionally, it’s important to me to do this work in Indian Country, because not many people do it. It is important because the outcomes for Indigenous students are among some of the worst in the country. When you look at the many factors that affect education, it’s poverty, it’s where you live, it’s who your family was. Are you Brown? Are you a boy? Do you have a disability? When you’re looking at children who are most impacted, it’s typically young, brown and black men with a disability who have very poor education. Native kids, just across the scope have poorer outcomes than their nonnative, non-disabled peers. For me, it is important to continue to address the systemic issues that impact these outcomes. To continue to ensure that all kids, including Native kids, have access to education. I love what I do, and I get to work and talk to kids all day long, and when the time comes and they need someone to stand up, I will do that too. I believe that with tenacity and hope, and a heavy dose of optimism, that we will continue to move the needle forward for our community, for Tulalip.
I saw that you are gearing up for your first community gathering tonight?
Yeah! We are planning, with the Tribe’s Education Division and Positive Youth Development, to host an event every month through the rest of the year. Folks should definitely pay attention to emails, or wherever they get information, about these events. They’re going to be held once a month at 5:00 p.m. at the Admin building. We’ll be talking about a variety of things. Tonight, we’re talking about school discipline. We’ll also be talking about special education advocacy, what’s changing at the federal level, and how it might impact students, helping parents become good advocates for their children.
And I want to mention, that it does not take a lawyer to advocate for a student. It takes a parent or a guardian or a caregiver who knows a little bit about what their rights are, to stand up and say this isn’t right. Part of my role is to build capacity in the community for folks to say, I can do this. And that’s what my hope and my dream is, that individuals are able to take what they’re learning through either the materials, or meeting or working directly with me, to say I can do this. It’s just about knowing that you can ask for what your student needs and what to do if something goes wrong.
There’s going to be a big back-to-school event probably in August, and I invite people to come out and ask me questions. I’m always open to talking to anybody who wants information about education, civil rights, my door is open.
What is one thing you want parents or families to know through reading this article?
Don’t give up. There are people who are here to help. And if you have concerns about education, just come and talk with us, and let’s see what we can do together. And I really want to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to the community for trusting me with their stories and their hopes for their young people. I truly believe education reform starts at the community level. The Tribe, as well as individual members of the Tribe, they have the answers. They know what their community needs, what children need. And I see the law as one tool in moving that forward and effectuating that. I’m really excited about what is to come.
For more information, please contact Alexis at (360) 716-4166.
On the morning of Monday, March 24, an astounding 601 years of lived experience and accumulated wisdom convened in courtroom #3 of Tulalip Tribal Court. The 601 years representing the combined ages of Hank Williams, 94, Bernard Topash, 87, Marie Zackuse, 76, Ray Fryberg, 74, Andy James, 69, Audrey Charles, 69, Judy Joseph, 69, and Denise Hatch-Anderson, 63, who were sworn-in as members of our newest Elders Panel.
The Elders Panel program originally launched in 2006 after development by a joint effort from Tribal Court judge Gary Bass, prosecutor Tom Russell, and respected elder Donald “Penoke” Hatch. The three collaborated to create the Elders Panel to address the effects of criminal justice involvement among the youth. They thought elders could help court-involved youth by teaching them about their Tribe, present-day cultural practices, and their individual family history.
Since its ’06 inception, the Panel served hundreds of participants and yielded a near 90% success rate. However, its momentum came to an abrupt halt thanks to a global pandemic. Out of an abundance of caution to protect our community’s wisdom keepers, who were most vulnerable to Covid, the program was paused.
Now, after taken their oaths of office in the presence of Tribal Court Chief Judge Meredith Drent, the eight-person Elders Panel is restored and ready to change lives once again.
Among the new Elders Panel members is Denise Hatch-Anderson. She’s the daughter of Penoke who not only co-created the Panel, but was himself a sitting member of the Panel for over a decade. She understands its rather large shoes to fill, replacing her dad, but she’s excited at the prospects of engaging with youth, earning their trust, and helping them find a good way.
“I was honored my dad asked me to step into his seat because I’ve worked with the youth my whole life, retired as an educator, and know many of the families out here,” shared young elder Denise, the first 2nd generation Elders Panel member. “Many in our community have seen me in action over the last 10 years or so helping families and helping kids better themselves by getting into necessary programs. Much of the root cause is unrecognized and unhealed trauma.
“A lot of times, our youth don’t trust people, and in order to talk about their trauma, really talk about it, they need someone they trust in order to open up and start the healing process,” she continued. “With me, I’m not only a familiar face, but there’s a good chance I’ve worked with their family or even themselves individually in the past. That gives me a foundation of familiarity and trust that can really help to create open and honest conversation not just about their past, but also their future. I’m invested in their future, too, because their future is our future.”
Elders Panel is scheduled to convene the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. They will meet with non-violent, first-time offenders, typically in the age range of 18-25, who have been charged with minor criminal offenses. Examples include possession of alcohol, possession of marijuana, and criminal mischief. Instead of prosecuting such offenders in Tribal Court, they are given an alternative route to have their offenses dismissed by participating in Elders Panel.
Tribal Court is actively identifying new ways to incorporate Elders Panel into additional services beyond first-time offenders. “We recognize the value and wisdom the elders bring to our justice system. [Accordingly,] the Court is seeking to build increased partnerships between the Elders Panel and other court programs, such as the Wellness Courts and Probation,” elaborated Interim Court Director Jehrad Kimble.
Elders Panel requires its participants to actively engage in their community and culture. This way, under the guidance of their esteemed elders, the individual learns the impact their actions has not just on their life, but the lives of their family and ensuing ripples created within the community as well.
Requirements may include regular appearances before the Panel, writing letters of apology, community service, mental health evaluations, and no new violations. Cultural participation can include conducting family research to create a detailed family tree and traditional activities, such as Canoe Journey, a Lushootseed class, or learning to harvest cedar.
When the defendant has completed all tasks asked of them by their Elders Panel, their case is then referred back to Tribal Court for dismissal.
“It’s a privilege for our family to be asked to work with the youth. I use the word youth because to me that’s what anyone under the age of 30 is,” said Elders Panel chairman Bernard Topash. His brother Bill served on a past Panel. “In many ways, what we are trying to do is act as grandparents.
“As an elder, I’ll tell you it’s gratifying work to help a young person find their way,” he continued. “Those who appeared before us in the past found employment, got their driver’s license and car insurance, and, without exception, learned more about their family and made a stronger connection to their Tribe.”
Enrollment in the Elders Panel program is voluntary. Those who are referred and opt-in have the opportunity to change their life trajectory. Defendants receive deferred prosecutions on their criminal charges for the length of their enrollment in the program, up to one year. Upon successful completion of the program, their charges are dismissed.
For first-time offenders, participation in a culturally-inclusive diversion program guided by elders isn’t just a chance at a fresh start. It’s a chance to reclaim a connection to their culture and find purpose within a shared community.
By Wade Sheldon; photos courtesy of Bibianna Ancheta
Time is ticking away as the 2025 Annual General Counsel meeting approaches at the Tulalip Resort Casino on April 12. Doors open at 7:00 am, and those who arrive early will enjoy delicious treats and fabulous art from six of Tulalip’s small businesses. Cool gift boxes featuring the 1855 treaty inside are provided to read while you explore the wonderful gifts selected by the BOD for 1,200 lucky tribal members.
Jams, smoked salmon, cedar clappers, sugar scrub, whale paintings, and handmade chapstick symbolize a life of sovereignty. The tribe works toward these goals: enabling tribal members to expand their livelihoods by crafting and shaping the lives they wish to lead. By flourishing through creativity, these artists showcase their unique crafts. You can experience the blessings of these small businesses by arriving early and casting your vote.
In our final segment on the GC gifts, we present Bibianna Ancheta and her rejuvenating chapstick. From a young age, Bibianna learned to use traditional and medicinal herbs to create healing salves and chapsticks. She has since dedicated herself to using this knowledge to produce natural, unique products that reflect her cultural teachings.
“Part of my teachings led me to more traditional herbs that are unique to our people, like Devil’s Club and nettles,” said Bibianna, an herbal science student at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. “Devil’s Club and nettles are only ethically harvested by native herbalists.”
“For the last two years, I have been trying to explain to people the great benefits of medicinal herbs,” she shared. “I’ve provided products that aren’t available anywhere else.”
Reflecting on receiving the GC gift order, Bibianna admitted, “I submitted my bid and didn’t think I would be chosen. It was a challenge. I had to use skills I don’t normally use, like math, to scale up my operation. It was a good experience to know I could accomplish such a big order, but I want to be more of an intimate herbalist who works closely with my people. Filling the order was challenging because I am a full-time student.”
Despite the difficulty, the experience was gratifying. “I am honored to get this opportunity. It’s like a reintroduction into my community with my education. It’s a different level of fulfilling.”
Looking ahead, Bibianna dreams of continuing her work within her community. “My dream is to return to my people through the Tulalip Health Clinic, get integrated through the wellness center, and hopefully make products for my people.”
When asked what she enjoys about creating chapsticks and other herbal products, Bibianna replied, “It’s so uniquely diverse and adaptable.” She finds joy in formulating different products and expresses, “It gives me a great sense of purpose, feeling like I am stepping into the medicine teachings that I have been receiving my whole life.”
Bibianna concluded, “I am grateful and humbled by this opportunity, and I look forward to returning to the community with all the knowledge I have picked up. I look forward to gathering our medicine for the people. It’s important to protect our medicine and help the people so we don’t have to rely on Western medicine or outside sources.”
If you want to buy some of Bibianna’s medicinal salves, chapstick, and other products, you can contact her on her Facebook at Bibianna Ancheta.
A powerful and highly regarded traveling exhibit will make its final stop at the Hibulb Cultural Center gallery this summer. Touring for the past couple years, Portraits in RED has brought attention to the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/Persons (MMIWP) crisis happening in America by featuring the paintings of Métis Nation artist, Nayana LaFond, at several museums across the nation.
Portraits in RED was initially set for its last viewing at a museum in Oregon, but after hearing how close LaFond’s works were to Tulalip, HCC reached out in hopes of bringing the exhibit here. LaFond started this project in 2020 during the pandemic and has painted close to 50 portraits of Indigenous women and men who were murdered or are still missing, their families and friends, as well as athletes, actors, and activists who have raised awareness for the cause.
Her artwork is a strong visual representation of the MMIWP movement and showcases each subject in black and white. The sole color on each canvas is red, which highlights a handprint painted across their face, which has become the national symbol for the movement and signifies that people are taking a stand for those who were silenced by the epidemic.
Over recent years, the movement has gained a bit of momentum throughout the country which resulted in May 5th becoming the National MMIWP Awareness Day. However, even with this progress, the epidemic continues to affect Tribal nations at an alarming rate. Currently, Indian Country is standing with the Apache Nation after news broke out of the murder and dismemberment of Emily Pike, a teenager whose body was found in trash bags last month. Not surprisingly, the coverage and reporting of this story has been minimal and the case has not received major headlines or garnered much support and outrage of Americans, like in similar cases of white females who have gone missing, such as Gabby Petito.
The epidemic has hit Tulalip hard as well. At the 2024 MMIWP gathering, it was revealed that 12 of the Tribes’ membership fell victim to this crisis: Cecil Lacy Jr., Anthony Kitsap Sam, Bridgette Simpson, Nina Mae Dell, Kyle Van Jones-Tran, Sophia Solomon, Hayleigh Jo McGhie, Jessica Christian Jones, Andrew M.L. Fryberg, Gina Blatchford, Jolene Leanne Flores, and Mary Davis Johnson. Last summer, a documentary titled Missing from Fire Trail Road was featured at film festivals across the country. The documentary was about the sudden disappearance of Mary Davis Johnson and her family’s quest for answers. If you have yet to see Missing from Fire Trail Road, it is currently streaming on Hulu.
HCC is planning to debut Portraits in RED at the end of June and will feature the exhibit through August. If you are reading this and your family has been impacted by the MMIWP crisis, the cultural center is asking that you take part in this exhibit and share your story to help raise awareness about your loved one’s case. As always, the HCC will incorporate local history and interactive displays. Those who visit the exhibit will get the chance to write a personal message to MMIWP victims on a dedicated wall of the gallery.
Said HCC Senior Curator, Emilie Miller, “I think with the documentary coming out, it started that conversation and put it on the forefront of a lot of people’s minds. With the exhibit being so close in Oregon, I think it all coincided and worked out really well to bring it here and bring even more awareness to it. We’ve seen more cases that have come out in the United States just recently. It’s still an ongoing problem. It’s still something that hasn’t been dealt with, and who knows what’s going to happen with the current administration, and so we just want to keep it on the forefront of people’s minds.”
Read more about Portraits in RED in the following HCC official press release. To share your story or for more information, please contact the museum at (360) 716-2600.
Hibulb Cultural Center Media Release
“Portraits in RED” by Nayana LaFond is a deeply personal and impactful art project that sheds light on the ongoing epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP). This crisis disproportionately affects Indigenous communities across North America, with Indigenous women and girls being particularly vulnerable. Indigenous people are more than twice as likely to experience violent crime compared to non-Indigenous people, and Indigenous women and girls are especially at risk, being murdered or going missing at much higher rates than women from other demographics. For example, in the U.S., the National Crime Information Center reported over 5,700 cases of missing Indigenous women in 2016, though the actual number is believed to be much higher due to unreported or misclassified cases. The epidemic continues to be a significant issue, with ongoing calls for systemic change in how law enforcement and government agencies address the crisis.
Through a series of painted portraits, LaFond commemorates the lives of Indigenous individuals and families affected by this violence, offering a medium for remembrance, healing, and advocacy. The project, which has never profited from the artwork, focuses on returning the portraits to families in its final phase, allowing them to choose whether the artwork is kept, donated to institutions, or sold to raise funds for the families or a related charity.
“Portraits in RED” serves not only as a memorial but also as a call to action, drawing attention to the systemic violence and erasure faced by Indigenous communities while creating space for healing and solidarity. Through LaFond’s work, the exhibit offers a profound reminder of the resilience and importance of those whose stories have too often been overlooked.
As the 2025 Annual General Counsel Meeting countdown intensifies, a pivotal moment is on the horizon. There is an opportunity to elect two vital members for the Board of Directors (BOD). This meeting and election present a crucial chance for the tribal community to unite and express their views, ensuring that every voice counts, navigating challenges ahead, and selecting visionary leaders to uplift and inspire the community.
On April 12 at the Tulalip Resort Casino, the Tulalip Tribes will gather to determine who will join the leaders on the BOD. To enhance the experience, early arrivals who cast their votes will receive a gift box containing six unique items, carefully curated by the BOD and provided by tribal businesses.
We are excited to introduce culture bearer, Walter Moses in this segment of our six-part series. Walter has prepared unique gifts for this event—yellow cedar clappers that he has intricately carved and embellished with his art. These clappers symbolize sovereignty and the ability of Tulalip and other tribes to create and provide from the land.
Crafting 1,200 cedar clappers for the gift boxes, Walter utilized skills he developed from a young age. He learned to carve at age 11, studying under his father, the renowned Culture Bearer Kelly Moses. Walter states, “What I like most about creating is that it keeps me busy. I was taught as an artist that if you are good with your hands, you must always keep them busy. It makes me feel good, and knowing I can preserve the culture also makes me happy. It also relieves stress and is beneficial for creativity.”
He offers a wide range of artwork, from jewelry like earrings and bracelets to carved paddles and masks, as well as t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and sublimation prints. His designs have been featured in events such as Tulalip Youth Services Orange Shirt Day. He also has art installations at Starbucks in Seattle’s U-Village. In response to whether he has ever received an order this large, Walter remarked, “I’d say this is the largest order I have ever had. I didn’t think it would be this much, but I am always up for the challenge. I am using a killer whale and salmon design on yellow cedar.”
For those interested in purchasing his art, Walter said, “I usually vend during the holidays, and that is mainly how you can find me. I will also be at the Hibulb vending on March 29.” Walter said, “I’m thankful that the tribe has taken an interest in local artists, and for orders this large, it’s awesome. I like how they are reaching out and supporting us.”
The BOD selected six Tulalip artists and entrepreneurs to create handcrafted items for the gift boxes, highlighting their talent and cultural heritage. This initiative honors tradition and encourages future generations to preserve and share their artistry.
A Saturday night soiree brought together over 200 community members at Tulalip Resort Casino’s Orca Ballroom on March 15. Held on an annual basis, the Problem Gambling Awareness Month Dinner unites people in the name of healing while promoting recovery and celebrating individuals who attained sobriety from their gambling addiction.
Over the years, the gathering has evolved into an elegant event where the people spiffy up and enjoy dinner and a comedy show, all while learning about the dangers of habitual gaming. In its infancy, the dinner garnered around 50 participants and was held in the halls of the Hibulb Cultural Center. The fact that the event has quadrupled in attendance speaks volumes of the positive impact that the Tulalip Problem Gambling has made on the reservation, as more and more people are seeking aid, and the local recovery community continues to grow.
For the past decade, the Tulalip Problem Gambling program has actively participated in a nationwide initiative known as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Taking place every March, during the season of bracket clashing known as March Madness, the Problem Gambling program raises awareness about the compulsive gambling disease by hosting fun, engaging, informative, and impactful gatherings in the community throughout the awareness month.
The perilous and often silent habit affects the Native American community at a much higher rate than other ethnicities. A 2019 study by the National Institute on Alcohol and Related Conditions showed that 2.3% of the Indigenous population in America are battling a gambling addiction.
Though heavily focused on problem gambling, the event also celebrates those who are in active recovery for alcohol and substance abuse. Many of those individuals show up to support their loved ones who are recovering from a gambling addiction, only to find out that they also get the chance to celebrate their own hard work of getting clean. No matter the vice, it’s just as important to receive love as it is to show love to others.
The event opened with a traditional prayer and story by Natosha Gobin, Thomas Williams, and their daughter, Lizzie Mae. This year, two individuals shared their personal testimonies at the dinner, Jeff and Joanne. Each spoke of how their gambling addiction abruptly took over their lives, and the strain it consequently put on their friends and family. They talked about hitting rock bottom, Jeff’s happened when he was denied a kidney transplant, and that moment for Joanne occurred when she was facing assault charges. Both Jeff and Joanne were given a second chance and were presented with the option to attend counseling for compulsive gambling, to turn their situations around. Thanks to the Tulalip Problem Gambling program, Jeff and Joanne were able to start their journey to recovery; Jeff received his transplant and Joanne’s charges were dropped. After they each shared their story, the Tulalip Youth Council blanketed them with Eighth Generation wool blankets for their accomplishments, and also for bravely speaking about the challenges they faced and how they overcame.
In Native America, part of the healing journey is laughter. It is one of the best medicines, no doubt. And to be surrounded by the hearty chuckles of uncles and the cackling laughter of aunties is a healing experience in itself. Which is why the Problem Gambling Program is sure to enlist hilarious acts year after year.
At this year’s dinner, Native Comedian, Vaughn Eaglebear served as the event emcee. While keeping the schedule on a smooth run, Vaughn got a few jokes in and even asked the house drum, the 206 singers, to join in while he sang John Wayne’s Teeth, a song he famously wrote for the movie Smoke Signals.
The keynote speaker was JR Redwater. JR is an OG in NDN comedy and was one of the first Indigenous Stand Ups to achieve national acclaim. JR’s 45-minute set was rated R for rezzy and raunchy as he had the crowd in stitches with his Native humor, a specific brand of comedy that many tribal members can relate to.
The evening concluded with what has now become a yearly tradition at the Problem Gambling Awareness Dinner – the recovery countdown. Vaughn started the countdown at 50 years clean. He asked each person in active recovery to stand when he called out the amount years of sobriety they attained. More than 50 people proudly stood and were cheered on during the recovery countdown, an inspiring, heartwarming, and beautiful sight to see.
Following another successful event, the Tulalip Problem Gambling program coordinator, Sarah Sense Wilson, shared, “This year felt spectacular. Electricity was in the air. I think that having the combination of Vaughn, and his comedy routine buddy JR, flowed really well. We had such good attendance. The Tulalip recovery community has been growing and growing. This event isn’t just well attended because of the speakers, it’s well attended because there is a movement of recovery happening in Tulalip. It’s amazing. And I am proud to be, in some small way, a part of that movement. Tonight, we also had people from Lummi, Swinomish, the Everett Recovery Café here joining together and celebrating recovery. Without the support from the team at Tulalip Family Services, and the Tribal Council, this wouldn’t happen. I give big credit to all of them for making this possible.”
If you or someone you love is suffering from a gambling addiction, please contact (360) 716-4304. Below, you will find more information about the compulsive gambling disorder, submitted by Sarah Sense Wilson.
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Problem Gambling Awareness
By Sarah Sense Wilson
Informed decisions make you a winner. Healthy choices ensure your wellbeing and strengthens your family and community. Our future depends on the choices you make today.
Types of Gambling
Video Game Betting/Skins or Treasure Troves
Slahal/Stick games
Sports Betting
Bingo
Scratch Tickets
50/50
Dice
Internet Gambling
Raffles
Gambling Facts
Our Problem Gambling Program is about reclaiming health, wellness, and relationships.
Tulalip Problem Gambling Program is free treatment, referrals, counseling, groups, and family therapy.
Tulalip Tribes Problem Gambling Program is comprehensive, culturally responsive and designed to be tailored for each person seeking support.
Problem Gambling is also referred to as Gambling Disorder, Compulsive Gambling, Addictive Gambling, and Pathological Gambling, or People experiencing Gambling Problems.
Data: 1-3% of Washingtonians are classified as Problem Gamblers.
We could fill the Seahawks Stadium (Lumen Field) to capacity 4x to fit all problem gamblers in our state.
Up to 92% of problem gamblers experience suicidal ideation, and up to 40% attempt suicide.
Sadly, only one 1-in-10 problem gamblers seek professional help.
By Kalvin Valdillez; photos courtesy of Pyet DeSpain
The season of the brackets is upon us. And though many are filling out their brackets with NCAA basketball teams for March Madness, Food Network viewers are inputting the names of 32 highly respected chefs on theirs. Now in its sixth season, the hour-long reality cooking contest known as the Tournament of Champions brings together both seasoned vets and up and coming chefs for a thrilling and entertaining single-elimination battle.
Not only are the chefs competiting against each other, but they are also up against the ‘randomizer’, which is a wheel that determines the protein, produce, equipment, style, ingredient, and time of their cook. The chefs must incorporate each aspect of the randomizer into their plate or else they face disqualification. The dishes are then subject to a blind judging process, where their food is placed in front of a panel of top tier chefs who do not know whose meal they are judging. The competitors must watch the judging process from their trailers and are called back to the stage once the results are in. The winner advances in the bracket until only one chef remains victorious and is awarded a cash prize, bragging rights, and the highly coveted TOC championship belt.
Split into four divisions, 24 well-known chefs were invited to the tournament and were seeded based on their accolades and accomplishments in the culinary world. The remaining eight spots had to be earned in the qualifier round, where 16 rising stars duked it out and put their all on a plate in hopes of advancing to the big dance. Among these 16 competitors was none other than Chef Stephanie ‘Pyet’ DeSpain of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
If you aren’t familiar with her game, Chef Pyet won the very first season of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef competition in 2022. Throughout Next Level Chef she incorporated her Native American and Mexican heritage into each dish she put forward. And by doing so, she brought some Indigenous teachings, knowledge, and history into living rooms all across the country.
Since winning Next Level Chef, Pyet has expanded her Los Angeles-based business, Pyet’s Plate, and has been named one of the Top 25 private chefs by Entrepreneur Magazine. In addition to offering her services as a private chef and catering at high-profile events, she also takes time to teach cooking classes and utilizes her platform to inspire Native youth throughout the nation. This is something she is very passionate about. In fact, she was the keynote speaker at 2022 UNITY conference in Minneapolis.
Hoping to inspire the next generation at the conference, Pyet shared “Remember that it’s okay to be your true authentic self. It’s okay to show the world you’re brown and proud. It’s okay to take a risk. Even if it might look scary, you never know where it leads you. Most importantly, it’s so crucial that you don’t forget your roots and you don’t forget your ways. Every day from this point forward, when you wake up, I want to challenge you to ask yourself, ‘who do I want to be?’. Not just in the future, but who do you want to be today. Do you want to be the best daughter? The best brother or sister? Do you want to be the best version of yourself? Really think about it because that’s what’s called setting an intention. When you start showing up as your best self every single day, and you’re brown and proud, things will start falling into place for you.”
This was Chef Pyet’s second year participating in the qualifying round. After she didn’t make the cut last year, she was determined to come back stronger than ever. And judging by the focus and energy she brought this year; she is not playing around and is gunning for the championship belt. She faced-off against Chef Ashleigh Shanti, who is a James Beard finalist and was named one of ‘16 Black Chefs Changing Food in America’ by the New York Times in 2019. In this round the randomizer called for a dish that consisted of ground beef, cherry tomatoes, and a peppery profile. She also had to incorporate the use of a spiralizer and had only 28 minutes to cook. In the end, Pyet’s Persian-inspired koobideh beat out Chef Ashleigh’s Salisbury steak by a margin of seven points.
After winning her qualifying round, TOC host and creator Guy Fieri said, “You wanted the tournament. This is your shot! You just won. Congratulations Chef DeSpain.”
Now in the main bracket, she must continue to bring her A-game as she goes head-to-head against some of the biggest names in the industry, including two Seattle-based restauranters, Shota Nakajima and Kaleena Bliss.
Said Chef Pyet, “You don’t see a lot of Native American chefs in cooking competitions – I might be the only one and that’s a big deal. I don’t work in a restaurant; I’m a private chef. That is the one thing that can be a little bit of a disadvantage. A lot of these other chefs got years and years of restaurant work under their belt, but Pyet is here and she’s staying in the tournament, she’s staying in the bracket.”
Her biggest challenge of the competition may perhaps come in the first round where she will take on a frequent TOC finalist and well-established chef, Jet Tila.
On an Instagram post she stated, “Going toe-to-toe with the legendary Jet Tila was not on my bingo card for 2025 life events, but here we are!”
Chef Pyet will make her first appearance on Tournament of Champions this Sunday, March 16. The show airs at 8:00 p.m. on the Food Network channel. You can stream the episode on Max or Hulu the day after it airs, beginning at midnight on March 17. Be sure to tune in to cheer on Chef Pyet as she continues to represent for Native America on the biggest stage in culinary competitions.
“I feel amazing. I’m very happy. I’m very excited,” she expressed. “I’m here for all the young Native people that aspire to be chefs, I’m here to fight for them.”
