Category: News

Reclaiming your joy, love, and laughter

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

“We have to be able to grieve. We have to be able to process loss,” said Nola Jeffrey. “And there’s many ways that we could do that – you can go to therapy and talk to someone, and that does help. But I’d rather do ceremony, I’d rather go to the water, I’d rather go into a sweat lodge, I’d rather sit in a circle with our people and talk to them. Because what you’ll find is that we share things in common, and in that, it gives us strength.”

A sage bundle burned atop an abalone shell at the entrance of the Gathering Hall. As people arrived, they took a moment to ground themselves, guiding the fragrant vapors from head to toe, cleansing their bodies and spirit before stepping into the Hall on the evening of October 7.

At the start of September, the Tulalip Tribes introduced an initiative to the community dubbed the Season of Healing.  Since then, the Tribe has organized a number of gatherings aimed at healing the mind, body, spirit, and heart of its membership, and also of the citizens who work for the Tribe or live on the reservation. Through TED-Talk-esque panels and traditional art projects, the people have been absorbing the knowledge and teachings shared at these events with the intention of applying it to their own healing journey. 

Tulalip Board of Director, Theresa Sheldon, explained, “The Season of Healing came about to the BOD, really from the community saying that they want to address trauma. We put together eight Mondays of speakers, eight Saturdays of art to talk about hard issues and work through them at the same time. Having speakers come from outside the community to talk about things that impact you, in a safe environment, is really the intent and purpose of us doing that. And then working on art projects so we can then get it out. Art takes a different piece of your brain and a concentration of peace and balance that we don’t use when we’re in fight or flight. It was an intentional combination to have speakers and art together.”

The latest installment of the Season of Healing focused on dealing with grief and loss. According to a recent study by the CDC, American Indian and Alaskan Native males had the highest death rate in 2022 with 1,444 deaths per 100,000 population. And AI/AN females were not far behind with a total of 1,063 deaths. These statistics are staggering considering that most other races had a death rate below 900 per 100,000 people. That is 40% higher than the white population, 17% higher than the black community, and 98% higher than Hispanics.

Delving a bit further, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health reported that the life expectancy for Natives is an average age of 71.8 years, compared to an average of 78.8 years for whites, 74.8 years for black people, and 81.9 years for Hispanic individuals. But even without knowing any of those stats, many Native people could relate this to you simply from experience, by recalling upon the names and memories of all the loved ones we’ve laid to rest. 

“I think that as Native people, we do funerals really well,” Theresa stated as tears began to well up in her eyes.  “And I think after the funeral, we don’t know what to do. I think we don’t talk about it enough. We don’t talk about the foreverness that we carry as long as we’re still here. That loss we have, we’re just expected to know how to deal with it.”

After receiving an event t-shirt that read, ‘reclaiming joy, love, and laughter’, attendees shared a meal together before the panel began. Taking their seats at the head of the Gathering Hall, the people participated in some mindful mediation and breathing exercises, led by Tulalip community member and LMP, Glendy Morrison. 

On the main stage, three chairs were occupied by Tribal member and event emcee, Kali Joseph, moderator and Tulalip BOD Debra Posey, and guest speaker Nola Jeffries (Tsimshian/Coast Salish). Nola is well known amongst tribal communities, and she has leant her voice and efforts to the health and betterment of Indigenous people at gatherings such as the Tribal Canoe Journey and at various National Day of Truth and Reconciliation events across Indian country. 

During this intimate gathering of about 50-60 Tulalip community members, Nola spoke from the heart. She shared her personal experience with grief and how she was able to cope and withstand the lowest point of her life, the loss of her daughter Megan, who aged just 20 months before her untimely passing.

“My daughter died in a car accident that I was very much a part of,” she stated. “Having this beautiful little girl who was so full life, full of love, full of energy, and full of promise, to be gone – my whole life changed in a second. As a mother, I thought it was my responsibility to keep all my children safe and that day I didn’t succeed. I blamed myself. Sometimes, you can turn your anger onto somebody, but I drew that anger inward. I didn’t feel I deserved to be a mother, a wife. I didn’t feel like I deserved to even grieve for her because I caused this to happen.

“It’s hard for us to grieve. What grief can do is stop us dead in our tracks and I think that’s what happened to me. I had a really hard time staying here. It was my own mother who probably helped me stay here. She called me and told me she was worried about me, and that if anything happened to me it would kill her. And a little lightbulb went on in my brain. I would purposely cause my mother this pain. I would purposely make her suffer. I thought to myself I can’t do that; I have to somehow live through this. There were times I couldn’t look ahead, because the pain was so deep. And what I would do is stuff it down. Of course you can’t stuff all that pain down. For me, it felt like I had a manhole over that pain, and it would get so full, it would be like a geyser. It would start coming up until I’d get control of it again and push it back down. I lived my life like that for a long time. I’d pretend I was happy, people thought I was happy, but I wasn’t. I was struggling. There were lots of beliefs I held that just weren’t true, because I really wasn’t responsible for my daughter’s death. I was part of it. One day I woke up and thought, Nola, you’re not the creator. You can’t make all these things happen. You’re not in control of any of this.”

Nola went on to explain that she officially set off on her healing journey 11 years after her daughters passing. Upon accepting a position at a substance use and trauma treatment center named the Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society, she was introduced to new forms of therapy which helped her through that pain and gave her a new perspective on grief, in addition to traditional work. 

She said, “I believe that things are supposed to happen the way that they happen. We have a time to be born, and we have a time to go. Sometimes it’s really hard to accept some of the things that have happened. I used to think that if I accepted it, then I agreed with it – I realized I was just fighting myself. I couldn’t change what had happened. I still have grief, but the way I live with my grief is different. I didn’t think I had the right to cry, and today I absolutely know that my tears are welcome. Even though she is on the other side, she’s still my daughter. That love never dies. I still talk to her. She’s still a part of my life, I still love her so much. And she has taught me so much. What I didn’t know before she came and left was how incredibly strong I am. But I’m going to be honest with you, 35 years have passed and sometimes it feels like it was yesterday. I still miss her.”

Many tears were shed in the Gathering Hall that evening. When hearing Nola recount her story, nearly everyone in attendance could be seen nodding in understanding and relating to those feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and despair. And as she continued to detail her experience with loss, they acquired new ways and ideas on how to work through their grief and how to allow themselves to let go.

Following her TED-Talk, Nola opened the floor for questions. Among the two people who came forward was Tribal member, Deborah Parker.

 

Said Deborah, “I lost a loved one on September 26th – three years ago. It’s really difficult. I get confused with letting go and remembering. They say to let go, but then also to remember your loved ones. I don’t quite know what to do and how to live without that loved one. What did you do to relieve yourself from that confusion in your mind? Because I know that grief and feeling of loss will be forever, in a sense. But I too want to live a more meaningful life because grief has really hit myself and it’s impacted my children, my family, and friends.”

In response, Nola replied, “You said people talk about letting go, and I think what they’re talking about is to start releasing the pain, because that trauma and grief gets stuck in our bodies. That’s what you need to let go of, that’s what you need to release. But the memories of them? Absolutely not. The love of them? Absolutely not. You hold on to that and you allow it flourish and grow.”

Prior to a youth-led closing song and a raffle drawing, that included $50 gas cards and gift bag prizes, BOD Posey concluded the panel with a few insightful remarks, “When you lose someone who you love, and you get to that point where you can start really remembering the best times, when you can focus on those wonderful moments in time, you can ask yourself what would that person want for you? But you have to be really true and honest about it. Would they want you to be isolated and be in grief? And if the situation were reversed, and you were the one that is gone, what would you want for them? And if you know what you would want for them, that’s what they want for you. To live a full life, to find joy, to find happiness, to live the best life you possibly can.”

The Season of Healing will continue throughout the rest of October. The next art project scheduled is a dentalium earring workshop instructed by Tribal member Santana Shopbell-Proehl. It will be held on Saturday October 12, at the Hibulb Cultural Center from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. To sign-up for the class, be sure to call  (360) 716-2600 or e-mail info@hibulbculturalcenter.org.  There will also be an Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration at the Gathering Hall on Monday October 14, beginning at 5:00 p.m., which will feature Noelani Lokepa-Guerrero as the guest speaker. 

If you are a Tulalip tribal member, you can follow the speaker series via livestream on IAmTulalip.com. On this site, you can also find a video recording of all the Season of Healing TED-Talk panels if you were unable to catch the event in real time.

 And please remember to RSVP to each of the remaining events at https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ce6877abd9f44c969fcfb6cbbb0719aa

Tulalip hosts NNABA’s largest basket weaving event

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News

The Northwest Native American Basketweavers Association (NNABA) selected Tulalip as the host for its 27th annual gathering, held at the Gathering Hall. The two-day event on October 4 and 5 saw over 600 registered guests and 38 teachers, marking the largest gathering in the organization’s history. The NNABA continues to provide a space for Indigenous peoples of the Northwest to share and learn cultural and artistic skills, including creating native regalia and various styles of basketry.


The gathering offered guests various weaving classes to choose from, where they learned techniques using materials like cedar, sweetgrass, wool, and yarn. Participants had seven hours each day to work on their projects, with classes filling up on a first-come, first-served basis. Each teacher provided the necessary materials for their craft, with fees for both lessons and supplies varying depending on the craft and instructor.


Tulalip tribal member Hiedi Zackuse expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “This is super cool.” Another attendee, Jack McCloud from Nisqually, reflected on the significance of the gathering: “I didn’t grow up with much tradition. My grandparents spoke our language fluently but weren’t allowed to teach us about our culture. Being part of this year’s gathering makes me proud. It feels like our culture has come back stronger than ever. Seeing the imagination of all the artists here is incredible.”

During the event, each completed item was announced by teachers, who would stand up to share what had been created and by whom. Applause filled the room as participants proudly raised their finished projects for all to see, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere.

Tulalip tribal member and teacher Toni Jo Gobin flew in from Hawaii to share her unique basketry techniques. Reflecting on her experience, Gobin said, “It was awesome teaching at the Gathering Hall. It was a lot of fun meeting everyone. This was my first time teaching and attending a NNABA event, and while it was super busy, it was nice.” She also expressed her gratitude to the Tulalip staff, adding, “I want to give a huge thanks to the staff at Tulalip. They ensured all the elders and guests had everything they needed and kept things running smoothly.”

NNABA representative Ramona Townrae, a Yakama Nation member and resident of Black Diamond, praised the event’s success. “Every year, the NNABA selects a host by advertising proposals, allowing us to connect with people from all over the Northwest, including Canada, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and parts of Montana,” she explained. “This year’s gathering was one of the largest we’ve ever held. When we first started back in 1996, we barely had 100 attendees. Now, we’ve brought in over 600 people. Seeing individuals who saved their nickels and dimes to attend and participate warms my heart.”

Reflecting on the venue, Ramona shared, “This is a fantastic place—not only is it beautiful, but it truly maintains our culture and traditions. The staff and tribal members have been working hard for months, ensuring everyone felt welcome. I always ask, ‘What would you do if someone came to your home?’ That’s the approach Tulalip took. It’s not just a conference; it’s a gathering, and that distinction is so important.”

Ramona also highlighted the event’s growing significance within the community. “Our mission is to promote, perpetuate, and preserve Native American basketry, and a key part of that is involving the youth. We run a program for kids; whether we have hundreds or just a handful, those kids are the ‘promote’ part of our mission. They’re the ones who will carry our traditions forward. I always tell them, ‘You are our future. You will be the cultural bearers.’ It’s heartwarming to see their little hands weaving—knowing they’re the ones who will keep this alive.”


The 27th annual NNABA gathering at Tulalip celebrated basket weaving and the strength of Indigenous culture and community. Bringing together elders and youth, the event ensures that these traditions will continue to thrive and be passed down for generations.


If you want to know more about the NNABA or their next gathering, you can find out on the website at http://www.nnaba.net

Healing together on National Day  of Truth and Reconciliation

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

“We were banned from having gatherings just like this one,” said Tulalip Youth Council member, Ariel Valencia. “My grandma on my mother’s side went to a boarding school located in Canada where she was beat almost hourly. She was stabbed in the chest with a knitting needle and got left with no medical help. She still has a scar to this day. That not only shows that we have generational trauma, but we still have memories of these schools, and not good ones either. And now, we are not going to hide our culture, our languages, our songs and dances, our voices. We’re going to thrive as Indigenous People and decolonize as much as we can because that’s what our ancestors would’ve wanted.”

It was a heavy night of raw emotions as the Tulalip community took time to address a hurt that many Natives carry with us. A heartbreak that was unintentionally passed down from our family members who attended boarding schools as kids. A suffering that boarding school survivors still live with today.

 

September 30 has widely become known as Orange Shirt Day for tribal communities in both the U.S. and Canada. This initiative, officially the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, raises awareness about the damage that residential schools inflicted on Native children throughout the assimilation era. 

During this time, the government enacted the Civilization Fund Act and the Peace Policy in attempt to assimilate our people into white society. According to the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, nearly 83% of Native children were attending boarding schools by the year 1926, which equates to over 60,000 kids. 

Ariel’s sister and fellow Youth Council member, Faith Valencia, explained, “Various denominations of the Christian churches adopted an Indian boarding school policy to ‘kill the Indian, save the man’. These children were forcibly removed from their families, communities, and culture and kept at residential schools where they were expected to cut their hair, abandon their traditional clothing, give up their names for English names. 

“And they were penalized for speaking their languages and practicing their cultural ways. Children were separated from their families for long periods. In addition to cultural genocide, residential schools are also the sites of the horrific physical, sexual, and emotional abuse perpetrated against these children. Through all of it – the violence and abuse, our culture is still here and very strong.”

Over the past several years, Tulalip has participated in Orange Shirt Day and helped open up discussion on a difficult subject matter. Though local boarding school survivors are exposing scars that they’ve attempted to keep hidden for decades, these yearly gatherings have become a safe space where they can talk about those dark times. And consequentially, they get to see a glimpse of their own resiliency and that the culture is alive and well in the 21st century. This work ultimately leads to a path of healing as the community embraces them and provides that good medicine through song and dance. 

Tribal member and rez ball legend, Dale Jones, is known throughout the community for his sense of humor and his confident demeanor. During this gathering, he allowed himself to be vulnerable and share his experience with the people. 

In a shaky voice, Dale shared, “I was about ten years old when they took me and three of my brothers and sent us down to Chemawa. It was a very hard life. They cut your hair, took away everything you had, and threw that white stuff on you to get rid of the lice. That was their excuse for doing that. And you could hear our brothers and sisters crying at night. It was very hard being ten years old and wondering if you’re ever going to go home. I buried myself in alcohol for years – because you bury that hurt deep within you. I gave it up about thirty years ago, cigarettes the same time.”

Upon arrival, the attendees received an orange t-shirt designed by Tulalip Artist, Walter Moses. Everywhere you looked, there was orange. It was beautiful to see so many people show up for the survivors. And also, for the children who were buried on residential school grounds across the country. 

Said Ariel, “We call it Orange Shirt Day because of the story from Phyllis Webstad, a six-year-old girl who received a gift from her grandma. A brand-new orange shirt, which was then taken away on her first day at a boarding school. She stated that seeing the color orange would bring back memories. She went a long time without wearing orange. The boarding school gave her so much PTSD that seeing the color made her scared. We’re not only fighting for justice for her, but for the thousands who suffered their childhood at these so-called schools.”

A slideshow made by Tulalip historian, Lita Sheldon, played on a loop throughout the night, which recognized all the youth who were sent to the Tulalip Indian Boarding School. Josh Fryberg was the emcee and as people trickled in, he helped get things started by calling upon Natosha Gobin for a prayer and introducing a music video dedicated to boarding school students, composed by Antone George (Lummi).

After the people shared a delicious dinner together, the drummers and singers were called to the front of the Gathering Hall. The event kicked off with the sduhubš Welcome Song. 

Tulalip Chairwoman, Teri Gobin, shared a few opening remarks, noting that the sduhubš Welcome Song is a testament to the government’s failed efforts at erasing the culture. During the reclamation of the Salmon Ceremony, the song was revived by boarding school survivor and Tulalip ancestor, Harriette Shelton-Dover. And ever since, the song has been a staple in modern day practices, serving as the opening song at many Tulalip gatherings. 

In addition to the Valencia sisters and Dale, speakers for the gathering also included boarding school survivors Mel Williams Sr. and Matthew Warbonnet Jr. Both of these gentlemen spoke with heavy hearts as they recounted their years spent at boarding schools. All of the boarding school survivors were called to the floor and were seated at the center of the Gathering Hall. A number of seats were left unoccupied, in honor of the kids who never made it back to their families. 

Mel shared, “I can still remember my first day when I went to residential school, after being taken away from my mom and our home. I remember getting there and one of the first things that they did, they put us on this chair, and they cut that long hair off. They told us we looked like savages with long hair like that. I remember getting dressed in different clothes that weren’t mine. And I looked around at the other boys and we were all dressed the same. I remember that evening, we had to shower. There were no ifs, ands, or buts about it. ‘You go and have that shower, and you clean yourself, you dirty Indian’. After the shower, we had to be inspected, and they inspected every part of our body. I didn’t like that fondling, and I showed it right away. So that person left me alone, only to prey on someone that was weaker than myself. Much of that went on in these residential schools, not with just the boys but the girls too.”

Chief Executive Officer of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, Deborah Parker, also shared some words. She stated, “I want to acknowledge the speakers before me who attended the residential boarding schools. When you tell your stories, it helps us to heal. When you share your truth, it helps tell a nation what you’ve been through. And we are all here for you. The children, the mothers, the aunties, the uncles, we’re here for you. We’re here for those names who didn’t come forward, for those children who never made it home. Nights like this, for remembrance, are critically important for those sitting in the chairs tonight and those who weren’t able to make it to these chairs.”

In a powerful moment, Josh asked everyone in the Hall to stand directly behind the survivors. He then instructed them to raise their hands in the air to send strength and love to the survivors. Tribal member, Tony Hatch then stepped to the front of the room and called the drummers and dancers to the floor once more. As Tony led them in a song, candles were passed out and lit. Tiny flames danced while the people raised their candles in remembrance of the young Native men and women who died at the hands of boarding school officials. 

After a moment of silence and prayer, the first half of the event concluded. The coastal jam immediately followed and hundreds of community members, comprised mostly of Tribal youth, hit the floor to continue the night’s theme of ‘Healing Together’. The jam extended late into the evening and through traditional song and dance, the community  spread medicine to the survivors, their descendants, and everyone affected by the trauma of residential boarding schools.

Deborah expressed, “When we see the children dance, remember there was a time when our children could not dance. And there was a time, even in my generation, where it was just the adults, and only a few children were on the dancefloor. And now, our children are leading the way. And someday those little children will be grandmothers and grandfathers, and they may not remember the pain, or the hurt, or the suffering that our relatives went through, but they’ll remember the joy and the happiness in these moments.”

Cedar is healing

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News

On the final day of summer, participants gathered at the Hibulb Cultural Center  for Tulalip Master Weaver Jamie Sheldon’s cedar basket class. Held on Saturday, September 21, as part of Tulalip’s Season of Healing, the class welcomed 14 eager attendees ready to learn. 

Throughout the session, Jamie moved swiftly around the room, guiding each student to stay on track to finish their cedar baskets before the class concluded.
The day’s task required a lot of focus. As Tara Polk from Everett noted, “It’s frustrating; you want to be good at it your first time, but it requires so much concentration to perfect it.” 

With Tulalip tribal member Wilma Gloria’s help, Jamie Sheldon could provide individual attention to each student, ensuring no one felt left behind.

Reflecting on her experience of making a basket for the first time, Tara added, “Jamie’s patience and ability to help were astounding. The class was great, but it was a difficult process to start. But I stuck with it, and I’m happy I could finish. I would highly recommend taking a class.”

Jamie Sheldon, a traditional weaver with over 20 years of experience, shared that the Hibulb Cultural Center reached out to her because of her extensive background in weaving. She has been teaching at the center for over five years. 

Reflecting on the class, Jamie said, “I loved the class. A lot of people finished their basket, and those who didn’t, I feel, got the concept, and that’s fine with me. But if they keep coming back, they will get even better.”

Jamie also emphasized the cultural significance and healing properties of cedar. “Cedar is healing. Cedar has always been a healing part of our culture,” she explained. “When you harvest your cedar, it’s quiet and serene—it’s just you and the cedar. And as long as you keep working with the cedar, it will heal you.”

Upcoming events at the Hibulb Cultural Center in October include Weaving Toddler Wool Skirt with Virginia Jones on Saturday, October 5, Dentalium Earrings with Santana Shopbell-Proehl on Saturday, October 12, and Painting with Monie Ordonia on Saturday, October 26. Be sure to call ahead to register and inquire about class pricing by contacting the Hibulb Cultural Center at (360) 716-2600 or emailing info@hibulbculturalcenter.org. 

‘Powerhouse’ in the making, Hawks destroy Kings 56-8

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Tulalip Heritage High School is well-known for its basketball program. With a pension for putting out a plethora of athletic wings and forwards year after year who captivate home crowds and wow opposing audiences, Heritage basketball has been the shining star of our reservation’s athletic program for years now. However, a stellar evolution is currently underway.

“I went through four years of high school sports at Heritage. During that time, our basketball teams were always better than our football teams,” reflected Heritage alum and current Hawks offensive coordinator Willy Enick. “There were a few times we got our butts whipped by other tribal schools, like a Muckleshoot or Lummi, so to be coaching up this next generation and to see them grow in confidence and believe they can get these big wins, it feels amazing.

“As a coaching staff, we want to prove Heritage isn’t only good at basketball. We’re good at football, too. We’re building a program that will be a powerhouse for years to come.”

Speaking of power. The gravitational pull of physically strong and dynamically daunting skillsets condensing on the gridiron by this year’s Heritage footballers has created a protostar on the Tulalip horizon. It first became visible after a 30-18 win over Concrete. Initial observations were confirmed after a 34-4 trouncing of Crescent. Now, that protostar is fully ablaze after decimating a tribal rival, the Muckleshoot Kings, 56-8 in front of the Tulalip faithful.

“We are forcing teams to spread their defense out because we have five skill players who can hit a home run at any time,” explained O.C. Enick. “With a dynamic quarterback, like J.J., he’s able to keep opposing defenses guessing with his feet and arm. He can make all the throws and, if pressured, can make players miss and scramble for big gains. We’re just trying to perfect this offense by spreading teams out and forcing them to play man on man, which benefits our athletes.”

To his point, here is the breakdown of the Hawks six offensive touchdowns:

  • #15 Ziggy Myles-Gilford scores on a 70-yard pass from J.J. Gray.
  • #3 J.J. Gray scores on an 18-yard quarterback run.
  • #7 Nico Pablo scores on a 15-yard pass from J.J. Gray.
  • #15 Ziggy Myles-Gilford scores on a 10-yard pass from J.J. Gray.
  • #7 Nico Pablo scores on a 45-yard pass from J.J. Gray.
  • #15 Ziggy Myles-Gilford scores on a 25-yard touchdown pass from J.J. Gray.

That’s a combination of short yard, intermediate gains, and big play production that will prove difficult to stop when dealing with a collection of athletes who can all break down a defense with speed and agility.

Plus, that’s just on the offensive side of the ball. The boys did damage on the defensive side as well where they routinely pressured Muckleshoot’s quarterback, wreaking havoc in the backfield for sack after sack, and made the most of their few opportunities when Muckleshoot managed to throw the ball. Tulalip Hawk #5 Amare Hatch scored on a 45-yard interception return for touchdown and #15 Ziggy Myles-Gilford scored on a 65-yard interception return for touchdown.

“We practice our safeties being over the top to help combat the ‘home run ball’ attempts that teams like to try when they start getting desperate,” said Hawks defensive coordinator Deyamonta Diaz. “On Amare’s pick, he was in his drop back zone and just read the route and quarterback’s eyes well with good inside alignment from the pre-snap. He couldn’t have baited him, nor read the route any better. That speaks to the focus we’ve been putting in to the defensive side of the ball in practice.”

With the home fans filling in around the fence line and sitting on the hill closest to the junior cheerleaders, they were treated to an amazing 56-0 lead early in the 4th quarter. With such an ample cushion, Hawks coaches were able to get their 2nd and 3rd string players some reps that could pay dividends later in the season.

Following the game, J.J. Gray, the Hawks quarterback responsible for all six of Tulalip’s offensive touchdowns, shared, “The offensive line blocked so well tonight. They gave me time to pass, or run, when need be. I grew up playing basketball and football since I was 4, so that athleticism always been with me. I trust in my quickness whenever I have a defender one on one in the open field, but I’m also not afraid of being hit by a bigger player.”

When asked how it feels to be quarterbacking an undefeated, 3-0 Hawks team, he responded with, “It feels great. Hopefully, we can go 9-0. That’s the dream.”

For their next game, Tulalip will host Lummi at Friday, September 27, in another battle by the bay. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm. It’s already been dubbed a neon glow game.

The high school’s booster club shares the following, “Tulalip Heritage students, families, and fans are invited to a night of unity as they rally behind their team for a big game against Lummi. Wear bright neon colors and glow sticks and bring lots of energy to the stands to create a glowing atmosphere and show unwavering support. Let’s glow out the field in a sea of Tulalip pride!”

Our traditional foods are powerful

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The sharing of a meal may be the simplest, yet most effective, aspect of promoting community. That could explain why Tulalip prioritizes hosting so many annual events and holiday celebrations, all either beginning with or ending with a meal. It’s the act of sharing a meal with dozens, hundreds or even thousands of fellow Tulalip community members that cultivates the shared sense of identity that is routinely projected out to the rest of the world.

But what if that shared sense of identity could be taken to new level by incorporating traditional foods into those meals? What if ancestral connections to land, air, and sea were strengthened simply by establishing a space for traditional foods into your diet? What if generational, historical, and ongoing systemic traumas could be healed by intentionally eating what are ancestors ate?

HUGE questions, we know, but ones that were at the forefront of the Tribes’ latest Season of Healing installment hosted at the Gathering Hall on September 16. Labeled ‘Our traditional foods are powerful’, an estimated 130 gathered in community to share a taste bud expanding meal crafted with an assortment of traditional foods and locally sourced, unfiltered love.

“We served roasted bison and chicken with some traditional seasonings, a bison meatball soup, mac salad and green salad with native ingredients sprinkled in, sweetgrass frybread with homemade huckleberry jam, elderberry and sweetgrass lemonade, and a fireweed and blackberry low sugar juice. Putting all that love into every bite,” detailed Indigenous educator Linzie Crofoot (Tlingit).

Linzie and her fellow Naa káani Native Program member Martin Napeahi (Tulalip) helped prepare a meal that brought their local community out in droves. More than that, the meal was a means of introducing certain traditional foods to those who never had them before and reminding others just how delicious traditional foods can be.

Community members of all ages were witnessed filling their bellies through savory bites and insatiable mouthfuls of scrumptious deliciousness. Ample nutrition was received by the body while the spirit was replenished with ancestral medicine.

“What is the power of traditional food? And why do we need it? We could discuss the diabetes and heart disease rampant in our community. The lower life expectancy and whole host of other ailments, chronic diseases, and opioid crisis our people disproportionately affect by. But that kind of discussion just doesn’t feel right because we’ve all heard that data, over and over again,” said Linzie from the Season of Healing podium. “More than that, we can feel the data. We can feel it in our hearts, in our families, and in our community. 

“Being shown more data on a flyer or some presentation isn’t going to inspire change. And that’s what we need to see most in our community, systemic change in our community health. This starts with the people, with us, with individuals like you and me choosing to change the way we eat and choosing to reconnect to our traditional ways through food,” she continued. 

The Ted Talk style portion of the evening featured Linzie, Martin, elder Monie Ordonia and board of director Hazen Shopbell sharing their personal journeys grounding themselves in culture via food, medicine, Treaty Right protected practices (hunting, fishing, gathering, harvesting). They offered all kinds of advice for those looking to become part of the change our community so desperately needs.

“The truth is we have generations of trauma and it will take generations to heal,” declared Linzie. “My prayers are for you to become the foundation for inspirational change in your family. It has to start somewhere, so why can’t it be you? You have the power to be the one who changes the story for your kids and their kids’ kids.

“I know the thought of eating traditional foods can seem overwhelming and for some they don’t even know where to begin,” she added. “The idea of reconnecting with our traditional foods seems very big and we seem very small compared to the past. So start small. One ingredient once a week. Learn about one plant and how you can use incorporate it in your cooking. You don’t have to know everything right away. Start with one, just one. Then add another one. Until its normalized. That’s how we, as individuals and as a community, make the change to embrace our traditional foods for the inherent power they have. Our ancestors did. So can we.”

If you want to be part of the change and incorporate traditional foods into your weekly routine there is an easily accessible resource to help. Our Plant Relatives is a year-round guide to gathering and processing Native plant foods and medicines from around the Salish Sea area. This guide is meant to serve as a place for getting started with learning and becoming familiar with gathering foods and medicines throughout the seasons. Best of all, it was created by Linzie and her former student Tayna Greene (Tulalip) and available for free.

To access Our Plant Relatives and all the harvesting knowledge therein, please visit https://archive.org/details/our-plant-relatives.-lcrofoot.-tgreene/mode/2up

U-picking a bounty of fruits and vegetables

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Tulalip citizens, their families, patients of the Tulalip Health Clinic and employees of Tulalip Tribes flocked to Garden Treasures Nursery & Local Farm on Thursday, September 5. While there, they excitedly wandered the six-acre organic farm and were offered ample opportunity to harvest from a delicious medley of in-season fruits and vegetables.

Our local award-winning Diabetes Care and Prevention team have regularly partnered with the Arlington-located Garden Treasures to offer the Tulalip community such well-regarded ‘u-pick days’. These days are typically well attended by multi-generational families because of the intrinsic access to traditional foods, engagement in gentle outdoor exercise, and ability to embrace with community through family-friendly activities. 

“My favorite moments are inspired by those who have never attended before, true first timers, and they come out, try something new, and enjoy the offerings of fresh foods,” shared Veronica Leahy. She’s been serving the Tulalip Health System as a Diabetes Care and Prevention Coordinator for sixteen years now. “This specific u-pick day, we had additional offerings like a delicious lunch provided by our Ti Kupihali staff and a couple craft activities. 

“I love watching and listening to the newcomers share their u-pick experiences. This makes all the effort it takes to plan and coordinate these days so worth it,” continued Roni. “I love seeing our regular supporters for these events, too, since they are the foundation of building our healthy foods and prevention program. With their support over the years, these newcomers have had the experience of picking and connecting with their food in a more traditional way.”

An estimated 130 community members took advantage of the u-pick day. In what may be the last blast of summer heat, with temperatures near 90 degrees, toddlers to elders strolled the paths of Garden Treasurers naturally grown farm and bountiful green houses. 

For their efforts, they were greeted by leafy greens (kale, chard and collard greens), herbs (parsley, basil, mint, and lemon balm), classic vegetables (broccoli, onions, zucchini, and tomatoes) and a sweet selection of berries (strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries). 

“Garden Treasures is such a wonderful place for families to come in general, but the days the Diabetes Program is here with their knowledgeable and supportive staff, you can typically see Tulalip tribal members and other Natives of all different ages enjoy everything this place has to offer,” said community health director Verna Hill. “Seeing grandparents with their children and grandchildren come out and enjoy the gardens and pick their favorite fruits and vegetables is so wonderful. There’s so much joy created here. Something as simple as watching faces and seeing our people become inspired after trying a new fruit or vegetable is really a wonder to behold.”  

That sense of wonderment carried over into the community lunch, where Roni and her team could be seen assisting with the making of flower bouquets and wreaths to be taken home as a colorful reminder of what Garden Treasurers has to offer. 

Among those in attendance was a special guest visitor all the way from Macedonia (a country in the Mediterranean, north of Greece). Natasha Coumou, a restoration ecologist for the Tribes’ Natural Resources department, brought her mother Marija, who is visiting from Macedonia, to the u-pick day in search of stew-ready tomatoes.

“It’s beautiful. This entire event is just awesome; from the people I’ve met to the opportunity to pick from all the vegetables and fruit. I thank those who organized this,” said Macedonian citizen Marija Krstova. “I picked broccoli, peppers, eggplant and of course tomatoes to make a stew for my daughters that will remind them of our village back in Macedonia. There’s a lot more sun where I came from. We have vegetables growing everywhere, so to be here and see this outdoor garden and everything it has to offer, I must say the gardeners have done an exceptional job.”

Eating more fruits and vegetables is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. By making fruits and vegetables a larger part of your diet, you can enjoy the benefits of increased energy, better digestion, and a stronger immune system, while significantly lowering the risk of developing serious health conditions. As we officially enter the Tribes’ season of healing, it’s time to make plant-based foods a priority in our daily lives.

Story pole returns to Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
When considering Indigenous culture, one of the most iconic representations is the story pole, often called a totem pole. On Wednesday, August 27, Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary proudly reinstated its story pole, after being carefully restored by its creator, Lower Elwha artist Al Charles Jr. and students from Heritage High School. Standing over 15 feet tall, this striking piece serves as the school’s centerpiece, welcoming all who enter with its powerful presence and cultural significance.

Starting early in the spring, representatives of Quil Ceda Tulalip decided to revitalize the story pole, which has been part of the school since its inception. They connected with Foundry 10, an education research organization, and the Tulalip Foundation for help with funding. This collaborative effort underscores the community’s dedication to preserving and honoring its cultural heritage.

“The story pole has always been a significant part of our school,” said Vice Principal Dr. Chelsea Craig. “My child attended here when they were young, and seeing the pole every day as we arrived was incredibly inspiring. It was a daily reminder of our heritage and the stories of our ancestors.”

Dr. Craig emphasized the importance of cultural representation for the students. “Having such a prominent piece of our culture on display is powerful. Our students need to see themselves represented in the place where they learn. It instills pride in their identity and reinforces the value of our traditions.”

She continued, “The story pole means so much to us. It symbolizes who we are and what we stand for as a community. It’s not just a piece of artwork but a testament to our sovereign rights and enduring connection to our history and land.”

The beautifully restored story pole stands as a beacon of unity and resilience. Visitors to Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary can see it proudly standing at the school’s entrance, symbolizing the rich history and values of the Tulalip people.

Connecting kids and cops through video games

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The video game landscape has undergone quite the evolution. From an overly dramatic, but somehow not that farfetched, idea that video games will rot a kid’s brain, to the culture-shifting news reported in July that e-Sports are set to take the Olympic stage in 2025. Yes, you read that right – video games are going to be an Olympic sport.

An official International Olympic Committee press release from July 12 reads, “A ‘first’ ever Esports Olympic Games are committed to a special event that respects and celebrates the Olympic values while boldly seizing the momentum to drive esports forward with the international platform the sport and its athletes deserve. The world will have an open invitation to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together.”

It’s easy to imagine a slew of parents shaking their heads in disbelief and thinking, “Yeah, well, video games can still rot a child’s brain. Olympic sport or not.” The thing is that’s simply not true. In fact, as reported by MedPage Today, a cross-sectional study found kids who played video games showed better cognitive performance than non-gamers. Specifically, those who played video games performed better on response inhibition tasks and working memory versus those who never played.

“Many parents today are concerned about the effects of video games on their children’s health and development,” said Bader Chaarani, Ph.D, a research professor at the University of Vermont. “And as these games continue to proliferate among young people, it is crucial that we better understand the positive impact that such games may have.”

One such positive impact is community building. For those in the know, video games have long since transcended their status as mere entertainment. They’ve become a significant social platform for kids and adults, alike.

In the digital era, people are more connected than ever before, and video games play a crucial role in this connectivity. A prime example of this connectivity and community building playing out in real time with real people was at the 2nd Annual e-Gaming Tournament. Hosted at our local Club, thirty-two teams representing all twelve Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County and twelve local law enforcement agencies teamed up for an epic day of e-gaming.

Teams of three (two club kids and one law enforcement representative) battled it out during a competitive four-hour tournament. Their game of choice? The excitement fueled, arcade-style soccer game, Rocket League.

Competitors filled the Club’s teen center that’s become well-known for its plethora of gamer tech; an impressive internet bandwidth able to support supersized TVs, the latest Xbox gaming systems, high-end desktops with overclocked CPUs and graphics cards the size of small novels. Two of those TVs were dedicated to displaying an updated tournament bracket.

What started with 32 teams was whittled down round by round, through heartbreaking losses and literal jump for joy wins, until only two teams remained for an ultimate showdown. Teams that were eliminated early became spectators eager to see who would be crowned champion.

Prior to competing for the Championship, 22-year-old Lynnwood police cadet Cade Moren reflected on the day’s legendary potential. “The most exciting aspect of this tournament is it really shows how much video games can cultivate such a positive experience with law enforcement. Events like these really shows that collaborating with local police departments is such a worth while investment. How many seeds are being planted here that will grown into fantastic relationships in the future? Relationships that can only improve our shared communities and possibly have life altering benefits; such as kids who may go on to pursue a career in law enforcement because of this experience, or a cop who views a community differently because of a super cool interaction they had playing a video game with kid who reminded them of their younger self.”

Expanding on what police cadet Cade so eloquently stated, video games are well-known conduits that attract players with shared interests. This creates a natural foundation for friendship. Kids and teenagers who might struggle with social interactions in every day, real life may find it easier to connect with others in a digital, online environment, where the focus is on a shared activity. For example, Tulalip youth living on their reservation may find support in gaming communities where they can express themselves more freely and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Twenty-six-year-old Jordan Jira isn’t too far removed from being that kind of Tulalip youth himself. Now, a Tulalip police officer, he still remembers that sense of community that came from unified purpose and simple fun. “I think this has been such an amazing experience for us officers and the kids. It’s something we can all come together, have fun in its purest form, and just make cool memories. The energy and excitement here in this building is kind of unmatched. It reminds me of high school sports and how fun it was to cheer on your favorite team or players. Like it should’ve been back then, it doesn’t really matter who wins or loses, all that matters is having fun.”

Jordan can also attest to just how far video game culture has evolved over such a short period of time. He admitted it feels like only yesterday his dad, TPD Sergeant Jeff Jira, wasn’t all that thrilled with video games, but now his dad actively cheered him on from as he navigating the digital realm all the way into the semi-finals. “He’s always been a real supportive father, so now its good to know he’s even supportive of video games, too. This is good practice for him because he’s going to be a grandfather again soon. Maybe this upcoming grandbaby has an Olympic gold medal in his future thanks to video games. Never know.”

Vying for a Rocket League championship, not a gold medal, ultimately came down to Team Everett vs Team Alderwood. Many oohs and ahs were generated by the crowd of spectators as they were treated to a highly contested match that went into sudden death overtime. Team Everett scored in the first minute of overtime and were crowned champions.

The winning team was comprised of City of Everett police officer Brandon Hoelzel, 14-year-old Aweys Hussein (Somalian) and 12-year-old Hamadi Rashid (Kenyan).

“My heart was pumping so hard every match. I was so nervous because it was my first time ever playing this game and didn’t want to let my team down. Now, that we’ve won it all, I’ll definitely be bragging about this for a while,” admitted Hamadi. 

Scoring the championship-winning goal was officer Brandon. He said that not having known either of his younger teammates before it felt like he was playing with his younger brothers. “I enjoy playing video games in my free time. Usually I’m the one being humbled by my younger brothers, so it felt pretty good being the one to carry the team this time,” he joked. “Seriously though, it was a total team effort. After every goal and win, we’d celebrate with a high-five or fist bump. I definitely fed off their excitement.”

The collaborative nature of video games, such as Rocket League, brought together a super diverse field of competitors together. Kids and cops from different cities, neighborhoods, and ethnic backgrounds learned to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and work together to achieve their objectives. Interactions like these, as witnessed over and over again during the tournament, greatly promote a sense of empathy and understanding for others, especially as it relates to youth and the law enforcement officers sworn to protect them. Let us revel in the hope that beyond the thrill of gameplay, true community building took place in a safe space forged by video games.

Shawn Ledford takes the helm of Tulalip Police Department

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip Tribes
“It’s time to come home,” Tribal Chairwoman Teri Gobin told then King County Sheriff, Shawn Ledford, at a recent event. Fast forward to today, and the Tulalip people welcomed Ledford to the Tulalip Tribal Police Department. On Tuesday, September 3, Ledford was sworn in as Chief of Police. Ledford, a Tulalip tribal member, is stepping into the role previously held by Acting Chief Christopher Gobin.

Every member of the Board warmly welcomed Chief Ledford back to the community. Chief Ledford reflected on his decision to return: “When Chairwoman Gobin hugged me and said it’s time to come home, I felt something. I knew it was time. I always thought about it in the back of my mind. The timing was right, and hearing those words from someone I respect helped me decide.”


With 35 years of experience, Chief Ledford brings a wealth of law enforcement knowledge to his new role. He began his career as a patrol deputy at the Federal Way Precinct and quickly advanced through the ranks due to his extensive skills. His roles included hostage negotiator, detective in the Special Assault Unit, and then, Chief of Police for the City of Newcastle.


He furthered his career as Captain at the Southwest Precinct in Burien and then as Operations Chief at the North Precinct in Kenmore. In 2012, he was appointed Police Chief in Shoreline, where he served for a decade before being promoted to Division Chief with the King County sheriff’s office.


Marlin Fryberg, Tulalip Board of Director, emphasized the significance of bringing Shawn Ledford back to the community. Reflecting on the guidance from previous leaders, Fryberg shared, “Those leaders who were sitting on the Board then and are now gone, instructed me to watch for Shawn as he grew in law enforcement. They said to keep an eye on that young man, that tribal member of ours, because one day he will come home and help this community.”


Fryberg expressed his pride and optimism for the future, stating, “Ledford is home, and this is a good setting for all of us. When we say coming back home, you are home. You are one of us.”


When asked what it means to return to the Tulalip community and serve, Chief Ledford responded, “It’s a great honor and challenge. I want to ensure I am doing right for our community—protecting and serving it passionately. Our focus will be keeping drugs and gang violence off the reservation.”


As Chief Ledford steps into this pivotal role, the road ahead will undoubtedly present its challenges. However, with his extensive background and deep family ties to the community, there is cautious optimism that his leadership will guide the Tulalip Tribal Police Department through these complexities, focusing on the safety and well-being of the Tulalip people.