News Archives - Tulalip News

Cedar weaving exhibit opens at Hibulb Cultural Center

By Wade Sheldon, Tulslip News

The Hibulb Cultural Center opened its newest exhibit, Woven Ways: The Gift of Coast Salish Basketry, on Saturday, November 8. The exhibit celebrates the artistry, science, and spirit of Coast Salish cedar weaving, honoring the profound relationship between the people and the cedar tree, often referred to as the “tree of life.”

Displayed prominently on the wall are the words that set the tone for the exhibit: Cedar is a gift from the Creator, has provided for Coast Salish people in countless ways. For generations, Coast Salish peoples have woven baskets from materials gathered from the land with care and deep respect. This exhibit explores the art, science, and spirit of Coast Salish basketry, honoring both the knowledge passed through hands across time and the gift of the cedar tree. Yet, at the heart of this exhibit are Tulalip weavers — ancestors, elders, and present-day artists who have sustained and revitalized these traditions for the next generation.

During the opening, guests were invited to explore the weaving process from harvesting and preparing the bark to the intricate patterns that shape each creation. The exhibit honors both past and present weavers, displaying works by established artisans and newer creators who are carrying forward these cultural teachings.

At the center of the room sits a display telling the story Her First Basket, which follows a young girl as she learns to weave her first cedar basket. Through this story, visitors are reminded of the patience, guidance, and generational teachings that accompany the art of weaving. The story symbolizes how every weaver begins with a single strand of cedar, guided by the wisdom of those who came before. The book Her First Basket is also available for purchase in the Hibulb gift shop for visitors who wish to take the story home.

Surrounding this centerpiece are stunning woven works, including a cedar headband created by Jamie Sheldon and a cedar belt by Virginia Jones, both displayed on a mannequin. Each piece highlights the creative diversity of Tulalip artists who continue to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary expression.

Among the many featured artists, Tulalip tribal member Kiana Kona shared how meaningful it felt to have her work displayed alongside other weavers. “The transition from student to recognized artist has been profoundly meaningful and humbling,” she said. “Three years ago, I took my first cedar weaving class at the Hibulb Cultural Center. There, I learned to craft traditional baskets, purses, and earrings, skills that immediately resonated with my lifelong passion for jewelry design.”

Kiana’s words reflect the spirit of the exhibit, one that bridges the teachings of the past with the creativity of the present. “Weaving cedar is a continuous learning experience,” she explained. “My skills continue to evolve as I experiment with different weaving patterns and materials like salmon-skin leather. For me, the combination reflects the relationship my people have with the land and the sea.”

As visitors move through Woven Ways, each display tells a story of the connection between land, family, and generations of Tulalip people. “True art is timeless; it lives beyond our time on earth,” Kiana reflected. “It’s an honor to be showcased with Tulalip weavers and to have my work displayed alongside our ancestors and contemporary artists.”

Woven Ways: The Gift of Coast Salish Basketry will remain open throughout the winter season at the Hibulb Cultural Center, offering guests the opportunity to experience the living artistry and cultural teachings woven into cedar, a true gift from the Creator.

Spirit of Standing Rock lives on in ‘The Sacred Stone Camp’

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The gentle hum of conversation filled the Hibulb Cultural Center’s longhouse room on the afternoon of November 1, as community members gathered to celebrate the first day of Native American Heritage Month. At the center of it all was Rose Rae, an Indigenous author of Paiute, Mayan and Japanese heritage. Her newest children’s book, The Sacred Stone Camp, brings the spirit of Standing Rock to life.

Surrounded by cedar walls and the warm glow of soft lighting, Rose captivated the audience with her reading as she retold the historic Water Protector movement through the eyes of a child. Her words flowed like the rivers she spoke of, carrying messages of unity, land stewardship, and intergenerational strength.

“The Sacred Stone Camp is a love letter to our Native youth,” Rose shared. “So many of our children only know that something big happened at Standing Rock, but not what it meant. I wanted to give them a story that shows the beauty, courage, and prayer behind that movement.

To fully appreciate the children’s story book, it helps to remember what the Sacred Stone Camp truly was. In April 2016, members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their allies established the camp along the banks of the Cannonball River in North Dakota. It began as a small prayer camp led by women and elders to protect the Tribe’s water and sacred sites from the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), a massive oil pipeline slated to cross beneath the Missouri River, the Tribe’s main source of drinking water.

What started as a handful of tents and teepees quickly grew into a global movement. Tens of thousands of Native and non-Native allies joined the Water Protectors at Standing Rock, uniting under the cry of “Mni Wiconi” (Lakota for “Water is Life”). The camp became a living symbol of Indigenous sovereignty, environmental protection, and collective prayer. Though law enforcement eventually cleared the encampments, the spirit of the Sacred Stone Camp endures.

“The Sacred Stone Camp is also my way of carrying forward the legacy of LaDonna BraveBull (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe). She opened her land, her home to the Water Protectors at pivotal time during the NO DAPL movement,” explained Rose. “That was just her nature, to give and to open her arms and her doors to everyone. She taught me everything I know about walking in harmony with Mother Earth. After she passed away in 2021, it became really important to me to honor her in this way.”

The forty-page book, illustrated in stunning watercolor by Aly McKnight (Shoshone-Bannock Tribes), follows a young Lakota girl named Wičháȟpi (Lakota for Star), who travels with her family to the camps along the Missouri River. Through her eyes, readers experience teepees rising, traditional songs echoing, and the heart-stirring call of Mni Wiconi(Water is Life). Vividly illustrated with Earth-toned art, The Sacred Stone Camp bridges generations by teaching children that caring for the land and water is both an ancestral duty and a modern necessity.

“Representation like this is so important,” said book reading attendee, Tulalip tribal member Zenitha Jimicum. She’s carved out a career in the local education sector, working for Marysville School District before joining the Tribe’s education division. “Our children need to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. This particular story can also empower the youngest and smallest among us to stand up for what they believe in and to stand up for what is right.”

For those in attendance, like Zenitha, the afternoon’s literary event opening Native American Heritage Month was a reaffirmation of cultural storytelling and shared identity. By the event’s end, the longhouse space was filled with gratitude and inspiration. Rose signed copies of her book for families, offering gentle words of encouragement to readers who shared their dreams of making an impact one day, like the Water Protectors.

Like the empowering messages embedded in her children’s book, the words shared by Rose Rae at Hibulb set the tone for a month dedicated to honoring Native heritage. A month where the connection between people and land continues to be celebrated, one story at a time.

The Sacred Stone Camp. Written by Rae Rose and illustrated by Aly McKight is available for purchase at most major bookstores and online for $18.99.

Tulalip Health introduces new Aquatic Physical Therapy program

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News

Physical therapy has long been proven to help individuals regain strength, mobility, and independence, particularly after an injury or surgery. However, recent studies indicate that aquatic physical therapy can enhance these benefits even further. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints, making movement easier and less painful, while the resistance naturally strengthens muscles and improves balance. Research published in the JAMA Network Open found that patients who participated in aquatic therapy experienced longer-lasting relief from chronic pain and improved mobility compared to those who received traditional land-based therapy. Water’s hydrostatic pressure also improves circulation and stability, allowing participants to move freely and safely while rebuilding confidence in their bodies.

That same philosophy of movement through healing water is now being offered to Tulalip community members through the new Aquatic Physical Therapy program led by physical therapist Agnes Borjal of the Tulalip Health Clinic. The program, held at the Stanwood YMCA, represents a thoughtful blend of science, accessibility, and cultural connection.

Agnes explained that the decision to host the program in Stanwood was made after carefully evaluating several nearby facilities. “My background with aquatic physical therapy is that I had been working at the Everett YMCA with Providence Physical Therapy, and I created the aquatic program there,” she said. “The amenities were essentially the reason why we chose Stanwood. We originally tried to get the Everett locale, but they had so many programs, and I didn’t want our elders or patients to feel rushed to participate in their aquatic program. Then we looked at the Marysville Y, but it didn’t have the riverwalk or stairs into the pool space. The Stanwood YMCA mirrored what I had created before at Everett, and I knew patients would feel more comfortable with that kind of timing.”

Her passion for water therapy runs deeper than convenience or logistics. It is rooted in understanding how water connects to the Tulalip community’s identity. “Learning about the history of the Tulalip Tribes, I’m essentially an outsider. I’m Indigenous to my culture, which is the Philippines, but learning about the Coast Salish tribes and how water was so fundamental in their life, I felt like pool therapy would be so meaningful as a medium,” she said. “Water is healing. We talk about movement being medicine, but in my 20 years as a therapist, I’ve learned that the medium of water brings its own properties into that healing space. I love that historic background for the tribe.”

When Agnes joined the Tulalip Health Clinic, she saw an opportunity to expand the integrative health program to include aquatic therapy. “Coming onto the team, I loved the direction the clinic was taking,” she said. “They had this holistic vision of Native health, healing, Reiki, massage therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy, and I wanted to bring in another aspect for our skilled PT services. I asked, ‘Have you considered aquatic physical therapy?’ because of chronic pain. At my previous clinic, we successfully transitioned many of our chronic pain patients into aquatic programs, not just for the physical benefits, but also for the social ones. Group sessions foster connections and promote wellness beyond just recovery. Since Tulalip already had partnerships with the YMCA, it made sense to create this bridge for patients to feel safe and supported in that space.”

Each aquatic therapy session begins on land at the Tulalip Health Clinic, where a physician’s referral helps determine treatment needs. “You’ll see me on land first because our goal is always to perform better on land,” Agnes said. “The first visit is a session in the clinic, and then we move into the water. We do warm-ups, balance and endurance exercises, and cool-downs, just like on land. However, underwater, we can also perform manual therapy, which is really enjoyable. Patients can experience weightless posture, and their joint and muscle tensions release in a totally different way.”

The program is designed for individuals facing chronic pain, arthritis, mobility challenges, or those recovering from surgery. “It’s great for people with multiple joint pain, chronic pain issues, or balance problems, and for anyone who has a high fall risk or struggles to exercise on land,” Agnes said. “Because a physician prescribes the therapy, it’s covered through insurance for Tulalip Health Clinic patients.”

Currently, the Aquatic Physical Therapy program is exclusively available to Tulalip tribal members who receive care through the Tulalip Health Clinic. Because it’s a medically prescribed service rather than a public exercise class, participants are referred directly by their healthcare providers.

Since the sessions take place at the Stanwood YMCA, about a 25-minute drive from Tulalip, transportation can be a consideration for some patients. Currently, there is no formal shuttle or group transportation in place, although the idea has been discussed among clinic staff and community programs.

“Right now, our physical therapy patients are getting to the Stanwood YMCA on their own,” Agnes explained. “There have been early discussions about possible transportation support through the senior program or community health, but since the program is still new, patients are currently responsible for arranging their own rides.”

Since its recent launch, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “They’ve loved it,” Agnes said with a smile. “Usually, sessions start one-on-one, then move into duet or group sessions. I think the biggest thing is that people are learning how their bodies respond to active recovery. I’ve seen so much improvement, especially among patients preparing for surgery. Some are waiting on knee replacements and tell me how much better they feel just being able to move their whole body again.”

The partnership with the Stanwood YMCA has also been strong. “They’ve been so welcoming and kind,” Agnes said. “The staff and regular members are supportive, and I’ve had patients say how comfortable they feel there. Some people even ask if they can join our sessions, but I remind them it’s exclusive for Tulalip Health Connect patients, which is kind of neat because it shows how visible and valued the program is becoming.”

When asked how she measures success, Agnes didn’t hesitate. “It’ll come from our patients, their outcomes, how they feel treated, and how their recovery carries forward,” she said. “Our goal is to help them become independent with a mindful movement program for themselves. The true testament is when they can go back to their normal routines, gardening, fishing, preparing their boats, without worrying about pain holding them back.”

For anyone hesitant to try aquatic therapy, her message is simple. “This is an environment meant to help your body feel lighter and freer,” she said. “Let the water support you. Let it help you find movement again.”

Agnes hopes this new program will become a lasting part of Tulalip’s larger health and wellness journey. “I think this is one of those things that can help inspire,” she said. “Learning about the Coast Salish tribes and their water connection, I see how resilient the Tulalip people are, always doing their best for their community. This program is a reflection of that. We just want to do our best by the people, following the Tribe’s vision, mission, and values.”

Children of the Setting Sun founder visits Tulalip Heritage

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

At 71, Lummi Nation elder and longtime storyteller Darrell Hillaire carries a lifetime of wisdom earned through leadership and community work. He served on Lummi’s board of directors for 15 years, including time as Chairman, before opting to turn his vision strictly towards storytelling and empowering the next generation.

On Tuesday, November 4, he journeyed to Tulalip after accepting the lead speaker role for the most recent Season of Healing event. Nearly ten hours before his evening gig at the Gathering Hall, Darrell made a special guest appearance at Heritage High School’s morning circle.

Inside the high school’s common area, students and staff gathered to hear from the highly respected elder. Darrell’s presence filled the room with calm authority and a storyteller’s warmth as he spoke about identity, healing, and our shared responsibility of carrying the culture forward.

Through Children of the Setting Sun Productions, the Bellingham-based nonprofit he founded, Darrell has made it his mission to amplify Native voices and platform Coast Salish culture through film, performance, and digital storytelling. His work blends traditional Coast Salish teachings with modern media tools, ensuring that Native stories continue to educate and inspire future generations.

“It strengthens us to know that we carry these gifts passed down from countless generations. Now, it’s our responsibility to use these gifts to better our people,” Darrell told the students. “Children of the Setting Sun creates and shares stories of our people. We feel by sharing these stories that we can fulfill our responsibilities to our ancestors.

“As you learn who you are and where you come from, you begin to understand the power of your story, the power that’s inside you,” he continued. “That’s what we do. We share stories that strengthen, stories that heal.”

For half an hour, Heritage students listened attentively as the Lummi elder spoke from the heart, weaving together personal experience and cultural insight. He emphasized that every young person has the ability and responsibility to shape the future of their people through action, compassion, and connection.

“We are all in this healing journey together. No one is exempt,” he said. “As you grow older and experience more of the world, eventually you will learn that the work you do for your people will be the most rewarding and fulfilling currency you’ll ever earn.”

His words carried the gravity of a lifetime dedicated to service and the generosity of an elder still eager to teach. Darrell encouraged the youth to lead with humility and generosity, to share what they have, and to remember that true strength lies in giving back. “Learn how to share, how to give,” he said. “That’s the foundation of who we are.”

As the guest speaker’s visit concluded, Heritage students reflected on the rarity of hearing from a respected elder who has walked the path of leadership and cultural preservation. Darrell’s message that healing begins with identity and community struck a chord with several students in particular, three underclassmen who were willing to share what the elder’s words meant to them. “The part that spoke to me most was how he took a big risk to quit is day job in order to follow his lifelong dream. And even though it seemed difficult to achieve, he’s received support from other people and organizations who believe in his dream, too,” shared Jael Adame, 15-year-old Heritage sophomore “I’m native to Mexico. Coming to the United States was a big dream for me. Now that I’m here and have the opportunity to get an education, I want to go to Harvard and become an immigration lawyer. That way I can use my education and my own experience to help other families not just in Mexico but other countries, too, who also dream of being in United States.”

Fellow Heritage sophomore, 16-years-old Iris Nunez shared, “Referencing how important it is to know who you are and where you come from, that was the part I’ll remember most. I’m still learning where exactly I come from. It’s difficult to do that because of the limited knowledge my family knows and the even more limited knowledge that was recorded. But I’m determined to find out as much as I can.”

Clearly, Jael and Iris absorbed their elder’s teachings about identity, giving, and collective healing, not as distant lessons but as living guidance meant for them. Yet, it may be that the youngest in the room, 14-year-old freshman Janessa Sabbas, who came away being the most empowered of them all.

“My dad teaches me songs and dances because he tells me it’s my responsibility to pass them down to future generations,” explained Janessa. “So when Darrell spoke about keeping our traditions and our ways alive because if we don’t, then they’ll disappear forever. I felt like he was talking to me, like my dad.

“I dream of visiting all my Indigenous homelands and traditional territories when I’m older,” she added. “Darrell empowered me to follow that dream, no matter how hard it may be, because finding that knowledge is key to healing my identity…the identity my ancestors had stripped away generations ago. So, yeah, that’s my dream.”

And what a bold, beautiful dream it is.

Under rain and Friday night lights, Hawks honor their seniors

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The rain came down in steady sheets during Tulalip Heritage’s second to last home game of the regular season. Local news outlets reported it was the Pacific Northwest’s wettest day in nearly two years, but that historic downpour didn’t stop the celebration.

With umbrellas out and hearts full, the Hawks community gathered to honor their senior football players and cheerleaders under the bright lights. Families and friends filled the stands despite the inclement weather.

Proud momma bear Winona Shopbell-Fryberg shared, “It’s senior night for our son, Tokala Black Tomahawk. I can’t believe this is his last year of school and sports. He started playing when he was just 6-years-old. On that first team were two of his fellow Heritage teammates. They even all went to Arizona and won a youth championship together. It’s just been amazing watching them all grow into young men.”

In the home bleachers, parents and guardians, aunties and uncles huddled beneath ponchos and blankets, smiling as their seniors played their butt’s off on the Tulalip Bay gridiron. Laughter echoed between bursts of rain as the smallest fans, younger siblings and baby cousins, waved handmade signs celebrating their heroes.

By the game’s final whistle, the scoreboard didn’t matter nearly as much as the spirit shown that October 24 night. Try as it might, the rain couldn’t wash away the pride of Tulalip Heritage. If anything, it made it shine even brighter.

“To my son, Ryland Dumont, you make us so proud!” exclaimed Melody Dumont. She also serves as Heritage’s lead football trainer. “These last few years have been a blast watching [our boys] showcase leadership and strength on and off the football field.”

After the game, each senior was escorted onto the field by loved ones to be recognized for their dedication and contribution to Tulalip Heritage’s football program. The sound of cheers mixed with the rhythm of rainfall as names were called from the P.A. system. Each player and cheerleader received flowers and hugs from proud family members and coaches.

“Rain or shine, these boys have shown real grit and grind all season long,” said Heritage head coach Shawn Custis as he coordinated a giant team photo with each senior’s support system at the 50-yard line. “This really is a great group of kids. I’m honored to be their coach.”

With the regular season winding down and playoffs about to start, the Heritage Hawks look forward to getting all their players back on the field. The coaching staff is hopeful, with a fully engaged depth chart, the Hawks can soar into the win column again in 2025.

Ready to learn Lushootseed? There’s an app for that

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News

Learning a new language can often feel daunting. You might find yourself asking, where do I start? How do I stay consistent? The Tulalip Tribes’ Lushootseed Department has looked closely at those very questions and found a way to help. Their solution is something both modern and deeply cultural: a new Tulalip Lushootseed App, created to make learning our traditional language easier, more engaging, and accessible for everyone.

As someone who’s been exploring the app myself, I can say it feels like a bridge between the past and the present, a tool that makes Lushootseed learning not only possible but also enjoyable. The app greets you with clear categories: greetings, family, foods, animals, and weather. Each section includes spoken examples from fluent speakers, making it easy to hear pronunciation and rhythm —often the most complex parts of learning a new language.

The design itself feels welcoming. Real photos of community members and cultural items replace the stock images you might see in a typical language app, grounding each lesson in Tulalip’s own identity. There’s also a section called “Culture Notes,” where short explanations and visuals offer a deeper understanding of the teachings behind certain words. It’s not just about memorizing vocabulary; it’s about learning the meaning and story carried within each word.

One of my favorite parts is how interactive it feels. The app includes quizzes, audio games, and a search bar that lets you look up any word you’ve heard in conversation or at a community event. For example, I was able to find the Lushootseed word for “friend” quickly, listen to how it’s said, and then test myself in one of the mini-games. These small learning moments add up, and the repetition helps the words stick.

What stands out most is the app’s flexibility. You don’t need to set aside a whole class or schedule time with a teacher to learn; you can open it whenever you have a few spare minutes, while you’re drinking your coffee, sitting in the car, or winding down in the evening. Every word you learn, even just one a day, strengthens your connection to Tulalip’s language and heritage.

The Lushootseed Department has long been dedicated to revitalizing dxʷləšucid, the language of this land, through classroom lessons, songs, signage, and storytelling. This app is the next natural step in that journey, a way to reach people of all ages and learning styles, including those who might not have had the chance to take in-person classes.

For anyone who has ever thought, “I’d love to learn Lushootseed, but I don’t know where to start, this app is your invitation. It’s available now for free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Once downloaded, it’s as simple as pressing play and repeating after the speaker. Start small, learn a few words, and grow from there.

Language is more than communication; it’s a reflection of who we are as a people. The Lushootseed app ensures that our words, our songs, and our stories can continue to be shared, spoken, and heard, no matter where we are.

Rico’s mission to ‘reach the unreachable’

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

For Rico Jones-Fernandez, serving his community has never been a job. It’s been a calling. From running his own grassroots needle exchange program to going door-to-door handing out NARCAN kits, the 37-year-old tribal member has been on the frontlines of the harm reduction movement for years

He’s also recognized throughout the Reservation for his endless advocacy that ultimately led to Tulalip enacting the Lois Luella Jones Law– a Good Samaritan measure protecting people who call 911 during an overdose.

Now, his calling has led him to a new chapter, becoming the coordinator of the Pallet Shelter. For those who aren’t aware, the Pallet Shelter is the Tribe’s 20-unit transitional housing site designed to give homeless tribal members a safe and dignified space in a community environment.

Located at 6304 19th Avenue NE, the Pallet Shelter community opened in early 2023 as part of Tulalip’ broader supportive housing strategy. The small, climate-controlled shelters (16 single units and 4 doubles) provide residents with privacy, security, and the stability needed to focus on recovery and rebuilding. The site also includes shared kitchen and laundry facilities, 24/7 security, and coordinated access to a broad range of mental health, substance use, and wellness services.

When it launched, Tulalip Chairwoman Teri Gobin described the Pallet Shelter as “the difference between life and death for some of our people.” Since opening, it’s been close to or at full capacity. The Pallet Shelter has proved, over and over again, to be a huge stepping stone for those seeking to rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness and/or addiction.

Now, with Rico at the helm, the Shelter’s mission can expand into a space of harm reduction and healing that stems from empathy and years of experience.

Rico’s drive to help others began from heartbreak. Fifteen-years ago, his mother Lois Luella Jones died from a drug overdose. In her honor, Rico became a leading advocate for the Lois Luella Jones Law, which was formally adopted into Tulalip’s Good Samaritan ordinance in 2014. It protects those who call 911 during an overdose from arrest or prosecution. Placing higher value on saving lives than filing drug charges.

“Losing my mom broke my heart,” Rico reflected. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t wonder what I could have done differently to save her. I don’t want anyone else to lose someone they love because they were afraid to ask for help or didn’t know what services are available.”

That spirit of service, rooted in compassion and implementable action, has guided Rico ever since. Long before his new position as Pallet Shelter coordinator, he worked tirelessly to reach the unreachable through proven harm reduction methods. He casually recalls exchanging hundreds of clean needles and distributing NARCAN kits, while checking in on people living in cars and tents in homeless encampments and under freeway overpasses. All without a police escort or State, County or Tulalip assistance.

“In order to reach the unreachable, you have to build trust. Plain and simple,” explained Rico. “If I had showed up with police or other emergency services, they’d be all standoffish or, worse yet, afraid they were going lose all their belongings and go to jail. But because I started with the needle exchange and caring about lowering risks of contracting and spreading Hepatitis-C and HIV, they trusted me when I came around later with NARCAN.

“I was building trust while advocating for their safety,” added Rico. “Letting them know that I care about them and their life, so much so that I’d come around however many times until they exchanged their dirty needles for clean ones and accepted the NARCAN because I meant what I said when I told them it could save their lives.”

That was nearly a decade ago. Long before it became common place for households and businesses to keep NARCAN on-hand to prevent overdose death.

Rico never waited for a title, funding, or staff. “Back then, all I had was my car, my phone, and my mom’s spirit pushing me. That was enough,” he said. “Now, working at the Pallet Shelter, I have access to more resources and have support from tribal departments, like the Recovery Resource Center, to develop harm reduction strategies and to create more partnerships with local health services.”

As coordinator, Rico’s focus is on bridging the Pallet Shelter’s resources with the trust he’s built over years of grassroots outreach. His leadership emphasizes harm reduction as a doorway to safety and healing rather than a barrier to housing.

“At the Pallet Shelter, we meet people where they’re at,” Rico said. “If someone is struggling, that doesn’t mean we turn them away. It means we walk with them, one step at a time. Of course, the dream scenario is each resident getting clean. But that’s not the reality.

“Harm reduction means taking any step forward is a win,” he continued. “It means success can be anything from filling out job applications to cooking your own meals, to getting your driver’s license back to finding a recovery meeting that suits you. And, of course, it means being willing to go through treatment and get clean, but we have got to remember that you can’t just undo decades of addiction in a few months.

“Everyone’s journey to recovery starts with a few steps forward, and I’m here to take those steps forward, side by side, with anyone willing.”

Secretary Sheldon earns Harvard certificate, brings knowledge home to Tulalip

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

With students spilling out onto grassy quads and Boston’s Charles River bustling with rowers, Tulalip Tribal Councilmember Theresa Sheldon walked across the storied campus of Harvard Business School. For one week, she joined tribal leaders from across Indian Country for an intensive program designed to strengthen leadership skills and expand the tools available to Native governments.

Harvard’s Tribal Leaders Program is a premier executive education course tailored for tribal officials navigating the complex world of governance, sovereignty, and nation building. Theresa was one of more than 80 participants who spent six days immersed in case studies, lectures, and discussions inside the ivy-covered walls of one of the world’s most influential academic institutions.

Education has always been important to the now 47-year-old Theresa. Although she graduated college in 2005 with a pre-law degree, as a self-described lifelong learner she has sought out broadening her skill set and adding knowledge wherever possible. This latest educational experience, at prestigious Harvard of all places, was an opportunity to grow as a leader and bring innovative knowledge back to Tulalip.

“The biggest take away was learning about executive leadership from an international viewpoint as it helped me step outside the box,” she shared. “Many times, as an elected official you feel overwhelmed when you do not know an answer to something complex. This program helped teach you steps and processes for finding solutions that may seem unattainable.”

Theresa attend all-day sessions for a full week to earn her Harvard certificate

The course used real-world case studies of corporations and governments pushed to their limits, including some that rose to the challenge and others that failed. These examples, Theresa said, revealed the full spectrum of outcomes and offered insight into decision-making under pressure.

“Some did well, and others did horrible,” she said. “Being able to learn from the good and bad helps you to think creatively when under stress.”

Outside of the classroom, the Harvard campus became a hub of exchange and camaraderie. During long lunches under shady trees and lively dinners in the dining hall, Theresa and her peers dug into the unique complexities of their own tribal governance systems.

“The program had over 80 tribal officials and so we spent our lunches and dinners together on campus going over our own complex government systems and discussing how to govern in a more holistic manner,” she said. “It was really encouraging to be in a setting with nerds who wanted to learn and find better ways of leading.”

Those “nerds,” as Theresa affectionately called them, represented the heart of what made the experience so meaningful. A true gathering of Native leaders deeply committed to the hard work of self-determination and strengthening their communities.

Harvard Business School (est. 1908) is located in Boston, Massachusetts.

For Theresa, the week reaffirmed her conviction that learning is not just for students in classrooms, rather learning is a right and worthy pursuit for every Tulalip citizen, regardless of age.

“The real highlight for me is if someone has an opportunity to learn a new skill, to take it, as we are lifelong learners,” she reflected. “Keep supporting our college students who are away from home learning new skills so they can bring it home and help their nation excel. True nation building is when we grow our people so they may contribute to the whole nation excelling together. Focusing on nation building also shouldn’t be limited to just today, but go well the future as we consider the generations yet to come.”

Secretary Sheldon’s participation and completion of Harvard’s Tribal Leaders Program is an investment in leadership and education. In addition, it’s a reminder that when tribal leaders strengthen their own skillsets, they also expand opportunities for their entire tribe and local community.

Theresa described her time in Boston as both humbling and energizing. Walking through Harvard’s historic lecture halls, she carried with her the responsibility of representing Tulalip, the voices of her community, and the aspirations of generations yet to come.

Now back home, she’s determined to translate the lessons learned into practical strategies that can help Tulalip navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence.

“I see this as part of the bigger picture,” she explained. “We are all tasked with building up our nation. By investing in ourselves as leaders, we’re also investing in the future of Tulalip. That is what true nation building is all about.”

The week at Harvard may have been brief for Theresa, but the knowledge, connections, and vision gained are already being woven into Tulalip’s ongoing journey of sovereignty and self-determination.

Our songs, our circle, our healing: Tulalip launches Season of Healing 2.0

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News

Warm embraces, soft songs, and tearful smiles filled the Gathering Hall as Tulalip came together in a powerful act of healing and homecoming. On Tuesday, October 7, community members gathered for the first ceremony of Season of Healing 2.0, guided by Sandy White Hawk, founder of the First Nations Repatriation Institute. Through the Welcoming Circle, those who had been abused, neglected, taken away, or simply finding their way back were greeted with open arms, wrapped in blankets, and surrounded by love.

The evening was led by Tulalip tribal member Tony Hatch, whose calm presence and thoughtful words guided the flow of the night. It began with a salmon dinner and healing teas, setting the tone for reflection and connection. Deep, heartfelt words were shared by local tribal members, each speaking from places of love, pain, and hope. One of the most touching moments came during the Welcome Home Circle, when community members came forward to wrap blankets around those being honored. As each individual was embraced, smiles began to break through, expressing relief, belonging, and acceptance that filled the room with emotion.

Tony spoke about the importance of cultural strength and carrying forward the teachings that once faced erasure. “It always makes us feel good when our young people get up and speak, especially when they speak our traditional language,” he said. “Those things were once punished, but our elders persevered. Because of them, our traditions and identity are still here, and they will continue for the next seven generations.”

Following the welcome and meal, Sandy White Hawk, a Sicangu Lakota woman and head elder of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS), shared a heartfelt message about reconnection, language, and the power of returning home. “I was adopted out when I was 18 months old,” she said. “It took me many years to find my family again, so much fear, so much worry about rejection, but when I finally made it home, I realized my mother had always been there. The land itself was hers.”

Sandy spoke about how healing begins when Indigenous people reclaim their language, culture, and place within their communities. “Our languages are healing,” she explained. “When I say, ‘I greet you with a good heart,’ I can’t say it unless I truly have a good heart.” She encouraged everyone to take pride in their roots, to speak their language without fear, and to remember that correction from elders is an act of love. “If someone corrects you, it’s because they care for you,” she said. “They don’t want you to be hurt again.”

Reflecting on the purpose of the Season of Healing ceremonies, Sandy emphasized that every community must shape healing in its own way. “Every nation must make it their own circle, with your own songs, your own words, your own way of welcoming people home,” she said. “That’s where the true healing lives.”

Among the voices that evening was Tulalip tribal member Linda Jones, who shared her own powerful story of survival, resilience, and healing. Taken from her parents at the age of seven, Linda spoke about the lasting pain of being raised in foster care and learning to carry that trauma into adulthood. “When children are taken from their parents, we think it’s our fault,” she said. “We start to believe we’re unlovable.” After years of struggle, Linda found her way back to community and herself. “This is a different experience for me,” she said. “In my healing journey, it’s the first time in a long time that I feel like I belong.”

Now four years sober, she spoke of building a new legacy of strength and presence for her family. “Every one of you is essential to the well-being of our community,” she said. “When you’re not in the circle, there isn’t anybody who can take your place.”

Another deeply moving moment came from Tulalip tribal member Princess Jones, who shared her journey of loss, survival, and rediscovery. Taken from her biological family at the age of five, Princess grew up in foster care, carrying wounds that followed her into adulthood. “When I came back, I was welcomed with open arms,” she said. “There was so much love, so many new faces, but it was overwhelming. I wasn’t comfortable with human touch. I felt like an outsider, and even now, I still struggle with that feeling.”

Her healing began when she reconnected with Tulalip’s teachings and Lushootseed language. “Something started to change when I was hired as a Lushootseed Warrior,” she said. “Reconnecting with our language and understanding the values our ancestors carried, that’s where I began to feel healing in my spirit and soul.” After decades of addiction and pain, Princess shared that reconnecting to her culture gave her purpose. “Now I hear our ancestors. I see them. I know the reason I made it back home is because they were watching over me, protecting me, and guiding me.”

Her message carried the heart of Season of Healing: “If we truly want to welcome our people home, we have to do more than open our arms,” she said. “We need to listen. We need to understand that some of us are coming back with wounds that don’t heal easily. Have patience and never give up. Be the light that we need when darkness consumes us.”

As the evening came to a close, Sandy White Hawk reminded everyone that healing is not a single event, but a lifelong journey, one strengthened by community, laughter, and love. For those wanting to continue their own journey of understanding, her book “A Child of the Indian Race: A Story of Return” offers a powerful look into her life and the broader movement of Indigenous reclamation and healing.

The next Season of Healing 2.0 gathering will take place on Monday, November 4, at the Tulalip Gathering Hall, focusing on “Honoring Our Elders.” The event will begin with a community lunch featuring James LaBelle Sr., Second Vice President of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, and his wife, Susan LaBelle, followed by a ceremonial dinner and an evening of reflection.

Through each gathering, Tulalip continues to show that healing is not only possible, it’s happening here, together, one circle at a time.

Simpson vs. Sheldon: The battle for District 1

By Kalvin Valdillez

Two Tulalip tribal members are going toe-to-toe this election day as they fight for a seat on the Marysville School District Board of Directors. Malory Simpson and Ray Sheldon Jr. are both well-respected leaders in the community of Tulalip and hope to earn your vote this November 4.

This is a historic moment in the fact that two Tribal members are on the ballot for the first time and are facing off against each other for this seat. This is important to note because District 1’s service area covers the majority of the Tulalip reservation.

Most recently, this seat was held for nearly a full term by non-tribal member, Connor Krebbs. Prior to that, Chris Nations, also non-tribal, served in this position for twelve years. The last time the seat was occupied by a Tulalip tribal member was in the early aughts by Don ‘Penoke’ Hatch. That is, of course, not including the past five months in which Malory has served District 1 in an interim role after Krebbs resigned from the position at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

Now, although the headline of this article reads like a marquee on fight night, Malory and Ray have shown nothing but respect for one another. And the real winners, no matter the result from Election Day, are Tulalip and its future leaders as they are guaranteed to have someone in this position for the next four years who has their kiddo’s best interests in mind and will advocate for tribal students throughout their term.

Malory is currently the Director of the Tribe’s Legacy of Healing and the Children’s Advocacy Center. Over the past decade, she has built up her community-focused nonprofit organization, Together We’re Better, and has created fan favorite events such as the annual Easter Bunny Run and Halloween time’s Trunk or Treat.

Once she earned her degree from NWIC, she immediately began putting everything she learned into play and started pouring it back into her community. Malory is also a product of the Marysville School District, as are her children, three of whom have recently graduated and one who is just starting her high school journey. She comes from a long line of educators and served as a student advocate for a number of years at Quil Ceda Tulalip, where her eldest daughter is currently in her first-year teaching at the elementary.

After being sworn-in as Interim Director of District 1 in July, Malory shared, “It’s vital to have Tulalip representation, not only to support our students and community, but to show that anything is possible when we uplift one another. Our presence sends a message: we stand together, and we show up for each other. This means everything to me. Who are we without our families, our friends, and the communities that shape us? These are the people who guide, challenge, and nurture us—whether through joy or adversity, each experience becomes a powerful lesson.”

She continued, “I’m eager to embrace growth and tackle new challenges. Stagnation isn’t in my nature—I thrive on progress and forward momentum. My goal is to join a team committed to driving meaningful change and working collaboratively for the betterment of the district. After being sworn in, it was straight to business—our meeting kicked off and we hit the ground running. The energy was good, the conversations were meaningful, and it felt right. I’m genuinely excited to be part of this team.”

Ray’s name has been on the ballot for the District 1 seat over the past several four-year terms. Although he has yet to be elected to the position, his dedication to tribal students has never wavered. And through his actions, like showing up at nearly every MSD Board meeting, Ray has been able to use his voice to advocate for students of color and students living with special needs.

Ray initially began running for the MSD Board because he was encouraged to pick up where Penoke left off. Endorsed by Penoke himself, Ray was determined to get on the board in 2017 and really take a look at the budget and make any necessary changes to ensure that the needs of tribal kids and students with disabilities were being met. This was prior to the recent budget fiasco and financial woes that have plagued the school board over the past couple of years. He was also an advocate of the 2020 levy that would’ve prevented the closure of four MSD schools and the relocation of hundreds of students.

You might know Ray from his work with his daughter’s nonprofit organization, Leah’s Dream Foundation. Leah’s Dream puts on monthly gatherings for MSD’s special needs students, to help the kiddos build community and have a safe space to be themselves without any judgment. Like Malory, Ray is also a product of MSD, as are both his daughters and his grandkids. Ray is also quick to lend a hand and show his support for Marysville Getchell’s Native American and Friends Club, an inclusive program that is led by his daughter, Amy.

Said Ray, “I’m an advocate for special needs and the kids that need care because I have four grandkids who are categorized as special needs. I think we need to help those special needs children and spend more time with them. Special needs doesn’t necessarily mean they’re stuck in a wheelchair, special needs are also the kids who have trouble reading or with dialect or anything else. I think there really needs to be change with special needs education. It’s not just tribal children, it’s non-tribal too. We need representation for these children.

“Our future is really important. It’s important to have our children educated,” he expressed. “It will be a better community, and they’ll be great parents – that’s the whole dream. They can do it; they just need someone to make them understand that they can do it. We can make a positive change for our students now. This is exciting and enjoyable for me and I’m really hoping to get in. But if it doesn’t happen, I’ll still be here. I’ll be fighting for our students for a long time.”

You should be receiving your ballot and voter’s guide in the mail soon. The Tribe will be hosting a ballot party in room 162 of the Admin building on November 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., where you can register to vote, cast your vote, enjoy a snack, and enter a raffle. If you cannot attend the ballot party, be sure to drop your vote in the ballot box at the Teen Center campus by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

To follow Ray’s campaign, please be sure to join his Facebook group, Ray Sheldon Jr. for MSD 25 District 1.

And for more information about Malory’s campaign run, give her Facebook page, Malory Simpson for Marysville School Board, Director 1, a follow. You can also visit her website, www.electmalorysimpson.com for additional details.