Category: News

Virtual art market celebrates diversity of Native culture and creativity

Pestilence
Dallin Maybee (Northern Arapaho)
Materials: Czech gas mask, 13/0 charlotte cut beads, 24k Gold charlotte beads, freshwater pearls, 11/0 beads, ermine skins, satin ribbons, brass bells and thimbles, Swarovski crystals, rooster hackles. Technique: Applique stitch beadwork
“[This] floral gas mask depicts one of the many contemporary issues of our modern lives. More than the devastating impact of these diseases upon our peoples, this art narrative is about our resilience and ability to find beauty in all things. I have always been extremely impressed in the beauty found in often simple, utilitarian items. 
This horrifying juxtaposition of the vulgarity of why gas masks even exist, coupled with the bacteria and viruses that have afflicted us, are visibly laid bare against beautiful beadwork and floral designs of bacteria and cross-sections of viruses. DNA vines weave through a petri dish of growth, with no discernable identification of whose DNA is there. Our DNA appears the same and unfortunately we all wear this mask.”

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News; photos courtesy Cherokee Nation 

One of the largest Native American art shows in the nation is currently underway and 100% free to attend online. The 15th annual Cherokee Art Market is where 90 elite all-Native artists and artisans from across the United States – representing 50+ different tribes – come together to display and sell truly amazing jewelry, pottery, paintings, sculptures, and more. Digital visitors will be blown away by the culturally vibrant, hand-made treasures that can make your favorite household room more striking and holiday gift giving even more memorable. 

“Art is a powerful reminder of past and present, of grand traditions and daily routines,” said Cherokee Nation Chief, Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Art adapts to adversity. It is a clear note of perseverance in the worst of times and a powerful reminder of that perseverance in the best of times. Many of our ancestors were once forbidden to tell stories in their Native language. Today you carry their voices, and I look around with a sense of wonder at just how far those voices go.”

Originally scheduled for a traditional, in-person market to be held in October, changes were necessary under current conditions in order to bring the market to fruition. Perseverance by both artists and art enthusiasts was called upon to bring a virtual platform together.  

“The 2020 virtual art market created a new and unique opportunity for Cherokee Nation to introduce our market to a worldwide audience,” added Chief Hoskin. “We have a responsibility to keep artisans and patrons safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the shift to an online format was the best way to move forward. In this challenging environment, we were able to ensure the most talented Native artists were still able to show their work and find a receptive audience.”

Going virtual for the first time ever expands the possible audience and online engagement, especially for those who live great distances or simply hadn’t been aware that such a market even exists until now. The Cherokee Art Market is currently ‘live’ and is scheduled to end the morning of December 21. It can be reached at visitcherokeenation.com/cherokee-art-market/art-gallery

“This year has been tremendously difficult for artists, with many shows being forced to cancel, so we offered the virtual platform at no cost to help them to show and sell their work safely,” said Deborah Fritts, Cherokee Art Market coordinator. “Not only does their dedication and creativity promote Native culture, it enhances timely and relevant conversations about our past, present and future. We look forward to celebrating their work and hope the public will take time to visit us online.”

Those individuals seeking authentic Native art, created by a wide range of tribal representatives, are encouraged to visit this unique digital marketplace. Even without making a purchase, visitors will be immersed in a bounty of traditional treasure that truly celebrates the diversity of tribal cultures and creativity. 

Visit the all virtual Cherokee Art Market now through December 21 at visitcherokeenation.com/cherokee-art-market

Here are a few unique items that highlight the market’s broad range of elite Native artists and their stunning craftsmanship.

Tell Me Turtle Stories
Renee Hoover (Cherokee Nation)
Materials: Commercial Reed and Dyes. Technique: Cherokee Double Walled – Round Reed
          “I have woven four story baskets that each contain a clear message; this fifth story basket is designed to be open ended and used by an adult and child to create stories unique to them and their setting. I have woven several turtles within the basket that can become a part of any child’s story. The large turtle on the lid could naturally become a parent/adult with the smaller turtles within the basket and used for whatever roles suit the story. It’s so important for families to create their own stories and this basket could become a starting point.”
Seen By Her Nation
Beverly Moran (Standing Rock)
Materials: Size 11 Czech Glass Seed Beads, Size 3mm, 6mm, and 8mm Burgundy Swarovski Crystals, Gold plated 6mm & 8mm beads, 1 1/2 inch & 4 inch bone hair pipes, sable minks, brain tanned deer & elk hides, sterling silver findings, canvas and cow hide.
Technique: The beaded technique includes both the lane/lazy stitch and applique stitch. All components of the dress are completely handstitched. The dress took over 2 years to complete.
   “Seen By Her Nation is a unique and one-of-a-kind fully beaded Lakota Woman’s dress inspired by my daughter Andrea Bear King and titled in honor of a wife of our Lakota leader Sitting Bull. This dress is designed and created with the Woman’s Northern Traditional dancer in mind, but is a very beautiful piece of collectable art. Bold motifs of dragonflies, lightning bolts, tipis, turtles, and stars all of which are symbolic of the history and culture of my Lakota relatives are incorporated into this dress. The dress includes a fully beaded yoke, beaded skirt, belt, purse, beaded mink hair ties, strike-a-light bag, knife sheath, a bone choker and woman’s full size breastplate.”
Comanche People’s Homelands
Monica Raphael (Grand Traverse)
Materials: Birch bark, natural and dyed porcupine quills using various plants, insects and commercial dyes. Vintage, antique and 24k gold size 13 Czech seed beads, antique brass thimbles and hawk bells, size 4mm black fire polished antique glass beads, dyed horse hair and traditionally brain tanned and smoked deer hide.
Technique: Woodland Porcupine Quillwork using natural and dyed quills embroidery on to birch bark.
Leader of the Buffalo
Joshua Adams (Easter Band of Cherokee Indians)
Materials: Butternut Wood, Buffalo horn and Fur
Technique: Woodcarving
“My interpretation of the lead dance mask for the Cherokee buffalo dance or forest buffalo dance. The dance is reserved for mornings and nights before hunts. The Buffalo dance was not restrictive or private and was open for all to participate publicly. Despite the disappearance of the forest buffalo from the smokies centuries ago, the dance, like the Cherokee, has persisted through time.”
MMIW: Remember Our Sisters
Eugene Tapahe (Navajo)
Location: Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming
Materials: Archival Watercolor Paper
Technique: Lithograph Photograph Print
“Art heals. The Jingle Dress Project is my dream to take the healing power of the Ojibwe jingle dress and dance to the land, to travel and capture a series of images to document the spiritual places where our ancestors once walked. My goal is to unite and give hope to the world through art, dance and culture to help us heal during the COVID-19 pandemic and these uncertain times.”
Biskinik (top right)
Deana Ward (Choctaw Nation)
Materials: Cut Glass Beads, Sterling Silver Findings, Brain-tanned Buckskin
Technique: Picot, daisy, whipped, embroidery, bead weaving, right angle weave stitching
  “The Biskinik is a sacred bird to the Choctaws. The English name is the yellow-bellied sapsucker. Our tribal newspaper is named after this bird because it is a bringer of ‘good news’.”
Red Star
Yonavea Hawkins (Caddo)
Materials: Buckskin, size 11 cut beads, thread, and sinew
Technique: Half -stitch (similar to an overlay stitch)
One Nation
Ashley Roberts Kahsaklawee (Cherokee Nation)
Materials: Glass beads, leather, wool, vintage sign
Technique: Loom beadwork tapestry warps sewn and leather along top ridge sewn to wool and attached to vintage sign. Leather backing. Loom piece is free from tack down and can be viewed from front and back.

Community-led parade honors Officer Cortez

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

“I’m so thankful that all these people came out for my grandson today,” tearfully expressed Sandra Grenier. “He is so loved. I very much appreciate it.”

On the twenty-fifth day into the search for fallen Tulalip Police Officer Charlie Cortez, the Tulalip community held a special honoring parade in his remembrance. Thin Blue Line flags waved in the air, attached to hundreds of vehicles ranging from sports cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks, vans, police squad cars, fire trucks and ORVs, extending from the Tulalip Youth Center to Marine Drive. 

Tulalip hero Charlie Cortez, a father, son, cousin, motocross rider, protector and exerciser of treaty rights, and man of the Tulalip people dedicated his life to serving his community. Weeks after the announcement that the Fish & Wildlife officer presumably died in the line of duty, the Tulalip Police Department and a multitude of volunteers continue to scour the Salish waters in hopes to recover and return the 29-year-old officer home after he went missing at sea on the night of November 17. 

“I want to express my heartfelt condolences and thoughts and prayers for the entire Cortez family and all who loved and knew Charlie. It’s such a tragic loss for our community and for our police department and of course for his family and loved ones,” said Tulalip Chief of Police, Chris Sutter.

For generations, Indigenous families have relied on the strength of their tribe to both get through and understand trying times. Tribal communities often ban together to hold gatherings and ceremonies as well as raise funds for grieving families, providing medicine in the form of song, dance, stories, hot food and presence. Unable to host such a gathering due to COVID-19 restrictions, Torry and Christina Parker organized the parade to bring a bit of healing to the family.

At 3:00 p.m. on December 12, dozens of police vehicles hailing from departments all across the state, signaled the start of the parade when their sirens began to flash and wail simultaneously. As each vehicle made their way down Totem Beach Road, they displayed posters, signs, and décor in honor of Charlie. Some of the more moving posters were carried by Tulalip tribal youth with messages such as, “I love you” and “I’m riding for my hero Charlie Cortez”. 

Teri Nelson, Charlie’s aunt, emotionally shared, “We’re beyond grateful for everybody in the community, for their love and support.”

An overwhelming surprise to many, the parade’s caravan consisted of at least two-hundred vehicles and lasted for over 30 minutes as Charlie’s colleagues, friends, family and fellow hunters and motocross riders joined-in to pay their respects. Charlie’s family watched the entire moving display of community from the Tulalip Marina, waving as each car passed by. Prior to the parade, the family asked participants to wrap their vehicles in holiday fashion as this was Charlie’s favorite time of year, celebrating not only Christmas but his mother’s, brother’s and son’s birthday each December.

“Just to see everyone put that time aside today and come together in a safe way for Charlie, and make it fun and decorate their cars, it was powerful,” said Charlie’s first-cousin Kayla Scheiber. “Starting with all the police officers making their sirens go off, and the fire trucks after them, then all the Harley’s and cars, it was really meaningful and I know my family appreciates it a lot, as well as Charlie in spirit.”

In addition to paying tribute to Charlie’s life, the tribe is also using the parade as an opportunity to let the people know that recovery efforts will continue until Charlie is brought home, welcoming any volunteers to the cause. 

“It was a great show of love and support,” said Chief Sutter. “Thanks to our entire community for all that they’re doing and continue to do in our search and recovery efforts. It was inspiring to see all the law enforcement agencies, fish and wildlife agencies, fire departments and numerous organizations, groups and families who came out to show their support and love for the entire Cortez family and in honor of our beloved officer Charlie.”

If you have any information in relation to the search for Officer Cortez, please contact  (360) 926-5059 or email BringOfficerCortezHome@gmail.com

“I’m glad that we took this time to honor Charlie,” Kayla expressed. “We needed this as Native people, it’s really important for us. And the fact that Charlie is still missing – I believe this is something that will help him get found at some point. I know that coming together in this way is healing and will help bring him home.”

Family Wellness Court an alternative, collaborative approach to reunification

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

At the start of 2017, the Tulalip Tribal Court implemented a new program to assist addicts on their recovery journey. The Healing to Wellness Court originally drew a bit of skepticism from Tribal membership due to failed experiments with drug courts in the past. However, after tailoring the wellness court to the individual client and incorporating cultural involvement, the program saw success, with a handful of clients completing the program and many addicts who are clean and working hard to maintain their sobriety.

Four years since the announcement of the Healing to Wellness Court, the Tribal Justice department is gearing up to introduce a similar program, but with an emphasis on not only helping their clients live healthy and sober lives, but to reunify families who have been torn apart by the opioid epidemic. Family Wellness Court aims to get the parents clean, help them regain custody of their children and get them out of the court system for good. 

Tulalip Tribal Court Director, Alicia Horne explained, “The Family Wellness Court is very similar to the Healing to Wellness Court. It’s an alternative program to help parents with addiction and it’s an evidence-based program to help parents with addiction sustain sobriety. This is something that is different from your traditional beda?chelh case management. The Family Wellness program has wrap-around, intensive family case management to help the family as a whole, so the parents can maintain stable sobriety.”

Although the Family Wellness Court’s game plan mirrors the Healing to Wellness Court model in many aspects, the court wants to stress that the two programs are completely separate from one another. Family Wellness will work with individuals on their own accord, through either a referral or self-referrals, as the new program is 100% voluntary based and not mandated by the courts. Whereas the Healing to Wellness Court works on criminal cases and their clients could potentially face jail time if they fall out of compliance. Family Wellness Court is a guided program where a team creates an individualized plan for the parent, and since the program is voluntary and does not work on criminal cases, the client does not face jail time if they fall off track.  

“We’re one of the first in the nation to be doing this as a tribe because we want our people to be healthy, happy and successful,” said Family Wellness Court Coordinator, Melissa Johnson. “We want people to understand it’s different than the standard dependency proceeding that parents involved with beda?chelh go through. With more frequent review hearings, in the drug court model, they get a chance to show their progress in real-time. They tend to get their kids back faster in this type of program because of the intensive case management and the added support.”

A team will meet regularly, on a weekly-basis, to discuss the client’s progress or regression. The team then decides on the appropriate action to take, whether that is awarding them with incentives or providing intervention services or resources to help them find their way back to the road of sobriety. 

“We assist parents with medical care if they need it, as well as referrals to housing, helping with job placement, job training, so they can live a healthy and sober life and maintain it on their own,” Melissa stated. “We want to give them the skills, the foundation to maintain that healthy lifestyle once they’re finished with our program. One of our goals is to have fewer CPS and beda?chelh involvement.”

Members of the team include Tulalip tribal court’s Chief Judge Michelle Demmert, Associate Judges Janine B. Van Dusen and Leona Colegrove, as well as a Child Advocate Attorney, Parent Advocate Attorney, beda?chelh Manager (Natasha Fryberg), beda?chelh Social Worker, Substance Use Disorder Counselor, Family Wellness Court Coordinator (Melissa), Recovery Support Specialist, and the Wellness Program Manager. 

Said Melissa, “The team meets weekly and the program is going to last around a year, sometimes it takes longer. It’s based on individual needs because some parents need more support than others. Rather than feeling lost in the system, the participants will gain a sense of continuity and identification with the program. The hearings will allow the judge to provide the support, encouragement and responses as needed. What happens really is the courtroom becomes more of a therapeutic environment versus what it is now. We want them to build trust and a relationship with the judge, so they’re not afraid of interacting with the judge.”

The Tulalip Tribal Court believes that this collaboration between multiple departments, with the same intent of helping someone attain sobriety, is the key to success with drug court clients. Helping them establish relationships with the judges and task force members, the clients are included in the entire process from the moment they accept the help from the Family Wellness Court to the moment they are reunified with their children. 

“I am thrilled that the Tulalip tribal court and community will be able to engage in this holistic child welfare program,” shared Child Advocate Attorney, Chori Folkman. “Studies have shown that this type of collaborative team-based approach results in faster case resolution and more families becoming reunified than a normal child welfare case. The support of beda?chelh will be complimented by all the other team members who will be working hard to support the needs of parents to become healthy and reach their full potential for the children. I think that in the Tulalip system, we can make this type of court successful as we tailor it to the specific needs of the Tulalip community.”

Another reason that clients are remaining clean and sober throughout and following their journey with the Healing to Wellness Court program can be credited to the Tulalip culture. The program requires its clients to fulfill ‘give-back’ hours to the community. During those volunteer hours, clients not only occupy their time and keep their hands busy during fun, healthy community events, they also begin the process of reintegrating back into the tribal community by participating in cultural practices such as singing, dancing, and learning more of their ancestral lifeways. 

Alicia agrees that the cultural aspect is one of the major contributors to the success of Healing to Wellness Court clients, which is why the tribal courthouse elected to include community and cultural involvement in the new Family Wellness Court program, providing good medicine while encouraging their clients to drop the bad drugs.  

With the establishment of the Family Wellness Court, the Tulalip Justice System continues to combat the drug epidemic on the reservation. The tribal court recently launched the ODMAP program which tracks overdoses that occur on Tulalip territory to help prevent and reduce the loss of lives due to overdose in the community. 

Family Wellness Court intends on officially beginning operations, offering their services to the community, by mid-January 2021. To qualify for the Family Wellness Court’s services, you must be the parent of a Tulalip tribal member who currently has an open child dependency case with the Tribal Court System. Please contact your attorney, beda?chelh social worker or call (360) 716-4764 if you believe the Family Wellness Court can benefit you and your family. 

  “The Family Wellness Court is a model of a community involvement approach. We hope that the community will begin to see the courts as a healing institution; one that can provide solutions for the communities’ various needs,” expressed Chief Judge Demmert. “The Family Wellness Court is another example of how the tribal justice system is evolving to address the needs of the community in a culturally competent manner. We all need to recognize that we have the knowledge of our ancestors standing with us and at times, holding us up.” 

Tulalip Tribal Court introduces ODMAP to combat drug overdose rates in the community

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

“There are a lot of overdoses during bonus and Christmas time,” said ODMAP (Overdose Detection Mapping & Application Program) Outreach Specialist, Tashena Hill. “People are feeling sad because they can’t be with their families or they are reminded of family members who passed on. ODs really spike during this time of year, so it is very important for us to get this information out.”

As overdose rates continue to climb nationwide, the Tulalip Tribal Court is taking action in an attempt to address the opioid epidemic on the reservation. Multiple studies from the likes of the CDC and the Washington Post report that Indian Country has been hit the hardest, claiming that from 2006-2014 Natives were 50% more likely to die from an opioid overdose than any other race in the country. Those reputable sources also released a disclaimer stating those statistics are more than likely under reported due to a number of factors. Most misreporting stems from hospitals and coroners indicating the incorrect race on the death certificates of overdose victims. 

The numbers reported on a national level are still staggering. After approximately 70,000 overdose related deaths occurred in 2017, the United States saw that number decrease to 67,000 in 2018. Unfortunately, in 2019, the CDC reports that the drug overdose rate rose by 4.6% in the course of a year to nearly 71,000 deaths nationwide. Early projections indicate that those numbers may have spiked yet again in 2020, citing the novel coronavirus as a key contributor to several overdoses throughout the year. 

In 2017, roughly 30% of deaths in Washington State were attributed to overdose with a large percentage occurring in Snohomish county, particularly the Marysville, Everett and Tulalip region. It would be extremely challenging, however, if you wanted to gather and analyze data regarding the number of overdoses and overdose related deaths at Tulalip alone, as reportings tend to vary based on jurisdictions and which emergency response team answers the call of distress. 

Tulalip Tribal Court Director Alicia Horne explained, “Right now, Tulalip has no central data to utilize to determine OD. This new program is going to create the database to track those statistics, that’s one of the objectives of this program. And prevention. If an emergency response team is responding to a 9-1-1 call and they issue Narcan, having that information will help this program go out to do intervention services and provide detoxing treatments, getting them set-up on a Suboxone or Methadone program. This will help us collect data to see what the overdose rate is in the Tulalip community and how we can provide prevention and intervention services.”

ODMAP, or the Overdose Detection Mapping & Application Program, is a service utilized by communities across the nation. Counties that have elected to use the company’s database have been able to significantly reduce the number of overdoses in their region.

“ODMAP is a system that emergency response personnel like the fire department, EMTs, and the police department can enter real-time data regarding an overdose,” said ODMAP Project Coordinator, Kali Joseph. “That includes a general location of the overdose, whether Naloxone was administered, how much Naloxone was administered, and whether the overdose was fatal or not. And then we have our outreach workers deploy the resources to those people who are susceptible to overdose or are suffering with substance abuse disorder.”

Having access to those reports is a major step in addressing the opioid and heroin epidemic on the reservation. Now TPD and other emergency response teams can pinpoint specific neighborhoods and areas that are affected most by drug overdose and can thereby, in theory, disrupt any activity when the numbers are on the rise. 

“Using the ODMAP app we can see a spike happen in real-time,” expressed ODMAP Social Worker, Cara McCoy. “When we have all these spikes and overdoses, we can warn the community that maybe there’s a bad drug and to be careful. The app is really easy to use so the officer or whoever has the app will be able to capture it immediately so we have more accurate numbers.”

In addition to tracking and monitoring overdoses on the reservation, the ODMAP team is focused on promoting a healthy Tulalip community and will provide outreach work, cultural activities, and endless resources for those ready and willing to leave their addiction in the past. 

“We’re working on getting a list of all the things that could be barriers in between someone obtaining their sobriety,” stated Kali. “That could be food, a driving abstract, Washington State ID, duffle bag, clothes, signing up for insurance, cell phones, or providing them with a ride. Sometimes the fees for a driving abstract or an ID, to be able to get into a detox center or treatment, can be a very big barrier for people trying to get clean and sober so we just want be able to help them break down those barriers.”

Added Tashena, “The biggest obstacle for any of our clients is having a place to go after coming home from treatment or jail. The Tribe doesn’t offer anything for short-term, so we’re working on trying to find a place for them to go in the interim. We need somewhere for them to go so they can be successful on their journey.”

The very first project for the ODMAP team is taking place on December 16, a virtual training session that will inform those who attend how to appropriately and effectively administer Naloxone or Narcan nasal spray, which can potentially save someone’s life in the event of an overdose. According to their research, 690 overdoses in Washington State were reversed with Naloxone in 2016.

“It first started with Cara setting up a meeting with the Swinomish Wellness Center, they have reduced their overdose rate by 50%,” Kali noted. “We asked them what type of things they’re doing to reduce their rate so greatly and they said that a big factor was distributing Narcan to the community members. We thought we should have a Narcan distribution for our community right before the holidays. It was actually Tashena’s idea to do it before the holidays, especially because we all get this big chunk of money. We are here for prevention and we think that sharing information and knowledge is a really good prevention method, as well as distributing the Narcan.”

In total, the ODMAP team will distribute 50 Narcan kits to the community by December 18. Those who wish to receive a kit will be required to sign-up and attend a GoToMeeting session on Wednesday December 16. The trainings will be split into two sessions, one at 10:00 a.m. and the other at 2:00 p.m., and will be limited to 25 participants per session. After attending the training, the ODMAP team will hand-deliver the Narcan kits to your doorstep, along with other resources, including information about the program as well as some fun holiday gifts. You must be at least 13 years old to attend the training and receive a Narcan kit. 

“Our team is driven to reduce the overdose rates here at Tulalip,” expressed Tashena. “This is important to me as a Tribal member who has suffered from this opioid affliction, being able to give back to my people and show them there is hope. If I can overcome such a horrendous obstacle then anyone can. There is help here for people that want it or need it. There are people who care and are more than willing to help our community members if they want it. The upcoming Narcan training is so important because if we can save anyone, even one person, that is a win. Every last person matters. That is our way, huyadad, to care for every one of our members. At least that’s what my grandfather Stan Jones Sr. taught me – to care for everyone.”

For further information and to register for the upcoming Narcan presentation and distribution, please contact Tashena Hill at (360)-913-7897 or tahill@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov, Melissa Gover at (360)-631-2668 or mgover@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov, or Cara McCoy at (360)-631-7443 or cmccoy@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.

King County Search Dogs support ongoing mission to bring Officer Cortez home

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The tragic loss of police officer Charlie Cortez, who died in the line of duty on November 17 after his patrol boat capsized, has been felt near and far. A 29-year-old hero and father of two young children, his family and friends offer prayers and well wishes to the recovery teams who depart Tulalip Marina shortly after sunrise every day in search of the fallen Tulalip tribal member.

“To date, we’ve used some of the best technology in the world to aid in our search and recovery mission,” explained Chris Sutter, Tulalip Police Chief. “Advanced underwater sonar imaging of the ocean floor, underwater drones, air resources including fixed wing aircrafts, helicopters, and unmanned drones, and, our most important resource of all, thousands of hours of manpower by dedicated first responders, fishermen, and civilian volunteers. 

“We’ve done our best to cover all relevant search areas , from north of Tulalip, Port Susan area to Camano Island, top end of Whidbey Island, both sides of Hat Island, up the Snohomish River system, and all the way down past Mukilteo looking for our lost officer,” he continued. “We have not turned away any resources, as we’ve had many vessels and specialized search teams on the water searching far and wide.”

 One such resource is the King County Search Dogs. A part of the King County Search and Rescue Association, the highly specialized canine unit assists law enforcement agencies with missing person searches and human recovery in the wilderness and urban settings. A team of ten (four dogs, four handlers and two support) joined Tulalip’s recovery efforts for Officer Cortez on December 5.

The search dog unit were briefed by Chief Sutter and Commander Robert Myers at the local marina before being transported to the primary search area by Fish and Wildlife boat operator supervisor Bernie Edge and Tulalip citizen Sam Davis. 

 The extraordinary dog-handler teams are trained for effective and efficient searches thanks to the four-legged companions’ possession of up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about six million in people. The part of a dog’s brain that is devoted to analyzing smells is, proportionally speaking, 40 times greater than the average human.

Dogs’ sense of smell overpowers our own by orders of magnitude – it’s 10,000 to 100,000 times as acute, scientists say. “Let’s suppose they’re just 10,000 times better,” says James Walker, former director of the Sensory Research Institute at Florida State University, who came up with that jaw-dropping estimate during a rigorously designed, oft-cited study. “If you make the analogy to vision, what you and I can see at a third of a mile, a dog could see more than 3,000 miles away.”*

Three super powered snouts actively worked the waters of Possession Sound, between Port of Everett, Priest Point and Hat Island, while a fourth roamed on land in search of any possible leads. Dog handler Joan Hitchner, an 18-year vet with search and rescue, trailed 7-year-old R2 as he traversed nearly six miles of sand dunes, boulders, a horde of driftwood, and wetland sniffing for viable scent trails on Jetty Island. 

On water, the search dogs literally stood on bow and stern of two separate boats while being taxied back and forth along the coastal waters for hour after hour. With noses held high, they processed the Possession Sound environment for any trace of Officer Cortez.

“Recovery efforts from water, especially the ocean, is inherently challenging because water is in a constantly changing state,” said dog handler Josh Gerstman, a 23-year vet with search and rescue, while beside his 8-year-old chocolate Labrador, Natick. “Fluctuating water temperatures, ocean depths, wind currents, turbidity and tidal impacts are all variables that cannot be understated. Our dogs’ sense of smell is incredible and they adhered to their training admirably under these conditions.”

After their day on the water and along the coast, the search and recovery teams reconvened at the Tulalip Marina to debrief. Information received from the search dogs will be further analyzed with all other search effort information logged to date. 

“Each day for the past three weeks, we’ve had different teams from a variety of local, regional and state agencies participate in our search and recovery mission,” reflected Chief Sutter. “Having the canine search team out today really gives us hope as we continue to bring in as many resources as we can to help locate and recover Officer Cortez. We are grateful to receive support from our neighboring King County Sherriff’s Office and every other community partner who has dedicated time and resources to support us.”

In the three weeks since Tulalip lost its first ever officer in the line of duty, the Tulalip Police Department, in partnership with Fish and Wildlife staff and countless fishermen, remain committed to bringing Officer Cortez home. Their exhaustive efforts show the depth of this community’s love for each other and of the brotherhood of law enforcement. The search continues.

*Source – https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/dogs-sense-of-smell/

Tulalip’s own RaeQuan Battle intends to take his game to the next level for revamped Huskies

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Tulalip tribal member RaeQuan Battle has been getting buckets since the moment he was able to shoot a basketball. From his early days spent endlessly shooting in the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club gymnasium to his more formative years at Marysville Pilchuck High School, where he led the Tomahawks to back-to-back State tournaments, RaeQuan’s talents on the hardwood have always been astonishing.

Last year, during his freshman season at the prestigious University of Washington, RaeQuan showed his shooting touch was made for the collegiate level. Averaging a shade over 11 minutes per game, he scored double-digit points five times, connected on twenty-two 3-pointers, and saw action in twenty games for the Huskies. 

Now in his second year, the Tulalip phenom is determined to take his game to an even higher level. A sentiment echoed by his head coach during the offseason.

“The thing that makes him great is, he’s got what great players have, which is ultimate confidence,” Huskies head coach Mike Hopkins told The News Tribune. “I believe that he thinks if he took a half-court shot, it’s going in…I wish I had that as a player.

“At the end of the day, he had some incredible moments as a freshman,” Hopkins continued. “His ability to shoot the ball and he’s got a quick release. The one thing that people don’t know about RaeQuan, [he] can fly. Like he can really jump. His future is on a different level. His potential is just limitless.”

Limitless potential. That’s very high praise from any coach, especially one running a D-1 collegiate program. To his credit, the 19-year-old RaeQuan fully understands that in order to reach his full potential he has to continue training his body for the strength and conditioning necessary to compete on both sides of the court, while continuing to look for ways to improve his all-around game.

“I’m focused on improving my ball handling and my defense. Once I’ve added those to my game, to go with my shooting and athletic abilities, I could do whatever I want on the basketball court,” said the sophomore sharpshooter. “Hitting the gym for a variety of workouts to help me get stronger is a priority, too. I know putting in the work will make me better.”

All his dedication to improving his game in the offseason was on full display in the Huskies season opener versus the #2 ranked team in the country, Baylor, on November 29. Coming off the bench, the 6’5 shooting guard led his team in scoring and minutes played. Never one to shy away from an open 3-pointer, he went 2-8 from downtown while also displaying his court vision for three assists. 

Outside of his athletic prowess on the court, RaeQuan has accepted the mantle as cultural ambassador for his Native culture. Something many his age typically shy away from.

“I do consider myself an ambassador for the Tulalip Reservation,” he explained. Even on the Seattle campus with thousands of students, he stands out for his towering frame and eagerly describes his proud Tulalip culture to anyone curious enough to ask. “Whenever my name gets said, I want people to think of Tulalip, and for everyone back home to know I’m proud of where we come from.”

Quite literally wearing his culture on his sleeves, RaeQuan has a number of tattoos honoring his tribe. ‘Respect the past, Create the future’, accented by eagle feathers, is on the inside of his left arm. However, it’s the large Lushootseed print on both forearms that stand out most. One arm reads ‘dxʷlilap’ (Lushootseed spelling of Tulalip) and the other ‘səswix̌ab’ (Lushootseed spelling of his mom, Jacquie Battle’s Indian name).

“I wear number 21 for my mom,” said the Marysville Pilchuck alum. “She wore it in high school. My mom worked her butt off to provide for me and my siblings. She’s always done whatever is necessary for us, and I want to repay her by being the best man that I can be.”

With his playing time expected to increase this season and his offensive role sure to expand as well, the future remains bright for Tulalip’s latest sports icon. With the ultimate hoops dream to play in the NBA, RaeQuan remains dedicated to all the youth who adore him as their hero.

“It means a lot knowing [Tulalip youth] look up to me because I’m proud to be a role model to them and show them what’s possible,” he shared. “I still love visiting the Boys & Girls Club and the Teen Center on the reservation because it brings back a lot of memories, and it shows all the kids that I haven’t forgot about them. After all, they are my number one fans.”

Community memorial continues to grow for Charlie Cortez

By Micheal Rios & Niki Cleary

The Tulalip Marina is home to an ever-growing memorial dedicated to the memory of Fish and Wildlife Officer Charlie Cortez. Overlooking the bay and a fleet of fishing boats, community members have contributed a number of heartfelt items to the memorial.

From the blue plastic cups that spell out ‘CORTEZ’ in the chain link fence to the two thin blue line flags gently flowing in the breeze to all blue balloons and flower bouquets, the sentiment of Blue Lives Matter, a movement representing police solidarity and recognition for all law enforcement who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice, is visually captivating on such revered ground. 

The marina tribute was established soon after the community was notified Tulalip had suffered its first ever death by an officer in the line of duty.

On evening of November 17, two officers with Tulalip Police Department’s Fish and Wildlife division were following another boat into the Everett Marina to ensure the fishermen reached port. Officers Shawn Edge and Charlie Cortez were returning to Tulalip Bay when a rogue wave hit their 24ft patrol vessel, causing it to capsize. Both men were thrown into the water.

Officer Edge, boat operator and captain, was located and rescued near Hat Island by Tulalip fishermen. He was immediately transported to the hospital and is currently recovering. Officer Cortez is still missing and presumed deceased.

“As our search and rescue effort transitioned to a search and recovery, we are heartbroken. Our people are connected to the water and we know what we risk when we go out. We lost a good man, a father, brother and son,” said Chairwoman Teri Gobin. “Our hands go up to the many fisherman and rescue workers who continue to answer the call to find our missing officer. In the face of tragedy, our community came together and we will continue to come together as we take care of his family.”

A coordinated search and recovery effort continues today with multiple agencies, in addition to numerous tribal fishing vessels from Tulalip and neighboring tribes.

“Charlie was a wonder man and officer. We are devastated by this loss,” said Chief Sutter. “Tulalip Fish and Wildlife are often called upon to conduct searches such as this one. I know Charlie would have been there for you, and I can’t say thank you enough to the many individuals and agencies that came together to be there for him. The search for our missing officer will continue until he is brought home.”

The Tulalip community can’t express enough our gratitude for all those who have chosen to continue assisting in the search, both on land and sea. Our search continues. 

If you choose to search, please help us by continuing to check in and share the details of your search. Tulalip fishermen, please continue to text 360-926-5059, or check in with Tulalip Fisheries or Robert Myers. Other volunteers, please describe your search details by emailing bringofficercortezhome@gmail.com or leaving a voice mail at (909) 294-6356. 

If you find the following clothing similar to the following, please call in an eye-witness report to the non-emergency line (425) 407-3999.

  • Black Stocking Cap with an embroidered Gold Star
  • Black zip up outer vest (bullet proof) with Gold Star and “C Cortez” on it in Gold
  • Dark Blue shirt with embroidered Gold Star and “C Cortez” on it in Gold
  • Dark Blue coat with markings (possible embroidered Gold star and “C Cortez” in Gold on it) Dark Blue Pants
  • Black Boots with laces and possible zipper on sides
  • Black Under Armour T-shirt

beda?chelh program designed to FIT your family’s needs

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Did you know that there is a program that helps with resources, education, and general support designed specifically for Tulalip tribal families living with children?  If not, you’re not alone as the program is still relatively new. A division of beda?chelh, the young program is spreading the word about their services and what they can offer Tribal families. 

Stated beda?chelh manager, Natasha Fryberg, “I want to bring forth our FIT team to start getting more resources out in the community so we can create positive engagement with potential clients and families.”

The Family Intervention Team, or FIT, currently consists of two social workers, Lena Hoeflich and Kayleigh Canby, who are dedicated to aiding Tulalip families by helping them along their journey through tough times. Whether you are a single pregnant mother or a family dealing with a rebellious teen, they are available and ready to help support you and provide any services or needs you may require. 

“I always describe it to clients as a voluntary program,” said Kayleigh. “Our goal is to kind of bolster the family, or bring in supports, to help them be successful in whatever they want to do. Usually, the goal is to try and keep their families together and we bring in those supports to help them be successful. We support parents, we support children, we support everybody.”

The FIT mission is to achieve immediate and lasting positive change for families, in the best interest of the children, whether you live on or off the reservation. FIT makes it their priority to see that you receive assistance and will refer you to a program, professional or specialist who will provide you with further care. 

Lena explains, “We try to bridge a gap that a family might be experiencing, a hardship – whatever that may be. We meet with families and it is family-led. It’s not prescriptive, because it just depends on whatever the family needs, and whatever they’re going through at that time. For example, if someone calls and says this person was driving and their kid wasn’t in a car seat, we can come in and ask if we can educate them on the necessity of a car seat. Can we provide them with a car seat? We can ask, what else do they need? Do they need groceries? Do they need help paying bills? Do their kids need assistance being set up in online schooling?”

Some resources and services that FIT assists families with include parenting skills, housing, food and nutrition, domestic violence, independent living skills, chemical dependency, teen support and mental health. 

“If a family is experiencing a really difficult time with their teenager, we work with them and get them set-up with Family Haven. We will work with them before, during, and after they have those intervention services, just to make sure that everything is continuing to go well. Or we might work with families who may have difficulty paying a bill. We look to see if there are resources within the Tribe or within the state or Snohomish County, just to try to find different ways to help,” said Lena.

Kayleigh added, “I have a mom that I’m working with right now and I’m trying to help her find a mental health counselor. At the same time, I reached out to a couple different agencies locally, she’s a pregnant mom, so she needs a bed to sleep on. We do the legwork of trying to find those materials. I have another family and their children are in need of winter clothes, so we find those resources in the community to get warm clothes for those kids.”

The majority of clients and families that FIT has helped so far are referrals from Child Protective Services. However, FIT wishes to assure Tribal members that they are here for the people, and welcome any community-referred and self-referred clients. Although they are an extension of beda?chelh, their focus is to work with clients and take preventive measures and progressive steps to help keep families together. 

“A lot of families have a huge support network, but there are other individuals who don’t have any support networks at all,” Kayleigh expressed. “We’re here to help support them, we are apart from CPS. We are a voluntary program, we’re not going to hunt you down or tell you what to do. I think that’s the biggest message is that we’re just here to help, we’re here to raise-up the community in the ways that they want.”

Lena agreed, saying, “I think that’s a distinction that we’re trying hard to make people understand, because when we do call and say we’re a new program with beda?chelh, that usually closes the door immediately. We’re very different. The whole point of our program is to prevent families from having interventions or any interaction, really, with CPS or the court systems. We’ll work with any family who we think would be a good ‘fit’ in the program.”

For additional information about the Family Intervention Team, please contact (360) 716-3284.