The rain came down in steady sheets during Tulalip Heritage’s second to last home game of the regular season. Local news outlets reported it was the Pacific Northwest’s wettest day in nearly two years, but that historic downpour didn’t stop the celebration.
With umbrellas out and hearts full, the Hawks community gathered to honor their senior football players and cheerleaders under the bright lights. Families and friends filled the stands despite the inclement weather.
Proud momma bear Winona Shopbell-Fryberg shared, “It’s senior night for our son, Tokala Black Tomahawk. I can’t believe this is his last year of school and sports. He started playing when he was just 6-years-old. On that first team were two of his fellow Heritage teammates. They even all went to Arizona and won a youth championship together. It’s just been amazing watching them all grow into young men.”
In the home bleachers, parents and guardians, aunties and uncles huddled beneath ponchos and blankets, smiling as their seniors played their butt’s off on the Tulalip Bay gridiron. Laughter echoed between bursts of rain as the smallest fans, younger siblings and baby cousins, waved handmade signs celebrating their heroes.
By the game’s final whistle, the scoreboard didn’t matter nearly as much as the spirit shown that October 24 night. Try as it might, the rain couldn’t wash away the pride of Tulalip Heritage. If anything, it made it shine even brighter.
“To my son, Ryland Dumont, you make us so proud!” exclaimed Melody Dumont. She also serves as Heritage’s lead football trainer. “These last few years have been a blast watching [our boys] showcase leadership and strength on and off the football field.”
After the game, each senior was escorted onto the field by loved ones to be recognized for their dedication and contribution to Tulalip Heritage’s football program. The sound of cheers mixed with the rhythm of rainfall as names were called from the P.A. system. Each player and cheerleader received flowers and hugs from proud family members and coaches.
“Rain or shine, these boys have shown real grit and grind all season long,” said Heritage head coach Shawn Custis as he coordinated a giant team photo with each senior’s support system at the 50-yard line. “This really is a great group of kids. I’m honored to be their coach.”
With the regular season winding down and playoffs about to start, the Heritage Hawks look forward to getting all their players back on the field. The coaching staff is hopeful, with a fully engaged depth chart, the Hawks can soar into the win column again in 2025.
Learning a new language can often feel daunting. You might find yourself asking, where do I start? How do I stay consistent? The Tulalip Tribes’ Lushootseed Department has looked closely at those very questions and found a way to help. Their solution is something both modern and deeply cultural: a new Tulalip Lushootseed App, created to make learning our traditional language easier, more engaging, and accessible for everyone.
As someone who’s been exploring the app myself, I can say it feels like a bridge between the past and the present, a tool that makes Lushootseed learning not only possible but also enjoyable. The app greets you with clear categories: greetings, family, foods, animals, and weather. Each section includes spoken examples from fluent speakers, making it easy to hear pronunciation and rhythm —often the most complex parts of learning a new language.
The design itself feels welcoming. Real photos of community members and cultural items replace the stock images you might see in a typical language app, grounding each lesson in Tulalip’s own identity. There’s also a section called “Culture Notes,” where short explanations and visuals offer a deeper understanding of the teachings behind certain words. It’s not just about memorizing vocabulary; it’s about learning the meaning and story carried within each word.
One of my favorite parts is how interactive it feels. The app includes quizzes, audio games, and a search bar that lets you look up any word you’ve heard in conversation or at a community event. For example, I was able to find the Lushootseed word for “friend” quickly, listen to how it’s said, and then test myself in one of the mini-games. These small learning moments add up, and the repetition helps the words stick.
What stands out most is the app’s flexibility. You don’t need to set aside a whole class or schedule time with a teacher to learn; you can open it whenever you have a few spare minutes, while you’re drinking your coffee, sitting in the car, or winding down in the evening. Every word you learn, even just one a day, strengthens your connection to Tulalip’s language and heritage.
The Lushootseed Department has long been dedicated to revitalizing dxʷləšucid, the language of this land, through classroom lessons, songs, signage, and storytelling. This app is the next natural step in that journey, a way to reach people of all ages and learning styles, including those who might not have had the chance to take in-person classes.
For anyone who has ever thought, “I’d love to learn Lushootseed, but I don’t know where to start, this app is your invitation. It’s available now for free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Once downloaded, it’s as simple as pressing play and repeating after the speaker. Start small, learn a few words, and grow from there.
Language is more than communication; it’s a reflection of who we are as a people. The Lushootseed app ensures that our words, our songs, and our stories can continue to be shared, spoken, and heard, no matter where we are.
Summertime usually steals all the shine when talking about Tulalip events and cultural gatherings. Which is understandable, considering many of these big-name events are practiced outdoors, such as the Stick Games Tournament, the Salmon Ceremony, Boom City’s Fourth of July festivities, the War Canoe Races, and the intertribal Canoe Journey.
But the autumn and winter months are jampacked with celebrations, activities, and gatherings too. Especially this year. Below you will find over 15 upcoming events happening at Tulalip over the next couple months. This includes many holiday themed get togethers as well, ranging from Jack Skellington all the way to Sandy Claws.
So, make sure to jot these dates down on your personal calendars or upload them to your digital apps because we are in for a fun holiday season at Tulalip!
Trunk or Treat. Sunday, October 26at 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Boom City
Local nonprofit, Together We’re Better, brings back their popular Halloween-time event! If you’re looking for a safe and fun place to show off your costumes and do a bit of trick-or-treating, be sure to drop by Boom City and check out dozens of spooky themed trunks and displays.
Problem Gambling Family Night. Wednesday, October 29 at 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., Tulalip Family Services
The Tulalip Problem Gambling program invites you and your loved ones to their Family Night event. All ages welcome. Dinner provided.
From the event flyer – “Learn about problem gambling, how to support your loved one, and about healing from the impact of gambling addiction. There will be time for Q&A.”
Spooktacular Open House. Thursday, October 30 at 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Tulalip Youth Center
Join the Tulalip Education Division this Halloween Eve for a movie night, trick or treating, family photos, and pumpkin painting. There will also be tours of the Teen Center campus as well as educational information booths for Tribal families.
The Sacred Stone Camp live reading. Saturday, November 1 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hibulb Cultural Center
Local Indigenous Author, Rae Rose, will be dropping by the Hibulb Cultural Center for a reading of her new children’s book, The Sacred Stone Camp, which centers around LaDonna BraveBull Allard as she gathered water protectors to protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Ballot Party. Tuesday, November 4 at 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Tulalip Admin Room 162
By now, you should’ve received your ballot and voter’s pamphlet in the mail. Be sure to fill that out and bring it on into the Admin building on Election Day. At the Ballot Party, you can register to vote, cast your vote, and enjoy some light refreshments and good company while you perform your civic duty. A raffle will also be held for all party goers!
Season of Healing – November Gatherings. Tuesday, November 4
This year’s second Season of Healing session of the year will feature both a lunchtime lecture as well as a dinner and healing ceremony. The November Season of Healing gatherings will be focused on Honoring our Elders and will feature keynote speakers, James LaBelle Sr. & Susan LaBelle. Lunch will be from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in room 162 of the Admin building. Dinner and Ceremony will be held at the Gathering Hall and will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Flu & Covid Vaccine Pop Up. Wednesday, November 5, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m., Tulalip Health Clinic
Protect yourself, your family, and your community. Vaccines will be available for community members of all ages. For more details, please contact (360) 716-4511.
Holiday Native Bazaar. November 14 & 15 at 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Tulalip Gathering Hall
This highly anticipated event continues to grow year after year. Dozens of Tulalip artists and entrepreneurs will be in attendance selling the likes of regalia, jewelry, weavings, tasty treats and much more! The first weekend of the Holiday Native Bazaar will be held at the Gathering Hall.
Holiday Round Dance. Friday, November 21 (Time TBD), Everett Community College
Stay tuned as more information about the Holiday Round Dance will soon be released, including Grand Entry time! Below is a quick summary of the annual gathering.
“A night of community, culture, and connection at Everett Community College’s Round Dance, hosted by the First Nations Club & Diversity & Equity Center! An evening of honoring traditions, building relationships, and celebrating Indigenous resilience. Dinner will be provided — come hungry and ready to share a meal. Local vendors — support Indigenous artists, makers, and small businesses. All singers welcome! Everyone welcome!”
Lights & Ice Festival
Washington’s largest and most dazzling holiday lights display makes its return for the third consecutive year this November 22 and will run all the way through January 11. If you have yet to experience Lights & Ice at Quil Ceda Village (Tulalip Bingo, Tulalip Resort Casino, Tulalip Amphitheater), we definitely encourage you and your family to pay a visit this holiday season. Below are some important dates to remember for a handful of Lights & Ice events this year. Every weekend during Lights & Ice, between 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., there will be special guests in attendance including Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and Buddy the Elf.
Lighting Ceremony – Saturday, November 22 at 4:30 p.m.
Tribal Night – Tuesday, November 25 at 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Holiday Weekend Market- November 28 & 29 at 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Celebrate your favorite Tribal member(s)! Admin & other Tribal facilities will be closed in observance of the holiday.
Holiday Native Bazaar . December 5 & 6 at 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Tulalip Youth Center
Missed the first weekend of the Holiday Bazaar? Need to cop a few last-minute Christmas gifts? Want to treat yo’ self with some fine Indigenous craftsmanship? Look no further than the Holiday Native Bazaar! Please note that this weekend’s event will be held at the Teen Center.
Season of Healing – December Gatherings, Tuesday, December 9
The December Season of Healing theme is ‘Building a Strong Foundation’ and will feature guest speaker, Camie Goldhammer, the Founding Executive Director of Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services. The lunch series will be held at the Admin building, room 162, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. And the dinner and honoring ceremony will take place at the Gathering Hall, starting at 5:30 p.m.
MSD Indian Education Department & Tulalip Education Division Holiday Powwow. Saturday, December 20 Grand Entry at 5:00 p.m., Francis J. Sheldon Gymnasium
Where Christmas and culture collide! The fan-favorite holiday powwow draws close to 1,000 people each holiday season. In addition to the soothing sound of jingle dresses and the big reverberation of the round drum, the powwow will also feature Santa’s Workshop, where MSD students can pick out a toy of their liking upon meeting good ol’ St. Nick. Numerous vendors will be in attendance as well, so if you are a last-minute shopper and find yourself still needing to buy presents five days before Christmas, you can pick up a few items at the powwow!
Warm songs, heartfelt stories, and a powerful sense of unity filled the Don Hatch Youth Center on Friday, October 17, as community members gathered for Tulalip’s annual Coastal Jam for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Hosted by the Legacy of Healing, the event invited survivors, families, and supporters to share in a meal, hear powerful words, and dance together in healing and solidarity.
For organizer Malory Simpson, the evening carried both reflection and renewal. “At the start of the event, I was a little worried,” she admitted. “Things were slow, and for a moment, we had only a couple of tables filled. But not long after, I looked up, and the room was full. That shift really struck me. I know how difficult it can be to sit through conversations about topics that are uncomfortable or emotionally heavy, like domestic violence. But the people who showed up clearly cared not just about the event, but about the deeper message behind it.”
Throughout the evening, community members listened intently as Malory shared statistics and stories about the realities of domestic violence. “The room was quiet and fully tuned in,” she said. “That moment stayed with me. It was powerful to see our community so present, engaged, and willing to hold space for such an important conversation.”
One of the most moving moments came when a speaker, invited at the last minute, courageously shared her personal story. “She opened up about her journey in a way that was both powerful and deeply moving,” Malory shared. “Afterward, she told me she felt a noticeable sense of relief that she had been carrying a heaviness in her chest, and speaking her truth lifted it. It was a beautiful reminder of how healing it can be to share your story.”
Lead Advocate Marisa Chaves echoed that same sentiment. “What truly stood out this year was how the community came together not only to support survivors, but also to learn how to be a resource for others,” she said. “It was a powerful reminder that awareness is growing, and people want to be part of the solution.”
The event closed with a Coastal Jam, where the sounds of drums and songs carried a message of resilience. “The drums, the songs, the format, they’re more than tradition,” Malory explained. “They’re medicine. They create a sense of connection, grounding, and shared strength. Ending the evening with song and dance brings balance. It allows us to close in a good way, lifting the heaviness and reminding us of our resilience.”
Looking ahead, both Simpson and Chaves hope to continue the momentum through community collaboration and support. “We know real change doesn’t happen in a single night,” Malory said. “Next year, we want to strengthen partnerships and look at ways to include more generations of youth, elders, and new community voices to continue this movement year-round.”
The Legacy of Healing team expressed deep gratitude for the Tulalip Foundation, Tulalip Events, and Tulalip Problem Gambling programs, whose contributions helped make the night possible.
The advocates also emphasized the importance of accessible resources for those in need of support. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available through:
Legacy of Healing -360-716-4100
Tulalip Behavioral Health- 360-716-4400
Mother Nation Domestic Violence Program – 206-722-2321
TOCLA (Tribal Office of Civil Legal Aid) – 206 816-0577
Puyallup Tribe Domestic Violence Advisory Center – 253-680-5499
For those who couldn’t attend, the message remains clear: You are not alone. You are not to blame. You deserve safety, respect, and healing.
The Legacy of Healing continues to accept donations to directly support survivors in moments of critical need, from providing emergency meals and shelter to covering essential needs during transitions to safety.
As Malory reflected, “Ending violence begins with awareness, but healing begins with community. Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate future for everyone.”
For Rico Jones-Fernandez, serving his community has never been a job. It’s been a calling. From running his own grassroots needle exchange program to going door-to-door handing out NARCAN kits, the 37-year-old tribal member has been on the frontlines of the harm reduction movement for years
He’s also recognized throughout the Reservation for his endless advocacy that ultimately led to Tulalip enacting the Lois Luella Jones Law– a Good Samaritan measure protecting people who call 911 during an overdose.
Now, his calling has led him to a new chapter, becoming the coordinator of the Pallet Shelter. For those who aren’t aware, the Pallet Shelter is the Tribe’s 20-unit transitional housing site designed to give homeless tribal members a safe and dignified space in a community environment.
Located at 6304 19th Avenue NE, the Pallet Shelter community opened in early 2023 as part of Tulalip’ broader supportive housing strategy. The small, climate-controlled shelters (16 single units and 4 doubles) provide residents with privacy, security, and the stability needed to focus on recovery and rebuilding. The site also includes shared kitchen and laundry facilities, 24/7 security, and coordinated access to a broad range of mental health, substance use, and wellness services.
When it launched, Tulalip Chairwoman Teri Gobin described the Pallet Shelter as “the difference between life and death for some of our people.” Since opening, it’s been close to or at full capacity. The Pallet Shelter has proved, over and over again, to be a huge stepping stone for those seeking to rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness and/or addiction.
Now, with Rico at the helm, the Shelter’s mission can expand into a space of harm reduction and healing that stems from empathy and years of experience.
Rico’s drive to help others began from heartbreak. Fifteen-years ago, his mother Lois Luella Jones died from a drug overdose. In her honor, Rico became a leading advocate for the Lois Luella Jones Law, which was formally adopted into Tulalip’s Good Samaritan ordinance in 2014. It protects those who call 911 during an overdose from arrest or prosecution. Placing higher value on saving lives than filing drug charges.
“Losing my mom broke my heart,” Rico reflected. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t wonder what I could have done differently to save her. I don’t want anyone else to lose someone they love because they were afraid to ask for help or didn’t know what services are available.”
That spirit of service, rooted in compassion and implementable action, has guided Rico ever since. Long before his new position as Pallet Shelter coordinator, he worked tirelessly to reach the unreachable through proven harm reduction methods. He casually recalls exchanging hundreds of clean needles and distributing NARCAN kits, while checking in on people living in cars and tents in homeless encampments and under freeway overpasses. All without a police escort or State, County or Tulalip assistance.
“In order to reach the unreachable, you have to build trust. Plain and simple,” explained Rico. “If I had showed up with police or other emergency services, they’d be all standoffish or, worse yet, afraid they were going lose all their belongings and go to jail. But because I started with the needle exchange and caring about lowering risks of contracting and spreading Hepatitis-C and HIV, they trusted me when I came around later with NARCAN.
“I was building trust while advocating for their safety,” added Rico. “Letting them know that I care about them and their life, so much so that I’d come around however many times until they exchanged their dirty needles for clean ones and accepted the NARCAN because I meant what I said when I told them it could save their lives.”
That was nearly a decade ago. Long before it became common place for households and businesses to keep NARCAN on-hand to prevent overdose death.
Rico never waited for a title, funding, or staff. “Back then, all I had was my car, my phone, and my mom’s spirit pushing me. That was enough,” he said. “Now, working at the Pallet Shelter, I have access to more resources and have support from tribal departments, like the Recovery Resource Center, to develop harm reduction strategies and to create more partnerships with local health services.”
As coordinator, Rico’s focus is on bridging the Pallet Shelter’s resources with the trust he’s built over years of grassroots outreach. His leadership emphasizes harm reduction as a doorway to safety and healing rather than a barrier to housing.
“At the Pallet Shelter, we meet people where they’re at,” Rico said. “If someone is struggling, that doesn’t mean we turn them away. It means we walk with them, one step at a time. Of course, the dream scenario is each resident getting clean. But that’s not the reality.
“Harm reduction means taking any step forward is a win,” he continued. “It means success can be anything from filling out job applications to cooking your own meals, to getting your driver’s license back to finding a recovery meeting that suits you. And, of course, it means being willing to go through treatment and get clean, but we have got to remember that you can’t just undo decades of addiction in a few months.
“Everyone’s journey to recovery starts with a few steps forward, and I’m here to take those steps forward, side by side, with anyone willing.”
With students spilling out onto grassy quads and Boston’s Charles River bustling with rowers, Tulalip Tribal Councilmember Theresa Sheldon walked across the storied campus of Harvard Business School. For one week, she joined tribal leaders from across Indian Country for an intensive program designed to strengthen leadership skills and expand the tools available to Native governments.
Theresa Sheldon
Harvard’s Tribal Leaders Program is a premier executive education course tailored for tribal officials navigating the complex world of governance, sovereignty, and nation building. Theresa was one of more than 80 participants who spent six days immersed in case studies, lectures, and discussions inside the ivy-covered walls of one of the world’s most influential academic institutions.
Education has always been important to the now 47-year-old Theresa. Although she graduated college in 2005 with a pre-law degree, as a self-described lifelong learner she has sought out broadening her skill set and adding knowledge wherever possible. This latest educational experience, at prestigious Harvard of all places, was an opportunity to grow as a leader and bring innovative knowledge back to Tulalip.
“The biggest take away was learning about executive leadership from an international viewpoint as it helped me step outside the box,” she shared. “Many times, as an elected official you feel overwhelmed when you do not know an answer to something complex. This program helped teach you steps and processes for finding solutions that may seem unattainable.”
Theresa attend all-day sessions for a full week to earn her Harvard certificate
The course used real-world case studies of corporations and governments pushed to their limits, including some that rose to the challenge and others that failed. These examples, Theresa said, revealed the full spectrum of outcomes and offered insight into decision-making under pressure.
“Some did well, and others did horrible,” she said. “Being able to learn from the good and bad helps you to think creatively when under stress.”
Outside of the classroom, the Harvard campus became a hub of exchange and camaraderie. During long lunches under shady trees and lively dinners in the dining hall, Theresa and her peers dug into the unique complexities of their own tribal governance systems.
“The program had over 80 tribal officials and so we spent our lunches and dinners together on campus going over our own complex government systems and discussing how to govern in a more holistic manner,” she said. “It was really encouraging to be in a setting with nerds who wanted to learn and find better ways of leading.”
Those “nerds,” as Theresa affectionately called them, represented the heart of what made the experience so meaningful. A true gathering of Native leaders deeply committed to the hard work of self-determination and strengthening their communities.
Harvard Business School (est. 1908) is located in Boston, Massachusetts.
For Theresa, the week reaffirmed her conviction that learning is not just for students in classrooms, rather learning is a right and worthy pursuit for every Tulalip citizen, regardless of age.
“The real highlight for me is if someone has an opportunity to learn a new skill, to take it, as we are lifelong learners,” she reflected. “Keep supporting our college students who are away from home learning new skills so they can bring it home and help their nation excel. True nation building is when we grow our people so they may contribute to the whole nation excelling together. Focusing on nation building also shouldn’t be limited to just today, but go well the future as we consider the generations yet to come.”
Secretary Sheldon’s participation and completion of Harvard’s Tribal Leaders Program is an investment in leadership and education. In addition, it’s a reminder that when tribal leaders strengthen their own skillsets, they also expand opportunities for their entire tribe and local community.
Theresa described her time in Boston as both humbling and energizing. Walking through Harvard’s historic lecture halls, she carried with her the responsibility of representing Tulalip, the voices of her community, and the aspirations of generations yet to come.
Now back home, she’s determined to translate the lessons learned into practical strategies that can help Tulalip navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence.
“I see this as part of the bigger picture,” she explained. “We are all tasked with building up our nation. By investing in ourselves as leaders, we’re also investing in the future of Tulalip. That is what true nation building is all about.”
The week at Harvard may have been brief for Theresa, but the knowledge, connections, and vision gained are already being woven into Tulalip’s ongoing journey of sovereignty and self-determination.
Warm embraces, soft songs, and tearful smiles filled the Gathering Hall as Tulalip came together in a powerful act of healing and homecoming. On Tuesday, October 7, community members gathered for the first ceremony of Season of Healing 2.0, guided by Sandy White Hawk, founder of the First Nations Repatriation Institute. Through the Welcoming Circle, those who had been abused, neglected, taken away, or simply finding their way back were greeted with open arms, wrapped in blankets, and surrounded by love.
The evening was led by Tulalip tribal member Tony Hatch, whose calm presence and thoughtful words guided the flow of the night. It began with a salmon dinner and healing teas, setting the tone for reflection and connection. Deep, heartfelt words were shared by local tribal members, each speaking from places of love, pain, and hope. One of the most touching moments came during the Welcome Home Circle, when community members came forward to wrap blankets around those being honored. As each individual was embraced, smiles began to break through, expressing relief, belonging, and acceptance that filled the room with emotion.
Tony spoke about the importance of cultural strength and carrying forward the teachings that once faced erasure. “It always makes us feel good when our young people get up and speak, especially when they speak our traditional language,” he said. “Those things were once punished, but our elders persevered. Because of them, our traditions and identity are still here, and they will continue for the next seven generations.”
Sandy White Hawk
Following the welcome and meal, Sandy White Hawk, a Sicangu Lakota woman and head elder of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS), shared a heartfelt message about reconnection, language, and the power of returning home. “I was adopted out when I was 18 months old,” she said. “It took me many years to find my family again, so much fear, so much worry about rejection, but when I finally made it home, I realized my mother had always been there. The land itself was hers.”
Sandy spoke about how healing begins when Indigenous people reclaim their language, culture, and place within their communities. “Our languages are healing,” she explained. “When I say, ‘I greet you with a good heart,’ I can’t say it unless I truly have a good heart.” She encouraged everyone to take pride in their roots, to speak their language without fear, and to remember that correction from elders is an act of love. “If someone corrects you, it’s because they care for you,” she said. “They don’t want you to be hurt again.”
Reflecting on the purpose of the Season of Healing ceremonies, Sandy emphasized that every community must shape healing in its own way. “Every nation must make it their own circle, with your own songs, your own words, your own way of welcoming people home,” she said. “That’s where the true healing lives.”
Linda Jones
Among the voices that evening was Tulalip tribal member Linda Jones, who shared her own powerful story of survival, resilience, and healing. Taken from her parents at the age of seven, Linda spoke about the lasting pain of being raised in foster care and learning to carry that trauma into adulthood. “When children are taken from their parents, we think it’s our fault,” she said. “We start to believe we’re unlovable.” After years of struggle, Linda found her way back to community and herself. “This is a different experience for me,” she said. “In my healing journey, it’s the first time in a long time that I feel like I belong.”
Now four years sober, she spoke of building a new legacy of strength and presence for her family. “Every one of you is essential to the well-being of our community,” she said. “When you’re not in the circle, there isn’t anybody who can take your place.”
Princess Jones
Another deeply moving moment came from Tulalip tribal member Princess Jones, who shared her journey of loss, survival, and rediscovery. Taken from her biological family at the age of five, Princess grew up in foster care, carrying wounds that followed her into adulthood. “When I came back, I was welcomed with open arms,” she said. “There was so much love, so many new faces, but it was overwhelming. I wasn’t comfortable with human touch. I felt like an outsider, and even now, I still struggle with that feeling.”
Her healing began when she reconnected with Tulalip’s teachings and Lushootseed language. “Something started to change when I was hired as a Lushootseed Warrior,” she said. “Reconnecting with our language and understanding the values our ancestors carried, that’s where I began to feel healing in my spirit and soul.” After decades of addiction and pain, Princess shared that reconnecting to her culture gave her purpose. “Now I hear our ancestors. I see them. I know the reason I made it back home is because they were watching over me, protecting me, and guiding me.”
Her message carried the heart of Season of Healing: “If we truly want to welcome our people home, we have to do more than open our arms,” she said. “We need to listen. We need to understand that some of us are coming back with wounds that don’t heal easily. Have patience and never give up. Be the light that we need when darkness consumes us.”
As the evening came to a close, Sandy White Hawk reminded everyone that healing is not a single event, but a lifelong journey, one strengthened by community, laughter, and love. For those wanting to continue their own journey of understanding, her book “A Child of the Indian Race: A Story of Return” offers a powerful look into her life and the broader movement of Indigenous reclamation and healing.
The next Season of Healing 2.0 gathering will take place on Monday, November 4, at the Tulalip Gathering Hall, focusing on “Honoring Our Elders.” The event will begin with a community lunch featuring James LaBelle Sr., Second Vice President of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, and his wife, Susan LaBelle, followed by a ceremonial dinner and an evening of reflection.
Through each gathering, Tulalip continues to show that healing is not only possible, it’s happening here, together, one circle at a time.
Two Tulalip tribal members are going toe-to-toe this election day as they fight for a seat on the Marysville School District Board of Directors. Malory Simpson and Ray Sheldon Jr. are both well-respected leaders in the community of Tulalip and hope to earn your vote this November 4.
This is a historic moment in the fact that two Tribal members are on the ballot for the first time and are facing off against each other for this seat. This is important to note because District 1’s service area covers the majority of the Tulalip reservation.
Most recently, this seat was held for nearly a full term by non-tribal member, Connor Krebbs. Prior to that, Chris Nations, also non-tribal, served in this position for twelve years. The last time the seat was occupied by a Tulalip tribal member was in the early aughts by Don ‘Penoke’ Hatch. That is, of course, not including the past five months in which Malory has served District 1 in an interim role after Krebbs resigned from the position at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.
Now, although the headline of this article reads like a marquee on fight night, Malory and Ray have shown nothing but respect for one another. And the real winners, no matter the result from Election Day, are Tulalip and its future leaders as they are guaranteed to have someone in this position for the next four years who has their kiddo’s best interests in mind and will advocate for tribal students throughout their term.
Malory is currently the Director of the Tribe’s Legacy of Healing and the Children’s Advocacy Center. Over the past decade, she has built up her community-focused nonprofit organization, Together We’re Better, and has created fan favorite events such as the annual Easter Bunny Run and Halloween time’s Trunk or Treat.
Once she earned her degree from NWIC, she immediately began putting everything she learned into play and started pouring it back into her community. Malory is also a product of the Marysville School District, as are her children, three of whom have recently graduated and one who is just starting her high school journey. She comes from a long line of educators and served as a student advocate for a number of years at Quil Ceda Tulalip, where her eldest daughter is currently in her first-year teaching at the elementary.
After being sworn-in as Interim Director of District 1 in July, Malory shared, “It’s vital to have Tulalip representation, not only to support our students and community, but to show that anything is possible when we uplift one another. Our presence sends a message: we stand together, and we show up for each other. This means everything to me. Who are we without our families, our friends, and the communities that shape us? These are the people who guide, challenge, and nurture us—whether through joy or adversity, each experience becomes a powerful lesson.”
She continued, “I’m eager to embrace growth and tackle new challenges. Stagnation isn’t in my nature—I thrive on progress and forward momentum. My goal is to join a team committed to driving meaningful change and working collaboratively for the betterment of the district. After being sworn in, it was straight to business—our meeting kicked off and we hit the ground running. The energy was good, the conversations were meaningful, and it felt right. I’m genuinely excited to be part of this team.”
Ray’s name has been on the ballot for the District 1 seat over the past several four-year terms. Although he has yet to be elected to the position, his dedication to tribal students has never wavered. And through his actions, like showing up at nearly every MSD Board meeting, Ray has been able to use his voice to advocate for students of color and students living with special needs.
Ray initially began running for the MSD Board because he was encouraged to pick up where Penoke left off. Endorsed by Penoke himself, Ray was determined to get on the board in 2017 and really take a look at the budget and make any necessary changes to ensure that the needs of tribal kids and students with disabilities were being met. This was prior to the recent budget fiasco and financial woes that have plagued the school board over the past couple of years. He was also an advocate of the 2020 levy that would’ve prevented the closure of four MSD schools and the relocation of hundreds of students.
You might know Ray from his work with his daughter’s nonprofit organization, Leah’s Dream Foundation. Leah’s Dream puts on monthly gatherings for MSD’s special needs students, to help the kiddos build community and have a safe space to be themselves without any judgment. Like Malory, Ray is also a product of MSD, as are both his daughters and his grandkids. Ray is also quick to lend a hand and show his support for Marysville Getchell’s Native American and Friends Club, an inclusive program that is led by his daughter, Amy.
Said Ray, “I’m an advocate for special needs and the kids that need care because I have four grandkids who are categorized as special needs. I think we need to help those special needs children and spend more time with them. Special needs doesn’t necessarily mean they’re stuck in a wheelchair, special needs are also the kids who have trouble reading or with dialect or anything else. I think there really needs to be change with special needs education. It’s not just tribal children, it’s non-tribal too. We need representation for these children.
“Our future is really important. It’s important to have our children educated,” he expressed. “It will be a better community, and they’ll be great parents – that’s the whole dream. They can do it; they just need someone to make them understand that they can do it. We can make a positive change for our students now. This is exciting and enjoyable for me and I’m really hoping to get in. But if it doesn’t happen, I’ll still be here. I’ll be fighting for our students for a long time.”
You should be receiving your ballot and voter’s guide in the mail soon. The Tribe will be hosting a ballot party in room 162 of the Admin building on November 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., where you can register to vote, cast your vote, enjoy a snack, and enter a raffle. If you cannot attend the ballot party, be sure to drop your vote in the ballot box at the Teen Center campus by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
To follow Ray’s campaign, please be sure to join his Facebook group, Ray Sheldon Jr. for MSD 25 District 1.
And for more information about Malory’s campaign run, give her Facebook page, Malory Simpson for Marysville School Board, Director 1, a follow. You can also visit her website, www.electmalorysimpson.com for additional details.
