Category: Tulalip News

Candidates Forum as seen through a  multi-generational lens

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

On Friday, March 1, the Greg Williams court was transformed into a public forum in order to showcase enthusiastic candidates running for the two Board of Director seats up for grabs at the upcoming General Council election.

An estimated 50 Tulalip citizens were in attendance, sitting tolerantly in the spacious setting, while another 60 or so households tuned in from the comfort of home while livestreaming on iAmTulalip.com.

Three in-person audience members, each representing a different generation of life experience, were willing to participate in a pre and post forum dialogue to help us better understand why they attended, what they hoped to learn, and, generally, how the forum informed their voting practice, if any. Representing the Baby Boomers was elder Lena Hammons. Representing Generation X was Deborah Parker, a former tribal councilmember and current chief executive of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. Representing Generation Z was Youth Council chairwoman Faith Valencia.

“I’m here to learn who I would vote for, but also I’m attending to learn more about dynamics of how these forums go, like what exactly happens here. I’m hoping to hear topics discussed that prioritize the youth or ideas to support the youth or at least something about the seven generations teaching to show those seeking a Board seat aren’t focused just on the present and themselves,” said Faith.

“I always come to the Candidate’s Forum, but why I thought it was even more important to attend this year’s is the fact so many young people are running. The potential for having two brand new Board members who would represent a younger generation really interested me. I’m curious to hear what their ideas are and what teachings they are coming from. One of the most pressing concerns I feel the Tribe faces is the ongoing drug epidemic, so I’m hoping to learn that it’s on the candidate’s radar,” shared Lena.

“I’m here with my young nephew, Zeus Parker Jr., who will be voting for the first time at General Council. I thought it was important to come here with him and introduce him to the candidates and further his understanding of what the community is about,” offered Deborah. “For me, economic development is always important, so ideally I’d like to hear the candidates speak to their ideas for growing and diversifying our revenue stream beyond gaming. I’d like to see if someone here is creative with their ideas for new business.”

The 2024 Candidate Forum was designed to be a public event where candidates running for tribal council are invited to express their positions on a variety of subjects and introduce themselves to the community, if so desired. In the most ideal sense, the forum was to provide a stage for each candidate to share their platforms, policies, and visions for the future. Such a forum would then help voters become informed about where each candidate stood on various issues, enabling them to make educated choices when voting at General Council on March 15.

Spanning over two hours while being respectfully moderated by Hibulb Cultural Center manager Mytyl Hernandez, the participating candidates at this year’s forum shed some light on what impact they intend to make, if elected. Topics discussed included communication style, general welfare increases, lost teachings, the drug epidemic, holding fellow Board members accountable, building trust within the community, treaty rights experience, minor trust accounts, and more.

Following the event’s conclusion, the generational representatives shared their experience, specifically detailing whether or not they learned what they hoped to.

“I would have preferred that each candidate got to delve more into their thoughts on our drug epidemic, but for the ones who did have the chance to speak on it, you could tell how passionate they were because this is something that impacts us all,” said elder Lena. “Something that stood out tonight is there are candidates who need to know much more about our treaty and what it means to exercise our treaty rights if they hope to be in a leadership position, like a Board seat, one day. That being said, I am excited for the younger ones who have stepped up and are willing to lead and wish them all luck on March 16.”

Our Youth Council chairwoman, Faith, was really hoping to hear candidates speak to the youth vote and their ideas for supporting the ever-growing youth demographic. Did she hear that? “Not necessarily. They kind of tried to give us recognition,” described the young leader. “I asked a couple questions, and neither was answered directly. So hopefully we, as a Youth Council, can get them to offer more clear and direct answers when we get a chance to sit with them next week.

“It’s important for the youth vote to be taken seriously and in order for that to happen we need to show up at events like these,” she added. “It’s disappointing not to see more younger people, and look I get it. It’s easy to understand that they’ve probably showed up to something like this before and witnessed only arguing or non-answers with no real solution. But in order for our voices to matter we have to show up and vote for people willing to [factor us in] their decision making.”

Lastly, Gen X’er Deb Parker offered her takeaway. “I don’t think the candidates had enough time to really answer questions I had regarding economic development. Some questions were answered, but overall, I think reading their candidate statements that were mailed out and making use of social media to see their recent posts and ask further questions will be necessary to fill in the gaps. It’s not realistic to expect each candidate to know everything about all topics that single individuals may have questions about. It was clear that each candidate has their own knowledge base that they are bringing to the table and has their own idea as to what they think are the most pressing concerns right now. 

“This event showed how beautiful and healthy our community can be when potential leaders, current leaders, and past leaders are able to share space while being patient, listening to one another, and respecting opinions that may defer from their own. This isn’t something you see in other places where candidates are typically interrupting and yelling over one another to get their point across. This makes me proud to be Tulalip to witness how we continue to love and respect one another in this process.”

In-person voting for the two open Board of Director seats will take place over a two-day period, Friday March 15 (9am-4pm) and Saturday March 16 (7am-1pm), at the Tulalip Resort Casino.

Tribal leaders discuss upcoming projects with community

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News 

“We have much to do in our tribal government and community,” said Tulalip Tribes CEO Rochelle Lubbers at a  March 5 community meeting co-hosted with COO Sam Davis.  The meeting’s agenda was to discuss several upcoming projects in Tulalip with openness and transparency. 

Some of the critical projects that were discussed include Tulalip agreeing to build an apartment complex called Quil Creek Crossing to combat the need for housing. Construction will start soon and is projected to be done by 2025. “We are excited about this project. We will have 84, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments for our community,” said Sam. 

The tribe is also responding to the growing demand for other essential services. Recognizing the current capacity constraints at the Healing Lodge, plans for Healing Lodge 2.0 are underway. This expansion aims to provide much-needed sober living facilities for both men and women, aligning with the tribe’s commitment to holistic well-being. Simultaneously, construction developments on 4th and 88th street, including multiple roundabouts, signifying proactive measures to enhance community infrastructure and traffic management.

Discussions also highlighted striving to create better communication between the tribal government and the community. “We need to reinforce our mission, vision, and values. Everyone should know and find a better way to serve the community,” said Rochelle. 

“It was a perfect meeting and also very informative,” tribal elder Pauline Williams said. “I liked the part about the housing. I know many families need homes, and it’s also a lot to take care of a home. I think there should be a program that helps get families into homes and teaches them how to maintain it. I’m on my way out, and I want to make sure the young people have a nice place to be proud of and for them to learn and manage what we have.” 

“I got here late, but the meeting was good,” tribal member Laverne Jones said. “I liked that they are working on communications and the issues employees and tribal members are having. Community engagement is important because it affects the tribal members and gives them a chance to submit their issues and try to find solutions for them.” 

As the Tulalip Tribes embark on these transformative projects, the commitment to community well-being and open communication reflects their dedication to creating a vibrant and sustainable future for all tribal members. For more information about upcoming projects or if you missed the meeting, you can watch it at IamTulalip.com.

Watching over the future: Childcare options for General Council

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

It’s officially that time of year when yard signs and homemade billboards are on display along the roadways of the reservation. This creative method of advertising has become a necessity for tribal members who are announcing their candidacy for a seat on the Tulalip Board of Directors. And as soon as the signs go up, tribal members know that General Council is near. A yearly event where the people gather together to discuss important topics that pertain to the tribe’s overall welfare, as well as to collectively make decisions, and elect/re-elect members to its BOD councilship.

A lot of work goes into planning Tulalip’s annual General Council that includes community panels and open discussions leading up the to the event, as well as organizing the agenda and preparing the space for the large communal gathering, to help guarantee that everything goes smoothly on the day of. 

To assist those with children in casting their votes, Tulalip took extra measures about ten years ago to help boost the General Council’s attendance rate, amplify the voice of the community, and get more of its membership involved in the governmental side of the tribe. Working with the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy and the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club, Tulalip provides childcare services for Tulalip parents and guardians who wish to attend the annual meeting. 

At the early learning academy, kids from birth to three, and also kiddos who are of preschool age, are welcome to a fun day of classroom activities and playtime during the entire duration of the General Council. 

Said Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy Director, Sheryl Fryberg, “We provide classes for birth to three and preschool service. The families have to pre-register through our online application, or they can pick up an application here at the front desk. They can be any community member child and there’s no charge for it. We feed them snacks and lunch, and for the snack in the afternoon, we do have a bit heaver snack in case it goes beyond 4:30 p.m. We want tribal members to have the opportunity to attend General Council, hear what’s going on in our tribe, be able to vote, and know their child is in a safe space.”

Across the way, at the Club, the big kids are treated to an epic field day. Like with the academy, families must pre-register their children at the Boys & Girls Club and the childcare services are free of charge. This day is also something the club staff members look forward to. Diane ‘Grandma Diane’ Prouty, B&G Club Office Manager, explained that they are often understaffed during their day-to-day operations because of how many children they serve. And though they’ve seen upwards of 100 kids during General Council, this still provides an opportunity for the staff to engage and participate in activities with the youth that they wouldn’t otherwise get to on a normal weekday at the Club. 

She said, “The staff has a lot of fun with the kids on General Council day. We serve kids from kindergarten and up; we feed them breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. Our doors open at 9:00 a.m. and we close half-an-hour after General Council is done. The BOD actually pays for all the activities for the kids here. We have face painting, a balloonist, and a bouncy house. We have a big obstacle course where staff will have races against each other and against the kids. We’ll have craft making and a bunch of fun things to do as well. It’s just a fun day for everybody.” 

General Council is taking place this year on March 16 at the Tulalip Resort Casino. If you would like to enroll your kids for childcare at the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy or the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club, their registration forms are due no later than Friday March 8. Registration forms are accessible online via the academy’s website, or through tribal e-mail for the Boys & Girls Club. They can also be picked-up in-person at the reception desks of either establishment. For additional details, please contact the Academy at (360) 716-4250 or the Club at (360) 716-3400.

Show your support for National Problem Gambling Awareness Month

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

“For a lot of people, gambling is the grand escape because they aren’t doing anything illegal, they are not using external chemicals,” explained Tulalip Problem Gambling Coordinator, Sarah Sense Wilson. “But it’s a process addiction that causes brain chemistry changes and floods your brain with dopamine – and it’s hard to have rational judgment because you’re under the influence of your own brain chemistry.”

For the past decade, the Tulalip Problem Gambling program has actively participated in a nationwide initiative known as National Problem Gambling Awareness month. Occurring every March, the Problem Gambling Program helps bring attention to the compulsive gambling disease by hosting fun, engaging, informative, and impactful gatherings during the awareness month.

Originally, the campaign began nearly twenty years ago in response to the rise of sports betting surrounding the NCAA March Madness college basketball tournament. An estimated two million US citizens meet the criteria for severe gambling addiction any given year, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. And though that is roughly just one percent of the entire country’s population, there are hundreds of families affected by problem gambling, and the myriad of issues brought on by the disease, every year. 

The dangerous and often silent habit affects the Native American community at a much higher rate than other ethnicities. A 2019 study by the National Institute on Alcohol and Related Conditions showed that 2.3% of the Indigenous population in America are battling a gambling addiction. That statistic is expected to be on the rise following the pandemic, however, that is the most current and up-to-date study available on this topic. 

Said Sarah, “Gambling may not be their primary addiction, it can be tied in with other diseases – grief, loss, trauma – and that barely scratches the surface. We’re focused on putting information out in the community; we’re doing presentations, we’re doing outreach and community education as much as we can. I think it’s especially important in Indian Country that we shine a spotlight on Problem Gambling Awareness month, given that a lot of our tribal communities have high risk factors and vulnerabilities. The more that we’re informed, the more we can make good decisions for ourselves.” 

Indian Boarding School Survivor, Matthew Warbonnet, took time to speak about how the Tulalip Problem Gambling program has helped him navigate his trauma resulting from the years he endured at the St. Francis Indian School in South Dakota – a Catholic institution where students were subjected to a multitude of mental and physical abuses throughout their duration at the school. 

He shared, “There were times when kids were literally beaten to the floor. Corporal punishment was the call of the day you might say. I think a lot of our history attributes to addiction, whatever that addiction might be, and I think that if there were more programs like this, that would help our people. Even if only five people went to those programs, you’re looking at affecting that entire family in a good way, and it’s a ripple effect.”

Matthew continued, “We all have issues from the past that bother us. And the (boarding school experiences) were haunting me and I couldn’t run from it. It got to the point where I no longer wanted to be here, and I was ready to move on. I contemplated suicide on several occasions – and I started in with self-destructive behavior. One day I kind of realized what I was doing. So, when I heard about this program, I came down. And I want to say that I really appreciate the Tulalip Tribes for having this program because it’s been tremendous for me. Just being here and being able to identify what those issues are. I came to understand that I should not reject any offering of help – I appreciate this program more than I can ever say.”

The Tulalip Problem Gambling program is a national model program that many Indigenous tribes look to when designing and operating their own programs. They are also a part of a northwest intertribal problem gambling coalition, with the Swinomish, Lummi, Stillaguamish, Port Gamble, Suquamish, Puyallup, Muckleshoot, and Nisqually tribes, that meets regularly to discuss what is and what isn’t working for their programs. They also share ideas on how to educate their communities and provide prevention and treatment to those in need of assistance. 

The Tulalip Problem Gambling program has helped aid those in recovery over the years by developing a personalized plan with each person who walks through their doors. Since its establishment, the Problem Gambling program has served not only members of the Tulalip tribal community, but non-Natives as well who are also fighting a gambling addiction and live in our neighboring communities of Everett, Marysville, Arlington, and Stanwood.

A local woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, opened up about her personal recovery journey with the Problem Gambling program. She stated, “I was pretty much a daily gambler for about 15 years. I ended up getting fired from my job because of my gambling issues. My rock bottom was losing my job and when that happened is when I finally realized what I was doing. Those two weeks after I lost my job – that was probably the worst experience of my life. I wasn’t sleeping, I wasn’t eating, I was in physical pain all day long. I went through a couple of weeks of just really an all-consuming guilt and shame, and it was horrific.

“And then I thought, you know what, I just need to find a GA meeting. So, I went online and found a GA meeting and attended my first meeting in Everett where I met this guy who told me about the Problem Gambling Program that Sarah runs. The next week I went and had an assessment, and the rest is history. I have just over 10 months of sobriety and will reach my first year in April.”

Both Matthew and our anonymous speaker praised the Problem Gambling program for identifying the root of their addiction and for creating a space where gambling addicts can gather to support each other while on the road to recovery. And similarly, when asked to share some words of advice and encouragement for others who are currently caught in the cycle of compulsive gambling, they both wanted to share that recovery from this disease is possible with the help of the program, and also to extend an invite to anybody battling their addiction. 

This National Problem Gambling Awareness month, the Problem Gambling program will be hosting two major events to help bring attention to this issue that is plaguing many people throughout the reservation and region. The first event is the Positive Action Screening Day which will take place Tuesday, March 12 at the Tulalip Admin building from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Shared Sarah, “The screening day is another national campaign and it’s a non-invasive way for people to do a quick screen, for people to self-determine where they’re at with their relationship to gambling – is it healthy, is it not healthy, could it be better? It’s four questions and only three of them are related to gambling. We’ll be providing information cards and we’ll be giving out cookies, popcorn, cupcakes, and mini smudge kits in exchange for them to complete that four-question survey.”

The next event will be held on Sunday, March 24, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Tulalip Resort Casino. This is the popular and much anticipated dinner celebration that is held on an annual basis and offers the promise of good food, good entertainment, and eye-opening testimonies from local gambling addicts in recovery.  

“The dinner is held to raise awareness and provide a space for education about the addiction and about prevention but it’s also to celebrate those in recovery,” said Sarah. “We want to lift them up and have them be in a space where they’re cared for, celebrated, cheered-on, and honored for their work – and also for their contributions to the recovery community. Every person in recovery is contributing to the wellness to the whole, and that’s powerful.

“We’ll have a variety of entertainment; our 206 drummers, everyone loves them being there, they rock the house and bring that energy. Natosha Gobin is going to do the opening blessing and she’s going to share a traditional story that relates to addiction. Then we will have a GA speaker who will share their story, their inspiration. And our Master of Ceremony is Kasey Nicholson, he is a comedian and was also the keynote a few years ago. It’s free, it’s open to everybody, and everyone is invited!”

We hope you show your support during this year’s Problem Gambling Awareness Month. If you or someone you love is dealing with a gambling addiction, or if you would like to find out more information about the Problem Gambling program, please contact (360) 716-4304.

Crafting dreamcatchers with Dinesha Kane

By Wade Sheldon 

Embracing the healing power of creativity, Tulalip tribal member Dinesha Kane transformed a gloomy, overcast Saturday into a vibrant day of crafting at the Hibulb Cultural Center. On February 24, Dinesha led a class, sharing the artistry of crafting dreamcatchers, a skill she developed on her healing journey.

According to the Indigenous Foundation, dreamcatchers trace their origins to the Ojibwes in North America. Typically handmade, these intricate creations involve sticks or hoops and woven nets made from sinew, leather, feathers, and beads. The 1960s and 70s saw dreamcatchers gaining popularity and spread within Native American communities, thanks to the Pan-Indian movement.

Intricately entwined with profound symbolism, dreamcatchers convey a story through their elements. The hoop, a representation of life, joins forces with a spider’s web-like weave intricately designed to snare the tendrils of nightmares. Feathers, akin to soft ladders, guide the path of good dreams toward the dreamer’s realm. At the same time, beads serve as storytellers—a solitary bead embodying a spider and an array of beads narrating the ensnarement of bad dreams.

Dinesha decided to make her first dreamcatcher five years ago for her son. The problem was she needed to learn how to start or who she could talk to about learning. 

“I found a dreamcatcher at a secondhand store and deconstructed it to figure out how it went together,” Dinesha said. “I taught myself how to make them. I was in a place that needed healing. After that, I found people to assist me with learning new styles and techniques. I find growth in being able to ask for help.”

Dinesha continued, “As for teaching, it was not something I expected, but it has been a wonderful surprise, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Once I got into Hibulb and started meeting more people, I found that I love teaching. There’s nothing like being able to teach at our museum. It’s a blessing and an honor. I hope to get more youth out there learning and showcasing their work.” 

As Dinesha continues to inspire with her creative workshops, the dreamcatchers crafted in her class not only capture dreams but also symbolize a journey of healing and artistic expression. 

To register for upcoming classes or to learn about future courses, contact Dinesha at (425)876-8788 or visit her website at www.coastsalishconcepts.com.

Hawks memorable season comes to an end at Regionals

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The whirlwind experience that was the 2023-2024 basketball season ended abruptly in the WIAA Class 1B regional round. Hosted in what was supposed to be a neutral site at Arlington High School on Saturday, February 24, was anything but, in the best kind of way, as the (17-8) Heritage Hawks fans descended upon the gymnasium like a home game. Meanwhile, their opponent, the (18-7) Columbia Adventist Academy Kodiaks came all the way from Battle Ground, a suburb of Vancouver near Oregon.

A raucous environment with all the patented sounds expected of a true Tulalip home game: from chants of “Defense!” and “Tulalip power!” to roars of applause when a Hawk connected on a 3-pointer and immediate uproar when a foul was called on Hawks defenders.

The game’s stakes couldn’t have been higher, and both teams played like it. Their energy and intensity befitting a proper playoff game, with an opportunity to play in the holy grail that is Spokane Arena up for grabs. 

The first half was a battle of contrasting styles that played out to an apparent stale-mate when the score was tied 32-32 late in the 2nd quarter. Heritage exerting every effort to dictate tempo with their run and gun style predicated on forcing turnovers and knocking down 3-pointers. While Columbia Adventist wanted to control the boards and funnel their offense through their power forward, a musclebound 6’2 blondie by the name of Tristan White. 

Senior center Damon Pablo was effective in the game’s early going, scoring three times in the painted area. Then freshman guard Amare Hatch caught fire right before halftime when he made three consecutive 3-balls; each one receiving a louder roar from the dedicated Hawks fans.

Coming out of halftime, the boys trailed by just 1 point, 36-37. The 3rd quarter proved to be decisive. Heritage struggled to get quality jump shots against the adjusted Columbia defense. Meanwhile, the Kodiaks fed Tristan White over and over again to the tune of five buckets; more than the entire Heritage team combined in the 3rd. The Hawks got outscored 11-18 in the frame, and entered the 4th trailing 47-55.

In the 4th quarter, Heritage raged against the dying of the light and continued to shoot from deep until they found their range, once again. Amare hit two more 3’s and fellow guard Chano Guzman connect on two of his own to scratch back to within 4 points, 63-67 with 90 seconds left. This prompted the Kodiaks to call timeout, which was immediately met with another thunderous chant of “Tulalip POWER!”

Unfortunately, that feel good moment would soon dissipate as the boys were unable to muster another point. The buzzer sounded, the scoreboard illuminated a score of 63-70, and so ended Heritage’s memorable season.

Amare led Tulalip in scoring with 17 points off the bench, Hazen Shopbell notched 14 points, and Chano added 12 points. As for that Columbia Adventist center with locks of gold, he scored 27 points.

Finishing just one win shy of a State bid and team journey to Spokane was visible on the emotionally exhausted teenagers who rode a high for the last 3 weeks of playoff basketball.

“We were not so good in the beginning the season (1-3 record), but the coaches kept believing in us and we were able to come together as a team,” said senior forward Hazen Shopbell postgame. “We got better and better the more we practiced, and when we finally got all our players eligible, then came the confidence that we could beat anyone. Playing in gym after gym filled with our fans cheering us on and yelling “Defense!” to get our opponents out of rhythm was huge. We fed off of our fans’ energy all season. This season is something I’ll never forget.”

“This team, man, we grew so much. We really grew into a family,” added senior guard Chano Guzman. “We used to do our own thing on the court, a bunch of iso and what not, but once we got over that and started working as a team, our chemistry just grew and grew. As a senior and lead guard, I always had my team’s back and did my best to be there for them on and off the court. Whoever I ball with, I’m always going to have their back.

“For me, the best moment of the season was getting the huge win over Muckleshoot during the Tri-District tournament. We lost to them earlier in the season when I wasn’t eligible and knew that if I played, we’d beat them. So when we got a chance to play them again, and I got my get back with the W, that meant everything to me. Looking forward, I plan on staying involved in the community and helping the younger players continue to develop their skills. If a college team comes a knocking, I’ll answer for sure.”

Until next time Hawks fans.

Acknowledgement, spoken into existence

By Micheal Rios

We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the sduhubš, and their successors, the Tulalip Tribes. Since time immemorial, they have hunted, fished, gathered on, and taken care of these lands and waters. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination and honor their sacred spiritual connection with these lands and waters. We will strive to be honest about our past mistakes and bring forth a future that includes their people, stories, and voices to form a more just and equitable society.

Those words are read aloud to begin Everett City Council meetings. Those words are the city’s official land acknowledgement. Those words were approved in 2021 after being developed by the Everett Diversity Advisory Board in partnership with the Tulalip Tribes. 

Now, those words have spoken into existence the permanent installation of Coast Salish imagery to adorn the outside of the Everett Municipal Building. Serving as a constant fixture to all those who pass by or enter the city’s primary office building that you are on Native land. 

“Our city lies on the historic land of the sduhubš people and their successors, the Tulalip Tribes, and as such, I believe it’s essential for us to pay respect to the original inhabitants of these lands,” said Cassie Franklin, Mayor of the City of Everett. “I’m proud to have James Madison create such a beautiful and impactful piece of art to honor Indigenous peoples and our ongoing commitment to acknowledge their connection to these lands.

“Previously, this building had no color nor any beauty to it, but now it has gorgeous reds and yellows that really bring the building to life, and is sure to catch the eye of our city’s residents and tourists when in the area,” she added.

Tulalip’s neighboring city to the south, Everett, is the seventh-largest city in all of Washington State by population, and it’s by far the largest city in Snohomish County. Established in 1890, the city of Everett is situated on a peninsula. Its city boundaries are designated by the Snohomish River to the east and the Salish Sea to the west.

In precolonial times, long before imaginary map borders, the land Everett was built upon was home to our Tulalip ancestors. As a sustenance-based people who thrived with the many offerings of the natural environment, they flourished in the ideal fishing and hunting location.

Tulalip culture bearer Tony Hatch offered further historical insight when speaking at the installations unveiling on February 22 to those in attendance. “Not too far from this very spot was a traditional village of our ancestors that we named our cultural center after, Hibulb. It’s precise location is what’s now known as Legion park. Hibulb was a central hub and primary village of the Snohomish people who we do our best to honor today.”

Following Tony’s words, a group of Tulalip citizens offered a traditional song to those Everett residents and city officials who gathered on the picturesque winter day. Those gathered were also treated to a taste of Tulalip fine dining in the form of Ryan’s REZ-ipes.

The enormous, metal fabricated art installation consists of bold red, striking yellow, and stout black colors is impossible to miss for pedestrians and commuters alike. But forged into the durable aluminum and medicine wheel colored pallet is a traditional teaching that has been passed down for generations.

“With this project, I wanted to pay respect to our culture as this region’s first people,” explained Tulalip’s own James Madison. “I tried to showcase our culture and who our people are, while paying respect to the Salish Sea through the blackfish, salmon, and our stories that have been passed on for generations.

“The salmon run that wraps around the building represents Sockeye,” he continued. “They used to be so abundant in our local waters, but now their runs are really short and even desolate in some places. It’s important that we continue to raise awareness of the dwindling salmon runs because their well-being is interconnected with the well-being of both blackfish and human populations. My grandpa, Frank Madison, always told me that it’s up to us to keep the blackfish and salmon alive because if they go away, then humans will go away as well.”

At the heart of this latest collaboration between a Washington State municipality and one of our talented artists is a respect for a cultural heritage that pre-dates the urban landscapes that have taken over Coast Salish territory. As the physical manifestation of a land acknowledgement and traditional teaching, James Madison’s latest creation serves as a reminder to respect the environment, engage in sustainable practices, and respect the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home since time immemorial.