The ribbon was cut on April 7, 2014, by Tulalip Tribes General Manager Sheryl Fryberg and former Tulalip Board member Don Hatch Jr., which the center is named after, to mark the official opening of the new center that will provide youth, 13-17 years old, a positive environment to hang out in. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
by Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
TULALIP, WA. – Tulalip youth, 13 to 17 years old, now have a building to call their own with the opening of the Tulalip Don Hatch Youth Center.
A ribbon cutting ceremony held on Monday, April 7, coincided with the first day of spring break for Tulalip youth, and marks the official opening of the center that was designed with this age group in mind.
Amenities in the center include a new basketball court, game room, work out room, and large commons area for studying or visiting.
For questions about the Don Hatch Youth Center, please contact Tulalip Youth Services at 360-716-4909.
Brandi N. Montreuil: 360-913-5402; bmontreuil@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Above the new basketball court in the Don Hatch Youth Center gym hangs the former basketball middle court emblem which previously used to be where the new youth center sits. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
The new Don Hatch Youth Center’s gym still displays on the walls cutouts of the former basketball court flooring that new center’s basketball court replaced. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
The Don Hatch Youth Center will be available to Tulalip youth, 13-17 years old. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
The Don Hatch Youth Center ribbon cutting ceremony, held on April 7, 2014, included a packed day of fun activities for Tulalip youth, including a visit from the Bubble Man, Garry Golightly. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
Natosha Gobin, left, Tribal jam session creator and organizer, welcomes attendees to the event which raised $3,486 to aid victims and rescue crews of the Oso mudslide. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
by Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
TULALIP, WA – “Two weeks ago, I think most of us, like 9/11, will remember exactly the moment where we were when we found out there was a slide in Oso,” said Travis Hots, Fire Chief for the Snohomish County Fire District 21, to attendees at the Tulalip Jam Session Oso Fundraiser on Friday, April 4, that raised over $3,400 for the victims and rescue crews of the Oso Mudslide.
“At first we just thought it was just another slide like the one that occurred in Mukilteo on Camano Island. We didn’t fully understand the magnitude of the disaster at first,” Hots went onto say.
Travis Hots, Snohomish County Fire District 21 Fire Chief is wrapped in a Pendleton blanket ,signifying warm and protection, during the Tulalip Oso Jam Session Fundraiser held on April 4, 2014. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
On March 22, 2014, a portion of an unstable hill collapsed, sending mud and debris across the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River, destroying the Steelhead Haven neighborhood and covering an area of 1 square mile including a section of Highway 530, cutting off the town of Darrington. As a result of the mudslide, 33 people were confirmed dead with 12 missing or unaccounted for, as of April 7. The mudslide is considered the deadliest single landslide event in U.S. history.
Hundreds of medical aid, search-and-rescue responders and volunteers sprang into action to help with rescue efforts. This included responders from the Tulalip community, such as a Tulalip tribal member spouse with the Snohomish County Swift Water Rescue, and responders from Tulalip Bay Fire Station.
To help ease the burden of rescue relief expenses, the Tulalip community organized the jam session to raise money.
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
Tribal jam sessions are gatherings born out of the Coast Salish Canoe Journeys, where coastal tribes come together to share songs with one another. A charity jam session, like the one held to raise money for the victims and rescue workers of the Oso mudslide, incorporate traditional potlatching values, which include giving to those in need, praying together and sharing as a community.
The event, attended by nearly 200 people, includeding surrounding Coast Salish tribes, raised $3,486 to be donated to four organizations. The Snohomish County Swift Water Rescue will receive $870. Another $870 will be donated to Snohomish County Fire District 22, one of the stations that Fire Chief Travis Hots is stationed at to lead rescue efforts. Cascade Valley Hospital Victims Fund will receive $870 and $870 will be donated to animal rescue and shelters.
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
“The Oso mudslide is a tragedy that is not only close to our home, but we had tribal members grow up in the area, some still have homes close to the site of the mudslide,” said Natosha Gobin, event creator and organizer. Since it is a custom of our people to stand up for our warriors and protect them for their work, we invited Travis to attend our fundraiser, so we could wrap him with a Pendleton for protection and thank him for his work.”
The event, comprised of 10 core organizers and 25 volunteers, raised donations through concession stands selling food, water, and raffle tickets. Local Tulalip artists Jonny Dill and Sam Davis donated original art, along Essential Earth Organic Salon and Tulalip Resort Casino, who donated product packages for the raffle.
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
“We decided to go with a suggested donation at the door, concession stand, bake sale and raffle. Since this event was a community effort, we asked for donations of paper goods for the food and drinks. Those who stepped up to cook, donated items to cook spaghetti, hamburger soup, Frybread and a variety of desserts. There was a sense of unity, love and healing in the building that night. I felt truly blessed to have so many great team members who helped make an idea turn into a successful event for our neighbors in the Oso area,” said Gobin.
“It was no surprise to see that the Tulalip Tribes were the first entities to make a large contribution and for that I am very grateful,” said Hots before the jam session. “I want to express that gratitude on behalf of the fire fighters because those dollars are going to good use, thank you. I would also like to thank each of you for inviting myself, my wife and kids, and for accepting us into your community tonight, it is truly an honor and I say thank you.”
Brandi N. Montreuil: 360-913-5402; bmontreuil@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
TULALIP – Tulalip TV performed a mock video set up yesterday morning in the Tulalip Tribes Board Room to work out any kinks before the first live airing of Tulalip leadership being sworn in.
While live broadcast isn’t new to Tulalip TV, a live broadcast of a swearing in ceremony of Tulalip Board members is.
Tomorrow’s first regular board meeting of the month will mark the change in leadership for Tulalip Tribes. Herman Williams Sr. and Les Parks will replace Mel Sheldon Jr. and Chuck James. Per the Tulalip Constitution, newly elected Board of Directors are to be installed during the first regular board meeting following the election, which is held on the first Saturday of each month.
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
Although the first regular board meeting is open to all Tulalip tribal members, not everyone is able to attend due to prior engagements, limited space in the Tulalip Board Room, or other circumstances.
The live broadcast will reach nearly 1,400 Tulalip tribal members who live off reservation, and around the world.
In addition to live streaming at www.tulaliptv.com, the broadcast will be aired lived on channel 99.
Brian Berry, Tulalip TV Director of Video, tests audio feed for the first live broadcast of Tulalip board member swearing in on April 5. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
“Live coverage is an amazing tool to keep Tulalip citizens informed and connected, especially when they live off reservation,” said Tulalip Communications manager Niki Cleary. “One of the goals of the Communications Department is to keep tribal members educated and informed about issues facing the tribe so that they can make educated decisions about, and participate fully in, tribal governance. Efforts like this one really make a difference, they keep our citizens engaged.”
Tulalip TV provides live broadcast of Marysville School District’s Heritage High School sports and the Tulalip Graduation Banquet.
Mike Sarich, Tulalip TV Associate Producer checks camera placement during test set up for first live broadcast of Tulalip board member swearing in on April 5. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
“Every year the Communications Department evolves to meet the needs of the community,” Cleary went on to say. “In the last few years we have added Tulalip News, an online, expanded version of the See-Yaht-Sub. We added new on-camera talent for Heritage Sports coverage, as well as instant replay during games. This year we are working on live coverage of events, when possible, and more interaction with our citizens through social media.”
“At General Council meetings and over the last couple of years we’ve heard increasing requests for transparency and community involvement, hopefully this is just the beginning. We are always open to suggestions from our community to make our department more responsive and effective for our citizens,” Cleary said.
Tomorrow’s live broadcast will begin at 9:00 a.m. and can be viewed online at www.tulaliptv.com, and channel 99.
If you have an idea, a critique, or just want to share your thoughts, please email, ncleary@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov , or message her on facebook.com/nikicleary. You can also reach See-Yaht-Sub/ Tulalip News staff at editor@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.
Brandi N. Montreuil: 360-913-5402; bmontreuil@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
A painting of the Tulalip Marina by Tulalip tribal artist Sam Davis will be one of the raffle items during the Tulalip Inter-tribal jam session to raise money for victims of the Oso mudslide. Photo courtesy, Natosha Gobin
TULALIP – Tulalip community will be hosting an inter-tribal jam session tonight at 6:00 p.m. Greg Williams Court at the Don Hatch Youth Center located at 6700 Totem Beach Road on the Tulalip Reservation to raise money for Oso families as they recover from their losses.
A $5 donation will be accepted at the door. A concession stand serving refreshments, frybread, spaghetti, hamburger soup, and baked goods will be available for sale. A raffle featuring items donated by local tribal artists will be held during the event.
“This event is 100 percent community efforts,” said event organizer Natosha Gobin, who says volunteers are still welcome to
A painting by Tulalip tribal artist Jonny Dill will also be one of the raffle items. Photo courtesy, Natosha Gobin
sign up. “All proceeds will go to the victims and rescue crews affected by the mudslide. It warms my heart and spirit to have so many give their time and assistance to the planning and execution of this event. I raise my hands to the crew that is helping make this event a success.”
The session will begin with a prayer and Amazing Grace sung by Tulalip artist Cerissa Gobin followed by traditional songs, prayers, and drumming.
For more information, or to volunteer at the event, please contact Natosha Gobin at 425-319-4416.
TAHOLAH, WA – Residents described the crashing storm waves like an earthquake hitting. Wave after wave broke over the weakened seawall that separates Taholah’s lower village from the raging North Pacific Ocean on the evening of March 25. During the storm, a section of the 1, 100 foot seawall failed, leaving residential properties and residents of the Quinault Indian Nation vulnerable to flooding.
The following morning the destruction was clear. A smokehouse lay in a twisted shamble, other outbuildings, and properties were damaged and flooded, and the weeks’ weather report came in projecting rain, high winds, and 3 to 5 foot waves with 13 to 15 second swells by the weekend. Seven hundred Taholah residents faced an emergency.
Fawn Sharp, President of the Quinault Indian Nation issued a voluntary evacuation, in which four families left the affected area. A request was also sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to declare the portion of Taholah affected as a federal disaster area and funds made available for disaster relief.
Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Brian Stenehjem leads the Corps team assisting Quinault Indian Nation. He explains that wave action has damaged a 500-foot section of the seawall that separates Taholah’s Lower Village. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved Quinault Nation’s emergency assistance request on March 27, and put the Seattle District Emergency Operations center into 24-hour operations. Teams were sent out to assist Quinault with temporary repairs to the failing 500-foot section of seawall, with a 48-hour completion date before an overnight storm coincided with high tide on March 29.
During the Corps initial inspection of the wall, they reported calving of rock and core material due to wave action.
During the March 25 storm, the wall sustained damage along the entire structure length, with the toe material of the berm removed and replaced with what protected the slope. This left the slope of the berm unprotected and vulnerable to waves and more removal of slope material, which if left unrepaired, would lead to a collapse of the berm’s capstones and loss of protection.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District has put its Emergency Operations Center into 24-hour operations to assist the Quinault Indian Nation with flood protection measures following damage to the Taholoah Lower Village seawall on Tuesday, March 25. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
The repairs involved an orchestrated effort by Quinault’s Emergency Management, Quinault TERO workers, and the Army Corps of Engineers.
To make the necessary repairs, an access ramp had to be built to allow in excavators large enough to remove the capstones, and install a filter blanket and armor rock to prevent further erosion of the slope during wave action.
“We first had to make an access route to work our way down to the filter blanket,” said Brian Stenehjem, Corps of Engineers team leader on the project, about the layer of material placed between the riprap [a layer of stone to stabilize an area subject to erosion] and the underlying soil to prevent soil movement into or through the riprap.
Placement of armor rock was conducted on Saturday, March 29, which will help decrease the vulnerability to wave action to the slope. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
“The toe rock got scoured out which caused the slope rock to fall down so all we had was the caprock on top and the toe rock and nothing in the slope. And without that slope armor protection, it really leaves the whole structure susceptible to wave action. And that is the underlying problem if the structure doesn’t have any of that protection,” said Stenehjem
“We had to work our way down, creating a filter to protect the embankment, so we used class 2 riprap and you inline the whole embankment with that. Then we overlay armor rock, which is 2 to 4 ton rock, which will provide the protection. So you want the big rock, your medium rock, and then your small rock as a kind of filtering,” said Stenehjem
Quinault Emergency Management staff member John Preston, drives past a residence that sustained damage due to the breach on Tuesday evening, March 25. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
More than 100 dump trucks were used to haul in the armor rock, adding to the increased general council traffic, and annual clam-digging event during March 29 through 30. Despite issues with broken equipment and increased traffic, repairs were finalized on Sunday, March 30, costing $300,000 and resulting in the placement of 4,500 tons of rock.
Corps teams remained on site throughout the March 29 storm to monitor the seawall conditions. The temporary repairs remained intact during the storm and prevented flooding to 700 residents in the affected area, including Quinault Indian Nation’s Tribal Police Department, animal control, storage facility for canoes, public work shops, Headstart School, and a retail shop and restaurant.
“On hearing about Quinault’s breached seawall we were immediately concerned for our tribal brothers and sisters,” said Tulalip Chairman Mel Sheldon Jr., when Quinault Indian Nation announced a state of emergency. “This, along with the tragic events in Oso this past week, we’re reminded how vitally important it is to the tribes to have the best possible emergency management plans in effect.”
“We wish to acknowledge and thank the help of the Corps of Engineers as well as Grays Harbor Emergency Services, the elected officials and all others who have sent their prayers and offers of support. Our people will be kept safe and we will continue to seek a more long term solution to this dangerous situation,” said Fawn Sharp.
A permanent solution is being sought due to the encroachment of the North Pacific Ocean waters, which have become invasive over time due to sea level rise and violent storms.
Brandi N. Montreuil: 360-913-5402; bmontreuil@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
The new Elwha Tribal fish hatchery on the Elwha reservation is to be used to supplement populations of fish that naturally recolonize the river as habitat becomes available. Photo: Steve Ringman / The Seattle Times, 2011
By Andrew Gobin, Tulalip News
“The hatcheries were built for one reason. That is to make up for lost natural and salmon production caused by habitat loss,” said Billy Frank Jr., Chairman of the Northwest Indian Fish Commission, in reaction to Washington State’s decision to hold 900,000 steelhead slated to be released from state hatcheries this year. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by Washington’s Wild Fish Conservancy, an environmental group based in Duvall, which contends that hatchery runs are detrimental to wild steelhead and salmon populations, claiming hatchery reared steelhead suffer genetic inferiority and create habitat competition.
The conservancy filed a complaint, claiming the state is in violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Wild Steelhead were added to the endangered species list in 2007 as threatened, and in the seven years since, according to the conservancy, the state had an obligation to prove that hatchery runs pose no threat to the wild steelhead.
According to a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) press release on April 1, the state hatchery operations do not currently have approval from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which is required following the addition of wild steelhead to the endangered species list. That alone opens up the WDFW to legal action.
Phil Anderson of the WDFW said, “We believe strongly that we are operating safe and responsible hatchery programs that meet exacting science-based standards, but without NMFS certification that our hatchery programs comply with the Endangered Species Act, we remain at risk of litigation. We are working hard to complete that process.”
The WDFW has decided that they will not be releasing the ‘early winter’ hatchery steelhead unless the legal issues are resolved. If they continue unresolved, the WDFW will continue to rear the steelhead and release them into lakes in the spring.
Washington tribes, who were neither consulted before the decision nor lawsuit, are very disappointed about the state’s decision, and that the conservancy group did not work to resolve their differences within the 60 day intent period.
“Both Indian and non-Indian fishermen depend on tribal and state hatcheries and the fish they provide. Hatchery steelhead and salmon are also essential to fulfilling promises of tribal treaties with the United States,” Frank said. Those treaty rights depend on fish being available for harvest.
The halt of the steelhead release means the probable end of the state’s steelhead sport fishery. Similarly, continued hindrances to other hatchery operations would have the same drastic effects, for all fisheries in the state, tribal and non-tribal.
Frank said, “Instead of addressing the real problem of steelhead habitat loss, the lawsuit could once again force Indian and non-Indian fishermen to unfairly pay the price for habitat destruction that hatcheries were supposed to make up for. That’s not right.”
Andrew Gobin is a reporter with the See-Yaht-Sub, a publication of the Tulalip Tribes Communications Department. Email: agobin@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov Phone: (360) 716.4188
TULALIP – The first Thursday of each month the Hibulb Cultural Center offer visitors an opportunity to explore Tulalip history and culture free of cost.
Visitors today are able to enjoy the center’s extended hours 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. to explore Tulalip’s rich history and culture through exhibits such as the Coast Salish Inheritance, featuring Tulalip tribal artists; the Veterans Gallery, a tribute to Tulalip tribal veterans; and the Canoe Hall.
If you have not explored the variety of traditional and contemporary art created by Tulalip artists, today’s free admission is a great time to see the Coast Salish inheritance exhibit before it ends on May 21.
Don’t forget to stop by the Hibulb Cultural Center’s Gift Shop for their April sale featuring 40% off apparel and winter accessories, and 25% off Pendleton coats and vests.
Today’s free admission also includes tonight’s Hibulb Poetry Series featuring Tulalip poet, Ceriwyn Hanney at 6:00 p.m.
General admission is free for Hibulb Cultural Center members and Tulalip tribal members. Adult (18yrs & over) $10.00. Senior (50+ yrs) $7.00. Student (6-17yrs) $6.00. Military & Veterans $6.00. Child (5yrs and under) FREE. Family $25.00.
Hibulb Cultural Center is located at 6410 23rd Avenue NE, Tulalip, WA 98271. For more information about Hibulb Free Thursdays or events, please call 360-716-2600 or visit www.hibulbculturalcenter.org, or www.facebook.com/Hibulb.
Veterans from all military branches supported each other during the first Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans celebration, organized by Tulalip veteran marine Andy James. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
by Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
TULALIP – U.S. Vietnam veterans have been home for more than 40 years, but due to anti-war sentiment with the American public, returning soldiers quietly rejoined their communities without receiving a national welcome home.
In 2011, the U.S. Senate, decided to change this. The Senate unanimously passed a resolution to provide Vietnam veterans a chance to be properly welcomed home by designating March 30, Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. The designated day marks the final withdrawal of all combat and combat-support troops from Vietnam on March 29, 1973.
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
Although veteran organizations across the nation have been celebrating the day since its passing, only three states, California, Oregon, and Washington, have recognized the day officially, including flying the POW/MIA flag in addition to the U.S. flag and state flags on all government buildings.
Last year Governor Jay Inslee deemed March 30 for Washington State after Rep. Norm Jackson (Yakima) (R) introduced 2013 House Bill 1319 on January 23, 2013. The bill passed 97 to 0 in the House and again passed 48 to 0 in the Senate and was signed by Gov. Inslee on March 29, 2013.
This year, Tulalip hosted their first annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans celebration in honor of their fellow veterans. Attendees included tribal and non-tribal veterans who gathered at the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club to mark the official homecoming.
Tulalip veteran Andy James, pictured in cedar hat, served during the Vietnam Conflict with the Marines, organized the celebration. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
Tulalip veteran and tribal member Andy James, who served with the Marines during the Vietnam conflict, organized the event.
“I am extremely thankful and grateful for my elders, particularly the ones who put on uniforms in defense of this country before I did. We have one here today that did,” said James, referring to Tulalip tribal member and Korean War veteran Ray Moses (Te-at-mus).
“I wanted to do something to mark this day, so I organized a potluck,” continued James. “I am thankful for every veteran, and we realize it was all for the cause. We did what we had to to defend our country, and I am glad to celebrate this day and welcome home my fellow veterans.”
Brandi N. Montreuil: 360-9135402; bmontreuil@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Traditional Southern Grass dancer Jeff Brown danced for visiting veterans during the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News
