Category: News

Native Americans make their voices heard in presidential election

Tribal member voters show good turnout in the 2012 election.

Article and photo by Jeannie Briones

TULALIP, Washington – Tulalip Tribal members and employees showed their support at the Tulalip Ballot Party on November 6th at the Don Hatch Youth Center/Greg Williams Court, exercising their right to vote.

“To me it’s one of my most treasured constitutional rights, and as a veteran, I always take the time to cast my ballot,” said tribal member Raymond Fryberg Sr.

Tulalip Community Coordinator, Frieda Williams, along with seven other hardworking folks that make up the Tulalip Voting Committee, worked tirelessly to promote the importance of the Native vote.

“I am very excited about the turn out at Tulalip; their vote does count,” said Frieda.

Native Americans are the only ethnicity the U.S. Census Bureau doesn’t track when it comes to election data. It’s important that Native Americans are voting and electing candidates who understand Native American sovereignty rights.

This election ballot party served as a good incentive for people to turn in their ballots, offering food, entertainment and raffle prizes. Prizes included a 55” flat screen TV and an iPod.

For information on voter registration, contact Frieda Williams at 360-716-4220 or visit, www.myvote.wa.gov.

Governor Gregoire honors Tulalip storyteller, Johnny Moses

Press Release, Cathy Cochrane, ArtsWA, Communications Manager

Olympia – Johnny Moses, of Tulalip, has been named as one of seven recipients of the Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards. Recipients were honored at a reception at the Governor’s Mansion on Oct. 15. The awards recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the arts and cultural traditions of Washington state.

Mr. Moses, a Native American traditional singer and storyteller, speaks eight Native languages and travels extensively to share his culture. He was raised in the remote Nuu-chah-nulth village of Ohiat on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. His grandparents taught him the traditional ways, and his elders sent him to share their teachings with all people. Mr. Moses’ traditional name is Whis.stem.men.knee (Walking Medicine Robe).

The Washington State Arts Commission, ArtsWA, facilitated the nomination and selection process for the Governor’s awards. The awards were established in 1966 by Governor Dan Evans. In recent years, they were temporarily suspended due to budget cuts.

“We are so pleased to reinstate the awards this year,” said Kris Tucker, Executive Director of ArtsWA. “Johnny Moses has incredible skill as a storyteller and a wealth of irreplaceable information about the Northwest’s Native cultures. Recognizing and honoring his contributions to the heritage of Washington state affirms that traditions of the past are vitally important to the cultural legacy we leave to future generations.”

First Gentleman Mike Gregoire and Kris Tucker presented the awards, which were acid-etched, translucent glass bowls by glass artists Jeremy Newman and Allison Ciancibelli, commissioned through Vetri Glass Studio, in Seattle.

Others receiving the Governor’s Heritage Award:

  • Bailadores de Bronce, Seattle, a volunteer group that teaches and performs Mexican folkloric dances
  • Heritage University, Toppenish, provides strong art and cultural education programs for multicultural populations that are geographically and educationally isolated
  • Maurice Rouman, Everett, Egyptian oud player and composer, nominated for the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship Award. (The oud is a stringed instrument resembling the lute.)

Receiving the Governor’s Arts Award:

  • Lucia Perillo, Olympia, Pulitzer Prize finalist and MacArthur fellow in poetry
  • Robert Maki, Kingston, sculptor and public art advocate
  • Book-It Repertory Theatre, Seattle, which creates great theater from great literature

For more information about ArtsWA programs and the Governor’s Arts and Heritage Awards, go to www.arts.wa.gov

First Gentleman, Mike Gregoire, and ArtsWA Executive Director, Kris Tucker, with the Governor’s Arts and Heritage Award recipients in the Governor’s Mansion, Oct. 15. Photo by Weldon Wilson.

Tulalip filmmaker protrays the beauty of Native culture

Tribal member Derek C. Jones showchased five short films at the Tulalip Hibulb Cultural Center on October 25th.

Article and photo by Jeannie Briones

TULALIP, Washington-  Tribal member Derek C. Jones is a filmmaker, musician, and programmer with over twenty short films to his credit at the young age of twenty-four.  He continues to pursue his vision and passion to help people understand each other by breaking down barriers and stereotypes through his film work.

On October 25th, Derek showcased five short films at the Tulalip Hibulb Cultural Center Film Series. “Raising Our Arms in Thanksgiving,” “Puppet Reporters,” “Who Am I,” and “Happiness” are early works that were co-directed with his younger brother, Aaron. Derek also presented a short storytelling film about Coast Salish history and art. This video is shown to third and fourth graders at theMuseum ofHistory and Industry.

“I really want to provide positive images of indigenous Native Americans and the beauty of our culture,” said Derek. “A large part of my artistic inspiration is drawing out small details and interactions that people have with each other and with nature and placing those interactions into a larger context,” said Derek.

A large part of his film storytelling is a reflection of his life. Derek is in the creative stages of writing and creating new material. He plans to travel and experience life and expand his knowledge to help build his craft in filmmaking.

“A lot of projects I’m working on are related to race, gender, and sexuality,” said Derek. “One topic that resonates strongly is gender, because when you look at a lot of the media today, it’s skewed towards the male perspective. We have Hollywood films with only one out of three speaking roles for women.”

“Something I have been thinking about a lot is the power that comes with presenting someone’s story. As far as media goes, we are to be mindful of how we share stories and present stories because those do have affects on how we view and treat people. I think when you look at race, genders, and sexualities there are a history of denigrating or stereotyping. I am really keen in providing positive images of people,” said Derek.

At the 2007  Tulalip Film Festival Awards, “Raising Our Arms in Thanksgiving” won Best Original Score and has been shown at several film festivals, including the Seattle International Film Festival and Cowichan International Aboriginal Film Festival. His work has also been shown at the Smithsonian National Museumof the American Indian’s Film andVideo Center.

For more information on the Tulalip Hibulb Cultural Centers’ up-coming events visit http://www.hibulbculturalcenter.org/ and check out www.aseasonintherain.com to view Derek’s film work.

 

Jeannie Briones: 360-716-4188; jbriones@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

Watch D.O.G.S., heroes for a day

First Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer Paul Allen assisted his daughter Chloe at Totem Middle School

Article and photo by Jeannie Briones

 TULALIP, Washington – Ever wonder what it’s like to be a hero for a day? Ask any Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer, like Paul Allen. On October 25th, Paul, wearing his official Watch D.O.G.S. shirt and badge, greeted students at Marysville Totem Middle School as they arrived, officially kicking off the volunteer program that promotes male role models in schools. 

Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is an innovative program created by the National Center for Fathering, which focuses on safety and education in schools by using the positive influence of fathers and father figures. On the day of their participation, Watch D.O.G.S. volunteers are given a short orientation with the school representative and are given a daily schedule of responsibilities.

“I think having a male role model is a positive influence that really helps the kids to see there are people who care about them,” said Paul. “I really want to make sure they are doing well in school and that the kids treat others with respect.”

Paul, a former Marysville Grove Elementary School, has witnessed a boost in morale and better behavior among the students, simply by having male role models on hand to bond with them.

 Paul’s two daughters are used to their dad participating at school. His 7th grade daughter, Chloe, attends Marysville Totem Middle School, and likes when her dad volunteers for school activities.

“I glad that my dad helps kids that are struggling,” said Chloe Allen.

 Paul spent his successful volunteer day assisting kids in the classroom, supervising during lunchtime, and monitoring kids for good behavior. Paul encourages other fathers to volunteer and to set a good example by being a role model, not only for their own kids, but for the entire student body.

Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles and male father figures are asked to spend at least one day at their student’s school volunteering.  They will support the school by monitoring the school property, working with kids one-on-one or in small groups, reading, helping with homework, helping with sports, or whatever needs to be done to plant seeds of success in the lives of the students. 

For information on volunteering, contact  Marysville Totem Middle School at 360.653.0610. Learn more information about the Watch D.O.G.S. program by visiting www.fathers.com/watchdogs.

 

Jeannie Briones: 360-716-4188; jbriones@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

WrapAround is not a service but a process

Cherol Fryberg, WrapAround Coordinator

 

Article and photo by Sarah Miller

TULALIP, Washington— The WrapAround process is a fairly new service provided by Family Haven. With WrapAround, a facilitator works with an individual or family to develop goals, build on strengths and it gives them support to enhance family life. According to WrapAround Coordinator, Cherol Fryberg, it’s not a program or a service, but a way to put you back in the driver’s seat of your own life.

“It’s a way to get the client’s voice heard,” Cherol said. “Some people work with a lot of different services and counselors with Behavioral Health and they don’t always get to be heard. We want to give them that control.”

People using the WrapAround process are encouraged to form a team to help them out. This team can be family members, counselors or therapists. WrapAround uses four phases to help clients out. Phase one is an engagement of team preparation in which the concerns, needs, hopes, dreams and strengths of the client are addressed. Phase two is the initial plan development. During this phase, the clients will collaborate with their teams to identify the strengths as stepping stones to meet needs. Phase three is plan implementation. Based on accomplishments, the team can assess and see if the plan is successful and make adjustments if need be. Phase four is transition. During this phase, the team will view the success.

“If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or have multiple goals you want to accomplish, WrapAround is here to walk with you while helping you put your life back together,” Cherol said. “A WrapAround team of your choosing, with my support, will help you meet your dreams, needs, hopes and concerns.”

In addition to the four phases, WrapAround also uses ten principles to help keep people on track and help them achieve. The first principle is family voice and choice. This focuses on needs and wants. Second principle is to individualize. With this principle, the team will tailor this service to the client’s strengths and needs. Principle three and four, team based and collaboration, resolve individual challenges. Principle five is natural supports, which is about strengthening the connection of the family. Phase six and seven is about being strength based and culturally competent. These principles honor the individual or families culture with a positive approach. Principle eight is community based. The WrapAround team will implement services and support strategies that focus on the family receiving services in the community. Phase nine is persistence. With this principle, the team will persist towards the goals. Principle ten is outcome based. The WrapAround team is accountable to assist in setting and achieving measurable goals with this
principle.

“This service is available for anyone who is tribal or has a tribal member in their family,” Cherol said. “They must also live in Snohomish County. They do not have to have any kind of addiction, they don’t need to have had their kids taken away, and they can just come in to get back on the right track with their lives. It’s not about having severe problems; it’s about making a better life.”

If you think that you or someone you know is in need of WrapAround process for support, you can call Cherol at 360-716-4401 or email her at cfryberg@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

David Spencer Sr. shares his passion of poetry

 

 

David Spencer read poetry at Hibulb Cultural Center

Article and photo by Jeannie Briones

TULALIP, Washington –  The Tulalip Hibulb Cultural Center, known for its artistic and educational series of workshops which highlight storytelling, lectures, culture and film, have added a new series that features poetry.

 Tulalip Tribal elder and author, David Spencer Sr., read a series of poems on October 4th at the Hibulb center, capturing the audience with his ebb and flow of words. Events that he witnessed in his life and the poets and teachers who inspired him to write poetry inspired these poems.

 “I took four courses at the UW from Nelson Bentley. He guided me on how to write poetry, to take one form all the way through the poem,” said David. “Poetry is like painting.”

  Writing poetry since 1973, he reconnected with his grandparents’ first language, and began his writing process anew in 1997 by using the Lushootseed language as a creative outlet. This transformation brought new meaning to his poetry that he had not found while writing in English.

 Poetry helped David through dark periods in his life, especially after his wife passed away. Sylvia Plath and Ted Hues are just a couple of poets he admires. He read their poems over and over to absorb their words and meaning.

 In the poem, “The Sacred Smoke,” David describes a traditional memorial burning, the feeling of being on-edge, being reborn, and having no temptation of worldly needs.

David’s first memoir, “Lifted to the Edge: the Reflections of a Tulalip Grandson,” is a skillfully written exploration of his life. You can find a copy of his book at theTulalipHibulbCulturalCentergiftshop. Visit www.hibulbculturalcenter.org for information and a schedule of events.

 

Tulalip child found unresponsive in car, mother arrested

By Kim Kalliber

On October 8, 2012 the Tulalip Police Department received a call about an unresponsive infant found inside a parked car. Emergency services were dispatched to the 1000 block of Marine Drive. A 17-month-old girl was taken to Providence Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. Her two-year-old sister, also found in the car, was taken to Children’s Hospital in Seattle where she is expected to recover.

The girls’ mother, a Tulalip Tribal member, is being held at Snohomish County Jail, facing possible charges of endangerment and failure to care for the children.

Community members at Tulalip describe the mother as a “good mom,” despite the fact that within the past year, she was under investigation by the Department of Social and Health Services for allegations of abuse involving the younger girl. DSHS had closed its investigation for undisclosed reasons, but due to the death of the child after closure of the investigation, their fatality review board will review the case.

The incident is being investigated by the Tulalip Police Department in coordination with the FBI. An autopsy was performed, but the results are unavailable while the investigation is underway

Raising awareness to save lives and give hope

Legacy of Healing presents interactive play based on domestic violence

Article by Jeannie Briones

TULALIP, Washington – Domestic Violence happens more often than people realize. Behind closed doors, many victims fall pray to abuse. Without help, these victims are controlled by their abuser and live in a world of isolation, helplessness, fear, intimidation, denial, coercion and threats that usually turn into violence. Many battered victims are afraid to get help in their vulnerable state of mind.

There is help for victims of abuse. Tulalip Tribes Legacy of Healing Advocacy Center and Safe House advocates are here to listen and offer assistances to victims and help them understand they are not alone.

To end domestic violence, it is important to educate the community. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Tulalip Tribes Legacy of Healing Advocacy Center is recognizing the rising epidemic of domestic violence.  In an effort to address this matter, they have collaborated with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence in presenting “In her shoes,” an interactive play based on real-life experiences of women with abusive partners. Participants will move, do, think and experience the lives of battered women.

Deborah Parker, Tulalip Tribes Vice Chairwoman and spokesperson for the Violence Against Women Act, will provide the traditional opening, along with a meet and greet of Legacy staff, and Traci Underwood with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence will facilitate the interactive event.

“In Her Shoes” will be presented on two days; October 18th will be for Tulalip Tribes employees and October 30th is open to employees and community members. Both showings will be held in room 162 of the Tulalip Administration Building from noon-3:00 p.m. and lunch will be served.

Are you are living with domestic violence? The most common form of domestic violence is physical violence. The signs of domestic violence include being hit, slapped, kicked or punched by your partner, including threats, injury to pets, jealousy and destroying of property.

Battered victims are reluctant or unable to report the abuse, but advocators at Legacy of Healing offer a safety plan that might help the victims feel safer before an incident, in the midst of a violent incident, and if victims decide to leave. When the battered victim is ready to leave, they can call an advocate staff at Legacy of Healing to address their needs.

Call to talk with an advocate at Legacy of Healing Advocacy Center and Safe House for question or concerns at 360-716-4100, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or for immediate help call 911, DVS 24 Hour Crisis Hotline 425-252-2873, or Washington State Hotline 800-562-6025.

Tulalip leader says Native voters help protect treaties

Don Hatch, Jr., Tulalip Tribes Board of Director

Article and photo submitted by F. Hillery

TULALIP, Washington – Don Hatch Jr., Tulalip Tribes Board of Director, and long time advocate for tribal children and education is appealing to all eligible Native Americans to vote in the general election.

“This is about protecting our Treaty and our future,” said Hatch.  “We need to support the candidates who will represent our interests in Olympia and Washington D.C. – by voting we help to maintain our livelihood.”

There are many reasons why some Native Americans do not vote.  Some feel that only the tribal political process is important to their interests.  Others believe that because Native Americans are such a small percent of the larger U.S. population their votes do not matter.  This couldn’t be further from the truth, says Hatch.

Hatch sees the protection of the Treaties as the number one reason why Native Americans should vote.  “It has taken some time, but we have built good relationships with our representatives, who know our issues and are willing to defend them, and if we don’t vote for them, it is going to be more difficult to maintain our treaty rights.”

“Everything we do here in Tulalip begins with the Treaty,” said Hatch.  “Housing, education, health care – these are all issues that are central to our well-being – and we need to do everything we can to make sure we elect representatives who understand why these issues are so important to us.”

Hatch is motivated to get out the Native Vote because he sees it as protecting future generations of Tulalip people.  He would like to see more participation in the political process from young people because the tribe will one day be in their hands.  “We need to get our young people to understand how important their participation in the political process is,” said Hatch.  “Whether it is a tribal election, a school board election, or a general election – it all matters.”

Hatch has long been part of the local political process and has learned a few important lessons.  The most important lesson is that every vote really does count.  “One year when I was up for re-election to the school board I won by 113 votes.  Afterwards I thought about all the Tulalip people who did not vote – if they had it wouldn’t have been so close.”  This is important he said because that year his opponents were not friends of the Tribes and they would not have been advocates of tribal children getting a good education.

Tulalip Hibulb Cultural Center welcomes new exhibit

Gilbert King George spear fishes on the White River during the “Fish-Ins” of the 1970’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article by Sarah Miller; photo courtesy of Tulalip Hibulb Cultural Center

TULALIP, Washington – A new exhibit will be coming to the Tulalip Hibulb Cultural Center. Salish Bounty: Traditional Native American Foods of Puget Sound will be on loan from the Burke Museum until the end of January. This exciting new exhibit features Tulalip artifacts that are currently not on display, including items used for hunting, fishing, cooking, gathering and storing, along with historic photos. There will also be real food ingredients on display as well as videos and audio of Coast Salish people talking about food. This exhibit will open November 3rd.

“This is a traveling exhibit,” said Marketing/Membership/PR Mytyl Hernandez. “It will be located at the end of the Canoe Hall, outside of the classrooms. Salish Bounty connects archaeological and historical research about thousands of years of food traditions in the Puget Sound area to current efforts to revitalize these food traditions in the region. Salish Bounty was created in close partnership with members of the Native Coast Salish community and features their history, voices and efforts.”

Visitors will learn about the cuisines of the Coast Salish people, along with the cultural values of respect, hospitality, community, and the environment of this region.

“This exhibit is broken into three themes,” Mytyl went on. “The way things were, dispossession and struggle, and the way things are. Our visitors will get the opportunity to learn about each in detail as well as over 280 plants and animal species used as food found from various archeological sites around Puget Sound.”

Coast Salish diets are incredibly diverse and always have been, according to Mytyl. The cuisine and its underlying values have survived major cultural shifts, from depopulation and loss of access to land and water, to intrusion into cultural practices, families and communities. Nowadays, there is serious revival of traditional foods that incorporates new ingredients, new communication technologies, and regained access to land and water, yet it maintains the same cultural values.

This is not the only new exhibit coming to Hibulb. At some point in 2013, the Veteran’s Exhibit, which is a rotating gallery, will be removed and replaced with a yet unknown exhibit. Hibulb will be rotating the temporary gallery two to four times a year. Sounds like a good time to stop on by the Cultural Center and check things out. Remember, admission is free for tribal members, $10.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors and children five years and younger are free. For more information on prices and times, visit www.hibulbculturalcenter.org.