Totem Middle School hosted its annual Round Dance on Thursday, March 6. This vibrant celebration not only united members of the Native American community but also showcased their rich cultural heritage through traditional songs and dances. The gathering invites students and families from the (MSD) Marysville School District to engage with Native traditions. Over 60 attendees enjoyed a variety of food while taking part in the round dance held in the gymnasium.
Often held during winter, the round dance promotes healing, celebrates life, and represents the interconnectedness of everything. Initially said to have been started by the Plains Indians, this tradition soon spread throughout Indian country. During the dance, drummers play in the center of the room while the dancers circle them clockwise. Each group of drummers performs four songs, followed by another group singing four songs to represent the four seasons.
Although the event was not crowded, participants eagerly embraced the dance floor and immersed themselves in the festivities. Terrance Sabbas, MSD Native American Liason, commented, “Round Dance is an annual event we host in collaboration with Native education, the Marysville School District, Tulalip youth advocates, and Totem Middle School. The vision when I started this round dance was to create unity between our people, district staff, and the community. To come together, enjoy our way of life, indulge in good food, and have a good time. In today’s uncertain times, I want people to connect. I want non-Natives to know us better and for our Native peoples to be around their relatives.”
Sabbas describes the round dance as a means of healing, noting, “When we share in this way, it heals us. Through this round dance, we can enjoy one another and our way of life deeply. This gathering provides comfort through togetherness.”
Emmarie Davis, a member of the Tulalip tribe, shared, “This is my first time coming. I had a great time dancing. It’s important to keep tradition alive, to be with our community, and to remember our old ways while spreading our culture to those who may have lost theirs or want to feel closer to the community.”
The Round Dance at Totem Middle School achieved its purpose: It created an inviting space for everyone to revel in a joyful evening filled with laughter, connection, and community spirit. Attendees left with warm hearts and cherished memories, eagerly anticipating the next time they can gather.
Lonni Long (left) and Israel Scott Rehaume (right)
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
Wellbriety is a transformative program dedicated to supporting Native communities in their journey toward addiction recovery. Integrating cultural traditions and holistic practices fosters reconnection among individuals and their communities, providing a nurturing environment that promotes healing beyond traditional twelve-step frameworks. The program emphasizes balance and harmony through methods like the medicine wheel, allowing participants to acknowledge their progress and manage their urges as they strive for a brighter future.
On February 20, Wellbriety hosted its third annual dinner at the Tulalip Dining Hall. Around 50 attendees celebrated this ongoing journey. The event highlighted the profound impacts of addiction on Native communities and the strides being made toward liberation.
As many Native communities have faced the painful legacies of addiction, Wellbriety has emerged as a beacon of hope. Its efforts, revitalized in 2023 in collaboration with Tulalip’s Family Services and Problem Gambling Program, assist individuals in finding the Red Road to recovery. During the dinner, Robin Johnson, a Chemical Dependency Professional, and Katy Berry, a Substance Use Disorder Professional from Tulalip Behavioral Health, facilitated a space for attendees to share their personal stories, illustrating how culture can serve as powerful medicine in reclaiming lives from despair.
The evening underscored that hope and healing are possible, even in the face of daunting challenges, reinforcing the importance of community and cultural identity in the recovery journey. Attendees recounted their distinct paths to sobriety—or should we say, Wellbriety. The journey looks different for each participant.
Israel (Scott) Rehaume, a Yakima Native with 13 years of sobriety, faced a difficult upbringing that led to destructive adult behaviors. After encountering the law, he realized the need for change.
For many, overcoming addiction is not just about abstinence; it’s about transformation and purpose. Israel reflects on his arduous journey with a determination to change. He aims to be the role model he always needed as a child. Rehaume shared, “It’s been a long road since my addiction started, and today, I strive to be the person I wish I had been then. Alcohol and drugs are slow suicide.”
His addiction began at six, bringing drinks to his father and his friends. “I thought my dad was a superhero, and that’s where it all began. I was allowed to drink at twelve, which eventually fueled my addiction with violence. We would get drunk and fight. Soon, I was drinking at school and was expelled at seventeen. I was living a hectic life filled with meth, and while it felt normal, it wasn’t.”
His turning point came after being shot in a drive-by. He also faced consequences for breaking and entering, which led to his first treatment sentence. During this time, he stayed clean for eight months before relapsing. Rehaume would finally achieve sobriety after being caught with a firearm and sentenced to prison. “When I got out, I didn’t let anything interfere with my sobriety. When I had my son, I wanted to ensure he was raised right,” Rehaume recounted. He stressed, “I do everything I can to help the community because I spent so much time peer-pressuring people into dope; now it’s time to peer-pressure them into getting clean.”
Rehaume encouraged community support, saying, “If you get enough people to lean on, then you won’t fall.” He believes that “sobriety and wellness are key.”
Lonni Long also shared her journey, revealing, “When I was 18, I knew I was an alcoholic. I thought I was going to die but didn’t want to do anything to change it.”
Lonni’s childhood was tumultuous, marked by the loss of her mother at ten and living with relatives. She recalled, “Growing up, I had to live with my relatives. From ages 8 to 12, I faced a lot of abuse, both sexually and emotionally. I started acting out at 13 to 14, drinking, smoking, and getting involved with gangs.
Despite attempts at recovery at ages 16 and 18, Lonni struggled with addiction, reflecting, “At first, it would work. I knew I wanted to do better, but alcohol made me feel happy.” At age 17, her sister’s sudden and tragic death plunged her into more profound grief, where she noted, “I became selfish and self-centered. That’s when I started using drugs. I began smoking meth and continued for 15 years straight.”
Lonni’s life spiraled into chaos: “I lost track of the constructs of time. Time didn’t mean anything to me.” After multiple DUIs and a period of not trusting anyone, she discovered she was pregnant. “I couldn’t change my life for myself. When my baby was born, it was like magic. He made me want to be better and to be clean and sober, which I never thought I could be.” After nine years of sobriety, Lonni emphasized, “This is just the beginning.”
Victor Garcia
Victor Garcia, a member of the Upper Skagit Tribe, reflected on his journey, saying, “It’s crazy to be coming to events and meetings. A year ago, I was in a dark place. I didn’t have anyone in my corner. It wasn’t until I met the people of Tulalip that I felt actual kindness and love. A few elders would tell me they had prayed and lit a candle for me. They would say they were thinking of me and praying for me. That was an encouraging thing to hear.”
It took a while for Garcia to find his footing as he struggled with active addiction for 12 years. However, he found positivity at the Wellbriety meetings, which he described as a source of great strength. “There’s a lot of good medicine,” he explained. Garcia noted how he saw people who were once on the streets with him, now doing better. He appreciates the program’s many supportive resources, stating that they equip participants with essential tools for maintaining sobriety.
The event closed with a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity with a countdown of sober time. Together, attendees celebrated an impressive collective total of 177.8 years of sobriety. Stories of hardship and healing echoed a shared truth: recovery is possible, and no one has to walk the path alone. For those seeking support, Wellbriety offers weekly meetings at the Tulalip Dining Hall every Friday at noon, with additional sessions at Behavioral Health Services. The next opportunity to connect is the annual Problem Gambling Awareness Community Dinner on March 15. Those interested in attending can RSVP at (360) 716-4400.
Located in the heart of the U Village shopping center is a coffee spot that has withstood the test of time. Originally opening its doors in 1972, this shop has seen many businesses come and go as the U Village has gradually grown into the high-end retail mecca that it is known as today. Nowadays, you’d be hard-pressed to not find a Starbucks within a 5-mile radius of any given location. But back then, this was the only Starbucks in the entire world, aside from the flagship store in Pike Place Market, which opened 60 years prior in 1912.
The second Starbucks to ever exist has received a couple of renovations throughout the years, in 1994 and once again in 2009. Most recently, the establishment decided to feature local artwork at the historic location, enlisting three Seattle artists to work on designs for the building’s exterior. And with a desire to incorporate traditional art from a local tribal artist, Starbucks also reached out to Tulalip’s own Walter Moses for a project inside the store.
“I just finished up my project with the Starbucks in the U Village,” exclaimed Walter. “One day I was checking my e-mails, and I got a random e-mail from somebody at Starbucks. I’m not sure how, but they got my info and said we would like you to do some designs for us, are you interested? And I was like, ‘uh, yeah!’.”
There is a significant amount of foot traffic in this particular Starbucks by shoppers who need a little extra boost as they check out the dozens of retailers in the village. The lounge is often filled to capacity by local UW students who enjoy a grande or venti sized beverage while they actively work toward their degree. Which of course means that there are many eyes that are constantly drawn to Walter’s work each and every day.
Said Walter, “It’s exciting because I get to leave something behind. They actually had a theme in mind, which was water. Being that it’s in the Pacific Northwest and next to the Puget Sound, they wanted to encompass some kind of water into the design. I told them, ‘Hey, good news because you know, we’re like thee water people. Because we eat salmon, we’re fishermen, and we live by the water. So, this is right up my alley,’.”
Upon entry to the store, customers are welcome to hop in line to place an order or find a space to take a seat in their lounge. Splitting the floor into those two areas is a partition in which one side features booth-style seating for the lounge. On the other side there are a number of high-top tables. Sitting directly on top of this partition, that aesthetically curves throughout the store, is a wooden rail. And this is where Walter’s designs are showcased.
“I did a salmon design, the salmon are spawning and going up a stream, and there are little salmon eggs around it. Another one I did were otters, because the otters are part of the water, and I think the design looks pretty cool. The otter is swimming on his back and holding a clam. The other one is two killer whales, and I did that because it’s a symbol of our Tribe. And I also did canoes with paddles in them, and there’s a salmon egg in the middle. It’s like the canoes are on the water and you can see the islands in the background.”
Last time Tulalip News caught up with Walter was during the pandemic as he was launching his business Salish Art Designs. This was highly anticipated at the time due to the rise in popularity of his cedar carved earrings. Since then, he has continued to expand that business and opened up an Etsy page to feature his items for sale and reach more potential buyers.
Originally, all of Walter’s earrings were hand painted onto cedar scraps that he salvaged from his job at a lumber mill. However, once he was featured in the syəcəb he began to receive an overwhelming amount of orders, requests, and inquires for the earrings. This is when he started looking into laser engraving machines to help streamline the process and keep up with the demand of his clientele.
Walter shared that he lives by a ‘keep your hands busy’ philosophy, so once he got the Etsy page up and running, he felt it was time to take his jewelry designs to the next level. By learning how to operate the Adobe Illustrator and Procreate software systems, Walter was able to elevate his art and utilize the latest technology and equipment, like laser engraving machines, to bring traditional artwork into modern day projects, such as the Starbucks railing.
He stated, “To me, it’s important that I utilize any and all ways to create art. Whether it’s drawing on a notepad, watercolor, painting, carving. I use printers as well as a photo printer. And I essentially use it to forward the the cultural awareness of art. There’s some skepticism. There are people who are critical of how I do some type of art. Some people criticize using laser machines. I’ve always been called out by a lot of artists and people who say why don’t you do traditional – why don’t you use like rock and stones? And it’s like, no. We use chainsaws and if chainsaws were available at the time our ancestors were alive, they’d be using them too.
“I’ve always been a techie guy since I was a kid. I was there at the dawn of computers, word processing, and typewriters. I was there when all that started kicking off. I’ve always been into electronics and video games, taking apart like radios and stuff and putting them back together. Using software is something that’s like a natural thing to me.”
As a Tulalip artist, Walter is very proud of continuing his family’s legacy in traditional art. He shared that his father, Master Carver Kelly Moses Sr., taught, encouraged, and inspired him to be the best artist he could be from an early age. Walter expressed a tremendous amount of joy in the work he did in the Tribal Designs department, a position he held for 14 months, but ultimately had to give up due to the strenuous daily commute from Bellingham to Tulalip. He stated that one of the best parts of that position was visiting Heritage High to pass on his knowledge and work on projects with the students.
“Our art is a visual way of telling stories,” he explained. “I don’t recollect us having a written language. The art was a way to tell a story and it’s an expression of self and family history. A lot of the stuff I do has some of the old traditional stories incorporated into them, but it also has modern stories, things that I’ve gone through, and my family has gone through. And also, just very important values.”
Next time you find yourself in the Seattle area, be sure take a trip to U Village to see his artwork in person. If you are interested in checking out some of Walter’s additional works, you can follow his Instagram page, @WalterMoses_Art. And to purchase his popular and beautiful jewelry, please visit his Etsy page, Salish Art Designs.
It is a truly beautiful moment to witness the recovery countdown and see dozens of Tulalip community members recognized for their work in taking back control against what is often referred to as a silent disease. 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 multiple issues that stem from the disease.
The recovery countdown occurs every year at the Tulalip Problem Gambling’s annual community dinner. Starting at 50 years, the event MC calls out increments of time down to one month. Each person who has attained the corresponding amount of gaming sobriety under their belt, stands up and is met with applause for their time, effort, and resiliency in the battle of their addiction. What started as a small gathering held in the halls of the Hibulb Cultural Center, has grown as word about the program has spread and more people are coming forward about their addiction and seeking aid.
The Tribe’s 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. They meet regularly to discuss what is and what isn’t working for their programs and to share ideas on how to educate their communities and provide prevention and treatment to those in need of assistance.
Over recent years, the community dinner has increased in participation, so much so that the event is now held at the Orca Ballroom of the Tulalip Resort Casino. In addition to the countdown, the dinner also includes live testimonies from recovering gambling addicts who share their trials and tribulations, but more importantly their triumphs. This gives the people in attendance an opportunity to relate, and it also serves as a moment to help inspire those who may be currently struggling.
Last year, 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. 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. 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.”
Overall, the program has become a reliable source for those attempting to put an end to their gambling addiction. Throughout the years, it has helped those in recovery 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.
The dinner occurs every March and is part of a national initiative known as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which was founded as a response to NCAA’s March Madness tournament. The Tulalip Problem Gambling Program has participated in the initiative for well over a decade and the amount of support and community participation is both impressive and uplifting.
The 2025 community dinner will be held on Saturday, March 15, at 6:00 p.m. in the TRC Orca Ballroom. As mentioned before, there will be the recovery countdown and speakers from the local problem gambling recovery community. There will also be a number of special guests including the 206 Singers, Tribal member Natosha Gobin, and this year’s event MC, Vaughn Eaglebear. And as many can attest, humor is a major aspect of healing for us as Native people, and for this reason, the program enlisted comedian JR Redwater (Standing Rock Sioux-Hunkpapa Lakota) as the headliner.
Said Sarah Sense Wilson, Tulalip Problem Gambling Coordinator, “We are excited to be hosting another annual Problem Gambling Awareness Community Dinner. We invite you all to share in celebrating recovery together. This is a special evening where we lift the voices of recovery, and enjoy fabulous entertainment, endless laughs, and amazing cuisine. This is a family friendly, free event. Please be sure to RSVP at (360) 716-4400.”
A year ago, the Tulalip boys were playing in the 4th round of the Tri-District Tournament hosted at Mt. Vernon Christian. In a highly contested game with the Muckleshoot Kings, the Hawks claimed a 3rd place finish after a thrilling 65-59 W.
Fast forward to this past weekend, the Tulalip boys were again playing in the 4th round of the Tri-District Tournament. This time it was hosted at the newly minted Muckleshoot Community Center. Their opponent? Summit Classical Christian (15-5) out of Issaquah. Just like last year, it would be another knock-down, drag-out battle that would come down to late game execution with a 3rd place finish and 2-game guarantee at State on the line.
The bright lights of Muckleshoot’s gym made for the perfect backdrop of what would be an epic example of clutchness by the Heritage Hawks (18-3). From the opening tip, it was clear the game would be a battle of wills and contrasting styles of play. Summit had all the height with several six-footers on the court at all times, but what Heritage lacked in height they made up for with blazing speed and quickness.
In the 1st quarter, Tulalip was determined to push the tempo and attack the basket regardless if shot blockers awaited them or not. They wanted Summit to know that they’d keep attacking and weren’t afraid of any contact from a would-be six-foot defender. Their constant pressure on the defense yielded multiple uncontested looks from downtown, where Amare splashed one and Davien splashed two, giving Heritage an early 20-13 lead.
Summit was intentional about getting the ball down low and consistently exploiting mismatches to their advantage in the 2nd quarter. Their height and rebounding ability were difficult to counter in the half court sets. Fortunately, Davien continued to his hot shooting from outside by hitting back-to-back 3-pointers. Notably, he was the only Hawk to get a bucket in the 2nd quarter. Going into halftime the game was knotted at 30-30.
Both teams scored exactly 13 points in the 3rd quarter. Summit’s scoring came from contested jumpers and long distance 2s, while Heritage’s offense came from a series of runners and floaters in the painted area.
Entering the 4th quarter, the game was tied 43-43. Guards J.J. Gray and Davien both showed their athletic prowess with a fancy finish each, contorting their bodies to get a shot off while multiple defenders went for a block attempt. Scoring on high degree of difficulty shots, Summit countered by splashing a 3 and then another long 2.
Trailing 47-48 with 6:30 to play, coach Shawn Sanchey put Amare back in the game with 4 fouls. In high school ball, players only get 5 fouls. Amare’s foul trouble forced him to sit out the entire 3rd quarter and opening plays of the 4th. The bench time meant he had the fresh legs necessary to ignite his team’s uptempo style again.
Amare back in the game gave Tulalip a 3-headed ballhandling monster that Summit was too exhausted and too worn down to keep up with. Over the game’s final six minutes, the boys decisive decision making and commitment to ball movement resulted in crisp passes and clutch buckets to the delight of their adoring fan base.
With the three ballhandlers dissecting the defense, forwards Davis and Tokala each scored two buckets apiece in the closing moments to clinch victory. A final score of 66-53 after once trailing 47-48 meant a so impressive 19-5 run by Heritage down the stretch to secure another Tri-District 3rd place finish.
Following the game, sophomore point guard Amare Hatch said of playing the final frame with 4 fouls, “My mindset was to keep playing hard defense, keep my hands up, and to stay out of my head so I could just play ball. I know my role is to bring the energy and when I’m spreading the ball around, it just opens up the game for everyone else. That’s when we’re playing our best. It feels really good to get this dub in front of all our fans and even the bigger tribal community who showed up to support us here in Muckleshoot.”
While Amare only finished with 3 points, he filled the intangibles box score by showcasing heart, hustle and grit when his team needed him most. J.J finished with 19 points, Davis added 12 points, and Davien continued to add to his resume by leading all scorers with 26 points, including making 4 of the team’s 5 made 3-pointers.
“Compared to all the height Summit had, we are a smaller run and gun team, but we are powered by a group of guards who will run for 4 quarters and not get tired,” said junior shooting guard Davien Parks. “At this point in the playoffs, we are going to keep seeing teams with more size and bigger bodies but when you have confidence in your game, like we do, that won’t stop us from playing our brand of basketball. Confidence can make up for a lot. For me, I believe I can takeover in any game I play and that this team can beat anybody in the State.”
A Heritage Hawks team full of confidence and armed with a determination to make school history now move on to the WIAA State Tournament. Their first round opponent is Willapa Valley. Game scheduled for 8pm Friday, February 28, at W.F. High School in Chehalis.
On Wednesday, February 12, the Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors met with Snohomish County Sheriff Susanna Johnson to strengthen community safety efforts and enhance interagency collaboration. During the meeting, tribal leaders, including Board members Misty Napeahi and Debra Posey, presented the sheriff with a check for $225,000 to upgrade the department’s crime analysis capabilities, a critical tool in modern law enforcement.
“The money we receive from the Tulalip Tribes supports our crime analyst and enhances our information systems,” said Sheriff Johnson. “It helps us track crime trends to deploy resources better, apprehend suspects, and address public health challenges. By monitoring arrests, substance use, and behavioral health data, we can focus resources more effectively and improve public safety.”
Crime analysis involves systematically collecting and reviewing data to identify trends, patterns, and hotspots that inform proactive policing strategies. Sheriff Johnson explained that access to accurate and timely crime data enables her team to allocate resources efficiently and respond more effectively. “Our crime analyst’s work is invaluable,” she noted. “It’s not just about reacting to events—it’s about understanding the full picture. With improved systems we can share data across jurisdictions and ensure that every call, from domestic disturbances to public health emergencies, is accurately coded and addressed.”
Sheriff Johnson emphasized the importance of strong partnerships with Tulalip and other tribes in Washington. “To serve all communities effectively, we must have these collaborations. We learn not only from tribal leaders but also by understanding cultural nuances that might otherwise be overlooked. Whether working with community members, crime victims, or suspects, this partnership strengthens our ability to serve fairly and effectively.”
Misty Napeahi and Debra Posey emphasized that this initiative involves more than just technology—it focuses on building trust and cultural competency. They pointed out that collaborations with tribal communities ensure law enforcement strategies are shaped by cultural insights, which is crucial for fairly serving crime victims and those accused of crimes.
Tulalip Police Department Chief Shawn Ledford expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating that it sets a precedent for how tribal and county agencies can collaborate to address modern challenges. “This partnership is a step toward safer communities for everyone,” Ledford said.
This collaborative effort highlights the power of data-driven decision-making and the shared responsibility of protecting communities. By analyzing data and fostering meaningful partnerships, Snohomish County and the Tulalip Tribes are creating a model for effective, community-focused law enforcement that can inspire similar initiatives across the region.
By Wade Sheldon; photos courtesy of Amoreena Anderson
The following small business owner is highlighted in our six-part series on handmade crafts and art for the April 12 General Council meeting: Tulalip tribal member Amoreena Anderson, owner of Coast Salish Soaps. Her sugar scrubs were selected as part of the gifts the Board of Directors chose for tribal members who attend the meeting. This initiative encourages participation in the vote and provides a platform for small businesses to showcase their products and artwork to the community.
For Anderson, running her own business is about more than selling products—it’s a deeply personal and fulfilling experience.
“It’s incredibly gratifying. Being my own boss allows me to control my work environment and choose what I create,” she shares. But beyond the freedom of entrepreneurship, her work has strengthened her family bonds. “It has also brought my children and me closer together. I make special soaps for my daughter and grandkids based on their needs, and that inspires me to develop products for the community as well.”
Her journey into soap-making began in 2011, but it wasn’t until around 2014 that she started making and selling soaps, including shampoo and conditioner bars. She obtained her official tribal business license between 2017 and 2018, allowing her to sell on the reservation legally.
As much as she loves creating, Anderson admits that marketing has been challenging, especially given her commitment to sustainability. “At the end of the day, owning my business is empowering. However, I’ll admit I struggle with marketing. I prefer a ‘naked’ product—no label or packaging—because I want to leave a minimal carbon footprint. Some people complain about it, but I want them to enjoy a great product.”
Despite this, her business has flourished. The order of sugar scrubs for the General Council meeting is her most significant yet, though her experience proves she’s more than ready for the challenge. “This is the largest order of sugar scrubs I’ve ever had. However, I’ve made nearly 10,000 bars of soap over the years,” she says. Her daughter, Maya, loves collecting her soaps, which Anderson appreciates as a tangible reminder of her growth. “I love it because it allows me to see my progress and how much I’ve grown in this business.”
Anderson’s dedication to high-quality ingredients and ethical sourcing truly sets Coast Salish Soaps apart. “I love knowing the ingredients that go into my products. I am very selective about where I source them,” she explains. She prioritizes supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) owned businesses across the U.S. “For example, I source my butter from a business called 3CayG, which is based in Florida. The owner has a shea butter and tree nut butter farm where she teaches and supports women. I also source oils and other materials from local cosmetic suppliers.”
While the fragrances for the General Council gifts remain a surprise, Anderson is excited for attendees to experience her sugar scrubs. “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to share my products with the community. My sugar scrubs have received amazing reviews, and I’ve impressed a lot of people—including myself.”
For Anderson, self-care is at the heart of everything she does. “If I could say anything to others, it would be this: self-care is important. Your skin is the largest living organ on your body—take good care of it. And if you’re thinking about self-care, please think of me!”
Coast Salish Soaps is more than just a business—it reflects Anderson’s passion, dedication, and commitment to her family and community. As she continues to grow, her products nourish the skin and carry a story of resilience, creativity, and care.
As part of Tulalip News’ six-part series on artists and crafts for the upcoming General Council meeting, four more talented innovators will be featured: Elishia Stewart with her delicious jams, Jen Tracy showcasing her stunning orca paintings, Bibianna Ancheta with her revitalizing chapstick, and Walter Moses presenting his elegant cedar clappers. These artists, like Anderson, are using their talents to create meaningful and high-quality products for the community.
