Category: News

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

On the final Friday of the month, laughter and the rhythmic call of bingo numbers echoed through a Don Hatch gymnasium filled with families. Parents, aunties, grandparents, and kids of all ages leaned over colorful cards, eyes wide with anticipation. It was the official launch of Youth Services’ new monthly Family Bingo Night. It’s a simple idea with a pure purpose. Youth Services staff want to strengthen families and nurture a healthier community, one Bingo game at a time.

The inaugural event marked the beginning of what the department hopes will become a cherished tradition. Scheduled for the last Friday of every month, Family Bingo Night is intentionally designed as more than just entertainment. It’s a welcoming space where families can gather, share a meal, and reconnect in a positive environment that centers togetherness and community spirit.

Before the first bingo number was ever called, the evening began with a hearty dinner hosted by the Youth Services team. The smell of warm food drew families together around tables, conversations flowing as easily as the laughter. For Youth Services staff, the shared meal is just as important as the games themselves.

“We want to make sure families come in with full bellies and full hearts,” said department manager Sabrina Moses. “Dinner gives everyone a chance to slow down, sit together, and enjoy each other’s company before the excitement starts. It’s about creating space for connection.”

That connection was evident throughout the shared space. Kids bounced in their seats while elders offered playful advice on bingo strategy. Parents helped little ones track their numbers, turning each near-win into a moment of collective suspense. When the first triumphant “Bingo!” rang out, the entire room erupted in cheers, celebrating the young winner.

Prizes ranged from toys and school supplies to gift cards, ensuring every round held excitement for participants of all ages. The grand prizes of an XBOX gaming system and a tablet added an extra layer of buzz, with whispers and hopeful predictions circulating between games. Yet even with the impressive prize table on display, the true reward of the evening was the sense of unity filling the space.

Youth Services developed the program with a clear mission: to support stronger families as the foundation of a healthier Tulalip community. By offering consistent, positive gatherings, the department hopes to give families reliable opportunities to spend quality time together in a safe and uplifting environment.

“I haven’t been inside this building for many years. To be here now with my kids and teaching them how to play some Bingo, it means a lot,” shared Luke Madrigal while holding his baby Stormi. “My daughter Delilah actually won one of the first games. To see how she just lit up with excitement and had this big ol’ smile as she picked her prize, that meant everything to me.”

As the night stretched on, the energy in the room never faded. Even after multiple rounds, families remained engaged, joking with one another and celebrating each win as a collective victory. Youth Services staff moved through the crowd with smiles, greeting participants by name and making sure everyone felt included.

That inclusion went as far as Bingo caller Kayla Joseph making use of the rambunctious tikes whose energy never seems to run out. On more than one occasion, Kayla had the tiniest Tulalip bingo players help her call out the letter and number. 

By the time the final game concluded, the room was filled with satisfied grins, tired kids clutching prizes, and parents already talking about next month’s return. 

“We are thrilled with the turnout,” concluded Sabrina. “Seeing how many families showed up and just how many smiling faces there were, it just makes me so happy because it shows that sometimes it really is the simplest of things that can brings us all together and lead to new traditions being made.”

With the last Friday of every month now circled on many calendars, Tulalip families have a new reason to gather together, laugh together, and celebrate the simple magic of calling out numbers in a crowded room where everyone belongs.

By Wade Sheldon; Photos courtesy of Josh Fryberg (JEE-LEETS-KYNAM), Alan Enick, Eliza Davis, Theresa Sheldon, Scott Rehaume, and Marilyn Sheldon

Under bright blue skies and rare February sunshine, downtown Seattle glowed almost as brightly as the Lombardi Trophy on Wednesday, February 11. The winter chill gave way to clear, crisp air as nearly a million fans poured into the city, their blue and green jerseys reflecting in the sunlight that felt more like early fall than midwinter. For Tulalip Tribal members who made the journey south, the sunshine added something symbolic to the celebration, a championship moment shared with family, community, and the entire Pacific Northwest.

For Tulalip Tribal member William Burchett, the parade marked the payoff of patience and belief. Burchett and his wife, Katie, both Tribal members, have held season tickets for three years after waiting 11 years on the list. The opportunity did not come easily. “I actually lost an earlier opportunity back in 2009 because I didn’t follow up on the notification,” he said. “That one still stings a little, but I’m just grateful to have them now. The wait was absolutely worth it.”

Having invested more than a decade hoping for seats, Burchett said he recognized early signs that this season could become something special. When every player reported to Organized Team Activities in the spring, he saw a level of commitment that stood out. Even after a Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, his confidence in the team’s direction remained steady. He viewed that moment as a challenge that would strengthen the roster rather than derail it.

His belief solidified during the Week 16 overtime win against the Rams on primetime Thursday Night Football. “Something about that game just felt different,” Burchett explained. “That’s when I thought there was no stopping the Seahawks.” Convinced of their trajectory, he placed a bet back in May predicting Seattle would win the NFC West. “I just wish I had put one down for the Super Bowl, too,” he added.

Standing among the massive crowd lining 4th Avenue on parade day, Burchett said one moment stood above the rest. “Hearing the 12th Man echo down 4th Avenue when the parade started is something I’ll never forget,” he said. With the sun overhead and the city unified in celebration, he felt the fans’ energy carried the day. “The fans proved why we’re the best. And I can’t wait to do it again next year.”

Tulalip Tribal member Alan Enick approached February 11 with determination. After missing the 2014 championship parade due to heavy traffic near Everett Mall, he made sure this time would be different. Enick left his home at 6 a.m., boarded the light rail in Lynnwood, and arrived in Seattle before 7 a.m. to secure a spot along the route.

As the morning progressed, the streets filled beyond capacity. “You really had to be there to understand how special it was,” Enick said. “It was shoulder-to-shoulder downtown. You could barely turn around without bumping into someone.” Despite the tightly packed crowd, he described the atmosphere as positive and unified, with strangers sharing chants, smiles, and excitement as the players passed by.

For Tulalip Tribal member Josh Fryberg (JEE-LEETS-KYNAM), the championship celebration became a family memory. The drive into Seattle took nearly two hours just to reach a parking garage, and they arrived around 9 a.m., prepared to spend the day surrounded by fellow 12s. “Being there with my family and all the 12s was amazing,” Fryberg said. “The vibes were good, and everyone brought positive energy to share the experience together. It’s definitely a memory we’ll hold onto for a long time.”

Positioned near one of the stadium gates where players entered, Fryberg and his family experienced an unexpected highlight. His sons, Josh Jr. and Dan Dan, created a handmade sign that caught the attention of several Seahawks players. What began as a hopeful gesture quickly turned into direct interaction. “They ended up getting autographs from six different Seahawks players and even one of the media guys,” Fryberg shared. “They got a bunch of high fives from players and staff too. They absolutely loved it.”

From Tulalip to downtown Seattle, the celebration reflected more than a championship victory. It brought families together, strengthened community bonds, and showcased the pride Tribal members carry for their team.

As Fryberg summed up the spirit of the day: “12th Man as 1.”

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Tulalip Court marked an important moment of transition and continuity on Wednesday morning, February 4, as two judges were formally sworn in during a ceremony held in the Tribal Council boardroom. Natasha K. Anderson (Yankton Sioux) was sworn in as Tulalip Court’s new Chief Judge, while Christine Frausto was appointed the role of Deputy Chief Judge.

The oaths of office were administered by Tulalip Vice Chairman Hazel Shopbell, with tribal leaders and staff in attendance. The swearing-in reflects Tulalip’s ongoing commitment to upholding justice, strengthening tribal sovereignty, and ensuring fair and effective judicial leadership for the community.

Following her swearing-in, Chief Judge Anderson said, “The Tulalip Tribes has been on my radar since I started my legal career in 2007. They are an excellent example in Indian Country, and I’m honored to serve their people.”

BOD members Theresa Sheldon and Deborah Parker blanket Rae Anne Gobin during a surprise acknowledgement honoring her 50 years of service on Wednesday, January 21.

By Wade Sheldon

For Rae Anne Gobin, a 50-year career with the Tulalip Tribes didn’t start with a grand plan but with encouragement from her parents and a willingness to explore unfamiliar territory. When she first applied for her job, she couldn’t have known that a single opportunity would develop into a lifetime of service to her people. Like many young employees, she faced uncertainty in those early days, unsure of what to expect and afraid of falling short, but she was determined to do her

“My parents encouraged me to work for the Tribe, and when I started my first job, I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Rae Anne said. “I worried about making mistakes, disappointing others, and not knowing enough, but I was surrounded by a community that genuinely cared about my success.” That sense of support, she explained, quickly became the foundation of her career. Her first position, funded through grant money, opened the door to future opportunities, and she began learning lessons that would guide her for decades to come. “That first job taught me so much,” she said. “The importance of showing up on time, being accountable for my work, communicating with others, solving problems, asking for help, and handling challenges.”

As her career advanced, Rae Anne did not stay in one role; she gradually grew alongside the Tribe as it expanded and changed. She started as a secretary and, over time, took on various positions, each deepening her understanding of tribal government and the responsibility of serving her community. Looking back now, she sees her personal growth as linked to Tulalip’s growth. 

“When I look back from my first days on the job until today, there has been so much progress,” she said. In those early years, tribal government was small and closely connected. “When I first started, we had an Executive Director, a Services Manager, a Business Manager, and only a small number of employees,” she recalled. Protecting and strengthening sovereignty was central to the work, and the daily operations of that small staff created the framework for everything that exists today.

With limited personnel, employees were often required to handle multiple responsibilities, and Rae Anne found herself taking on many different roles as the Tribe worked to build its systems. “In the early days, our workforce handled multiple responsibilities,” she said. “I performed duties as the recording secretary, court clerk, cashier, and even carried out early human resources functions.” As the Tribe expanded, new programs were developed, and positions that once had been shared among many people became full-time roles of their own. “With that growth and success came the ability to fund full-time positions such as a court clerk and develop the court system,” she said, describing those years as important milestones in Tulalip’s development.

Although there were moments when she considered leaving, especially during times of change or when family responsibilities weighed heavily, Rae Anne says her sense of belonging always brought her back to Tulalip. She remembers leaders who encouraged tribal members to explore opportunities both within and beyond the reservation, including Don Hatch (Penoke), who often walked through the offices, urging employees to consider jobs with agencies like PUD or the phone company.

“I often thought about leaving, too,” she said. “But the strong sense of connection and knowing that my own family had served as board members kept me rooted here. This place, this work, and our people became part of who I am. My sense of place has always been Tulalip, and my commitment has always been to want more for Tulalip.”

As the Tribe continued to expand, Rae Anne’s responsibilities grew along with it, and one area of her work eventually became a defining chapter of her career. What began as a simple task within Human Resources gradually developed into a major responsibility that would shape tribal policy and workplace practices for years to come.

“Over the years, one of my biggest responsibilities became overseeing the Tribe’s drug testing program,” she said. What started as a small assignment eventually grew into a full department of its own, reflecting both the growth of the Tribe and the increasing complexity of its operations. In many ways, the program symbolized how informal systems from the early years were transformed into structured departments as Tulalip matured into a large governmental and corporate organization.

Just as the Tribe evolved, so did the tools of the workplace, and few changes were as dramatic as the shift from typewriters to computers. For Rae Anne, that transition remains one of the most vivid markers of how much time has passed.

“As for the biggest challenges I’ve overcome during my career, the transition from typewriters to computers stands out the most,” she said. “When I first started, everything was done on a typewriter. We used carbon paper to make copies of letters we mailed out, and we relied on a mimeograph machine to create our newsletters.” Those early newsletters, she recalled, were a small but meaningful part of office life. “One of the best parts of those newsletters was the ‘Teepee Talk,’” she said. “Everyone looked forward to that.”

Throughout her career, Rae Anne says it was the people around her who most shaped how she worked and the values she carried. When asked about mentors and influences, she names leaders whose teachings extended far beyond job duties and titles.

“Francis Sheldon, Wayne Williams, Clarence Hatch, Delores Gobin, Gwen Hatch, Lavinia Carpenter, and Paula Cortez were especially memorable,” she said. “Because of the strong work ethic they demonstrated and the teachings they shared so effortlessly.” From them, she learned not only how to do her job but also how to carry herself with responsibility, humility, and respect for the community she served.

Perhaps the most striking change she witnessed over five decades was the sheer scale of Tulalip’s growth. What began as a small workforce handling whatever tasks were necessary has become an organization employing more than 3,000 people, operating programs, enterprises, and services that reach far beyond what anyone in those early offices could have imagined.

“Watching the Tribe grow from a small workforce to an organization with more than three thousand employees is something I never could have imagined,” she said. “The scale of what Tulalip has built far exceeds anything I dreamed of when we were just a handful of people doing whatever work needed to be done.”

Despite the many changes in technology, leadership, and structure, the lessons Rae Anne learned early in her career have remained constant. Dependability, she says, became the foundation for everything else she achieved.

“Showing up, being dependable, present, and ready to work,” she said. “That commitment created the foundation for everything else. I also learned the importance of treating people with respect and understanding that everyone plays a role in moving the Tribe forward.”

Serving her own community for half a century, Rae Anne views it not as a job, but as a lifelong responsibility and an honor.

“It has been an honor to contribute, even in a small way, to the growth of our Tribe and strengthening our sovereignty,” she said.

To young tribal members just beginning their careers, her advice reflects the same values that guided her through five decades of service.

“Stay open to learning and don’t be afraid to start small,” she said. “Every job, no matter how simple it may seem, teaches you something valuable. Show up, be dependable, and ask questions. Focus on what you contribute to the Tribe and our people.”

When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Rae Anne does not speak of titles or accomplishments, but of commitment. “I would hope people remember me as someone who cared for the Tribe and the commitment I gave.” 

Even after 50 years, her motivation remains rooted in the same purpose that brought her through the doors as a young employee.

“Knowing that the work I do still makes a difference,” she said. “My passion comes from seeing the Tribe grow through every improvement, every program, and the steps forward remind me why this work matters. Tulalip is my home, my community, my sense of place, my identity.”

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News  

For many Tulalip Tribal members, obtaining a driver’s license represents far more than the ability to drive. It is a symbol of independence, stability, and progress in recovery. Through Tulalip’s Wellness Court, participants facing license suspensions, unpaid fines, missing documentation, or financial barriers are being supported step-by-step toward restoring their driving privileges. Over the past year, Wellness Court helped approximately 13 participants earn their licenses, a significant increase from the three or four participants typically assisted in previous years.

According to Wellness Court Treatment Coordinator Erica Moore, many participants enter the program unsure of why they are even ineligible to drive. And the legal process alone can feel overwhelming. Wellness Court helps participants navigate that confusion by walking alongside them through both the legal and personal sides of the process. 

 “In order to get their license, we have our participants first sign up for a Driver’s Express account and talk to our TOCLA attorneys for help getting information for any court fees or fines that may be holding their license,” Moore said. She explained that participants then set up payment plans or received further legal services through TOCLA to help remove fines from collections.

Another major barrier is access to legal documentation. “Wellness Court also requires that you start fresh with all of your legal documents,” Moore said. Participants work toward obtaining a Washington State ID, Tribal ID, birth certificate, and Social Security card — foundational steps necessary before proceeding with licensing.

Test anxiety is another challenge many participants face. “Many of our participants have never had their license,” Moore said. “Our main concern is getting our participants educated on the driving rules and then getting them confident enough to take the test.” She acknowledged that failing the test can discourage people. “Some people will take the test once and feel even worse because they don’t pass. This is where a lot of people give up.”

To address this, Wellness Court partners with Marysville Driving 911, which provides a one-hour review followed by the written test. TERO helps cover the cost of the course for Tribal members over 18. “That confidence piece takes time and a lot of resilience,” Moore said, noting that the partnership has helped increase success rates.

For Wellness Court participant Ethel Jones, earning her driver’s license marked a powerful turning point. “I wouldn’t be the positive, outspoken woman I am today without Wellness Court,” she said. “Without this program, I wouldn’t be accomplishing the things I am today.” After completing treatment and beginning Wellness Court, Ethel said she started remembering who she was before addiction. “I was able to find my old self again.”

With renewed motivation, Wellness Court helped Ethel earn her driver’s license for the first time last year, after going 45 years without one. “It’s a big weight lifted off my shoulders,” she said. “It feels good not to have to worry.” Being able to drive legally changed her daily life. “I don’t need a chauffeur anymore; now I can drive my kids.”

Ethel said the hardest part of the process was overcoming her own self-doubt. “My inner voice kept saying you don’t need it, you already have a driver, you don’t know anything about driving or the test,” she said. “But I knew I could do it with the support from Wellness Court.” She credited her case manager and the court for their encouragement and accountability.

Another participant, Lois Henry, also reached the milestone of earning her driver’s license after years of driving without one. “I’ve been using for 20 years,” she said. “And after getting sober, one of my main goals was to get my driver’s license.” While the process felt scary at first, Lois said things became much easier once she completed the test. “Everything was so much easier because I was actually able to drive myself,” she said. “I didn’t have to depend on people for rides.” Her biggest challenge was parallel parking, but the outcome made it worthwhile. “I love the freedom.”

Brandie Salinas-Howlett earned her license for the first time as well, even though it took multiple attempts. “I had to take it more than five times,” she said. “I wasn’t watching my blind spots or looking over my shoulders, but I finally figured it out.” When she finally held her license, she described it as “an accomplishment.” Being able to drive legally brought immediate relief. “I wouldn’t have to worry about getting pulled over anymore,” she said. Brandie credited her family’s motivation and her case manager’s encouragement for helping her push through.

Justina Velazquez also completed the program and was on her way to pick up her license shortly after her interview. Like others, it was her first time earning a license. “It’s a blessing,” she said. Delays in obtaining corrective lenses slowed her progress, but with continued support from her case manager and assistance with fines and fees, she completed the process. “It’s possible,” she said. “If someone feels scared or doesn’t think they can do it, I’d encourage them to reach out for help.”

Moore said accountability plays a central role in Wellness Court. “Wellness Court is all about accountability and honesty,” she said. Participants agree to follow all applicable laws, including not driving until they are legally permitted to do so. “Getting your license after not having one is the best feeling of freedom in the world and a huge confidence boost.”

According to Moore, once participants regain their licenses, there is often a noticeable shift. “It’s like a checkpoint in their sobriety,” she said. “People realize they can attain their goals, and they start taking strides toward all their other goals because they’re not worried about the stress of driving illegally.”

Through Wellness Court and support from the Tulalip Tribes, participants who once believed a license was out of reach are proving otherwise. Whether barriers stem from suspension, unpaid fines, lack of funding, or missing documentation, the program demonstrates that with patience, structure, and support, Tribal members can regain their driver’s licenses — and move forward with confidence.