By Shawn Dick, photos courtesy of Fire Chief Ryan Shaughnessy and Battalion Chief Bobby Guadamuz
As wildfires and smoke continue affecting Indigenous communities across the state, the Tulalip Bay Fire Department offered aid with the Kaiser Canyon fire located within the boundaries of the Colville Reservation. Washington State emergency services are stretched thin, and after multiple evacuation orders, the fire department responded on July 23 by sending a team that included medics and a brush truck.
The fire medics were on an eight-day deployment, tasked with being available to firefighters working on the fire line to provide immediate emergency care, manage heat illness, and treat trauma in high-stress environments. Their constant presence keeps crews safe and lets firefighters focus on their work.
Some of the challenges crews faced were the smoke and heat. Tulalip firefighter/EMT Thomas Bennett said, “I live in Wenatchee, and I have been highly impacted by the smoke. Right now, Wenatchee has the worst air quality in the state.”
The brush truck, a 4×4 off-road fire truck, was assigned to a 14-day deployment for mop-up duty. Working in areas where the wildfire has already burned through, teams are split up by grid lines, focusing on quelling pop-up fires and taking the heat out of the ground. Once a section of the grid is finished, that area can be considered contained.
Tulalip firefighter/paramedic Jake Kelly has experience working with the brush trucks after being deployed to Coulee City earlier in the year. Kelly said, “We were lucky enough to get on the night shift; the day shift has heat, high winds, and humidity.”
The Tulalip Board of Directors approved $50,000 in cash donations to help the impacted Colville Reservation community. Tulalip tribal chairman Hazen Shopbell said, “We are looking into additional help for other tribes impacted by the wildfires.”
As drought conditions persist, the Tulalip Tribes’ burn ban remains in effect until further notice. Fireworks and all outdoor burning are strictly prohibited, except for authorized cooking and ceremonial fires.
A donation drive is being held at the Recover Workforce Center, located at 7627 41st Ave NW, Tulalip, WA 98271. Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Items being requested are:
Gently used and clean blankets, pillows, socks, and (new) undergarments.
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, hairbrushes, and hand sanitizer.
On Tuesday, Aug. 5, the Tulalip Police Department welcomed families, friends, and community members to the Tulalip Amphitheater for National Night Out 2026, an evening dedicated to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community they serve. Throughout the event, attendees connected with officers, first responders, and representatives from various tribal departments while enjoying a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Visitors were treated to free food, activities, and giveaways as departments from across the reservation shared information about the programs and services they provide. Children and adults alike collected free swag, explored emergency vehicles, and participated in hands-on activities.
One of the evening’s most popular attractions was the beer goggles station, where participants attempted to navigate a tricycle course of traffic cones while wearing goggles simulating the effects of alcohol impairment, offering a firsthand look at how alcohol can impair vision, balance, and coordination.
More than just a community celebration, National Night Out created an opportunity for residents to meet officers outside emergencies and learn about the many tribal departments that work together to serve the community.
Tulalip tribes Chairman Hazen Shopbell thanked the officers and public safety personnel who volunteered their time to make the event possible.
“Thank you for always answering the call,” Shopbell said.
For Tulalip Police Chief Shawn Ledford, the annual event is about bringing people together in a setting where conversations happen naturally, and partnerships can continue to grow. He said National Night Out provides an opportunity to highlight the teamwork between the police department and other tribal programs and to create an environment where families can interact positively with officers.
“I think the event went great. We had a lot of community members come out, the kids loved the bouncy house, I think everyone who came had a good time,” Ledford said. “It displays our partnership not only with the community but also with the different tribal entities such as the fire department, health department, and many others. Plus, it gives the community a chance to talk to the officers and have a meal together.”
Ledford said events like National Night Out are an important investment in the future because strong relationships between residents and law enforcement benefit the entire community. He explained that when people know the officers who serve Tulalip, they are more likely to reach out when they need help or witness suspicious activity.
“The department has to continue to build that trust,” said Ledford. “Some of the things that have happened at the national level have caused the community to lose trust in law enforcement. We depend on the community for certain cases, so we must make sure that they trust us. Plus, creating an atmosphere where people aren’t afraid to call 911 or the Tulalip Police Department if they spot something suspicious. Getting to know us a little better is the most important part of this.”
Ledford said he also hopes the event leaves children with positive experiences that help them feel comfortable around first responders while giving families a chance to learn more about the tools and equipment officers use every day.
“Good memories for the kids and some trinkets to remember the occasion. Getting to experience some of the vehicles and machines that we operate on a day-to-day basis,” said Ledford.
Officer Haison Duong, who has served with the Tulalip Police Department for nine years, said National Night Out gives officers a chance to meet people in a setting that is very different from the emergencies they typically respond to. He believes those everyday interactions help strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community long before someone ever needs to call 911.
“It means getting out in your community and being able to connect and have a meaningful conversation,” said Duong. “National Night Out is a dedicated day for us, and it means the world to be able to have these interactions. This is where we work, and we want the community to be comfortable with us because in their worst time, we are the people they call. We want to build that trust within the community so they feel comfortable with calling us.”
Looking beyond the event itself, Duong said the department continues to focus on issues affecting the reservation and encourages residents to play an active role in keeping their neighborhoods safe.
“We must keep drugs off the reservation, illegal guns off the reservation, and better neighborhood policing,” Duong said. “Call 911 if you need us; we are always there to help and be vigilant.”
As families packed up lawn chairs and children finished the evening’s activities, Duong said he hopes people left with a greater appreciation for the community they share and the people who serve it.
“At the end of the day, we take off our badges, and our guns, we take off our vests, we are the same person as you, we are all the same people. Be kind, be safe, and be responsible.”
What unfolded during the afternoon of July 31st outside Native American Bank looked less like a customer appreciation event and much more like a neighborhood celebration. Children bouncing inside an inflatable playhouse mixed with the cheers of teenagers trying to dunk willing volunteers into a tank of water. Families carried containers filled with Tulalip-inspired deliciousness while others cooled off with popsicles under the summer sun.
From 12p.m. to 3p.m., the Tulalip-located bank branch hosted its first annual membership gathering. They invited Tulalip tribal members, customers, and the surrounding community to enjoy an afternoon filled with food, games, and giveaways. Less than a year after opening its doors on the Reservation, the bank used the occasion to thank the community for welcoming it to Tulalip while continuing to strengthen the relationships that have become central to its mission.
Inside and outside the branch, tables overflowed with complimentary tote bags, notebooks, pens, and other Native American Bank gifts that visitors happily carried home.
The celebration also highlighted local businesses. Tulalip owned food truck Ryan’s Rez- ipes served free lunches throughout the afternoon, drawing a steady line of hungry guests. Once lunch wrapped up, Michael Pablo Jr’s ice cream truck became the next popular stop as families enjoyed frozen treats while visiting with friends and neighbors.
“This is the first annual customer appreciation day here at our Tulalip branch. It’s also a celebration of Native American Bank’s 25th anniversary,” said branch supervisor Raychell Williams (Upper Skagit). “We are extremely mission driven in each of our communities, and so in planning this event we were intentional about having community representation as involved as possible. Having two Tulalip food vendors not only adds to the welcoming environment, but also allows us to support local small businesses as well.”
The afternoon reflected the same vision Native American Bank shared when it officially opened its Tulalip branch last October. Founded in 2001 by Tribal Nations and Alaska Native corporations, Native American Bank was created to provide financial services designed specifically for Indian Country.
Today, the Native owned Community Development Financial Institution works with tribal governments, Native businesses, housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, and individual customers across the country. Its mission has always centered on supporting tribal sovereignty and expanding economic opportunity in Native communities.
When the Tulalip branch opened, Native American Bank President and CEO Tom Ogaard spoke about why establishing a permanent presence in western Washington was an important milestone for the institution.
“We are thrilled to be opening here in Snohomish County,” Ogaard said. “Nearly half of Washington’s federally recognized tribes are located in the Puget Sound region. Our physical presence here allows us to develop the relationships that are so important in Indian Country.”
Those relationships were evident throughout Friday’s celebration. Instead of focusing solely on financial services, bank employees spent the afternoon greeting customers by name, visiting with families, handing out prizes, and enjoying the festivities alongside the community. Conversations about checking accounts and business lending naturally blended into stories about family, upcoming community events, and shared experiences.
The Friday membership celebration demonstrated that vision in a way that did not involve paperwork or financial transactions. “I’m so happy to be here. I opened an account here soon after they opened because I wanted to support a business that works diligently to support Indigenous communities,” shared a local tribal elder. “The staff here are very personable and have never made me feel like just another number. In fact, when I opened my account they took the time to sit with me and show me how to install their banking app and connect my info. That may seem trivial, but to someone like me who isn’t tech savvy at all, it meant everything”
As the afternoon came to a close and families headed home with full stomachs and carrying giveaways items, the first annual membership appreciation day accomplished something that cannot be measured on a balance sheet. It strengthened the connection between Native American Bank and the community it came to serve.
Less than a year after opening its Tulalip branch, the bank continues to show that its greatest investment is the trust it is building with people.
From a fearless three-year-old determined to ride anything with four wheels to a history-making rookie sprint car driver, Sage Parker is at it again. The 13-year-old Tulalip tribal member, known as Savage Sage, showcased his talents behind the wheel as he competed in the 600R sprint car class. He reached the winners’ podium at the 43rd Clay Cup Nationals, held at Deming Speedway on July 16-18.
Torry Parker, crew chief and Sage’s dad, said, “This was the first time a rookie has ever reached the winners’ podium in Deming Speedway’s Clay Cup Nationals history.”
Sage added, “My favorite moment out of all my races is when my family came to watch me at the Clay Cup. ”
Savage Sage Racing is a family-run operation that has been navigating a steep learning curve. Torry admitted that competing against multigenerational racing families can be “pretty overwhelming.” But still, they don’t let that gap discourage them. “We make up the difference with determination,” Christina said.
How it all began
Tulalip’s aspiring racer, Savage Sage, at the age of three, was at a family get-together when an accident happened faster than anyone could react. Sage, who used to ride his small quad, jumped on his older sister’s quad and took off. Unable to reach the brake, he crashed into a curb, sending him flying.
His mom, Christina, said, “My heart sank. Over and over I prayed, Lord, please don’t let my son have any serious injuries.” He would make it out with minor injuries. Christina and Torry would later realize that this was the beginning of his love for racing.
At the age of seven, he traded in his quad for a single-seat Polaris ACE 325 nicknamed ‘Froggy.’ Sage’s skills began to grow. His parents saw how quickly he mastered the sand, which led him to a Polaris RS1. The more powerful machine accelerated his development as a driver, with everything extensively customized to fit his small frame, including the pedal, seat, and safety equipment.
With the upgraded vehicle, his parents saw the natural control that he had of his UTV (side-by-side). “His first time in, I would see him do the fastest hurricane donuts I’ve ever seen,” said Christina.
Sage was nine when he became the youngest to compete at the UTV Takeover in Coos Bay, Oregon. At this event, thousands of drivers compete in a variety of disciplines, including short-course racing, drag racing, Huckfest (jumping), and wheelie fest. The events have only two classes: turbo and non-turbo. Sage made UTV Takeover history in 2024 by becoming the youngest Huckfest champion at 11, and he won again in 2025 at 12, earning him the honor of UTV Takeover ambassador.
Even with Sage’s success in the dunes, the distance was a challenge. Looking for more opportunities to compete, Sage found success in sprint car racing.
From the fearless three-year-old who couldn’t resist climbing on a four-wheeler to record-setting rookie sprint car driver, Savage Sage’s journey has already broken barriers. At just 13, his sights are set even higher. “I want to race in the World of Outlaws, 410 sprint cars,” said Sage.
You can follow him @official_savage_sage on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, or catch him live in action on Friday, August 21, at Deming Speedway, 4605 Deming Rd, Everson, WA 98247.
On Thursday, July 30, Kendall Chevrolet celebrated the grand opening of its new dealership on the Tulalip Reservation, unveiling a state-of-the-art 34-bay service facility that is the first completed Chevrolet dealership in the world built under the company’s newest global design. Tribal leaders, General Motors executives, Kendall employees, project partners and community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the milestone after approximately 15 months of construction.
Scott Bell, Vice President of Global Chevrolet
The significance of the new dealership extended far beyond Tulalip. Scott Bell, Vice President of Global Chevrolet, traveled from Detroit for the ceremony and said the facility represents a major milestone for the Chevrolet brand as the company begins introducing its newest dealership image around the world. “This is the first facility in the world to feature our new dealership image across the entire dealership,” Bell said. “We are very excited and very proud.”
Bell thanked the dealership’s employees for continuing to serve customers throughout construction and said their dedication helped make the project a success. Looking ahead, he said the investment will benefit the community, Chevrolet and the dealership for years to come. “I can’t imagine what it’s been like working in the environment you’ve been working in to ultimately get to this place,” Bell said. “What this building will do for this community will be amazing, what it will do for our brand will be amazing, and what it will do for all of you will hopefully be amazing as well.”
Kendall Chevrolet General Manager Robb McCalman followed by recognizing the many people who helped bring the dealership to completion. He thanked employees, Gaffney Construction and the Tulalip Tribes Community Development and Building Department for their partnership throughout the project. “It has been a great partnership, and we truly appreciate it,” McCalman said. “We’re building a facility to better serve our customers and the community, and I can’t think of a better group of partners to work with.”
McCalman also recognized the Tulalip Tribes for welcoming Kendall Chevrolet into the community and thanked Tulalip artist James Madison for creating the artwork displayed at the dealership’s entrance. Before inviting Tribal leaders to speak, Kendall Chevrolet presented a $2,500 donation to the Tulalip Foundation to support programs that preserve Tulalip culture and traditions while expanding educational opportunities.
Representing the Tulalip Tribes, Chairman Hazen Shopbell congratulated everyone who helped make the new dealership possible and reflected on the relationship that has developed between Kendall Chevrolet and the Tribe. “Thank you very much for recognizing our Tribe and acknowledging whose land this is,” Shopbell said. “First and foremost, congratulations to everyone here, not just Kendall Chevrolet, but all of the employees who now have a new place to call home.”
Hazen Shopbell, Tulalip Tribes Chairman
After sharing a lighthearted joke about purchasing a vehicle from the dealership in the future, Shopbell added, “All kidding aside, congratulations to each and every one of you on your success. We look forward to doing business with you in the future.”
Vice Chair Deborah Parker continued by speaking about the importance of businesses investing in the Tulalip community and the lasting partnerships that come from those relationships. “Business and commerce are very important to our people,” Parker said. “It’s how we pay for our medical, our dental, for our education. It’s how we preserve our Coast Salish language.” Parker concluded by thanking Kendall Chevrolet for investing in the community. “Community is everything to us. Your friendship means a great deal, and we wish you many blessings here on the lands of our sdohobš people.”
Following the remarks, representatives from Kendall Chevrolet, General Motors, the Tulalip Tribes and project partners gathered outside the new facility to cut the ceremonial ribbon, officially opening the dealership.
Before the ceremony concluded, McCalman shared that while the ribbon cutting marked a new beginning for Kendall Chevrolet, it also marked the end of his own chapter with the company. He announced that he had accepted a new opportunity in Central Washington and that the following day would be his last with Kendall Chevrolet. “This is kind of a bittersweet speech,” McCalman said. “I’ve accepted an opportunity in Central Washington, and my last day at Kendall will be tomorrow. It was very important to me to be here for this event and to see this project through to completion.”
McCalman introduced incoming General Manager Pete Smith, saying he was confident the dealership would continue serving the community well under Smith’s leadership. “Pete is local, and I was fortunate to be involved in selecting who would replace me,” McCalman said. “He’s a familiar face in the community, he cares about people, and he’s highly involved. I appreciate all the support everyone has given me over the years.”
The grand opening celebrated more than the completion of a new dealership. It marked the debut of Chevrolet’s newest global facility design while highlighting the continued partnership between Kendall Chevrolet and the Tulalip Tribes, a relationship both sides said they look forward to building on for years to come.
The crowd collectively held its breath as a bubblegum pink lowrider rose skyward as the hydraulic suspension flexed to life. With the flick of a switch, the custom Chevrolet Monte Carlo bounced effortlessly on command before balancing dramatically on three wheels, its polished chrome glistening beneath the Sunday afternoon sun.
Children laughed with amazement while parents scrambled to capture the moment on their phones. Within seconds, families posed beside the eye-catching classic, eager to preserve a memory from what had quickly become the highlight of the day.
Until, that is, thirty or so minutes later when the lowrider vibes paused to give way to the rhythmic beat of ceremonial drums. A group of Aztec dancers entered the lawn at the Tulalip Amphitheater, adorned in vibrant feathered headdresses stretching nearly two feet into the air. Their ankles, wrapped in shells that rattled with every deliberate step, created a mesmerizing cadence as dancers offered songs and prayers while extending blessings to everyone gathered before them.
Two distinctly different cultural expressions. One born from generations of Chicano pride and artistic innovation, the other rooted in centuries-old Indigenous tradition. They shared the same stage, united by a common purpose. That purpose was H.O.P.E. Fest.
Hosted by Hope For Homies, whose name stands for Helping Our People Evolve, the nonprofit transformed the Tulalip Amphitheater into a vibrant multicultural gathering space where dozens of families came together to celebrate community while preparing children for the upcoming school year.
Their second annual back-to-school celebration provided backpacks filled with school supplies and food to local students while connecting families with a wide range of community resources designed to support them throughout the year. A row of booths lined the amphitheater grounds with organizations offering services that reached well beyond education. Families met representatives from Everett Community College, New Era Mental Health, domestic violence advocacy organizations, homework assistance programs, house cleaning services, and, for those with time, a free haircuts station.
While practical resources anchored the event, Hope For Homies believes that meeting the people’s needs begins by creating a space where they feel comfortable enough to simply show up.
For founder Jose “Neaners” Garcia, that atmosphere is every bit as important as the backpacks and resource tables. “Helping Our People Evolve means bringing people together first,” Jose said. “When families feel welcomed, they begin trusting one another. Then they’re willing to ask questions, learn about the resources available, and build relationships that last after this event is over. That’s how real community grows.”
That philosophy could be seen throughout the afternoon as Tulalip, Latino, and neighboring families wandered from booth to booth before gathering around the lowriders or finding a comfortable place on the grass to watch the Aztec dancers perform.
For attendees, witnessing both lowrider and Aztec dancer performances in the same afternoon perfectly illustrated the spirit of H.O.P.E. Fest. Marysville School District leader Wendy Messarina said that spirit has become the hallmark of Hope For Homies’ work throughout the greater-Marysville/Tulalip area.
“One of the most beautiful things they do is create spaces where our Latino families don’t simply feel welcomed, they truly feel like they belong,” Wendy shared. “That sense of belonging changes everything. Families become more comfortable connecting with schools, community organizations, and each other.”
She also praised the nonprofit’s commitment to supporting students and families throughout the school year, noting that their most recent event represents only a small part of the organization’s impact.
“Hope For Homies is always asking how they can help,” Wendy explained. “They’ve provided meals during District events, donated gifts for families, partnered with us on community outreach, and consistently show up whenever there’s a need.”
Throughout the afternoon, volunteers continued handing out backpacks while children proudly modeled their fresh school supplies. Hair clippers buzzed nearby as students received free back-to-school haircuts. Parents left carrying armfuls of resources and contact information that could provide support long after summer gives way to fall.
Jose hopes those connections continue growing. “This event isn’t about one community serving another,” he said. “It’s about all of us recognizing that we’re neighbors. Our children deserve every opportunity to succeed, and when we come together to share our cultures, our traditions, and our willingness to help, we all become stronger.”
Under cloudy skies and occasional rain showers, songs of welcome rung out as cedar canoes emerged across Tulalip Bay, carrying Indigenous families who had paddled for days along the ancestral waterways of the Pacific Northwest. On Sunday, July 26, canoe families participating in the 2026 Canoe Journey, Paddle to Nisqually Medicine Creek Potlatch, were welcomed ashore by the Tulalip Tribes in keeping with the longstanding traditions of protocol, hospitality, and cultural exchange that have united Coast Salish nations for generations.
Long before the canoes reached the beach, community members had lined the shoreline in anticipation, offering applause as pullers made their final strokes toward land. Following protocol, each canoe requested permission to come ashore before being formally welcomed by Tulalip leaders.
As one of the host nations, welcoming canoe families from throughout the region is a responsibility that Tulalip Board of Director Ryan Miller considers a tremendous honor.
“It feels really special,” he said. “I’m very honored to have the opportunity to welcome people from all these different tribes, from close and far away, to stand there and represent Tulalip, speak the language and share that with the community. Then we get to share a meal with everybody, hear some songs.”
Representing tribal nations from Washington, British Columbia, and beyond, canoe families filled the waterfront with colorful regalia and embraces between relatives and friends reunited along the journey. While the final destination awaited at Nisqually later in the week, each landing served as more than a resting place, providing an opportunity to strengthen relationships, honor ancestral traditions and pass cultural teachings to the next generation of pullers.
For Joseph Johnson of the Lummi Nation’s West Shore Canoe Family, arriving in Tulalip marked another meaningful stop on his first canoe journey. While the cool weather created ideal paddling conditions, Johnson said the greatest lessons come from working with the water rather than against it.
“Sometimes we just have to go with it,” he said. “There’s different currents out there, different waves out there, different boat wakes. You have to learn how to really go with it. You can’t ever fight water. Water is one of the most powerful things. You have to work with what it gives you.”
Although the miles on the water demand physical endurance, Johnson said the greatest challenge often begins before the canoe even leaves the shore, because the journey requires a commitment to paddle not only for yourself but for those who cannot.
“The mental part of the journey is sometimes just getting off the beach, or even just making that decision to get out of bed,” he said. “We get to do it, and we get to do it for those that can’t. I have grandparents on the beach, aunties and uncles on the beach, and even nieces and nephews that are too little to be out there.”
The quiet hours spent pulling the canoe also provide time for reflection, and Johnson said he carries everyone with him each time he paddles.
“When you ask who I’m thinking about, it’s everybody,” he said. “My own healing, my wife, everybody. The people we’ve lost, and even grandkids and great-grandkids. There’s a lot of time out there to think. To hyper-focus on one thing would be a failure to your time being out there.”
While those on shore see the canoes arrive together, Johnson said they rarely witness the trust built among paddlers as they navigate changing conditions on the water. “People watching from shore never get to see the trust, the respect and the faith that we all have in each other,” he said. “There are times when it can get pretty rough, and we have to trust that we’re not going to give up on each other. We’re going to continue to paddle, continue to pull and continue the journey until we make it safely to shore.”
Rather than changing how he views his culture, Johnson said the journey has strengthened and sharpened his understanding while reinforcing the values that have always guided his people. “It hasn’t changed my perspective,” he said. “It’s made it more high definition, 4K Ultra. It sheds light and enhances my perspective on culture.”
Reflecting on his first canoe Journey, Johnson said he hopes one tradition remains unchanged as future generations continue taking to the water. “The very essence of our culture is to help each other,” he said. “If you want to find out what that means, get on the canoe and see your fellow paddlers help each other. That’s the root of our culture, and I hope that never changes.”
While experienced pullers often speak about the deeper responsibilities of Canoe Journey, youth paddlers continue carrying those teachings forward. Sedona Smith of the Portland Nations Canoe Family, whose family is from the Navajo Nation in Arizona, has participated in canoe journeys since 2018. She said the experience has taught her to slow down and appreciate both the people around her and the beauty of the waters they travel.
“The water has taught me that you should enjoy your moments and your family, and to take in the time to look at the beauty around you,” Smith said. “I’m thinking about my family, my family in Arizona, my dad, my mom, and all my friends that pushed me to be who I am right now.”
Smith said there is much more taking place on the water than those watching from shore are able to see. “They don’t understand how many connections we have with each other, the practices, the lessons, the prayers we do,” Smith said. “Every paddle is a prayer. Just think about the ones you love. Also, enjoy the beauty you see.”
The tide was low. The sun was high. And the shores of Tulalip Bay were exactly where hundreds of tribal members wanted to be on a beautiful summer Saturday.
Children raced barefoot across warm sand, leaving tiny footprints that disappeared with each incoming wave. Elders settled into folding chairs with front-row views of the bay, sharing stories that drifted as easily as the salty breeze. Families stretched beneath canopies, babies took their first beach naps, and friends who had not seen each other in months picked up conversations as though no time had passed.
Meanwhile, a familiar aroma floated across the shoreline. Smoked salmon. Steamed clams. Fresh shrimp. Sweet crab. It was the unmistakable scent of Spee-Bi-Dah.
“My role now is to remind the grandchildren and great-grandchildren how things were back in the ‘50s. Here, today, I’m reminded of all fun and simple joys we had as little kids. Back when we could roam and play freely on our beaches,” reflected 77-year-old Cy Fryberg Sr. as he cooked a batch of salmon filets. “I remember being a 7 or 8 and being here on this same stretch of sand as my grandfather, Andrew Fryberg, and Lawerence Williams beach seined. When the net was pulled in and we saw caught salmon tails splashing, oh boy, let me tell you, there was no better feeling.”
One of Tulalip’s most treasured summertime traditions once again transformed the community beach into a place where culture is shared freely. While the annual gathering is known for its incredible seafood feast, the day’s true nourishment stems from the opportunity to reconnect with one another and with the waters that have sustained the Tulalip people since time immemorial.
For generations, the Salish Sea has provided food, identity, livelihood, and teachings to protect what has always provided for the people. Spee-Bi-Dah is an open invitation to every generation to celebrate the abundance of the sea while honoring the ancestors whose knowledge continues to guide Tulalip today.
“I can remember camping out here in the ‘50s,” shared 90-year-old Tulalip elder Dean Ledford. “Back then, none of these fancy houses were here. It was just the beach, the ocean, and little campgrounds that different families used when it was time to fish. My uncle was the big fisherman of the family. He’d bring the teenagers out here with him and teach them to fish year-round. I’ll tell you what, there’s nothing like pulling in a frozen net in the winter. Was it difficult? Sure, it was, but we did it together.”
That relationship and example of team work came into focus as community members gathered along the shoreline to witness a traditional beach seine. Working together with practiced precision, participants carefully pulled the net toward shore, demonstrating a harvesting practice once common throughout Coast Salish territory.
Children watched intently, asking questions while elders and experienced fishermen explained each step along the way. For many young tribal members, it was their first opportunity to witness the technique firsthand, not through photographs or stories, but on the very beaches where their ancestors practiced the same harvest for countless generations.
There were no classroom walls, no textbooks, and no lesson plans. The beach itself became the classroom. Every cast of the net, every shared explanation, every curious question represented another lesson passed from one generation to the next. These are the most meaningful catches at Spee-Bi-Dah.
“Growing up, I didn’t get to come out here like this. That’s why it’s so important to me now, as a mom, to bring my daughters and have them connect with other tribal members as one big family,” shared momma bear Udora Ceja. “My girls are out here having fun with other kids their ages, running around the beach, flipping rocks looking for crabs, just having fun and enjoying a beautiful day. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Udora’s 11-year-old daughter, also named Udora, echoed her mom’s sentiments. “I love it out here. I get to play with my cousins, play in the water, and eat so much good food.” When the young tribal member was asked what her favorite seafood is, without hesitation, she answered, “Crab. It’s the best!”
Steps away from Udora feasting on her beloved crab, another tradition was bringing everyone together. Long lines quickly formed at the food serving station as volunteers prepared plate after plate of traditional seafood. Community members waited their turn before carrying away generous portions of smoked salmon, steamed clams, shrimp, crab generously gifted from the sea.
There was no rush to finish. Families lingered around picnic tables, swapping stories between bites while youngsters wandered from table to table, welcomed by aunties, uncles and grandparents wherever they landed. Conversations flowed as naturally as the tide, weaving together memories of Spee-Bi-Dahs from years gone by with excitement over the upcoming Canoe Journey or the next family gathering.
Everywhere you looked, another memory was unfolding. Children searched for shells and skipped rocks into the bay. Parents watched little ones discover the shoreline with the same wonder they themselves experienced decades earlier. Elders smiled knowingly, recognizing that while faces may change with each passing generation, the spirit of Spee-Bi-Dah remains beautifully unchanged.
“I can remember being out here at 11-years-old and helping pull the net in. That was a long time ago. It’s pretty neat to see the young ones get a glimpse of what our life used to be like,” shared Lenny James, an 83-year-old Tulalip elder. “There used to be a lot of prejudice against us back then, too. Most of that is gone now. You can tell by looking around and seeing how many others (non-Tulalips, non-Natives) are joining in. Our community really has grown a lot.”
As the afternoon sun slowly settled toward the western horizon, families folded chairs, packed coolers and gathered sleepy children whose sandy feet hinted at a day well spent. Yet many lingered just a little longer, reluctant to leave a place where time seemed to slow and life’s most important priorities came back into focus.
“To see so many be a part of this day, it really shows what being Tulalip is all about. Community, culture, and real desire to participate,” described Clayton Horne. “The helpers are getting younger and younger every year. There were some that could barely stand in the water while pulling the net in, but they gave it all they got. And they did it with a smile on their face because, at that moment, they knew they belonged. To me, it shows we still have fishermen in the making.”
Spee-Bi-Dah has never been just about seafood, even though there is a bountiful feast that is enjoyed to the fullest. It’s about remembering who we are. It’s about honoring the waters that continue to sustain us and the responsibility each generation carries to ensure these traditions remain vibrant for those still to come.
For generations of Tulalip citizens, learning how to strip cedar bark, gather traditional medicines, prepare for Canoe Journey, or carry themselves in a culturally respectful way often began with one person, Inez Bill.
On the afternoon of July 17, that lifetime of service was celebrated as family, friends, co-workers, and tribal leaders gathered outside the Hibulb Cultural Center to honor the beloved wisdom keeper on her retirement after decades leading Tulalip’s Rediscovery Program. The venue, long considered a second home to Inez, overflowed with laughter, stories, and heartfelt gratitude for a woman whose quiet leadership helped shape the cultural resurgence that continues to flourish throughout the Reservation today.
Inez dedicated herself to ensuring that traditional Tulalip knowledge was remembered and practiced in a good way. Whether teaching sustainable harvesting methods, sharing cedar weaving techniques, making traditional medicines, preparing families for Canoe Journey protocol, or mentoring countless community members, she embodied the belief that culture grows stronger when knowledge is freely shared.
Her lifelong commitment to raising up her Tribe was fondly spoken of over and over again throughout the celebration.
Tulalip Board of Director Deborah Parker reflected on the early years of Canoe Journey revival, recalling the many evenings she spent learning alongside Inez and her late husband, Hank.
“They taught Canoe Journey Protocol 101 before many of us even understood how important those teachings would become,” Deb shared. “Because of them, our people were prepared to represent Tulalip with confidence and pride wherever we traveled.”
Board member Ryan Miller spoke about his first experiences working in the Cultural Resources Department, remembering Inez and Hank patiently teaching him how to sustainably harvest and properly process cedar.
“Those weren’t just lessons about cedar,” Ryan reflected. “They were lessons about responsibility, respect, and taking care of what our ancestors entrusted to us. Those principles guided me as my time as Treaty Rights Director and continue with me today, in my role on Tribal Council.”
With emotion evident in her voice, Board member Malory Simpson described the lasting influence Inez has had on both her own cultural journey and that of her daughters. Whether gathering cedar, working with wool, or harvesting traditional foods as a family, Malory explained that many of those moments were made possible because Inez generously opened the door for others to learn.
That theme of generosity continued as Jason Gobin and Andrew Gobin spoke about Inez’s influence on today’s Treaty Rights Department. Both credited her willingness to share her vast knowledge without hesitation, saying her teachings continue guiding the decisions they make in protecting Tulalip’s treaty resources and cultural future.
Even as departments evolve and new generations step into leadership roles, they said, Inez’s voice remains present in the work they do every day.
A highlight of the event was a series of meaningful gifts for the longtime cultural leader. Deb and Malory lovingly wrapped Inez in a Chief Joseph Pendleton blanket as family members looked on. Jason Gobin then presented her with a handcrafted paddle created at Tulalip’s Art Shed, symbolizing a lifetime spent helping others navigate their cultural journeys. Finally, Melissa Gobin placed one of her beautifully woven cedar hats upon Inez’s head.
Over the two-hour retirement celebration, it became evident that Inez Bill’s greatest accomplishment wasn’t the countless cultural classes she led with Rediscovery. Her true legacy lives in the people.
Every lesson she shared was a seed of knowledge planted in the hearts of those willing to learn. Today, those seeds have taken root across Tulalip, growing into teachers, harvesters, cedar weavers, canoe pullers, and cultural leaders who now proudly pass those same teachings to the next generation.
Each summer, the Kenny Moses Building transforms into something extraordinary. It’s filled with the voices of Tulalip youth as they greet one another, ask questions, and practice speaking dxʷləšucid. During the 29th annual Lushootseed Language Camp’s second week, more than 70 children immersed themselves in five days dedicated to strengthening their connection to culture and community through the guidance of Tulalip’s devoted Language Warriors.
Rather than sitting behind desks memorizing vocabulary, campers spent each day rotating through seven interactive stations, each carefully designed to teach not only dxʷləšucid, but the values and traditions that accompany it.
Outside the K.M.B., Kylee Sohappy transformed familiar playground games into opportunities for language learning. The timeless children’s game Red Light, Green Light became an exercise in listening and responding to Lushootseed commands, while another favorite exchanged rock, paper, scissors for three characters from this year’s featured story, Loon & Deer.
The children quickly discovered that learning vocabulary doesn’t always require flashcards. Sometimes it happens while running across a field, laughing with friends, and trying not to get tagged. The outdoor station remained filled with energy throughout the week, proving that language retention often comes easiest when children are simply having fun.
“We incorporated Lushootseed into games the kids were familiar with to build up their confidence with the vocabulary and certain concepts from the Friday play,” shared Kylee. “It’s so much fun to watch as they learn while playing. Some of them don’t even realize they’ve learned until I ask them what this word or that word means, then suddenly their hand goes sky high because they are so eager to share what the translation is. It’s amazing to witness and I’m just so thankful I got to run the games station this year.”
Next to the Kenny Moses Building, under a shade-creating tarp, John Waters blended generations of innovation into a single classroom. One moment campers gathered around an oversized interactive touch-screen monitor, tracing vocabulary words, identifying images, and participating in digital learning activities. The next, they shifted their attention to one of humanity’s oldest technologies, a carved stone mortar and pestle, learning how earlier generations processed food and medicines long before electricity or electronics existed.
“Technology usually takes the form of a tablet, where we have the kids interactive with our apps we have available, but this year we did more hands-on learning,” explained John. “They showed a lot of enthusiasm for the mortar and pestle. They learned and demonstrated how our people made medicines and prepared certain foods by crushing, grinding, and mixing.”
By placing traditional tools beside modern technology, John demonstrated that preserving culture doesn’t require rejecting the future. Instead, today’s technology can become another pathway toward protecting yesterday’s teachings.
Language itself remained the centerpiece of camp inside Nikki St. Onge’s classroom. Through vocabulary lessons, illustrated coloring books, storytelling, and conversation, campers continued building confidence with Lushootseed words and pronunciation. Rather than treating the language as something reserved for ceremonies or classrooms, Nikki encouraged students to see it as something alive. Something that belongs in everyday conversations, games, songs, and family life.
Each new word represented another thread connecting today’s youth with generations who once spoke the language fluently throughout the region.
“It does surprise me every time a kid picks up the vocabulary words with such ease. After all these years, I don’t really know why I’m still surprised, but I am. It also makes me feel a sense of accomplishment, too, because I’m playing a part in them reconnecting with a language that was always theirs,” reflected Nikki. “Something as simple as a coloring book can really make an impact because its therapeutic to sit, be calm, and color. As they are coloring page by page they are seeing the Lushootseed words that go along with the picture they are coloring, and it helps them recall what the words mean.”
Across the hall, Melissa Young’s weaving station offered perhaps the most tangible reminder that every child has a role in the community.
Working together, each camper spent time weaving wool into pieces that will become a ceremonial skirt and sash for this year’s two witnesses during Friday’s culminating play. While no individual child completed the garments alone, every set of hands contributed to their creation.
That lesson in collective responsibility continued as campers learned basic cedar weaving techniques while crafting bracelets to take home. It was the first weaving project for many, and another opportunity to connect with one of the Coast Salish people’s most treasured materials.
“We decided to add cedar bracelet making this year because we had so many kids ask to work with cedar,” explained Melissa. “Cedar bracelets are relatively simple and easy to make, but for the kids, especially the ones who never worked with cedar before, the bracelets become a priceless treasure. I’m always impressed with how quickly they pick up on the technique and weaving patterns. To me, it just shows that they have these traditional talents within them, they just need something or someone to teach them what they are capable of.”
History also found its place during Angel Paquin’s traditional teachings station. Throughout the week, campers learned about respected Tulalip ancestors, including Chief William Shelton and his daughter Harriet Shelton Dover, whose efforts to preserve Coast Salish traditions continue inspiring future generations.
Their stories reminded campers that language revitalization did not begin with them. Instead, they are continuing work begun by ancestors who understood the importance of protecting culture long before today’s revitalization movement gained momentum.
“A lot of our older people still have this angst or feelings of hesitation over learning Lushootseed, and they don’t know where it comes from. Well, it’s pretty clear with the knowledge we have today about generational trauma that it stems from their parents or grandparents being in the boarding schools and having their traditional language beaten out of them,” explained Angel. “By teaching the kids the stories of Williams Shelton and his daughter, I’m hoping to explain how the language was nearly lost, but we’ve found our way back to it.
“Our ancestors were disempowered, they were hurt and had violence inflected upon them, for using the language at the boarding schools. Now, today, through all the revitalization efforts of so many, we are actively empowering ourselves and the next generation by using Lushootseed and teaching it to the children. That’s healing in action, if you ask me,” she added.
Again, outside the K.M.B., Thomas Williams turned Tulalip Bay into an extension of the classroom. A lifelong fisherman, Thomas divided each of his sessions between drumming and singing before leading campers down to the shoreline. There, children explored tide pools, collected clam and oyster shells, searched for crabs, and asked endless questions about the marine life surrounding them.
One of the week’s biggest discoveries came when several campers learned that barnacles are, in fact, living creatures. Simple moments like these became lessons about stewardship, encouraging children to understand that every shell, every tide pool, and every living organism plays an important role within the shared ecosystem that has sustained Coast Salish people since time immemorial.
“The kids are constant reminders that we need to stay interested in nature, so that when they get excited and ask questions, we are able to guide their curiosity,” said Thomas. “Everything has a spirit, from the salmon to the barnacles to the sea itself. When we understand this then it empowers us with a responsibility to take care of our shared environment. This may sound like a big concept to most kids, but doing what we can to teach them early can inspire the next generation to grow up and take ownership of that responsibility.”
Creativity rounded out the daily rotations inside Michelle Myles’ art station. Using locally harvested Devil’s Club, campers created handcrafted wind chimes while also learning that the plant serves purposes beyond artwork. Michelle explained how its bark has traditionally been used in medicinal preparations, with additional handcrafted salves being prepared as giveaways following Friday’s presentation.
By the end of the week, dozens of children had visited each station several times, unknowingly weaving together lessons in language, ecology, history, art, technology, and community into one larger understanding of what it means to be Tulalip. And for 29 summers now, that’s been the heart of Lushootseed Language Camp.
