Category: News
Training for a better tomorrow
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
On Wednesday, December 20, fourteen Native students were honored at the Dining Hall with a graduation banquet for their commitment to training for a better tomorrow. The fourteen students, five of whom are Tulalip tribal members, were the latest cohort to complete an intensive, fourteen-week pre-apprenticeship construction trades program offered by the TERO Vocational Training Center (TVTC).
As far as we know, the program, which is managed by the Tulalip TERO department, is the first and only state and nationally recognized Native American pre-apprenticeship program in the country. The program is accredited through South Seattle Community College and Renton Technical College, while all the in-class, hands-on curriculum has been formally approved by the Washington State Apprentice and Training Council.
The fifteen-week program provides curriculum that teaches a variety of core construction skills that can last a lifetime. Upon completion, the graduate’s dedication to a better future is rewarded with a wide-range of new employment opportunities now available to each graduate as they navigate the construction trades career path. In addition, students are trained and awarded certifications in flagging, first aid/CPR, and OSHA 10-hour safety training. Graduates have also received certification on three pieces of lift equipment, specifically the scissor lift, boom lift, and industrial fork lift. TVTC students graduate trained and ready to safely and productively enter the construction work environment.
“This TERO program is an amazing opportunity for any Native American, regardless of which tribe you’re from,” says Tulalip tribal member and now TVTC graduate, Brando Jones. “I was living in Tacoma when I first learned of this class. After meeting with Lynne and Robert from Tulalip TERO I knew this class was the best chance for me to reconnect with Tulalip, while at the same time building a foundation for a better future. Now that I’ve graduated, my goal is to use this experience as a stepping stone towards success. I’m really going to miss the teachers and students. To my fellow graduates I say this, ‘We have the tools to build and keys to unlock doors, so let’s get it!’”
The TVTC pre-apprenticeship program is a unique, nationally known model that supports tribal members from sovereign nations across the United States. The program is not dependent on tribal hard dollars. In fact, zero hard dollars are used to fund it. Instead, due to the dedication and commitment of so many individuals the TVTC program continues to grow and gain more recognition while being funded by the graciousness of the Tulalip Charitable Fund, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, DOT’s Ladders of Opportunity Grant, and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Pass Grant.
This Fall session gave TVTC students plenty of opportunities to showcase their newly acquired construction-based skill set with a series of projects. Community projects included a two-day demo and refurbishing of the Hibulb Cultural Center’s fence, constructing a presentation booth for Hibulb, and making a concrete sidewalk at the apprenticeship training headquarters in Seattle.
“This particular group of students was a very together, cohesive unit,” describes instructor Mark Newland. “They looked after one another real well and were always willing to help each other out. When it came to the culminating project, building three tiny houses, the students showed a lot of passion in their work and did an awesome job.”
Under the supervision of instructors Mark Newland and Billy Burchett, the students constructed three tiny houses for their final class project. These houses, which are approximately 120-square-feet in size, are being donated to homeless families located at a yet to be named, newly created homeless village in Seattle. The insulated houses will be a major upgrade for their soon-to-be residents as they offer electricity, heat, a much safer environment and, most importantly, a measure of stability.
“TVTC works with Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI). To date we have built 18 tiny Homes for this organization, which donates all supplies and materials required. This has saved TVTC thousands of dollars as these houses are used for training purposes, and lumber that was previously purchased for class is no longer needed,” explains TERO Coordinator, Lynne Bansemer.
“This most recent TVTC session we added a specialty course – a forty-hour scaffolding course – that was developed by the Carpenters Union Training division,” adds Lynne. “TVTC is excited to bring this opportunity to our students as scaffolding is used across many trades and this allows more employment opportunities for our students.”
Since the Fall of 2013, when TERO took over the program, 141 students have graduated the pre-apprenticeship program. Of those 141 graduates, 57 have been Tulalip Tribal members, and 17 have either been Tulalip spouses or parents. That’s 74 graduates from Tulalip and 67 fellow Native Americans from all over the region who have opted to train for a better tomorrow by completing the construction training program.
TVTC has seen an increasing number of persons who balance a full-time job while attending the training program. This term they had several students who came to training school every day who held full-time jobs by working swing or graveyard shifts. These students wanted more opportunities in their future and were willing to put in the dedication and sacrifice necessary in order to open more doors.
For more information on Tulalip TERO’s TVTC program or to inquire about admission into the next pre-apprenticeship opportunity, please contact Lynne Bansemer, TERO Coordinator, at 360-716-4746 or visit TVTC.TulalipTERO.com
All Breed Equine Rez-Q Must Find New Home
Location of over a decade to be sold in the spring
The Marysville non-profit equine rescue that has been a haven to unwanted and abused horses for nearly 20 years must move by the spring because its lease will not be renewed and the property will be put up for sale.
“This is a big deal with 23 horses and everything that goes with that,” said Dale Squeglia, All Breed’s executive director. “Finding a new home is not like looking in the classified ads for apartments!”
While spring is a few months away, the complication of the move has led Squeglia and her volunteers to jump into action to deal with the move. At this point, two options drive their planning:
Option One – hope that someone steps forward and donates property already set up for horses, such as a riding stable or horse farm.
“This would be the simplest option and would allow us to start with a good foundation and use funds we raise to make any improvements that are needed,” Squeglia said. “If it was in the general vicinity, we could continue to serve the community that we have been a part of for nearly 20 years, as one of the few remaining equine rescues left in Snohomish County.”
Option Two – develop 62 acres of land donated to All Breed by a generous supporter. This is undeveloped land with only an interior road, a well and power, the latter two Squeglia personally funded. Everything else would have to be constructed, including fences, barns, volunteer staff housing, etc.
“Option Two was on a slow track until we found out about losing our current location,” she said. “Now, pending another surprise – like Option One – we feel our backs are against the proverbial wall and we need to seriously speed up development of this land.”
Squeglia said she and her volunteers are conflicted by the thought of leaving the Snohomish County community, although All Breed has donors from all over Washington state and even out of the state.
“But we do need to move forward for the good of our horses, ponies, and donkeys,” she said.
At this point, a rough estimate of the cost to develop the property based on the rescue’s current equine population is $150,000. This would buy a 4-6 stall barn, 20 fenced paddocks with enclosed stalls, a hay storage structure, a garage/shop building, and a mobile home for volunteer staff. The size of the property would allow for future expansion on an as needed basis.
Squeglia issued a thanks to all who have contributed to All Breed in the past.
“We hope you will be willing to help us in the future as we embark on the process of pursuing one of these two options for a new home, where our abused, neglected, and unwanted horses can live out their days with love and protection from our unpaid staff and volunteers.
“With help from our donors, we know there is a solution on the horizon and that we will be able to continue to care for these beautiful creatures that have given us so much and expected so little in return,” she said.
Donations may be made to All Breed Equine Rez-Q, P.O. Box 442, Snohomish, WA 98291, or via All Breed’s website at allbreedhorserescue.com. All Breed Equine Rez-Q is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charitable organization
Santa joins firefighters in visiting children and collecting donations
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
“HO! HO! HO! Merry Christmas!” rang throughout the neighborhoods of the Tulalip reservation during the weekend of December 15-17. The loud holiday expressions were from none other than Santa Clause himself, as he walked the streets of the community accompanied by the Tulalip Bay Fire Department. Every year, Santa joins the firefighters to hand out candy canes to the children, while the Fire Department collects canned foods and cash from community members who are kind enough to donate to the less fortunate during the holidays.
The yearly occurrence is known as the Tulalip Bay Fire Department Annual Santa Run and is remarkably popular within the community. Many children anxiously wait for the Christmas-decorated firetruck to pull up on their street, because they know that means Santa is near. Equally shocked and excited, the children enthusiastically greet Saint Nick to let him know what’s at the top of their Christmas list.
Santa Run is a three-day event in which Tulalip Bay Fire visits several neighborhoods on the reservation. All food and money collected by the fire department is donated to the Tulalip Food Bank located at the red church. This year’s donations totaled over 1,000 pounds of non-perishable food items as well as over six hundred dollars.
“Not everybody has food to put on the table during the holiday season,” explains Tulalip Bay Volunteer Firefighter and Santa Run Coordinator, Patrick Dinneen. “The food that we bring in, everything goes straight to the red church the day after we’re done. It’s a huge deal just to get our faces out in the community because on people’s worst days, they can call on us to make it better. We want to be familiar with our community we want people to know who we are and that we’re here for them.”
Christmas Powwow brings families together during the holidays
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
Over eight hundred people gathered at the Francis J. Sheldon Gymnasium on the evening of Saturday December 16, for the fourth Annual Tulalip Tribes and Marysville School District Indian Education Christmas Powwow. Dressed in their fanciest regalia, dancers from as far as Canada hit the floor to celebrate the holiday season in traditional fashion. Drumbeats from several circles echoed throughout the gymnasium; the crowd favorite, however, was a drum circle comprised of young indigenous men who proudly sang throughout the evening.
Many multi-generational families were in attendance that took the opportunity to spend time with each other by dancing, singing and even posing for holiday family portraits with Santa Clause. Every child in attendance received a present of their choice donated by Toys for Tots.
“On behalf of the powwow committee, we would like to thank all of you for coming out,” stated Marysville School District Native Liaison, Matt Remle on the event’s Facebook page. “We’d like to thank all the cooks, volunteers, Toys for Tots, vendors, drummers, singers, dancers, families, elders, vets, water protectors and our Indian Ed and Tulalip Ed staffs. Enjoy the holidays and we will see you in the spring for our Hibulb powwow.”
Holiday Party for Special Guests
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
During the evening of Tuesday, December 12, the Tulalip Youth Center came alive with the sounds of holiday music and children’s laughter. The festive atmosphere was the result of a joint effort by Youth Services and Leah’s Dream Foundation to host an early Christmas party for Native students with specials needs and their families.
“So thankful for the many people who worked hard to put this event on for our Native youth with disabilities,” said Amy Sheldon, a longtime officer of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council. “It’s these amazing people who support our kids [and have a] passion for change. As we continue to work hard we can make a difference.
“Thank you so much Jessica Ellen Bustad and Joe Boon for your continued support. Monica Holmes, you and your family rock. Thank you to Denise Hatch-Anderson and Malory Simpson, you mean the world to us. Bonnie and Bryce Juneau, we love you both so much for bringing so much joy to these kids’ eyes. Theresa Sheldon and Mel Sheldon thank you for coming and supporting our youth and always supporting Leah’s Dream Foundation.”
The evening’s holiday cheer included many fun activities and craft making, like creating hand-made ornaments for Christmas trees and making ginger bread houses. Even Mr. and Mrs. Clause made a surprise appearance to take photos with their spirited guests.
“Many of us, both parents and children with special needs were deeply touched by the words in [Scott Ballenger’s] prayer and felt grateful for the support of Leah’s Dream Foundation and the Tulalip Tribes for recognizing our struggles and creating an event specially designed to include and meet our diverse needs,” praised Monica Holmes, mother of four special needs children. “Moreover, [this event] created a place for us to have fun and meet other families with similar challenges.”
The prayer to which Monica mentions above was offered by Scott Ballenger, Marysville YMCA Diverse Abilities Trainer /Coordinator. Scott’s prayer was one of inclusion and was as follows:
“I say a prayer of inclusion. I pray not to be isolated during this holiday season. I pray for the resources that I need to be included in family and community activities. I may need some help when I wake up in the morning. I may need some help getting bathed and dressed and fed. I may need a little extra time.
“Be patient with me if I seem anxious, depressed, or distracted. Living with disability is not easy. I still want to be included. I want to show you what I can do. I want to help. Let me show you how capable I am. I’m an asset to my community.
“The differences are what make us human. I pray that you accept my diversity as a necessary part of our community. Accept and advocate for my place in our community. Accept me and my prayer will be answered. Amen.”
Quil Ceda Village Implements Retail Bag Ordinance
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
Quil Ceda Village (QCV) is taking a huge step in protecting the environment by prohibiting the use of plastic carryout bags in all of the businesses located within the city. Effective January 1, 2018, grocery and retail stores as well as restaurants will convert from plastic to paper, in an effort to go green. QCV is home to several large companies including Walmart, Home Depot, Cabela’s and the Seattle Premium Outlets, not to mention the Tulalip Resort Casino, Tulalip Bingo, Quil Ceda Creek Casino and numerous eateries. With so many businesses that utilize plastic bags, you might think a huge change like banning them entirely would ruffle a few feathers. However, the ordinance has appeared to garner more praise than protest and is in the midst of smooth transition, thanks to long-term planning.
Learning of the terrible impact plastic bags have on the environment, the QCV team had a brainstorming session with the Tulalip Board of Directors on ways the newly established city can be more environmentally friendly and conscious. As many know, plastic is a non-recyclable material that takes hundreds of years to break down into micro-plastics, which often travel to the ocean causing further pollution. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the average American household accrues over 1,500 plastic bags annually and recycle less than one percent of those bags. Currently the ocean is littered with plastic bags and plastic toxins that are killing over 100,000 marine animals every year.
Several department managers at the Seattle Premium Outlets described the ordinance as ‘wonderful’ and ‘great’ while a Disney employee called it ‘inspiring’, stating that guests from nearby counties want their cities to follow in QCV’s footsteps. Over fifty percent of the one-hundred and thirty stores at the outlets already switched to reusable and recyclable bags before the ordinance was even announced, including Disney who sells reusable totes that feature their famous, loveable characters. Stores that were still offering plastic bags are phasing out their inventory during the holidays. A few stores such as Nike and Hot Topic are electing to switch to reusable, biodegradable bags that are in compliance with the ordinance, while other stores such as Pro Image Sports chose to stop offering bags completely.
There are a few exceptions to the plastic ban, including plastic bags used for produce and meat at grocery stores as well as to-go bags for restaurants, though Quil Ceda Administrative Director, Nina Reece, stated that the majority of the restaurants are switching to paper. Shoppers are encouraged to BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) once the new year begins as some stores may charge a bag fee. The Tulalip Resort Casino moved away from the usage of plastic bags a few years ago and offers their T Spa, Salal Floral and gift shop guests paper bags. Similar to the outlets, Cabela’s and Walmart are using the remainder of their plastic bags until the ordinance goes into effect and have their paper and reusable bags set and ready to go. The ordinance originally had a tentative start date last spring and in preparation for that date, Home Depot was the first company in QCV to successfully switch entirely from plastic to paper.
Any businesses that violate the ordinance can be fined for each plastic bag handed out, up to a maximum of $250 per day. The ordinance aims to improve, sustain and protect the environment from plastic pollution and is an inspiring decision by the Tulalip Tribes and the city of Quil Ceda Village. For more information, please contact Quil Ceda Village at (360) 716-5000.
First-of-its-kind NW Coastal art exhibit at South Seattle College
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
The art gallery located at South Seattle College is currently home to a one-of-a-kind art exhibit showcasing an opportunity for learning, sharing, and cultural teachings. Drawing the attention of both Native and non-Native art enthusiasts, the exhibit titled Revealing Today’s Northwest Coastal Peoples: Native Cultural Gatherings offers works representing traditional and modern design takes of over thirteen tribal styles and mediums.
Native art exhibits have become common place in the greater Seattle area in recent years thanks to a new level of appreciation and respect to the indigenous communities who have connections to the Coast Salish lands going back long before the terms ‘United States’ and ‘Washington’ ever existed.
When done the right way, art exhibits and galleries featuring Native culture help to celebrate indigenous resiliency. Such exhibits provide an experience that casts light on the often romanticized themes overshadowing a modern people. Revealing Today’s Northwest Coastal Peoples is such an exhibit.
“This exhibit came together with intentional inclusiveness, inter-generational representation, and a balance of men and women to offer a sharing opportunity for many Coast Salish and Coastal tribal artists in one exhibition space,” reflected exhibit curator and Indigenouz PlaceMakerz Director, Kim Camara. “This process contributed to an interweaving of similarities and differences to create something new. With a tie-in of today’s cultural practices and artistic expression, the blending of age, style, and mediums came together in a circle of beautifully empowered pieces!”
As invitations were extended to established Native artists, like Al Charles and Micah McCarty, feedback was given and recommendations made about inclusion of younger artists they work with and mentor. This led to three up and coming artists being included, one of which was Tulalip tribal member Ty Juvinel.
“It’s great to have my work represented in this exhibit,” expressed Ty. “As a native artist, I use a lot of cultural and ancestral inspiration, but to say I did it all on my own would be misleading. I am here because of my mentors like Joe Gobin, James Madison, Al Charles, Frank Madison Jr, Steven Madison, Mike Gobin, and many more. I listen to them; they guided me, and showed me how to get where I want to be.
“Anyone can achieve their goals if people would surround themselves with mentors. Mentors know the ins and outs, they know the short cuts. So when I’m asked how it feels to have my art represented anywhere, I have to be humble because I’m representing Tulalip, my mentors, and my family everywhere I go.”
On Thursday, November 30, an artist recognition event took place at South Seattle College for all the tribal artists to gather and celebrate the exhibit’s offering. A group of college students were in attendance to learn and ask questions during an artist panel presentation. Following the panel, there was dedicated time for artist demonstrations before an honoring ceremony brought the event to a close.
Some of the artists roamed the exhibit offering responses to any questions visitors or students may have had about their showcased art.
“Coast Salish art and many other forms of tribal art is passed down through our blood. Our art represents nature, and as tribal members we have a deep rooted connection to nature,” responded Ty when asked about his art form being passed down for generations. “Like my mentor Joe Gobin, he can read the water when he’s fishing. I’ve heard stories where he can just look out over the water and see where the schools of salmon are. For me, a lot of my designs I find them in the wood, so really I just find the design and borrow them from nature.”
From carvings, paintings, and regalia making, to print work and contemporary pieces inspired by poetry, Revealing Today’s Northwest Coastal Peoples shows how Native artists combine the traditional with the modern across a spectrum of mediums. The exhibit is open to public audience Monday-Thursday from 9:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. and will be on display until January 26, 2018.
“With college campuses like South Seattle College being places of learning and education, it is vital to outreach to younger people about our Native cultures, ways of life, languages, and expressions,” stated curator Kim Camara about the exhibit’s impact for creating change. “Without the opportunity to experience Native ways of life and elements representing these ways, understanding and relationships to build collaborations and our future will remain as is – under-represented and under-served. We will remain invisible. An exhibit as this one ebbs away, in stunningly powerful ways, the invisibility of our Northwest Coastal peoples!”
Taking care of patients as a whole, Clinic integrates to one Tulalip health system
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
Tulalip community members who pass by the Karen I. Health Clinic on their daily commute may have noticed recent construction occurring at the front of the building. Over the past few months, many people have seen a small, new addition being built at the clinic that will serve as a conference room to its faculty. What many may not know, however, is the entire clinic also received renovations. Unless you have recently received care at the health center, you are in for a big surprise upon stepping into the clinic.
One of the first things you may notice is how clutter-free the lobby is. Where once stood a totem pole is now a spacious open area where patients can register at one of the five new check-in stations.
“It has that beautiful longhouse look with high ceilings, made of cedar, which helps with the acoustics,” explains Tulalip Health System Administrator, Jim Steinrick. “Our focus with the lobby was to make it welcoming, warm and cleaned up. There are four new check-in areas with lighted panels that go off and on. There will be a sign that says ‘if you see a blue light come on up and we’ll take care of you’. Around the corner we also have our ADA compliant, lower counter check-in area for people with wheelchairs.”
The idea of the check-in stations came about upon a visit to the Monroe Providence Clinic. According to Tulalip Health Information Manager, Jennie Fryberg, the entire remodel initially began with a need to centralize check-ins. Prior to the renovations, patients would often become frustrated after waiting in line at the wrong check-in stations. Now patients can check-in at any of the new stations for any services at the clinic.
A few short months ago, once you were finally checked-in at the clinic, the waiting game began. The Health Clinic made changes within the facility that are sure to cut that wait time significantly, beginning with four new healing rooms for acute care.
“We separated the acute walk-in care from scheduled patients,” says Jim. “So, if someone comes in and needs to be triaged, the nurse will bring them into one of the four new healing rooms.”
“Before we were tight on rooms because the scheduled appointments took all the healing rooms,” added Jennie. “We have two new acute care doctors so we can get patients in, out and through faster so they aren’t having to wait as long.”
The new healing rooms feature state-of-the-art equipment as well as hands-free lighting and water faucets. The previous healing rooms also received a make-over with fresh paint and hardwood floors, as did the hallways. The clinic placed a referral station near the healing rooms, by the entryway to the lobby, so referral specialists can assist patients on their way out.
The health clinic has also gone paperless, converting all of their patient’s health records to electronic format in a system that is able to communicate with both the Everett Clinic and Providence. The decision helped create a lot more space during reconstruction resulting in the expansion of the clinic’s lab and dental areas. The lab received new equipment and dental received three new chairs, which will be used to prep patients before seeing the dentist.
Another space enhancer is the consolidation of the doctors and nurses workspace from individual offices to an open work area known as the hub.
“The hub will have doctors and nurses all together, so everyone’s on the same page” Jennie explains. “We did away with all the doctor’s offices. We wanted to open it up so the whole team can be together and communicate more efficiently.”
Inside the hub is a large flat screen TV that displays the clinic’s new Versus Tracking System.
“When our patients check in at the desk, they’ll receive a sensor to carry with them,” says Jim. “We’ll have a big screen where we’ll be able to tell where they are. So if they’re waiting in one place too long, we can check on them and let them know we’ll be right with them, instead of letting someone sit and wait for twenty minutes.”
During the brief wait after checking in or after receiving care, the patient can visit any of the services that are conveniently located in the lobby including Alternate Resources for Elders, Everett Optometry and two additional referral desks.
In an effort to treat the whole patient and provide wrap around care, the Health Clinic is welcoming eight new behavioral health specialists to the team. The specialist will be readily available to meet with individuals seeking mental health care.
“When we work as a team on a patient we focus on the whole body, so teeth, eyes, mind, body and spirit,” Jim explains. “We can have the specialist meet with the patients while they’re here and take care of the whole person. We’re working on destigmatizing mental health. Some people say it’s too personal, but it’s like dental. The old adage is the mouth is part of the body, well so is the mind.”
The conference room that many saw constructed over the Fall was a much needed addition. In previous years, large meetings would often take place in the employee break room, which received a makeover as well.
“We’ve integrated to a health system now,” states Jim. “We used to be the clinic, behavioral health and recovery, and chemical dependency. Now we’re one health system and part of the same health team. I want to make sure that our Tulalip tribal members know that we’re doing this so we can provide better continuity of care, so we’re more seamless. And also that this is a good place to come and when they come here, they will get good customer service and good quality clinical care. I think there are some misconceptions out there about the care that’s given here, once people are in here, they will really see the changes we made.”
Jennie adds, “As a Tulalip health system, our whole purpose is to take care of the patient as a whole and to smoothly get people in and out easier. Its good changes that were doing and it’s to better our services. So we’re hoping to get some of our Tulalip tribal members back here to see the changes that we are making for the betterment of our community.”
Be sure to visit the newly remodeled Health Clinic and for more information please contact (360) 716-4511.
Tulalip holds groundbreaking for QCC replacement
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
Members of the Tulalip Tribes, various officials, and employees were in attendance at a groundbreaking ceremony held at the future site of the new Quil Ceda Creek Casino (QCC) on Tuesday, December 12.
“I raise my hands to everyone who came here to celebrate with us,” greeted vice-Chairwoman, Teri Gobin. “What an honor it is to take part in this journey for the Tribe. It’s so exciting we’re finally doing this groundbreaking, and to think what it means for the Tribe and our community, creating new jobs and helping with economic development. This will be a good project for our whole community and the surrounding communities that benefit from our type of development.”
The multi-million dollar project to relocate the QCC facility from its current location to a sixteen-acre property across the street is based on a number of factors, the most prominent being a stagnant revenue stream that is unable to grow due to logistical and structural challenges posed by the current facility.
“We’re replacing [the existing QCC] because it is bursting at the seams,” explained Les Parks, Board of Director and Treasurer. “The revenue cannot grow anymore, they are using every square foot they can, and our customers are screaming for more machines and a hotel to stay at. This new journey is going to get us there.”
The project cost is “rolled into the $155 million syndicated loan that includes the new Quil Ceda Creek Casino and hotel, its parking structure, and the future Gathering Hall,” continued Les. “This is the same amount that was approved by General Council two years ago. Without increasing the loan amount, we were able to add in the hotel by extending the deferred payment process, which is typical of loans we do, to put more money towards actual construction.”
The new casino will span across 110,000 square feet that will allow for 1,500 gaming machines, a lofty increase from the current 1,000 operating at the existing QCC. Besides the additional 500 machines, there will be additional table games, an innovative dining hall experience, an upgraded entertainment venue, and a state of the art smoke elimination system included in the new QCC.
In recent weeks, the Tribe announced the new QCC with also feature a 150-room hotel and 1,200-stall parking garage. The property will be called Quil Ceda Creek Casino Hotel and is expected to open in spring 2019.
“We have a tag phrase: ‘It’s not just bigger and better, there’s more to love’,” stated Ken Kettler, President of Tulalip Gaming Operations. “When you think about it, we’re just expanding on the experience we have today and we’re going to give you more of it. It keeps us competitive and protects the current revenue stream. The competition is pretty tough out there, so we, as a leader, have to step up and set the example of what can happen at a local’s casino.”