Category: Tulalip News

Celebrating the Super Bowl Champs

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

“This year’s Seahawks team brought all of Seattle together with the strongest, loudest, and most united spirit I’ve ever seen,” Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said. “And they delivered in historic fashion, beating the Patriots and bringing a second Lombardi Trophy home to Seattle. Now it’s time to celebrate.”

When the Seahawks secured their second Super Bowl championship, with a dominant 29-13 win over the Patriots, the celebration spread well beyond the Seattle skyline and into Coast Salish communities throughout the region. From living rooms and community centers to family watch parties, Native Seahawks fans came together to celebrate their team that holds a special place within the culture.

A Familiar Symbol

The Seahawks logo, inspired by Northwest Coast formline art, has been embraced by Coast Salish people for decades. Its bold lines and distinctive eye mirror artistic traditions that have been passed down through generations. Across Coast Salish territory, the logo appears in beadwork, carvings, clothing, and contemporary artwork, often reinterpreted in ways that honor family, culture, and community.

Rather than being seen as a distant sports brand, the Seahawk has become something recognizable and personal. For many families, supporting the Seahawks has become a tradition, one passed down alongside stories, teachings, and time spent together on game days.

“My dad and I moved to the Seattle area in 1991, but he had already been rooting for the Seahawks since their conception in 1976,” recalled Seahawks fanatic and devout 12th Man member Trisha Montero. “My dad took me to my first Seahawks game in 1993, when they still played in the Kingdome. I became a fan for life that day.

“My dad has been a season ticket holder since 1995. It’s impossible to say how many games we’ve been to, but what I can say for certain is we are truly immersed in everything Seahawks,” she continued. “A lot of people recognize my dad come game days for his legendary conch shell. He’s been bringing it to games for over 30 years. Fox Sports even tracked him down and labeled him a Seattle Seahawks super fan in a playoff commercial they ran this past season. 

“I am just so proud of our Seahawks for winning the Super Bowl, again my dad and I are loud and proud and will bleed blue and green forever.”

Building Relationships, Not Just Branding

The Seahawks’ connection to Coast Salish tribes has also been shaped by meaningful partnerships, particularly with the Muckleshoot Tribe. At Lumen Field, Muckleshoot Plaza stands as a visible acknowledgment of Indigenous presence, featuring Coast Salish artwork, Lushootseed language, and imagery tied to the region’s original people.

“This artwork will not only inspire our communities but also educate them on the important history of the Native Americans in this region,” said Chuck Arnold, President of the Seattle Seahawks. “We look forward to a long and meaningful partnership for many years to come.”

Beyond the stadium, those partnerships extend into local communities through youth football camps, player visits, and outreach programs. These efforts have provided opportunities for Native youth to interact with Seahawks players, learn the game, and see themselves represented in spaces where Indigenous voices have not always been visible.

A Championship Felt at Home

As the Seahawks celebrated their Super Bowl LX win on the national stage, Coast Salish fans celebrated closer to home. Families gathered around televisions, elders and youth alike sharing in the excitement of the moment. For many, the victory was a reminder of how sports can bring people together, even those who don’t consider themselves among the devoted fan base. 

“I don’t consider myself a football fan. I didn’t even watch the game,” admitted Tulalip tribal member Topo Jones. “But I could hear the fireworks going off in my neighborhood, which let me know the Seahawks were scoring a lot. Once people got to lighting off bombs and those huge cakes, I knew the Seahawks won. That’s cool, I guess.”

More Than a Team

In Coast Salish country, the Seahawks are intrinsically tied to the region’s modern-day story. They are woven into daily life, community pride, and cultural expression. As fans look back on an unforgettable 2025-2026 championship season, the celebrations will continue as a reflection of community connection, visibility, and shared success. Go Hawks!

Fatherhood is not meant to be carried alone

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News  

In the wake of recent violence in the community, including the attack on a Tulalip elder that deeply impacted many families, a group of fathers is choosing to respond with reflection and action. Every Wednesday afternoon, men gather at the Tulalip Recovery Center for the Dad’s Group, a program organized through Tulalip Behavioral Health that focuses on strengthening fatherhood, supporting men’s mental health, and building unity among parents. The conversations are honest, at times emotional, and centered on one shared goal: becoming better fathers for the sake of their children and their community. 

Tribal member Albert Jimicum said the recent incident involving the youth and the attack on the elder was a turning point for him. As he reflected on what brought him to the group, he described feeling concerned about the direction some young people are heading and wondering how things might look different if stronger guidance had been present earlier in their lives. “What brought me here at first was seeing the at-risk youth and what has recently happened in our community,” Albert said. He explained that situations may have had different outcomes if children had been raised with different tools and stronger emotional support. For him, attending the group is about stepping up and helping shift that trajectory. 

Albert emphasized that he did not come to the group seeking something for himself. Instead, he framed his participation as an opportunity to give back and stand in solidarity with other fathers. “I would rather give support to other fathers who are here and come together in unity and see us all strive as parents.” His words reflected a sense of shared responsibility, the understanding that fatherhood is not meant to be carried alone. 

When asked what fatherhood means to him right now, Albert answered with honesty rather than certainty. “I am still trying to figure it out,” he admitted. He elaborated that fatherhood is a constant learning process. He wants his children to remember him as loving and present, someone they can look to as an example when they become parents themselves. He spoke about wanting his kids to enjoy their childhoods without the weight of adult problems, something he felt he had experienced too early in his own life. Albert also shared that one of the lessons he wants to pass down is emotional awareness, explaining that anger is often a secondary emotion and that learning to pause and think before reacting can change the course of a young person’s life. 

The dad’s group is led by Avel Medina of Tulalip Behavioral Health. He explained that the idea for the group had been encouraged by Sasha Smith, Youth and Family Support Coordinator at Family Haven. For some time, Avel did not feel ready to take on the responsibility. However, after reflecting on troubling events in the community, he said something shifted. He realized that others needed a dedicated space to come together, talk openly, and support one another in a structured setting.

Avel described the group as a safe place where dads can share ideas, get things off their chest, and learn new approaches to parenting. When asked what a healthy father figure looks like, he responded without hesitation, “Being present.” He went on to explain that presence means more than providing financially. It means showing up, emotionally communicating in healthy ways, and applying discipline with consistency and respect. In his experience, many children in the community have grown up without steady father figures. He believes that when fathers are actively involved, they help establish structure, accountability, and a sense of security that carries into adulthood.

He also addressed the broader impact of fatherhood on community health. Many of the challenges facing Native communities are connected to generational trauma, substance abuse, and disrupted family structures. Programs like the Dad’s Group are designed to interrupt that cycle. National data highlights the urgency of this work. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men in the United States are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women. The Indian Health Services reports that American Indian and Alaskan native communities experienced disproportionately high suicide rates, particularly among men. These statistics highlight the importance of culturally grounded spaces where Native fathers can speak openly about stress, trauma, and the pressures of parenting.

Beyond emotional support, the group also addresses practical challenges. Avel noted that some fathers navigating the court system are addressing beda?chelh matters during meetings. Dads can ask questions about how to write emotion, how to speak appropriately in the courtroom, and how to advocate effectively for their children. These conversations blend emotional growth with real-world tools, helping fathers build confidence in multiple areas of their lives.

Looking ahead, Avel hopes the group continues to grow. He recalled that at a previous meeting, several children were present, which he viewed as meaningful. He believes it is powerful for kids to witness their fathers showing up, listening, and working on themselves. When children see that effort, it reinforces the message that they matter.

At a time when the community is working through pain and searching for solutions, the Dad’s Group offers a steady, proactive approach. Rather than waiting for change, these fathers are choosing to be part of it. Through accountability support and honest conversations, they are strengthening themselves to better guide the next generation.

The Dad’s Group meets every Wednesday at 4:30 at the Tulalip Recovery Center. Fathers and father figures are encouraged to attend. 

Lady Hawks show out defensively, earn playoff W

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

After falling to Lopez Island in the opening round of the District 1B playoffs, the (7-12) Tulalip Heritage girls basketball team found themselves in high stakes matchup with Shoreline Christian. How high were the stakes? Loser-out high.

Fortunately, the pivotal game was played at home, at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium, on Saturday, February 7. With the home crowd cheering them on, the Lady Hawks took to court eager to extend their season.

“We’ve been working hard at practice in anticipation of this game. Our top priority has been getting everyone on the same page defensively,” explained head coach Katia Brown. “Our defense, especially in transition, hasn’t been good enough lately. So, we’ve decided to implement a 1-3-1 defense in the hopes of filling those holes. It’s a work in progress, but the girls have been adapting to it well.”

There’s nothing quite like the pressure of a playoff game to motivate a team to buy in. And that’s exactly what that Lady Hawks did in an impressive showing against Shoreline. For starters, the new defensive strategy caught their opponents completely off guard. Shoreline only mustered a single point, from the free-throw line, in the 1st quarter. The Lady Hawks led 8-1 after one quarter and 16-6 at halftime. 

In the 3rd quarter, the Lady Hawks offense got going. Timely buckets by Aylani and Raylee Lewis, Janeisha Zackuse, and Omelia Frazier put Tulalip ahead 28-10 with mere minutes remaining. They’d go on to win the game 35-17, earning not just the W but an additional game in these playoffs. 

Aylani led all scorers with 11 points, while Madison added 9 points. Multiple Lady Hawks had 3+ steals. Omelia had an astounding 8 steals by herself, which punctuated how effective a properly played 1-3-1 defense can be.

“I know I’m not that great at offense, so I make up for it with defense. My coaches trust my instincts to go for the ball and it paid off big today,” said Omelia postgame. “We knew this was a loser-out game and we didn’t want to be out. We said we were going to win this game and we did.”

Her fellow Lady Hawk, Janeisha, added, “This win really means a lot. We didn’t want the season to end, especially not with a loss here at home. We played all out. I’m really proud of our team.”

Hawks soar in back-to-back playoff games

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Opening Round vs. Grace

The (16-4) Heritage Hawks entered the District 1B playoffs as the #2 seed. After a chaotic regular season that saw multiple game postponements and a rash of injuries that sidelined several players, the coaching staff is hopeful the turbulence is finally behind them. Leaving nothing but smooth sailing as they hope to peak in the playoffs. 

“Between the weather and flooding in December and the players we had in and out of the lineup due to injuries, the first half the season was chaotic, to say the least,” shared head coach Shawn Sanchey. “We finally have a roster at full health and have been able to get our reps in at practice. I feel like we’re just now getting into our flow. We want to keep that momentum going now that it’s playoff time, and hopefully everything will peak for us as we officially begin our march to State.”

Their opening round opponent was Grace Academy. The game was played at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium on Thursday, February 5. 

From the opening tip it was all Hawks, all the time. Offensively, seven Hawks scored in the 1st quarter. Everyone being a willing passer and giving up a good shot for a great one made it impossible for Grace Academy to play effective defense. Heritage jumped out to a 22-6 lead, which they extended to 52-12 at halftime. 

Sophomore shooting guard Tayari Archibald led all scorers at halftime with 13 points. He had the home crowd oohing and awing with his long-range shooting. He even splashed a 3-pointer from well behind the arc, nearly Steph Curry range, right before intermission. 

“I didn’t even know I was that far back, to be honest,” said Yari. “I was feeling good against their zone and knew I could get my shot anytime because they’re slow to recover.”

The sophomore shooter remained hot in the second half and went on to lead his team with 20 points, including four made 3-pointers, in a 102-24 route of Grace Academy. It’s worth noting that all eleven varsity boys scored a bucket in the game and six players scored in double figures. 

Second Round vs. Darrington

After picking up their first playoff win and 17th overall W of the year, the Heritage Hawks earned the right to host another home game. This time it was against Darrington. Game played on Saturday, February 7.

In the early going, it appeared Heritage would get some actual competition. Darrington connected on their first two 3-point attempts and held a 6-4 lead. That lead would be short-lived. Unlike the last game, where Heritage thrived from behind the 3-point line, this game they found great success attacking the basket. One Hawk after another got into the painted area and found themselves with an uncontested basket. Of their 11 made field goals in the opening quarter, 10 were 2-pointers. Tulalip was up 22-9 after one.

Meanwhile, Heritage’s man defense was wreaking havoc on Darrington’s ballhandlers all night long. Steal after steal resulted in uncontested, fast break points for the Hawks. Tulalip went up by 20 points midway through the 2nd quarter, 33-13, when Darrington called a timeout. 

Even after the timeout, Darrington was unable to execute their plays vs. the speedy hands of Hawks defenders who routinely anticipated the pass before it was made. With their defense igniting the offense, and the boys remaining in attack mode, Heritage took a commanding 49-16 lead into halftime. 

Junior guard J.J. Gray led all scorers at halftime with 13 points. As the shortest player on the team, his buckets seemed to be the loudest. With a full head of steam, he penetrated the heart of Darrington’s defense at will. More often than not, he’d convert an acrobatic layup just outside the reach of would-be defenders. 

“I’m just playing my game,” said J.J. who is nearing his 1,000th high school point. “It’s a team game, too, so I’m sharing the ball and hitting my teammates when they are open. I know I’ll get that 1,000th point soon enough. Right now, I just want to keep stacking these wins.”

Heritage went on to dispatch Darrington with another emphatic win. This time by the score of 81-45. Sophomore Tayari again led all scorers with 22 points. Davien scored 15 points and J.J. added 14 points. 

Head coach Shawn Sanchey said, “It’s been a long season. These latest wins feel like we’re nearing our peak and playing our best version of team ball. Now is the time for all the hard work to show, and if we can keep this up then we’ll be at the top of mountain, right where we want to be.”

Tulalip Court welcomes new judicial leadership

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Tulalip Court marked an important moment of transition and continuity on Wednesday morning, February 4, as two judges were formally sworn in during a ceremony held in the Tribal Council boardroom. Natasha K. Anderson (Yankton Sioux) was sworn in as Tulalip Court’s new Chief Judge, while Christine Frausto was appointed the role of Deputy Chief Judge.

Deputy Chief Judge Christine Frausto, Chairwoman Teri Gobin and Chief Judge Natasha K. Anderson.

The oaths of office were administered by Tulalip Vice Chairman Hazel Shopbell, with tribal leaders and staff in attendance. The swearing-in reflects Tulalip’s ongoing commitment to upholding justice, strengthening tribal sovereignty, and ensuring fair and effective judicial leadership for the community.

Following her swearing-in, Chief Judge Anderson said, “The Tulalip Tribes has been on my radar since I started my legal career in 2007. They are an excellent example in Indian Country, and I’m honored to serve their people.”

Caring for Tulalip begins with individual action

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News

On Friday, January 30, nearly 40 community members gathered along Turk Road for the ninth annual neighborhood cleanup organized by tribal members Josh Fryberg and Rocky Harrison. What began nearly a decade ago with the help of Ryan Gobin, has grown into a steady effort rooted in pride, accountability, and care for Tulalip’s homelands.

Looking back to when the cleanup first began nine years ago, Josh said the motivation was simple but meaningful.

“The main thing that my brother and I wanted to do is bring the community together in a good way, to pick up our homeland one area at a time and get as many people involved as we can,” he said.

From the beginning, the goal extended beyond collecting trash. The brothers also began advocating for stronger accountability for littering on the reservation. “One of the other solutions was to raise our penalty fee for littering on the rez,” Josh explained, noting that they have worked with the chief of police and the board of directors in hopes that changes will help deter illegal dumping in the future.

Over time, the cleanup has grown not only in participation but in awareness. Josh said he has seen more community members and departments step forward to support the effort. “The goal is to get everyone together, raise that awareness together and make it a little bit cleaner for our future generations,” he said. He believes the continued effort is making a difference. “I feel like people take more pride in the area now.”

For Rocky, the inspiration came from looking beyond Tulalip and imagining what was possible. Driving through neighboring communities and seeing how well their land was maintained left a lasting impression.

“I remember thinking, dang, we gotta get Tulalip looking like that,” Rocky said.

He explained that the cleanup is about restoring respect for the land and maintaining community pride. Although he believes awareness has improved over the years, one challenge remains consistent.

“I wish we could move to different areas of the rez and not have to clean Turk,” he said. “Yet every year, Turk is dirty, so we still have to clean Turk.”

The amount of garbage collected each year reinforces the need for the effort to continue. “We usually have over a thousand pounds every year,” said Rocky, noting that previous cleanups reached around 1,800 pounds. This year, volunteers collected more than 2,300 pounds, marking the largest haul to date.

In the early years, the brothers handled much of the logistics themselves, borrowing trailers and weighing loads manually. Now, with assistance from the Tribe’s Solid Waste department, the process has become more efficient.

“Initially, we didn’t want to ask the Tribe for help; we wanted community participation,” Rocky said. “This year, we have the police department, fire department, and several community members. It’s nice to have people who want to help.”

For the first time, signs were also placed along the roadway to help manage traffic and improve safety for volunteers working near vehicles.

Beyond the visible results, the cleanup represents something larger. It demonstrates what happens when neighbors take responsibility for their own space and lead by example. Josh emphasized the importance of youth seeing adults come together in a positive way.

“All these kids are watching us and seeing what we’re doing,” he said. “It’s up to each and every one of us to move forward in a good way.”

When asked what he hopes people feel when they drive through the neighborhood, Josh said he wants it to reflect a sense of community and ownership.

“I want them to feel pride, everybody coming together to keep it how we want it and how the kids deserve it. A safe place for them to be, especially for our elders.”

Nine years in, the message remains steady: change does not happen overnight, but consistency matters. What started with a small group has grown into an annual reminder that caring for Tulalip begins with individual action.

Another cleanup is planned for February, focusing on Marine Drive from the administration building to the fire station. Community members are encouraged to watch for upcoming announcements on the Tribal Member Facebook page and through Tulalip News and continue taking part in caring for the place they call home.

Heritage Hawks and Lady Hawks honored on Senior Night

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The Heritage Hawks and Lady Hawks were celebrated in a Senior Night ceremony held Friday, January 30, at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium. The heartfelt ceremony honored graduating seniors from both the boys and girls basketball programs prior to tipoff.

Before the Hawks and Lady Hawks took the court, the gym filled with applause as seniors were individually recognized for their perseverance and commitment to Tulalip Heritage High School athletics. Surrounded by family members, teammates, coaches, and community supporters, each senior was acknowledged for the time and effort invested throughout their high school basketball careers.

Senior Night is a long-standing tradition at Heritage, offering a moment to pause and reflect on the journeys of student-athletes who have represented the reservation’s high school with pride. For the celebrated seniors, the ceremony marked the culmination of years spent balancing academics, practices, games, and the responsibilities that come with being team leaders.

Raylee Fryberg-Lewis

Aylani with her big sister, Raylee Fryberg-Lewis.

“Heritage is the only place I could imagine playing volleyball and basketball,” said senior Raylee Fryberg-Lewis. “After so many seasons and games played, it just feels really good to be celebrating with my community. Tulalip is where I was born, it’s where I’m from, and it’s where I chose to attend high school. When I look back over the past few years, I think where I’ve grown the most is my confidence. Being able to play with my friends and family, they were always so supportive and believed in me when I was doubting my abilities. Their confidence in me made me want to be the best volleyball player and basketball player I could be, not just for myself, but for them as well. That’s what family and being a community is really all about.”

Raylee’s mom, Roselle, added, “As a Heritage alumni and her mom, Raylee’s decision to attend Heritage and play sports meant everything to me. To see her grow so much within her community, step outside her comfort zone with basketball, and witness all the community support she’s received just means the world to us. We love Rez kids!”

Lilly Jefferson

“I think your senior year of high school is one of the most important years of a person’s life because it reflects all the experiences, decisions, and memories of your childhood,” said senior Lilly Jefferson. “It’s not just the last year of high school, but the last time to seize opportunities that aren’t available to adults. With that in mind, I’d tell future high schoolers that this time in your life isn’t that bad, really, it’s the best. We don’t have to worry about being an adult and all the responsibilities, like paying bills. So do all the things and live it up with all the clubs, sports, and travel opportunities that you can.”

Lilly’s mom, Shawnee, added, “Lilly isn’t my first kid to choose Heritage and she won’t be my last. Her high school years have literally been like watching a dream play out. I’ve witnessed her thrive and expand her goals so much that she’s reaching for the sky now. She’s learned to create and enforce boundaries and even explore the world through programs offered at Heritage. She could’ve graduated last year, but didn’t because she wanted to have a senior year with friends. I couldn’t be more thankful for that decision because watching her and her younger sister, Madison, play together as Lady Hawks meant the world to me.”

Molly Jones-Charles

“Before Heritage, I never thought I’d actually play sports. Now, here I am, a varsity basketball player,” said senior Molly Jones-Charles. “Overall, it’s been a nice experience. My coaches and teammates have really worked with me to get me comfortable on the court, and it’s something I’m just really grateful for. Also, playing volleyball and basketball showed me just how supportive my family is. They came to so many games and were always cheering for me and my team to do good. Yeah, they can be loud, but that’s so I can hear them and know they are here supporting me, always.”

Molly’s guardian, Mitch, added, “I never once asked Molly to be the best shooter or score the most points. What I’ve always asked from her is maximum effort, to always give her best when she’s on the court. She never saw herself playing sports, but we’ve seen how much sports have helped her grow as a person. She’s flourishing now because she’s made lifelong friends here at Heritage by going outside her comfort zone and playing volleyball and basketball. I couldn’t be happier for her.” 

Davien Parks

“Ever since my first day here, my experience has been awesome,” said senior Davien Parks. “The community, the fans, the school staff, everyone has made me feel welcomed. Seeing the support and following the basketball team is something truly special. So many times we’ve played away games and had more people from Tulalip in the bleachers than the home team fans. That gave me added motivation, game in and game out, to play my hardest every game. That’s pushed me to become the best version of myself and I can’t thank the community enough for that.”

Davien’s dad, Tyler, added, “I’m just overjoyed right now. It’s a heartwarming feeling to see the whole community come out and support my son. It’s pushed his game to another level, his confidence to another level. I’m grateful for all the community support, especially the elders who came out and watched and let Davien know how proud they are of him.”

Davis Bachand

“I transferred to Heritage from a bigger school for a reason, and it’s been everything I hoped it would be and more. I’ve had an amazing time at Heritage. I’ve been hoopin’ with these guys my whole life and getting to win on this level with them, to experience State with them, are memories I’ll never forget. And the community support here is like no other. Everyone knows me and my name, from adults to little kids in the community. Tulalip has made me feel like family.”

Davis’s dad, Aaron, added, “The Tribe has made our family feel so welcomed. We’re honored to be accepted as part of the family. As a dad, I think one of the coolest things to see is the little kids who run up to Davis when we’re out and about and tell him they watched his last game or tell him he had a good game. Those little things like that really do make a big difference.”

Tokala Black Tomahawk

“Knowing I was a Heritage Hawk for all four years of high school is something I’ll cherish forever. I loved playing in front of all my family. Everyone in the gym, I know who they are and they know me. That kind of support is really rare and something I didn’t take for granted. My favorite basketball memories are from last year’s State experience. I’m hoping we can run it back this year and win the whole thing. Then that will be my favorite memory.”

Tokala’s mom, Winona, added, “Out of Bubba and mine’s ten kids, Tokala is number eight to attend and play for Heritage. It’s amazing to see and be part of how the growing support system our Heritage students receive from the Tulalip community. Home or away, football or volleyball or basketball, Heritage fans do their part to make our athletes feel appreciated. The Heritage teachers and coaches have done a really good job of pushing Tokala to do his best and be his best, in and out of the classroom. I couldn’t be more thankful for that.”

Logan Paul

Logan’s big sister, Hannah, said, “It was a huge decision to take Logan out of private school and have him attend Heritage. Ultimately, we made the decision based on it being more important to have him in his own community, where he could build those community attachments with his peers and classmates. He adapted really well, especially once he got involved with sports (football and basketball). He’s continued to excel academically by getting 4.0’s, which we are so proud of him for. He’s also developed a real sense of pride for what it means to be Tulalip and what it means to be part of a community. Tulalip is Logan’s home now, and he’s made so many friends and learned who is family truly is.”

Senior cheer team: Molly, KayDee Wilson, Angelica Mosqueda, Isabella Hyvonen, and Raylee.

Families stood courtside as seniors were presented with flowers and keepsakes, capturing photos and sharing embraces that reflected years of early practices, late nights, and countless memories made inside the gym. As the final home games approach and postseason play looms, Tulalip Heritage High School proudly recognizes its senior Hawks and Lady Hawks for their contributions to the program. Their impact will be felt long after the final buzzer sounds.

Side by Side: Catherine and Tashina lead with confidence on and off the court

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The thumping of bouncing basketballs and squeaking of sneakers against polished hardwood are familiar sounds inside Grace Academy’s gymnasium, but for two Tulalip tribal members, those sounds carry a deeper meaning. Catherine Velasquez, 18, and Tashina Cortez, 16, have walked the halls of the Marysville private school together since kindergarten. Now, years later, they stand side-by-side as teammates on Grace’s girls basketball team. They are bonded not only by years of friendship, but by culture, identity, and a shared responsibility to represent their Tribe.

For Catherine and Tashina, their shared school journey is bigger than academics or athletics. As the only Tulalip tribal members on Grace’s basketball roster, and often the only Native students in their classrooms, their mere presence carries a quiet form of leadership. They are visible reminders that representation matters.

On the court, their roles are distinct but complementary. Tashina, the team’s starting point guard, is widely regarded as Grace Academy’s best overall player. She controls the tempo of the game with confidence, directing the offense, creating opportunities for her teammates, and anchoring the team with steady composure. 

“Tashina is just an outstanding athlete and, really, our strongest ballhandler,” described Elizabeth Callaghan, Grace Academy vice-principal and girls basketball coach. “Her strongest quality is probably her ability to take ownership of the ball whenever we need her to. If we need her to score, then she’ll find a way, be it a 3-pointer, 2-pointer or from the free-throw line. If we need her to set up her teammates, then she becomes a very willing passer. She’s more than capable of getting her teammates the ball in spots where they are most comfortable shooting it. She’s so humble in her abilities and, for me, that is the best part of coaching her.” 

Catherine, playing more of a forward role, brings physicality and presence around the key by rebounding, battling in the paint, and knocking down the occasional outside jumper.

“Catherine is our only senior on the team,” explained coach Callaghan. “She’s a really good, natural leader. She’s made it her mission to be faithful, be a good communicator, and to be a true role model for her younger teammates. I’d say the aspect of her game that’s grown the most since her freshman year is her ability to process and handle the game mentally. It’s been a true pleasure to watch her grow as a player over the past four years.”

Together, two Tulalip young women form a natural rhythm that can only come from years of shared experience. There is an unspoken understanding between them. Something as simple as a look or nod conveys a particular movement that the other understands without words ever being vocalized. Yes, it’s basketball chemistry, but it’s also indicative of a lifelong connection.

“We’ve known each other since we were really little. We may not be actual sisters, but we definitely have that sisterly bond,” Tashina shared. “We trust each other, push each other to be better, and support each other no matter what. And on the court, we just get one another.”

Their bond and togetherness extends beyond the hardwood, too.

Despite attending an off-reservation school, Catherine and Tashina have remained connected to their culture and community. From a young age, both girls were highly active in Tulalip’s annual Art Festival, contributing their creativity and developing their own unique methods for imbedding cultural significance into each piece of art. Those early experiences grounded them in Tulalip identity, and pride. Values they continue to carry with them.

Both have also participated in the Tulalip Youth Council, gaining leadership experience and a deeper understanding of service, responsibility, and community involvement. Through that youth-drive initiative, they learned that being Tulalip is not just about where you come from, but how you carry yourself and how you give back.

That sense of responsibility shapes how they’ve navigated Grace Academy since Kindergarten.

“In classrooms where we’re not just the only Tulalip students, but the only Native students as well, we try to always be aware of how we represent our people,” Catherine said. “It’s something we’re definitely proud of, not something we hide.”

Tashina echoed that feeling, noting that being together makes the experience easier. “When you’re the only ones on the team, it can feel isolating sometimes. But we always have each other, so we don’t feel alone.”

Their presence challenges stereotypes of who attends Marysville’s private Christian academy and builds bridges of understanding. Through their excellence in academics, leadership in school activities, and performance in athletics, they show classmates and teachers alike what it means to carry Tulalip culture with dignity.

On the basketball court, they represent Grace Academy with pride. Off the court, they represent Tulalip with purpose.

In every bucket, every assist, every classroom presentation, and every cultural activity, Catherine Velasquez and Tashina Cortez are representing. Representing their families. Representing their Tribe. Representing a future where young Native women move confidently between worlds without losing themselves in the process.

For Tulalip, their story is a reminder that representation does not always come in loud declarations. Sometimes it comes quietly in dedication, in friendship, and in two young women who carry their culture proudly, wherever they go.