Category: Tulalip News

Everett’s newest card shop rooted in Tulalip culture

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By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News 

The holiday season is in full swing, and with it comes the annual search for gifts that feel personal, exciting, and meaningful. One item that continues to stand out from the rest is trading cards. Since the 2020 pandemic, collectibles, especially Pokémon, have made a massive comeback, becoming some of the most popular gift choices for kids, teens, and even adults. Industry reporting from PokéGuardian noted that the Pokémon Company sold 3.7 billion cards in 2020–21 alone, while analysts quoted in the Sports Business Journal described the surge as a sudden “turbo-boost,” with demand rising so sharply it outpaced supply across the country. With so many people rediscovering the fun and nostalgia of collecting, card shops have quickly become essential stops for holiday shopping.

That renewed energy in the hobby is part of what inspired Tulalip tribal member Dalton Shay and his cousin and business partner, Chad Alcombrack Jr., to open their own store, Sacred Land Trading, inside of Broadway Hobbies in Everett. The shop officially opened on October 13, 2025, and welcomes collectors of all ages into a space built from family, culture, and a shared love of the hobby.

For Dalton, the business grew out of a significant turning point in his life. When asked what inspired him to start Sacred Land Trading, he said, “I got clean and sober and needed to find a way to get out and be myself without going to a bar or the casino or something like that. I started collecting cards, just buying them for myself, buying and buying. Eventually my fiancée was like, ‘You’ve got way too much stuff in the house.’ One of my buddies told me about Whatnot, so I did one show. I sold like $900 worth of stuff in three hours, and I got hooked. That was about two and a half, maybe almost three years ago.”

His connection to cards runs all the way back to his childhood in Tulalip. “Growing up at the Boys and Girls Club, we always did Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon tournaments when we were really young,” he said. “A lot of my friends were into it, so collecting was second nature. But as I got older and responsibilities took hold, I had to put it on the back burner for a while.” Returning to the hobby as an adult gave him not only a sense of joy but a path forward, a way to build something healthy and meaningful.

The name Sacred Land Trading carries deep cultural meaning for both owners. Dalton explained, “The name is just letting people know that we’re Indigenous, and that anywhere and anytime, you’re allowed to be who you are. You should never be scared to show your true skin or your true colors. Having a Native-based card company is really cool. Our big plan is to one day open a shop on the rez so we can be on sacred land with our Sacred Land Trading.”

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Inside the shop, the focus is on offering something for everyone, from kids with a handful of quarters to seasoned collectors chasing high-value cards. Dalton said, “We try to stay on top of where the market is at. The Pokémon market is so volatile that it changes every day. We try to get all the brand-new stuff right away so people can come to us for it. For singles and graded cards, we try to ensure they’re in good condition and sought-after. But since we’re so close to a middle school, we pick up everything. I don’t care if it’s a 25-cent card or a $2,000 card. We try to make sure we have something for everybody.”

Running a card shop comes with challenges, especially when keeping shelves stocked during a national collecting craze. “Keeping our hands on sealed product is one of the hardest things ever,” Dalton said. “We’re trying to get a hold of big companies like MJ Holdings so we can start getting products straight from them instead of sitting in line at Walmart or hunting down collections.”

Yet the love for the hobby keeps them motivated. “What surprised me most is the amount of love and enthusiasm you see from all kinds of people,” Dalton said. “From people who grew up in the streets to people who’ve never left their mom’s house, everybody loves the same thing.”

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Dalton also credits Tulalip teachings, especially those learned at Boom City, for shaping how they run their business. “Growing up at Boom City every summer taught us how to speak to people, how to draw people in with what we say and how we say it. That energy sets us apart at vending shows. We can haggle and call you to our table faster than anybody else.”

Their decision to open the shop in Everett was both strategic and local. “It’s close, it’s central, and we get people coming from every direction,” Dalton said. “The owner of Broadway Hobbies is a friend, he’s coached youth football, and we’ve known each other for years. We went in together, and it worked perfectly since they don’t sell cards, just RC cars, trains, and models, so we’re adding to the hobby community without competing.”

Chad shared that the experience of opening the shop has been life-changing and stressful. “There’s so much to it,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from the owner of the building and everyone else who sells here. Running a business is 24/7. Trying to balance another job and this business takes a lot of time and energy, but it’s something I wouldn’t change. It’s fun. I love it.”

For Chad, the most rewarding part is the people who walk through the door. “I hope people leave with the experience, the joy. Dalton has his own energy, I have mine. I want kids to go back to school and say they met this cool dude who collects Eevees and that they want to come back for more.”

Both owners share the same long-term dream, bringing Sacred Land Trading home. “The biggest thing we want for the future is getting our own shop on the reservation,” Chad said. “People wouldn’t have to leave home to find what they need. There’s so much traffic near the casinos and Walmart, it would be perfect. And we want to show the younger ones that it’s okay to have hobbies. It’s not just about sports. We hope other rez’s start opening hobby shops too.”

As the holiday season continues and people search for memorable gifts, Sacred Land Trading offers something special: nostalgia, community, cultural pride, and the excitement of discovering what might be behind the next pack. From affordable stocking stuffers to rare collectibles, the shop has something for every type of collector.

Sacred Land Trading is located inside Broadway Hobbies at 8623 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. And give them a follow on Instagram  @d_rips_tcg_sacred.land.trading and Facebook at Sacredland Tradingllc

Tulalip’s winter wonderland returns for another dazzling season

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Winter has arrived in Tulalip, and with it comes the brilliant glow of a holiday tradition that has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved seasonal attractions. Now in its fourth year, Lights & Ice returns bigger, brighter, and more breathtaking than ever by featuring an astonishing 9.7 million lights.

This year’s display surpasses last season’s 7,885,000 lights by nearly two million, securing Tulalip’s position as the largest holiday lights display in Washington State and placing it on par with the biggest winter light displays anywhere in the nation.

“With more than 9.7 million lights, we are proud to present our largest display ever. Since launching this event, the holiday lights display has grown each year, and the Tulalip display is now one of the largest in the country,” said Teresa Meece, Quil Ceda Village Operations Director. “Beyond the spectacular lighting display, there are more holiday-themed activities to see and do this year and it really warms our hearts to see so many people come out to visit and celebrate the beauty of the season with us.”  

What began in 2022 as a bold effort to create a free, family-friendly winter experience has blossomed into a Northwest holiday institution. One that draws tens of thousands of visitors each year and spreads cheer across the region.

Driving through Quil Ceda Village at night, the season of spectacle is impossible to miss. From both Interstate-5 exits, the village glows in layers. Towering trees wrapped in dense clusters of LEDs, building exteriors coated in shimmering patterns, and walkways lit by animated displays that dance with color captivate the imagination.

“Tulalip Lights & Ice are super cool. It’s such an accessible event that anyone can go and enjoy any day of the week,” shared Karen Gobin while strolling the winter wonderland with her 18-month-old grandson, River. “I have fun bringing my grandkids and watching them experience all the lights, especially the new animal sculptures that were added this year.”

In front of Tulalip Resort Casino, light tunnels stretch across walkways, giving families a place to pause, pose, and capture their holiday photos. Further into the village, giant illuminated ornaments, snowflakes, and draped canopy lights create a festive pathway leading visitors toward the heart of the experience: the Tulalip Amphitheatre and its real ice skating rink.

The skating rink, a returning favorite, lays centered among countless sparkling displays. On any given night, visitors can watch kids kick off their skates after a session, cheeks rosy from the cold, as new families lace up to take the ice for the first time.

Five-year-old ice-skating savant Samara Montez glided effortlessly around the rink’s perimeter while her mom, Jennifer, captured video from outside the rails. “We’ve been coming every year. My daughter actually learned to ice skate here,” explained Jennifer. “We love that the walk through is free and it’s fun for the whole family. Every year there’s something new, and this is super close to home for us. We don’t have to drive super far to enjoy holiday festivities. Plus, if you can’t tell, my daughter just loves ice skating.”

Inside the Amphitheatre plaza, guests can also find a lively holiday marketplace buzzing with activity and local creativity. Seasonal vendors offer artisan gifts, hot cocoa, sweet treats, balloon creations, and holiday crafts.

Tulalip’s winter wonderland is intentionally designed to be free and open to everyone, in keeping with the original vision set in 2022. Only ice-skating sessions require a purchased ticket.

The 2025-26 Lights & Ice season is in full swing now through Sunday, January 11, 2026. All lighting displays across the village are free to visit daily. The Tulalip Amphitheatre hosts a holiday marketplace and skating rink, which run throughout the season with scheduled operating hours posted online. For skating sessions, vendor lists, special character nights, and full event details, visitors can explore the official event page on QuilCedaVillage.com.

Native bazaar kicks off seasonal shopping with local artistry

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News  

The holiday season officially began at the Tulalip Gathering Hall on November 14 and 15, as approximately 80 vendors filled the space for this year’s two-day Tulalip Holiday Bazaar. From the moment the doors opened at 9 a.m., visitors enjoyed a festive mix of creativity, culture, and community spirit. Rows of tables displayed everything from hand-carved artwork and lawn ornaments to Christmas decorations, sparkling jewelry, and unique one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists and families.

Walking through the hall felt like stepping into a marketplace built on tradition and craft. Cedar regalia and wool hats highlighted the event’s cultural side, while sports memorabilia offered something for collectors and superfans. Many guests made their way to the food vendors, where the smell of smoked salmon wafted through the building, and tables were stacked with homemade cakes, cookies, jams, and other baked treats. It reminded everyone why the bazaar is a favorite place to find both gifts and good food.

The variety this year ensured there was something for every shopper, whether they were searching for meaningful handmade gifts or simply wanting to support local vendors. Many community members spent time talking with the artists behind the work and learning the stories and inspiration that went into their creations. The event once again demonstrated the strength of local talent in Tulalip and the importance of these gatherings in supporting small, Native-owned businesses.

One of this year’s participating Tribal artists, Al Charles, shared how his journey into jewelry design began and why the craft holds such meaning for him. “Just growing up seeing everyone wearing silver jewelry, I would ask where they got it from, and they would say Canada or somewhere else,” he said. “Living in Washington, it was hard to find people who knew how to do that kind of work. I always carved wood and always wanted to learn how, so one weekend in Vancouver, BC, I watched a teenage kid carve a ring. He let me borrow his tools so I could try, and after that weekend, I was hooked and have been doing it ever since.”

When asked about his favorite pieces, Charles pointed to his bracelets, which feature designs inspired by wool and cedar weave, etched into the silver. “I put more of a story on the bracelets. I wanted to put designs that represent us, like cedar, water, and the mountains.”

For Charles, creating jewelry is deeply personal. “Being Salish, seeing people wear your jewelry with Salish designs made by a Salish person, it makes me very proud.”

He also explained how important the bazaar is for artists throughout the year.
“It is a big part of our sales for the year. I also enjoy the atmosphere. It is a great place to see your relatives and friends.”

For those who could not attend or wish to do more holiday shopping, the next bazaar will take place on December 5 and 6 at the Don Hatch Youth Center. With another round of vendors, gifts, artwork, and seasonal treats, the community has another opportunity to shop local, support Tulalip artisans, and celebrate the spirit of the season.

A celebration of heritage and partnership

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

In the midst of Native American Heritage Month, we recognize the Seattle Seahawks for their continued partnership with the Muckleshoot Tribe. Together they’ve created a platform that amplifies Coast Salish culture in one of the region’s most visible public spaces.

It’s fitting that Seattle, the city bearing the name of Chief siaʔɫ (Duwamish and Suquamish), is home to such a meaningful collaboration. Nearly 160 years after his death, Chief Seattle’s legacy remains embedded in the very identity of the region.

At the heart of the partnership between Muckleshoot and the Seahawks lies the Heritage Plaza, nestled at Lumen Field. This space, designed in collaboration with Muckleshoot artists, is a vibrant tribute to Coast Salish artistry and tradition.

“To have this artwork here, in this space, at Lumen Fiend, makes me so proud,” shared Muckleshoot artist Sam Obrovac. “We are being represented here in Seattle, a place that we’ve always been, for the world to see. And we got to bless the art installations in our traditional way, by singing our songs, beating our drums, and having the youth bless each piece with cedar.  It’s truly a beautiful thing.”

In November 2023, Seahawks leadership and Muckleshoot Council members gathered in a blessing ceremony. Traditional songs and drums echoed as two welcome figures, towering statues carved from cedar, were unveiled. They stand perched at the stadium’s north entrance, where they warmly greet millions of Lumen Field visitors each year. 

Just below the welcome figures are stair railings that bear metal fabricated art inspired by a school of salmon swimming upstream. 

According to Muckleshoot Historian Warren King George, each piece of art was designed to tell a story, an interconnected story of land, water, and people. “This was a place of importance…this place was home to the first people,” explained the tribal elder during the welcome figure unveiling. “When we get opportunities like this to remind our neighbors of who we are and where we come from, it’s our responsibility to share the value of this place, the value of home.” 

Sail forward to 2025 and a second blessing ceremony held in Heritage Plaza. This time the Seahawks and Muckleshoot came together to dedicate a stunning bronze canoe installation.  The canoe, featuring five seats and ten paddles held upright, is a sculpture intended to connect fans and visitors to the rich history of Coast Salish people, canoe culture, and a deep connection with the rivers and Salish Sea.

“We are certainly a water people, first and foremost,” declared Muckleshoot Councilman Donny Stevenson. “Traditionally, the waterways were our highways and byways in this land. It’s how we traveled place to place, village to village, land to land, and how we built and maintained relationships with our fellow tribes. This beautiful bronze canoe reflects our traditional values that still guide us today and into the future. It reminds us of what’s possible when we collaborate as equals and come together in friendship and goodwill.”

The Seahawks’ connection to Coast Salish culture goes back to their very logo. Rather than a caricature or stereotype, the iconic Seahawk is rooted in a Kwakwaka’wakw transformation mask. That mask, once hidden away in a collection, was later temporarily repatriated through the Burke Museum in Seattle. 

Today, the Seahawks logo is not only embraced by local Coast Salish communities, but it’s also been reinterpreted and repurposed by countless artists across the region on textiles, jewelry, carvings, and more.

In a city named after Chief Seattle, the Seahawks’ recognition of Muckleshoot’s tribal sovereignty and present-day lifeways is a reaffirmation that Coast Salish culture is still here and still thriving. Lumen Field’s Heritage Plaza, the welcome figures, the canoe, and the mural are living expressions of a culture that continues to guide, teach, and enrich the broader Seattle community.

“I fully appreciate the fact that partnerships like these create visibility for all of us and for our culture,” reflected Muckleshoot artist and muralist Kimberly Saladin. “The mural was a labor of love I was contacted to create on behalf of my people. The women laughing and enjoying themselves is a representation of us and where we all come from.”

Tulalip News celebrates and applauds this vibrant partnership, and we look forward to more chapters of respect, recognition, and renewal in the years ahead.

Cedar weaving exhibit opens at Hibulb Cultural Center

By Wade Sheldon, Tulslip News  

The Hibulb Cultural Center opened its newest exhibit, Woven Ways: The Gift of Coast Salish Basketry, on Saturday, November 8. The exhibit celebrates the artistry, science, and spirit of Coast Salish cedar weaving, honoring the profound relationship between the people and the cedar tree, often referred to as the “tree of life.”

Displayed prominently on the wall are the words that set the tone for the exhibit: Cedar is a gift from the Creator, has provided for Coast Salish people in countless ways. For generations, Coast Salish peoples have woven baskets from materials gathered from the land with care and deep respect. This exhibit explores the art, science, and spirit of Coast Salish basketry, honoring both the knowledge passed through hands across time and the gift of the cedar tree. Yet, at the heart of this exhibit are Tulalip weavers — ancestors, elders, and present-day artists who have sustained and revitalized these traditions for the next generation.

During the opening, guests were invited to explore the weaving process from harvesting and preparing the bark to the intricate patterns that shape each creation. The exhibit honors both past and present weavers, displaying works by established artisans and newer creators who are carrying forward these cultural teachings.

At the center of the room sits a display telling the story Her First Basket, which follows a young girl as she learns to weave her first cedar basket. Through this story, visitors are reminded of the patience, guidance, and generational teachings that accompany the art of weaving. The story symbolizes how every weaver begins with a single strand of cedar, guided by the wisdom of those who came before. The book Her First Basket  is also available for purchase in the Hibulb gift shop for visitors who wish to take the story home.

Surrounding this centerpiece are stunning woven works, including a cedar headband created by Jamie Sheldon and a cedar belt by Virginia Jones, both displayed on a mannequin. Each piece highlights the creative diversity of Tulalip artists who continue to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary expression.

Among the many featured artists, Tulalip tribal member Kiana Kona shared how meaningful it felt to have her work displayed alongside other weavers. “The transition from student to recognized artist has been profoundly meaningful and humbling,” she said. “Three years ago, I took my first cedar weaving class at the Hibulb Cultural Center. There, I learned to craft traditional baskets, purses, and earrings, skills that immediately resonated with my lifelong passion for jewelry design.”

Kiana’s words reflect the spirit of the exhibit, one that bridges the teachings of the past with the creativity of the present. “Weaving cedar is a continuous learning experience,” she explained. “My skills continue to evolve as I experiment with different weaving patterns and materials like salmon-skin leather. For me, the combination reflects the relationship my people have with the land and the sea.”

As visitors move through Woven Ways, each display tells a story of the connection between land, family, and generations of Tulalip people. “True art is timeless; it lives beyond our time on earth,” Kiana reflected. “It’s an honor to be showcased with Tulalip weavers and to have my work displayed alongside our ancestors and contemporary artists.”

Woven Ways: The Gift of Coast Salish Basketry will remain open throughout the winter season at the Hibulb Cultural Center, offering guests the opportunity to experience the living artistry and cultural teachings woven into cedar, a true gift from the Creator.

Hawks soar to historic home playoff win

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

For the first time in Heritage High School history, the football program hosted a home playoff game on the Tulalip Reservation. They made the most of the moment, too. Under the golden glow of Saturday night lights reflecting off Tulalip Bay, the Hawks delivered a statement victory by dismantling the visiting North Beach Hyaks of Ocean Shores by an impressive score of 62-8.

The energy was electric from the opening kickoff. Families, alumni, and community members packed the bleachers and grass hill overlooking the field. 

“Hosting our first-ever home playoff game is huge, not just for us but the community as well,” said head coach Shawn Custis pregame. “From the parents and teachers to the coaching staff, we’ve been working so hard to get our boys to this moment. It took so much community support to make this day happen and it’s finally here. Our boys are prepared, mentally and physically, and they know that as long as they execute our gameplan, keep in alignment, and play for each other, we can be victorious.” 

That preparation coach spoke of was evident from the first snap. The Hawks looked downright unstoppable with junior quarterback J.J. Grey leading the charge and putting on a masterclass in offensive command. With the poise of a veteran and the athleticism of a highlight reel, J.J. torched the Hyaks’ defense through the air and on the ground. His perfectly timed scrambles turned broken plays into explosive gains, often leaving defenders grasping at air.

Tulalip jumped out to a 24-0 lead after the first quarter, thanks to a balanced attack of precision passing, powerful running, and opportunistic defense. Senior running back James Jones scored a 55-yard rushing touchdown to get the party started. He was followed by wide receiver Jaedynn Zackuse who caught a 35-yard pass for a touchdown and then J.J. who went around left end for a 25-yard scramble to the end zone. 

In the final two minutes of the second quarter, J.J. showed off his legendary quicks when he casually carved up the North Beach defense for not one, but two more scores. The first was a 50-yard touchdown run. The second was a whopping 75-yard touchdown run with only twelve seconds remaining in the half.

At halftime, the scoreboard read 38-8, and the devoted home crowd knew they were witnessing something special. The Hawks’ offensive line dominated the trenches, giving J.J. ample time to pick apart the Hyaks’ secondary while the defense swarmed to every tackle, forcing turnovers and frustration.

Coach Custis noted at halftime that he believes Tulalip has the best scoring defense in our entire 1B classification. Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Timothy Greene said of his offense’s first half clinic, “Our kids are making the correct reads and executing our plays just like we draw them and run through them in practice. When we execute like we should, I have nothing but confidence in our offense’s ability to put up points against any opponent.”

The Hawks’ relentless tempo continued into the second half. A well-designed play led to wide receiver Jaedynn Zackuse scampering untouched into the endzone after a 25-yard run. Then the Hawks defense again stepped up and forced a North Beach 3-and-out. J.J. was back to return the punt and after picking up the ball from his own 15-yard line, he returned it 70-yards to set up an immediate scoring opportunity. On the very next play, J.J. dropped back and lofted a 15-yard pass that receiver Jaedynn jumped over a defender to catch in the endzone. With Tulalip leading 50-8 early in the 4th quarter, senior wide receiver Tokala Black Tomahawk found the end zone on nifty jet sweep.

Up by the wide margin of 56-8, more of the depth chart began to rotate in, but the intensity never dropped. Freshman quarterback Joshua Davis rolled out to his left and found sophomore wide receiver Deveyon Wells in the back of the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown to punctuate the final score at 62-8.

“We knew North Beach was an outside-in team, so our coaches prepared us all week to stop their runners from getting to the outside. We executed that game plan to a T all game,” said junior safety Ziggy Myles-Gilford. He couldn’t help but take notice of all the Hawks fans still attendance following the blowout W. “Man, it just feels amazing to being playing like we are in front of our home fans. It means everything to show them what we are capable of getting this W for them. And the fact they stayed throughout the whole game says a lot.”

The Heritage Hawks now advance one stage deeper into the playoffs. Their next game is scheduled for 3:00pm this Saturday, November 15, at Pomeroy High School. For our readers unfamiliar with Pomeroy, it’s a small eastern Washington town of only 1,400 residents. Close to Pullman, it’s a mere 5-hour and 30-minute commute from Tulalip.

Season of Healing honors Tulalip elders

Dale Jones.

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News 

The second gathering of Tulalip’s Season of Healing series was held on the evening of November 4 at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. It was a night filled with reflection, laughter, and deep appreciation for the generations who built the foundation of the community. The event centered on honoring the elders and returning to the old ways, reminding everyone of the wisdom and strength embodied in their teachings.

The evening was guided by MC Deyamonta Diaz, with thoughtful words shared by Board of Directors members Marlin Fryberg Jr., Theresa Sheldon, Ray Fryberg, and Deborah Parker. Community members filled the hall, greeted by the comforting aroma of roast beef and all the fixings prepared by Martin Napeahi. The dinner set a warm tone for what became an evening of gratitude and remembrance.

As the singers and drummers filled the room, the elders were wrapped in blankets, a powerful symbol of respect and care. Witnesses to the ceremony included Tammy Taylor, Hank Williams, Mike Gobin, and Sherry Guzman, who ensured the work done that night was carried forward in spirit and memory.

Dale Jones spoke passionately about cherishing the wisdom of those who came before. “Enjoy your elders while you have them,” he said. “You don’t realize how fast time goes. If it weren’t for all the elders who came before us, we wouldn’t have all this. Sixty or seventy years ago, there was nothing here.” He reminded everyone of the sacrifices that allowed Tulalip to grow, adding, “We have a lot to hold on to, the trees and the water. The non-tribal people want that. Water is going to be very important over the next few years.”

Ray Fryberg spoke about the deeper purpose of the Season of Healing and the need to reclaim what was taken from Indigenous people. “We know the traumas that came from boarding schools, the loss of land, and everything that came with being Indian,” he said. “When we identify the source of this suffering, we can begin to heal it. They tried to strip away our spirituality and identity, but those same things are what we need to bring back.” He emphasized that healing begins by restoring traditional values. “We need to take care of one another, raise our children to know their responsibilities, and build self-identity and self-esteem through culture.”

Deborah Parker reminded the community of its blessings. “There are people who are struggling and depending on government support,” she said. “We keep all those relatives in our prayers. For us in Tulalip, we are enormously blessed to have what we have, but the true blessings are our elders.”

Theresa Sheldon

For Theresa Sheldon, the night represented a return to the closeness and care that once defined Tulalip life. “There was an acknowledgement that many in our community don’t feel safe,” she said. “So the Season of Healing came together to bring back what we grew up with, that feeling of belonging.” She shared a fond memory of visiting elders as a youth. “I remember sitting on the couches, having coffee with our elders. The scariest thing they could ask you was, ‘Who are your parents?’ That meant you were doing something right. We come from such a beautiful legacy of people. If there’s ever a moment you don’t feel appreciated, know that you are the foundation of who we are. We remember the sacrifices you’ve made so we could live.”

Elder Tammy Taylor reflected on her own journey and the lessons that shaped her. “I guess I’m a junior elder,” she said with a smile. “I remember waiting in my grandma’s car for hours while she was at work, just sitting and behaving. We sang songs that we still sing today. Those teachings, to listen, behave, and sing, came from my relatives. Our ancestors are still teaching us to love one another and to pass that on to the next generation.”

Tammy Taylor

Marlin Fryberg Jr. shared heartfelt words about what it means to step into his role as a young elder. “I’ve been really fortunate to sit with some of the folks you all grew up with,” he said. “I got the finger, sit down, shut up, keep your ears open.” He spoke about carrying those teachings forward. “My role now is to share what I know with those who want to listen. Because it’s my obligation to carry on the teachings that I was taught. Some weren’t easy, but they made me who I am.”

He went on to speak about accountability and preparation for future generations. “We have to stand up and guide our youth to be assertive, because they’re going to be the elders soon. What will they have to offer if they don’t want to listen now?” He recalled learning hard lessons in the smokehouse, saying, “Those days weren’t fun, but those elders saw something in me. They told me to keep going, and I did. One thing they always said was to take care of your elders, take care of your youth, and take care of your families.”

Marlin closed his remarks by thanking Theresa Sheldon for organizing the event. “That’s why we’re here, to heal,” he said. “We all have our own issues, but we come together to work through them. That’s what our elders taught us to do.”

As the night came to a close, tribal elder Denise Sheldon reflected on the meaning of the evening. “It felt excellent,” she said. “It felt like a warm hug. The food was good, the turnout was good, and the speakers were good. I mean, the community does need healing.”

The Season of Healing remains a space where Tulalip’s people gather to listen, reflect, and heal together. The night served as a reminder that strength comes from the teachings of those who came before, and that the love between generations will always guide the community forward.

The next Season of Healing event will be held on December 9, featuring guest speaker Camie Goldhammer, founder and executive director of Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services. The ceremony will focus on building a Strong Foundation.