First Tribal member-owned storefront opens at the Seattle Premium Outlet Mall

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

A young kiddo, dressed as the Amazing Spider-Man, eagerly led his mom and younger sibling into an animal kingdom unlike any other. Filled with wonderment and excitement, the boy carefully perused the multitude of animals until he found his perfect companion, a tie-dye teddy bear. 

Taking in the entire experience with a bright smile, the young Spidey then brought his new bestie to life by personally filling the plushie with stuffing and inserting a little heart into the bear. Next, he got to pick out an outfit for his tie-dyed friend. Looking through hundreds of outfits, including everything from first responder uniforms to monkey and ducky pajamas, his choice was a no-brainer when his eyes landed upon the superhero section. After dressing his new teddy in an identical Spider-Man costume, a special moment took place as the kiddo looked at his new creation with adoration that could melt your heart and gave him the biggest hug of all time. 

“That’s what it’s all about,” exclaimed the owner of the new business venture, Marvin Velasquez. His wife and business partner, Dana Higgins, agreed with that sentiment and ranks those specific moments as her all-time favorite thing about their new storefront, Build an Animal Buddy & Tasty Treats.

Nestled in between the Kate Spade New York Outlet and Ecco footwear, Build an Animal Buddy & Tasty Treats held their grand opening on the afternoon of November 6. Donning a cedar hat and traditional beadwork, Marvin felt it was important to incorporate his Tulalip heritage and culture into the opening of the store, encouraging his children to rock their beads at the grand opening as well. He also enlisted culture bearer, Tony Hatch, to lead the ribbon cutting ceremony where he offered a song and prayer on the historic day.

“This is all kind of surreal, I will admit that,” Marvin expressed. “The outlet mall has been here going on 20 years, I was quite surprised to find out that I am the first Tulalip tribal member to have a storefront here. I believe we might’ve had a Tribal member-owned kiosk before, but to be the first to open a store is a good feeling. It’s also something that I think my parents, who have both passed now, would be very proud of.”

Marvin and Dana made headlines locally for bringing the first axe throwing establishment to our area. Tomahawk Axe, which is located in Smokey Point next to the McDonalds, has been a success over the past three years. 

Though busy with the daily operations of Tomahawk Axe, the family somehow found time to start a side hustle in which they traveled to local events and fairgrounds with the Build an Animal Buddy mobile trailer. The side hustle was such a smash hit amongst the kids, that they decided to add it into the fold at Tomahawk Axe. And from there, Animal Buddy blossomed, growing in popularity by the day, to the point where they decided they needed a bigger space. 

Said Marvin, “Adding Animal Buddy to Tomahawk Axe was such an overwhelming success, we decided to try to build upon that. We scouted the Seattle Premium Outlet Mall and were able to negotiate a spot here. It is nice because it’s close to home, it’s on our reservation, and it’s a closer location for our people to come in. I will tell you though, it’s not an easy task. It’s very expensive to be here because there’s a lot of high-end products here. But there’s not a whole lot to do for the little ones at the outlet mall. This gives them a venue to come in to and get their own little treat and an animal buddy to carry along with them as they’re here shopping with their parents.”

Upon walking into Build an Animal Buddy & Tasty Treats, you are met with a clean, welcoming, and organized space. And when checking out the storefront, many parents are surprised to see how budget-friendly it is, in comparison to the retail chain that most people think of when it comes to creating your own plushie. 

“Animal Buddy brings a more affordable experience to a lot of kids whose families can’t afford the other,” Dana stated. “We wanted to put something together for those kids because it’s fun and it’s an experience I think every kid should be able to have. We have over 90 animals to choose from, in addition to our Christmas line as well. The most pleasing thing for me is seeing that excitement when they get to choose their animal, give it a name, dress it, and take it home.”

For only $25, the kids get to pick out any animal or character in the store, fill it with stuffing, make a wish and place either a heart or star inside their plushie. They also get to choose between either a whimsical-themed box or backpack to carry their new friend home. All the outfits in the store come at an additional cost, but are reasonably priced, with their most expensive outfit ringing up at about  $13. And for just $5 extra, the customer can purchase a voice box to record a personal message to place inside their stuffed animal.

All of the animals sit high on their top shelves along the walls of the storefront. Below the plushies there is a large variety of sweet and salty snacks on display all throughout the space, including several popcorn mixes and highly sought after candy bars. In fact, in their first week of business, there have been multiple customers who traveled to the store to purchase the infamous Dubai chocolate bars, that are currently all the hype on TikTok. 

In the short amount of time that Build an Animal Buddy & Tasty Treats has been open, they have had a wide array of customers visit the store, whose ages ranged from babies to elders. 

A couple examples of their adult clientele make for some great heartwarming stories, such as a gentleman in his 70s who purchased a stuffy identical to his dog, who is about to transition to the afterlife. He took the voice box home and recorded his dogs bark, immortalizing the voice and memory of his four-legged pal before it’s passing. Another example was when an auntie, whose niece lives in a different state, came in to buy a plushie. Before sealing the gift up, the aunt recorded a few messages for her niece, telling her how much she loved and missed her. 

“It’s things like that that really make us happy and proud,” Dana shared. “A lot of people don’t think about things like that. They might think, ‘oh this is just a place to make stuffed animals for a child’, but it’s so much more. Like when a mom can record her voice for her child, or vice versa, they’ll have that for years to come. And they can listen to it whenever and however many times as they want. We have just about every idea of a stuffy you can think of, there’s something for everybody here. I think that’s pretty neat.”

Earlier, we mentioned how important it was for Marvin to incorporate his culture into this business. His ultimate hope is to pass on those values, along with any lessons learned while operating two businesses, to his children. Which of course aligns with the Tulalip tradition of passing on their teachings to the next generation.

He said, “The Native dream is alive. We have five kids between the two of us who are all involved in the business. My three kids are Tribal members, and they were here for the grand opening. They’re super excited because they love this business.  My eleven-year-old, Quinn, is always willing to help customers and she can ring people up on the cash register. My sixteen-year-old, Catherine, is very good at that as well. She’s going to be working here part time. And my son Marvin Jr., he’s excited too, but I think he’s more fond of the tasty treats. It’s pretty amazing for us to be able to teach our kids entrepreneurship. And also, it’s amazing how we really are going to be able to carry our legacy on through our kids by making sure they’re involved, so they know how to keep our businesses going and can contribute to the family businesses.” 

Build an Animal Buddy & Tasty treats are gearing up for a busy holiday season. They already have numerous Christmas-themed plushies available for purchase, including Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, the elf on the shelf, and Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. Thanks to the large space of the store, Marvin and Dana are also able to host birthday parties and other get togethers. And if you are unsure which animal to pick for a Christmas or birthday present, they also offer gift cards, which provides the opportunity for your loved one to visit the storefront and experience the fun and joy of creating their own stuffed animal. 

“We have everything from farm animals to jungle animals, you name it,” Marvin informed. “We have all kinds of different outfits such as a police officer, firefighter, captain of a ship. We even offer sports uniforms, cheerleader outfits, and shoes. It’s just so fun and the kids are always super excited to do it. And the outfits tie everything together – there’s nothing like having a Spider-Man tiger or a kung fu chicken!”

For further information, and to plan a party or order a plushie online, please visit their website at www.BuildAnAnimalBuddy.com. And be sure to give their social media pages a follow to stay up to date on any specials or events happening at Build an Animal & Tasty Treats. 

Tulalip Tribes premiere ‘Missing from Fire Trail Road’ 

“We want to bring Mary home“

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News

On Sunday, November 10, the Tulalip Tribes hosted the heartfelt Missing from Fire Trail Road premiere, directed by Sabrina Van Tassel. The film has garnered international recognition for its sensitive portrayal of the ongoing case of Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis, a Tulalip Tribes member missing since November 2020. The event brought together the Tulalip and surrounding communities, united in support of Johnson-Davis and the broader issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW).

As Native culture continues to gain recognition, the film highlights the urgent need to address the tragic issues affecting Indigenous communities and work toward healing. Van Tassel’s documentary delves into the deep-rooted causes behind the MMIW epidemic, examining the challenges Indigenous communities face in securing justice and support. It shines a light on the systemic issues that lead to insufficient investigation of crimes on reservations, such as jurisdictional gaps, lack of resources, and historical trauma that exacerbate Indigenous women’s vulnerability.

Deborah Parker, a respected tribal leader and advocate for Native American rights at both state and national levels, serves as the documentary’s primary interviewer, and co-producer. Her partnership with Van Tassel aims to amplify Indigenous voices and further the search for Mary Ellen. “Our hope is, one, to find our path to Mary, and two, to honor her and her life,” Parker said at the premiere. 

During the Women’s Warrior Song, she led the audience in raising their hands in solidarity with Johnson-Davis’s family, marking a decisive moment of unity. After the film, Parker expressed, “As emotional as this film is, it’s also healing.”

The documentary also highlights the barriers Indigenous communities face in the legal system, including the limitations tribes face in prosecuting non-Native offenders on reservations. Van Tassel hopes to increase awareness of these injustices, explaining, “It was my goal to give [Mary Ellen] an identity.” The film advocates for enhanced tribal authority to pursue justice for crimes committed within Indigenous communities, as current jurisdictional limitations often allow non-native offenders to escape prosecution by leaving the reservation.

Carmelita Escarsega, an anti-human trafficking advocate with the Puyallup Tribes, attended the premiere and shared her perspective on the film’s impact. Her friend, and anti-human trafficking manager, Carolyn DeFord, has personally been affected by the MMIW crisis—her mother has been missing for 25 years. “This is a powerful story to get out to the public and the world and let them know what is going on and what is not,” Escarsega said. She reflected on law enforcement’s response in the documentary, “The FBI looked like he was squirming in his seat with what he was saying. I’m grateful that they did this.”

When asked how well the film represents the Indigenous community, Escarsega emphasized its impact: “It’s powerful. It shows that we are underrepresented in the media and that we are just as human as everybody else, and we deserve to be heard, seen and believed. When we say something is wrong, something is wrong. To let people get away with coming jurisdictionally onto our reservations and taking and stealing our women and our children and our people is wrong.”

This call for accountability resonates with Tulalip Chief of Police Shawn Ledford, who emphasized the importance of community support in solving Mary Ellen’s case. “If you know something or have an idea, come forward and give us a call. We want to bring Mary home,” he urged, adding, “What we do need is additional leads.”

Missing from Fire Trail Road is available to stream on Amazon and Apple TV, allowing audiences across the U.S. to engage with this important story and support the search for Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis.

Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis is still missing. If you or anyone you know has information or tips regarding her whereabouts, please call the Tulalip Police Department tip line at (360) 716-5990 or contact the FBI online at tips.fbi.gov.

Veterans Day at the Cultural Center

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Every year, in commemoration of Veterans Day, the Hibulb Cultural Center (HCC) pays tribute to those who served in the Armed Forces by offering free admission to veterans and their families. This year, the cultural center observed the holiday on Sunday, November 12, and had a special display set up in their hallway that featured military medals, patches, uniforms, and a star quilt made by the local Veterans Quilt Project, all donated by Tribal veterans.

The highlight of the day took place at noon, when the Tulalip Honor Guard entered the HCC longhouse proudly holding high an eagle staff, the US flag, the Tulalip Tribes flag, the Tulalip Veterans flag, and the POW flag. After placing the flags into weighted stands, the Honor Guard took a seat amongst their family, friends, and fellow service men and women as a few opening remarks were shared by Museum Manager, Mytyl Hernandez, and Tulalip Veterans Coordinator, William Mclean III (US Marine Corps).

Prior to the pandemic, this event packed the longhouse wall to wall as veterans from all around the state traveled to attend the gathering. This year was the official return of the presentation of colors and roll call ceremony. This was due, in part, to two years of gathering restrictions and the unveiling of the National Native American Veterans Memorial monument, a trip that took Tulalip veterans cross country to Washington D.C. on Veterans Day weekend in 2022. 

The Veterans Day honoring had a smaller turnout than in years past, but this provided an intimate setting and allowed the veterans to open up more during roll call and not feel as rushed. With around 35 community members in attendance, Tribal veterans accounted for over half of the participants. And one by one, they shared their military branch, years of service, and their experience as an active-duty member of the Armed Forces. Many also felt safe enough to talk about the reason they enlisted and the positive impact of that decision to join. 

“I joined to turn my life around and save myself,” said Tribal member and Army veteran, Demitri Jones-Robinson. “I was going down a bad path and wanted to change a lot of things about myself. [The Army] has changed my life completely; it’s allowed me to live a better life. Today, my daughter gets to be in my life, and I have a beautiful family. It’s an honor to be here and be a part of this with all of you. I am so grateful.”

In addition to sharing about their time in the military, the veterans also reflected on the lives of their brothers and sisters in arms who died in combat or are no longer with us today. 

“I lost a lot of friends and relatives in combat,” said Hank Williams, Tulalip elder and US Army and National Guard Veteran. “The closest one was Walter Moses Jr. Him and I played football together in Marysville. He was the punter, and he was my substitute, so we’d run around together. He decided to go because his brother was there, Ray Moses. He wanted to serve alongside his brother. He went in and he was in communications, but he transferred because he wanted to be where his brother was –  the front lines. He was there 30 days, and he got killed. That was something that really hit me hard, losing a friend and a relative.”

HCC presented a gift bag to each veteran during the event as well as to any veterans who toured the museum on the holiday. And following roll call, the community was invited to share light refreshments and good conversation in one of the cultural center’s classrooms.

After the ceremony concluded, member of the Tulalip Honor Guard and Army Veteran, Rocky Renecker shared, “Now that I’m a little older and have kids, I have so much more gratitude for this day. Because it’s a day to honor every man, woman, and persons who signed up and dedicated their life to their country – past, present, and future. Each year, I’m so appreciative that I get to hear these men and women. To hear their stories and about where they come from. Like our eldest veteran, Hank Williams, it was an honor to hear him speak about his time in the service and about his friend. I just have so much gratitude for all the men and women in the military service and what they have done for our country.”

Happy Veterans Day to all those who have served in the US Armed Forces. We thank you for your dedication and commitment to our country. We are grateful for your bravery and courage while defending our freedom.

Anna Marie Contraro

Anna Marie Contraro was born to Marie Cheer and Robert Contraro Sr. in Everett, Washington. She was a member of the Tulalip Tribes. 
She lived in the Cheer family home in Tulalip her whole life.
She spent her childhood fishing and on the beach. She shared love and knowledge with her kids. 
Anna dedicated her life to taking care of her family. She went above and beyond for everyone she cared about. Spending time with her family included traveling, cooking, and being at the beach. Some of her favorite places to go were Ocean Shores, Disneyland, and Nevada. 
She will always be the number one Husky’s fan. She raised her kids to be dawgs just like her.
She loved celebrating Halloween, going to concerts, and working at Boom City. 
She will be remembered for her selflessness, teachings, and most of all her pranks. 
Anna leaves behind her dad, Robert Contraro Sr. Siblings: Robert Contraro Jr. (Maureen Enick), Zetha Contraro, Tom (Rose) Reeves, and Danelle Gomez. Her kids: Shawntay, Cassie, Jesse, Tyler, Jasmine, Sonny, Dexter, Justine, and Rosie. Many uncles, aunties, and cousins. Numerous nieces and nephews that she helped raise and care for. Close friend, Lawanda and kids. 
She is proceded in death by her mom, Marie Cheer. Grandparents, Barbara and Arnold Sr., Katie Sheldon, and Grandpa Jim. Uncles and aunts: Stanley Cheer Sr., Patrick Cheer, Phillip Cheer, Conrad Reeves Sr., Barbara Reeves Sr., Charlene Williams, Cecil Lewis, Arnold Cheer Jr. Cousins: Stanley Cheer Jr. Kevin Cheer, Conrad Reeves Jr., Carla Cheer. Niece, Chianne Lynn Enick and nephew, Logan Charles Mclean. 
An evening service will be held Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 at 6:00 PM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. Funeral Services will be held, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at 10 AM at the Gathering Hall.

Rez Reads: Native American Heritage Month Edition

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Following an engaging, educational, and introspective Season of Healing, Tulalip enters November with a fresh perspective and with their hearts on the mend. It’s fitting that the community is experiencing such a grounding sensation as the leaves make their descent down to Mother Earth’s floor. And like the trees from which they fell, the people of Tulalip are preparing for a new chapter. 

Speaking of new chapters, we have a few book recommendations for you to enjoy in this transitional period before the holiday rush kicks in. And since it’s Native American Heritage month, we wanted to highlight ten different Indigenous authors on this list, whose works span across multiple genres in the literary world. So, whether you’re looking for crime thrillers or children’s tales, we got you.

Bad Cree by Jessica Johns

A little bit of horror. A little bit of mystery. Extremely thrilling from beginning to end. Bad Cree follows a grief-stricken young woman, Mackenzie, who moved to Vancouver B.C. from her reservation in Alberta for a new start. However, upon getting acclimated to the city life, she begins having eerie encounters with crows and realistic nightmares about an incident from her past. Taking these as signs to return home, Mackenzie finds comfort and strength in family, while also repairing broken bonds along the way. But the closer she grows to her sisters, mom, and aunties, her nightmares seem to intensify, and they keep calling her back to that ill-fated night. There is plenty of rez humor in this page-turner and author Jessica Johns does an excellent job in incorporating her tribe’s culture, traditions, and stories into her work. 

Shutter and Exposure by Ramona Emerson

Taking place in New Mexico, these two novels are collectively known as the Rita Todacheene series. As a forensic photographer for the Albuquerque PD, Rita is usually first on the scene, snapping photos of victims and the manner in which they died. As a Navajo woman, she is naturally in tune with the spirit world, for better or worse. In her line of work, she often encounters the ghosts of the victims. Many of whom she helps crossover by informing them of their passing, the others, however, seem to linger. In Shutter, things take a turn when a particular spirit haunts her every waking moment, demanding that Rita solves her case and finds her killer. But the further Rita digs, the more danger she finds herself in. Exposure is the second novel in the series and was just released in October. Early reviews have Exposure rated a notch higher than Shutter with an average of 4.5 stars on sites like Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. This time around, Rita is working to uncover the identity of a serial killer who is targeting Native Americans in the city of Gallup. 

Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America by Matika Wilbur

You already know we had to show some love to Matika! This book is original as it is beautiful. Filled with hundreds of stunning photos and stories, Project 562 highlights Native peoples from each of the 562 federally recognized tribes across the nation. And through their voices and portraits, she captures the perfect picture of present-day Native America. Dedicating over a decade of her life to Project 562 and traveling to each reservation, Matika put together a book that connects all of our people, while also educating the reader about our different traditions, our cultural way of life, our resilience, and the issues we face as Indigenous people in today’s society. 

Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk and Thunder Song Essays by Sasha ‘taqʷšəblu’ LaPointe

Let’s keep things local and explore the works of Sasha LaPointe (Upper Skagit/Nooksack). By reading the titles of her books alone, one could surmise that Sasha has a strong connection to music. And that love for punk rock and the lifestyle shines in her writing. First, she grabs a hold of your attention by referencing local reservations, cities, and places. Then once you’re hooked, she reels you in by speaking on the teachings she’s acquired from influential tribal leaders known throughout the Salish Nations. Her grandmother was thee Vi Hilbert after all. But what closes the deal is her lyrical prose and her ability to turn her experiences with heartbreak, transgressions, and devastation into these deep and elegantly composed sentences and poems that are drenched with the pain of generational trauma. But yet, at times, are also filled with joy, optimism, and a strong love for her culture and heritage. Both of Sasha’s books are a must-read. And if you do pick them up, be sure to have a box of Kleenex nearby because the tears are sure to fall.

Come Home Indio: A Memoir by Jim Terry

If you aren’t familiar with Jim Terry, Come Home Indio is the perfect introduction to this up-and-coming author and cartoonist. Jim’s artwork can usually be found in the horror realm, but this graphic novel is about his personal journey. Growing up as a suburban Indian, Jim struggled with his identity from a young age. This is his story about reconnecting with his Indigenous roots and consequently overcoming grief and alcoholism through that work. And what makes it all the more impressive is that it’s a comic-style memoir which features over 200 pages of his remarkable artwork.

Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty

      This collection of short stories all occur in the state of Maine, on the Penobscot Indian Reservation. Featuring twelve Indigenous horror stories in total, Morgan explores numerous problems that Native people experience on the daily. This includes drug use, generational trauma and violence, and the numerous challenges that come with living on a reservation. Each story is relatable if you are a product of the rez. And if you aren’t, Morgan does a fantastic job at bringing attention to these issues while incorporating some humorous Indigenous dialogue. Within these atmospheric stories, he showcases the strength of our families and tribal communities. Clocking in at just under 300 pages, this book is a perfect weekend read.

Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones

    What would an Indigenous book list be with the incomparable SGJ? Now, we know you are probably familiar with The Only Good Indians or the Jade Daniels trilogy, and though this story is significantly shorter in comparison, it is still packed with the same amount of unnerving energy, supernatural horror, and mystique as his heavy hitters. We don’t want to give away any spoilers about this beautifully haunting story, but we would like to note that it is centered around Junior, a young Native American man who begins to see the ghost of his late father. What happens next? You’ll have to check out this novella, which is free on Kindle Unlimited, for yourself.

Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Aarigon Starr.

Switching gears, we are going to share lighthearted books from this point on. And after reading Mapping the Interior, these next recs might be just what you need. Starting with Contenders, this brightly illustrated YA book takes us back to the year 1911and is based on a true story. Set around the World Series, this read follows the trials and tribulations of John Meyers (White Earth Band) and Charles Bender (Cahuilla Band) as they face-off against each other for the chip, becoming the first two Native American players to do so in baseball history. 

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

An ode to our favorite commodity creation? Kind of, but not really. What it’s really about is how the delicious food creates an opportunity for our people to connect with one another. It’s about how sharing a meal can bring families closer. It is cute, heartwarming, and speaks on the importance of keeping traditions and practices alive. The children’s book also explains how frybread was born out of necessity, after hundreds of tribal nations were relocated to reservations with little to no access to their traditional foods. Whether you are sharing this story with your children or enjoying it by yourself, this picture book is not only a fun learning opportunity, but also a great example of Indigenous representation for tribal youth and families throughout the nation. Author Kevin Noble Maillard (Seminole Nation) also included a frybread recipe for you to try at home!

Modern Native Feasts: Healthy, Innovative, Sustainable Cuisine by Andrew George Jr.

  Last but not least, we have a cookbook. There are many Indigenous cookbooks out there, but very few cover the foods of the Northwest and First Nations coastal tribes. Even fewer blend tradish recipes and contemporary cuisine together. With the upcoming turkey feast that takes place on Tulalip Day Eve, this book is the perfect companion if you are looking to feed your Indian on the last Thursday of November. Might we suggest elk stew, poached salmon with white wine sauce and julienned veggies, mussels with tomato salsa, or clam fritters with a spicy sage dipping sauce? No matter your culinary background or skill, Andrew George Jr. (Wet’suwet’en Nation) created some fun and innovative dishes for you to master in the comfort of your own kitchen.  

Happy Native American Heritage Month and happy reading! 

In Pursuit of a Ph.D. Tessa Campbell is indigenizing space on the UW campus

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

At the cross-section of academia and culturally inclusive education, prevailing winds of change are sweeping though newly constructed learning centers and century’s old college campuses across the nation. Generated by Native American culture bearers focused on increasing representation and breaking down barriers by actively seeking to become mentors, school administrators and college professors. These individuals are powered by a fearless determination seven generations in the making. 

The Tulalip Tribes has produced several of these illustrious education change makers; from Dr. Stephanie Fryberg and Dr. Lena Hammons to Early Learning Academy director Sheryl Fryberg and Quil Ceda Elementary vice principal Chelsea Craig. Soon, Tessa Campbell will join the ranks of those marvelous matriarchs. Proving yet again that educational pursuits, even at the highest of levels, aren’t just realistic dreams, but are attainable goals for our Tulalip people.  

“The main reason I am in the Ph.D. program is because the University of Washington Information School supports Indigenous Knowledge and Indigenous Systems of Knowledge research,” explained Tessa. “There are currently three Native faculty and three Native Ph.D. students.  I am pursuing my doctorate degree so I can eventually teach. I also want to be a role model for not only younger generations but others as well. It is important to see Native people in academia. Having representation of Native faculty and students is so important to see that if other Native people can survive and thrive in these programs then so can they!

“Personally, for me, education has been empowering,” she added. “It hasn’t been an easy journey though. My Ph.D. experience is so drastically different than my undergraduate experience. When I was an undergraduate student 20 years ago, there was a significant lack of Native American representation at the University of Washington. During my undergraduate years, I never saw Native American students, faculty or staff. I even took an American Indian Studies class, and it was taught by a non-Native professor. During those years, I felt unsafe and unsupported, so I remained invisible and silent.”

  The now 47-year-old Tessa is anything but invisible and silent. With an extensive wardrobe of vibrant colors and bold Native designs that is often accessorized with stunning beaded earrings or cedar woven jewelry, she proclaims herself a proud Tulalip and Tlingit culture bearer in any space she occupies. A classroom in UW’s Moore Hall is one such space. That’s where her articulate voice speaks truth to power every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon as she seeks to indigenize education.

Only months away from earning her doctorate degree from the University of Washington, Tessa is working towards completing her Ph.D. program by teaching an exclusive course within UW’s school of Informatics.  INFO 353 Indigenous Ways of Knowing in the Digital World is the course title.

In her pursuit to become Dr. Campbell, Tessa is indigenizing education not only by recruiting and supporting Native American educators but also integrating Native perspectives, histories, and teaching methods into her academic curriculum.

“The curriculum was originally created and developed by Dr. Sandra Littletree (Navajo/Easter Shoshone), which I have kept the foundation but have integrated material about the Tulalip Tribes into,” explained Tessa after allowing SeeYahtSub staff to attend one of her class sessions. “I asked and was granted permission from our Tulalip Board of Directors to teach about Tulalip history and culture this quarter. I believe that all tribes should have control of their knowledge and information and know where it is being disseminated.

“It’s been great having guest speakers from Tulalip, such as Aaron Jones, Ty Juvinel and Dave Sienko, come to UW this quarter and speak to the students,” she continued. “The main takeaways I want students to learn is that all tribes are not a monolith. They are so unique and diverse in their languages, cultures and histories. Since most students in the class have no previous exposure to Native American history, I want them to learn about Treaty Rights and tribal sovereignty.”

That vast majority of her 30 students are international or 1st generation American. Descending from countries like China, Thailand, India, Mexico, Armenia, Indonesia and the Philippines, Tessa’s class is one of the most diverse on the entire Seattle campus. Add-in the meticulously curated course content, various guest speakers, and the unique individual teaching and that’s a formula resulting in cross-cultural learning at its finest. 

UW student Joanna Pena-Rodriguez said she was excited to learn from a fellow Indigenous person, especially one that is an enrolled Tulalip Tribes member. “I want to learn more about how Indigenous people have connections to the land and use storytelling as a way to preserve traditional knowledge for future generations,” shared the UW 4th year whose parents are both from Jalisco, Mexico. “I’m also interested in learning about building community and tying these concepts back into my own Mexican roots and traditions.”

The movement to indigenize education reflects a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and respect for diversity. As more Native Americans enter the field of education, they are redefining what it means to teach and learn in America. This effort not only empowers Native communities but enriches the educational landscape for all, creating opportunities for students to engage with the histories and cultures that shape our world.

All those Native educators working tirelessly to indigenize these historically marginalized spaces are actively dismantling colonial narratives while promoting tribal sovereignty and self-governance. For Tessa, the macro is just as important as the micro.

“Academia and education have been harmful and traumatic spaces for Native people, so creating space for ourselves and sharing our ideas and knowledge with others helps us feel stronger,” concluded Tessa. “These actions help us feel safer, building community, mentoring, uplifting and supporting each other. Any educational pursuit is empowering whether it is a training certificate program, apprenticeship program, associate’s degree, bachelor’s or whatever. We can all integrate these programs and indigenize them and bring that knowledge back to Tulalip to build a stronger and healthier community.”

What a breath of fresh air those prevailing winds of change are.

Building pathways: Honoring Aliana Diaz’s trade advocacy

 
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News

On Saturday, November 2, Washington’s Women of the Trades held their Sweet 16 annual Dream Big Dinner, celebrating men and women who excel in their careers or contribute to the advancement of women in the trades. The organization aims to promote economic equity and self-sufficiency for women by providing access to high-wage, high-skilled careers in fields like construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Among those honored this year was Aliana Diaz, a member of the Tulalip Tribes, who received the Union Activist of the Year award for her commitment to opening doors for Indigenous communities within these essential fields.


Aliana, now a third-year apprentice with Elevator Construction Local 19, is passionate about creating pathways for Indigenous individuals to build rewarding trade careers. Her journey into the field required hard work, resilience, and a focus on building a versatile skillset that would make her valuable on any job site. In her previous role in guest services at the Tulalip Casino, Aliana developed essential skills in managing diverse interactions. “Going through the different trainings the casino offered helped me set boundaries and speak up for myself when I entered a more male-dominated field,” Aliana shared.


Determined to break into the construction industry, Aliana sought guidance from professionals who emphasized the importance of specialized skills and certifications. Inspired by their advice, she joined the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA), where she quickly gained experience and worked her way up. 

Through LIUNA, she earned certifications in OSHA 30, flagging, and welding, and even obtained her Commercial Driver’s License to enhance her value on the job. Reflecting on the importance of these accomplishments, Aliana said, “I wanted to make sure I had the skills and certifications to prove my value so no one could question my ability to contribute on any site.” These credentials helped her stand out as she transitioned to the Elevator Union.


Her commitment to community advocacy ultimately led Aliana to join her union’s outreach program, where she quickly took on the role of treasurer. Aliana engages with Indigenous communities in this leadership position, sharing information and resources about trade career opportunities. Her outreach work includes actively visiting various tribes, as well as partnering with organizations like the Chief Seattle Club, Native Action Network, and United Indians of All Tribes. 

She also participates in TERO (Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance) meetings, which focus on ensuring employment opportunities for Native people. Through these connections, Aliana aims to make valuable information about trade careers more accessible to Indigenous communities, especially those who might not otherwise have the resources or guidance to enter these fields.
With only about 25 women out of a thousand workers in the Elevator Union, Aliana is grateful for the supportive “sisterhood” of women who have paved the way in this challenging field. “The women before me showed that there’s space for us here, and they’ve given me the strength to keep pushing forward,” she shared. 

Their example, combined with Aliana’s commitment to her craft and community, has fueled her success and earned her the Union Activist of the Year award. Her proactive approach to reaching out to Indigenous communities and advocating for pathways into the trades played a significant role in her recognition. 

She hopes to inspire others to find fulfilling, sustainable trade careers, showing that these fields offer more than just a job—they provide a pathway to economic stability, leadership, and community impact.
For those interested in exploring a career in the elevator industry, programs like the National Elevator Industry Education Program (NEIEP) provide the foundational education needed to succeed in this specialized trade. For more information, visit neiep.org. 

Kristy Marie Bill-Solomon

1968 – 2024

Kristy Marie Bill-Solomon (Buffy), 55, of Tulalip Washington and Lummi nation Passed away October 31, 2024. She was born to Joe Bill sr and Geraldine Bill on December 24, 1968 in Bellingham Washington, as a child she grew up in Lummi and you would always find her not to far from her father, she was a daddy’s girl all the way if she wasn’t with her dad you would find her with her siblings playing and learning our way of life, then later on moved to Tulalip, got a job at the old bingo hall as a floor worker and then she would become a loving wife, a caring mother and a great teacher. She had a great sense of humor but was also so kind to everyone she knew. Her family was very important to her and she always had an open door policy for everyone. She loved traveling to smokehouse and playing sla-Hal games where she would meet her friends and family plus make new friends and make great memories, she took great pride in her work, she would spend her days taking care of her children, supporting her husband and her family, she was always willing to teach her children, nieces and nephews how to cook. In her spare time she would watch movies with her children, or keep busy by making various of items. She is survived by her auntie-Loretta Tom. Her sister-Inez Bill. Her children- Daniel Bill, Benjamin Solomon lll, Marsha Tom, Lauralee Tom, Sarah Tom. Her grandchildren- Trey Solomon, Kaiden Tom, Octavia Tom, Charles Tom and another on the way. She is proceeded in death by her husband- Phillip Solomon. Her parents- Geraldine Bill, Joe Bill Sr. Grandparents- Isadore, Laura Tom. Brothers- Joe Bill, Brian Bill; Sisters- Donna Houle, Kathleen Bill, Miriam Jo Bill and Jolene Bill.

An evening service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 at 6 PM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. A celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 at the Tulalip Gathering Hall at 10:00 AM with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.