Tulalip News

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Back in May, the Washington Fatherhood Council and Tulalip Family Haven held an event known as the Fatherhood Café at the TELA gymnasium. With the intention to connect local fathers with resources and information, the four-hour gathering garnered nearly 30 participants. 

During this session, each father displayed a strong desire to learn as much as they could about becoming a better parent and were highly interactive throughout the afternoon. This work allowed the dads to open up about the challenges they face as Indigenous fathers. And it also provided them the opportunity to relate to one another and create bonds with other parents who are on a path toward the same goals.

Working together, the dads identified areas where they needed that extra support and guidance in their fatherhood journey from either the community, family members, or the Tribe. Topics included addiction recovery, reunification efforts, reintegration after incarceration, housing, employment, cultural and community gatherings, and assistance through the justice system. 

The Fatherhood Café resulted in a monthly gathering, planned by the dads for the dads, aptly dubbed Dads Group. Receiving a little guidance from Family Haven, the dads organize fun and engaging meetings that are kid and family friendly. With close to a dozen regular attendees, the dads are fully invested and are embracing that fatherhood role and all the challenges and successes that come with it. 

Dads Group is a unique experience that isn’t available on many reservations. At each meet up, they allow themselves the space and time be vulnerable and delve into heavy topics such as the loss of a child, the struggle of addiction, or the possibility of never seeing their kids again. 

And in response, the other dads show support by not only lending an ear and a shoulder, but also by offering advice and sharing how they got through similar problems in the face of adversity. Whether that’s cultural activities, spiritual work, group therapy, or even the incorporation of exercise into their daily lives, the dads keep an open mind and showcase a willingness to try new ideas and experiences. 

Now, though the topic of conversation may be serious, the vibe and air of the room is kept light. As Indigenous People, we will find a way to get our laughs in and bring that Native humor to the forefront of that heavy work. After all, laughter is a big part of healing for our people, and there is plenty of that to go around at Dads Group. 

The local dads often pick a theme and activity for the gatherings including traditional arts and crafts, as well as some holiday fun for the kiddos. The last two Dads Group meetings were based around the season, in October the group carved pumpkins while they chatted. And the activity for November was turkey hand crafting, just in time for Thanksgiving. 

As the Dads Group moderator, Sasha Smith, Family Haven’s Family and Youth Support Coordinator, helps keep the conversation rolling while also introducing new topics and providing resources/contact info based on the conversation. 

Said Sasha, “Family Haven has always had the Moms Group and supports for the moms, but there were never supports for dads. We know that dads are just as important to the family, whether it’s working, providing for your children, introducing culture, making sure they’re getting those teachings in the home. We realized that there wasn’t anything for dads, there’s really a lack of that out here, and that’s the missing link. And I realized that if there wasn’t going to be somebody else doing it, that I just needed to step up. So, I took the Moms Group model and used that to start the Dads Group.”

She continued, “I think that modern society always tells us that men shouldn’t speak up, men have to hold in their thoughts and feelings. But we know that is not good for our mental health. It’s not healthy to be alone, whether you’re in recovery, active addiction, maybe you’re going through separation, a divorce, whatever you are going through in life, it’s not healthy to do it alone. And whether it’s negative or positive, all those emotions are really raw, but once you learn that this is a safe space, then you realize it’s okay to let others be there to support you. At the end of the day, we’re all human and as Native people, we need that connection where we sit down, share a meal, and talk about whatever we’re going through.”

At the latest Dads Group, Robert Coberly and Dustin Moses shared an open discussion about their personal journey. They planned an outing for the group to visit a local CrossFit gym in Marysville. They also spoke about how a number of different Tribal programs and departments helped them along the way, including the Healing Lodge, Village of Hope, the MAP program, and the Healing to Wellness Court. 

When asked about why Dads Group is important to have in the community, Robert shared, “For the support. I come here for support for myself and to support other dads and connect them with resources. We did a BBQ and pumpkin carving last month and I got to bring my daughter. It’s great to be a part of this support group and hang out with the other dads and learn how they’re doing in life and just be a part of it.”

Dustin added, “Dads Group is beneficial for dads to access more knowledge on being a better parent and how to help yourself in the long run. This group has helped me in so many ways and I’ve had a whole bunch of new experiences so far. My first time coming here was really interesting because I learned a lot about the culture and parenting information. And it’s helping me learn more about myself. I’m really enjoying it.”

To bring the two-hour gathering to a close, Sasha assigned the dads some homework that they can do with their kids – watch the Disney Pixar movie, Inside Out, because they will be focusing on dealing with emotions at the next group meeting. 

Sasha shared that the Dads Group meet ups and outings will vary month to month and that the dads try to plan the group on days that will accommodate the majority of the participants schedules. She also extended an invite to the uncles and grandpas in the community who are helping raise children in their families. 

“Continue watching for the flexibility of the schedule,” she said. “We’re trying to make it as easy as possible. You don’t have to commit to the full two hours, you can drop in, grab a snack, grab a coffee. And once you do that a few times, just like everything in life, you start to build in that routine. And that’s we we’re doing here – teaching routine and consistency. I know that at first it can be a bit uncomfortable, but in order for us to learn, especially with our kids, we have to be uncomfortable to experience new things. So, swing by, say hi, and just feel out the vibe and the energy of the space.”

For more information, please contact Robert Coberly at (360) 640-8858, or Family Haven at (360) 716-3284. 

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Since the inception of the Tulalip’s Charitable Contributions Fund in 1993, the Tribe has donated approximately 126 million dollars in support to thousands of unique organizations. More commonly known as Tulalip Cares, the Fund provides the opportunity for a sustainable and healthy community by providing much needed funding to Washington State nonprofits and community groups who strive to make our shared reality a better place for all.

Kicking off the start of the holiday season, the Tribe, Resort Casino, Quil Ceda Village and Tulalip Cares combined forces to host an extravagant evening dubbed Raising Hands. It’s an annual event representing the purest spirit of Thanksgiving. 

Held in the Orca Ballroom, the always stylish space was filled with hundreds of representatives who work tirelessly to improve education, environmental stewardship, public services, cultural preservation, and health care within the state. Guests were cordially invited to come together in an atmosphere of appreciation to celebrate their common mission to improve our communities.

“First of all, I want to welcome everyone here to our homelands,” said Tulalip Board of Director Glen Gobin during his opening remarks. “Secondly, I’d like to thank each and every one of you for the work that you do in helping us build stronger communities, bringing people together for the common good, and recognizing opportunity gaps and doing what it takes to fill those gaps. You all truly represent what it means to step forward and make a difference.

“We’ve experiences so much growth since 1992 when Tulalip signed the first gaming compact in Washington State. As we’ve grown, we haven’t forgotten what it is like to be in need,” continued Glen. “The Tulalip Tribes started out with only 3 employees many years ago. Today, we have over 3,600 employees and work with over 7,900 vendors, most of whom are local and could be your neighbor. As we continue to grow and be successful, we maintain our responsibility to the greater community and uphold our traditional value of giving back. That is why we are so very proud to have provided over $6.2 million dollars in financial assistance to 500+ organization over the past year.”

Raising Hands isn’t just about dollars and cents. At the annual celebration, community change makers are given a chance to share their plans for the future and learn how other like-minded charities are striving to make a difference for the benefit of so many. This is an invaluable benefit for organizations who can sometimes struggle to get their message broadcast to larger audiences. 

“When you see people having these amazing, positive conversations that is when we see we are making a difference,” observed Tulalip Cares Director Marilyn Sheldon. “Giving people the opportunity to work together is worth its weight in gold. We try to show respect and honor these charities that give so much of themselves for this community. We want them to feel like the red carpet got laid out just for them.

“Each year, as soon as the event is over, we ask ourselves how we can help make the next one better,” she continued. “Some days, I feel so blessed that this is my job. We are so fortunate to be able to work with these amazing organizations in Snohomish County and throughout Washington State.”

During the 2024 rendition of Raising Hands, six standout nonprofits received special recognition for their exceptional creativity and effectiveness. Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, Naa KáaniNative Program, Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship, Purrfect Pals, Scarlet Road, and STEM Paths Innovation Network were each highlighted for their innovative and heart felt work. 

While cinematic videos detailing the amazing work of the featured nonprofits played on the Orca Ballroom’s several projection screens, the hundreds of honored guests in attendance were treated to a delectable 5-course dining experience.

The event ended with one last giving of thanks. One that paid tribute to still thriving Tulalip lifeways that are at the core of Tulalip Care’s vision to create a healthy and vibrant community. “To be without trees would, in the most literal way, to be without our roots,” read a table sign that attendees were directed to visit while exiting the Ballroom. On the table were gifts aplenty in the form of Western Red Cedars. Those that accepted the gift of cedar were instructed to plant it as a living memory of the special night of giving.

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Last issue, in celebration of Native American Heritage Month, we highlighted the educational exploits of one soon-to-be Tessa Campbell, Ph.D. who is actively indigenizing space on the University of Washington campus. This issue we turn our celebratory gaze to the awe-inspiring artistry of James Madison and a towering story pole installed on the banks of Lake Washington.

One of Tulalip’s master carvers, James is celebrated not only for his dedication to preserving our rich cultural heritage but also for his exceptional skill and craftsmanship in wood carving. His expansive portfolio, especially his soaring story poles, exemplifies his mastery in the art of Coast Salish carving and his commitment to upholding the stories and iconic imagery of his ancestors

“I started learning how to carve at 5-years-old. Some of my earliest carving memories are from when I’d be dropped off at my grandma Lois and grandpa Frank’s house every day during elementary,” recalled the now 50-year-old James in an episode of Hibulb Conversations. “I’d basically receive my culture teachings from them in the morning, before going to school at Whittier Elementary, then continue the culture teachings with them after school. Back then, my grandpa would carve around the kitchen table. He’d sit me down with my cousin Steven and we would watch and learn.” 

James comes from an artistic family that spans multiple generations and includes both Tulalip and Tlingit forebearers who were deeply rooted in cultural traditions and storytelling. They used a variety of tools and elements that were at their disposal at the time to display their most valued aspects of culture through art. 

Within the modern competitive art scene of the 21^st century, true masters of their craft seek to expand beyond the confines of what art should be and, instead, revel in the opportunity to express what art is. An ever-evolving perspective that isn’t limited by palette nor medium, Native American artists are always seeking innovative methods to highlight heritage like those who came before them.

“I always dreamt of being an artist like my grandpa and father before me,” admitted the Tulalip master carver. “There was a Haida artist named Bill Reid, who I never actually met in person, but he had a profound impact on me through his books filled with northwest coastal art and stunning sculptures that were 15- to 20-feet large. When I was young, his books were accessible to me and I’d look through them constantly; studying his technique and visualizing what I’d do if I had the ability to create things larger than life.”

Out of that larger than life vision has sprung a stunning, one-of-one story pole. The core of a 600-year-old Red Cedar tree has been intricately hand-carved into a traditional story that has been passed on from one generation to the next. Depicted in the 20-foot tall, 2,000-pound pole is a traditional tale passed on from a grandfather to his grandson during one of those aforementioned culture teachings as child.

“My grandpa used to tell me this story about Thunderbird and Black Fish, which depicted the origins of Snoqualmie Pass,” explained James moments after the pole’s raising. “A long time ago, there used to be thunderbirds flying in the sky. When they flapped their wings, they made lighting and thunder. Black Fish swam in the ocean, but would come to the surface from time and time and jump out when necessary to gather. Whenever Thunderbird and Black Fish saw one another, they’d become jealous of what the other could do. One could fly and one could swim. 

“They would bicker to each other and brag about which ability was better, swimming or flying. One day, they just had enough of each other’s talk and decided to fight. Thunderbird swooped down from the sky as Black Fish leapt from the water and they met in mid-air. They tussled around, fighting each other, until they eventually landed on the mountains. They continued their tussle, crushing their way through mountainous rock down until they reached the water. Thunderbird soared back into the sky and Black Fish propelled itself back into the ocean. What their fight created was a path over the mountain that we know today as Snoqualmie Pass.”

It took James one full year of meticulous carving with various tools and techniques, from chisels and adzes to sanders and finishing tools, to complete this story pole. His control over each tool further demonstrates his mastery, allowing him to achieve the deep textures, contours, and details that give his cedar formed figures life and meaning.

Behind the story, literally on the pole’s back, are six animals that were requested to represent the commissioner’s family. Seahawk, bear, sea otter, wolf, shark, and beaver totems only add to the cultural significance the pole represents in the heart of Coast Salish territory. Through artistic vision, James and his fellow master carvers are creating a future in which our culture thrives and inspires. They are connecting the past, present and future through an enduring art form – storytelling in wood.