Walking Through My Story

By Kalvin Valdillez Tulalip News 

Did you know that as a people, Native Americans are at the highest risk of developing a gambling habit? A 2019 study conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol and Related Conditions showed that 2.3% of the entire Indigenous population are currently battling a gambling addiction, one of the highest percentages in the nation. And after a few years of dealing with the global pandemic, that percentage is unfortunately expected to increase.

Since it’s establishment, the Tulalip Problem Gambling program has been a reliable source to those attempting to kick their gambling habit for good, helping recovering addicts along their healing journey. Over the years, the program has served not only the tribal community, but non-Native gambling addicts who live in the local vicinity as well.

 Many Problem Gambling participants have experienced a great deal of progress as they worked through the program, alongside individuals who are on a similar path. People they can relate to and who they feel comfortable talking to and sharing their darkest moments with, without the fear of them passing judgement.

The Problem Gambling Program provides a plan to recovery tailored to each individual’s needs while incorporating tribal culture, and a number of fun events and activities throughout each year. The Tulalip Family Services program has been such a great success, other tribes are now following their model to start their own problem gambling programs on their reservations. 

The month of March is an important time of year for the program as they take part in a countrywide initiative known as Problem Gambling Awareness month. The campaign originally began nearly twenty years ago in response to the amount of sports gambling surrounding the NCAA March Madness college basketball tournament.

 In an effort to spread the word about their services and the dangers of habitual betting, Problem Gambling hosts several events during the awareness month, as well as provides numerous resources and support to those fighting the gambling disease.

To help raise awareness, the Problem Gambling Program teamed up with Tulalip News to bring you a weekly series of articles throughout March. Over the course of the next four weeks, participants who have found success with the Problem Gambling program will share their stories about how the program assisted them in their recovery journey. And in some cases, how the program ultimately saved their lives. 

The following story was recounted by local recovering addict, Jessica D. Trigger warning – this transcription touches on difficult subjects including suicide.

Jessica D:

“My story is — I’m trying to think about where to start. I hit rock bottom to the point where I didn’t want to live anymore. I actually tried numerous times to kill myself when driving in my vehicle. At the last second, I would always turn because I was afraid that hitting a cement wall or barrier wouldn’t kill me, but put me in more pain. Gambling was one way to escape my pain and loneliness, among other stuff, because it would give me the endorphins to help deal with that pain. 

I tried [Gamblers Anonymous] for a few years and I just wasn’t ready. It was September of 2018 that I was like, ‘okay I’m going to try to go to a GA meeting one more time’. I knew I needed GA but I also knew that I needed something more. I heard other ladies talking in that meeting, and I just put it out there and told them I need something more. I needed counseling, I needed something else that is more in-depth than what GA could provide. That’s when someone mentioned the Tulalip Problem Gambling program and I reached out and looked into it because I was at my last end. 

One thing that attracted me to the program was that it is free. And being an addict, I didn’t have any money. I was behind on rent, my car payment and behind on everything. So, I took a chance. I had nothing else to lose. At the time, my train of thought was that I needed to find something or else I’d have to follow through with my demise.

I went in and filled the intake form and told myself that I’d give this a real shot. I was hopeful because they told me I was not alone and that this program could help me get into the deeper things that I was looking for. I started going to one-on-one sessions and started the group — it totally changed my life. I would not be alive today if it wasn’t for the Problem Gambling program. It was what I needed. They helped me get to the root of my addiction and figure out when I crossed that invisible line and understand why I couldn’t stop.

One thing about me is I have a scientific and logical mind, and I like to know the reasoning behind things. And having that schooling and information that they provide – learning that our brain chemicals change and learning the mechanics behind it all that was very important in my recovery. I also had all these preconceived notions about addictions. And I found out that it is exactly the same as alcoholism or drug addiction, it changes the brain chemicals the exact same way, it’s just a different form of addiction. That really opened my eyes to other addictions and how they are all connected.

The people, especially Robin [Johnson] she was my counselor, I’m so grateful for them. She met me where I was at, because I can be stubborn. She worked with me on how I needed to do things. Everything I learned in the program and learned about myself, was life changing.

I entered the program in October 2018, and I actually didn’t stop gambling until March 9, 2019. I kept having a relapse. On March 9, I finally had enough and decided to give it a good try. And that’s where the program really helped, Robin advised me to try just for a short period of time, take it more in chunks. It’s been very enlightening and I’m so thankful. Back then, I never would’ve thought I’d make this far. 

Once I hit a year, I could see how much my life changed and could feel that it made a difference. In GA meetings, every now and then we’ll do what’s called brag time and now I’m excited and celebrate my amount of time. It’s interesting how the mind changes over time when you are sober and you get the time under your belt. It feels good.

The techniques are great too. I learned some amazing tools to help work through any thoughts about gambling or urges. I learned tools that I still use to this day and have been able to share with other people. 

One of the tools is called ‘Walking through my story: Playing my tape’. With an addiction, our little addict in us – whatever you want to call it, a monster, everyone has a different name for it. It only remembers the happy things and the good feelings we get from our addictions. But we have to remind ourselves about the horrible bad feelings that we go through when we succumb to the addiction. So when playing my tape, I have to remind myself what would happen if I went to the casino. I would ultimately lose, that happens 99% of the time. I would get the gut wrenching feeling in my stomach, the horrible feeling that I can’t stop. I would have to continue to go back to the ATM to try to win back my losses.

It also helps thinking about what I’ve accomplished since then, like being able to pay-off my bills. I have almost everything paid-off now. I have a roof over my head, I’m up to date on my rent and my medical bills. I can actually pay for stuff and I can go out with my friends. I don’t have to worry about what I’m going to eat and don’t have to scramble or look for money through the cushions of my couch.

In the beginning, it was helpful to set an alarm. I’d set an alarm for ten, twenty or thirty minutes, however much time I think I need, and distract myself and do something else for that amount of time. When my alarm goes off, I re-evaluate and see if I still have a strong urge to gamble. If I do, I reset my alarm again, and just for that time frame I don’t gamble or give in to my addiction. Instead of taking it one day at a time, I take one moment at time. 

And of course there’s phone lists, reaching out to people and talking to others who I met through the program. We created amazing bonds. One of my best friends now is from that group. I shared things with them that I will never share with anyone again, not even with my family. In that group I had to share it. 

Now when I’m at a GA meeting and I am talking to somebody after hearing their story, I’ll usually tell them that it’s awesome they are there and let them know that if they are ever wanting or needing extra help, I know of this great program. It’s a more intensive program that will help you get to the root of the addiction and help you work through recovery. 

Right now, it’s more of a word of mouth type of program and I feel like more people need to know about it. Especially with gambling addiction, because it is acceptable to go out gambling and people don’t realize it can become an addiction and you can cross a line with it. 

It’s important to make other people realize that there is hope out there and there is help. I know that I would not be here without the Problem Gambling Program today. I tell everyone that it saved my life.” 

The Tulalip Problem Gambling Program will be hosting events throughout Problem Gambling Awareness Month, leading up to an in-person dinner event taking place at Tulalip Resort Casino on March 26th at 6:00 p.m.

If you or someone you love is dealing with a gambling addiction, or if you would like to find out more information about Problem Gambling Awareness month, please contact (360) 716-4304.  

A Tale of two Tulalip hoopers

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The weekend of February 19 was filled with Washington State high school basketballers reveling in the elation of sweet victory or the bitter sting of defeat. For many local programs it was their last opportunity to punch a ticket to the Regional round and earn a potential trip to the highly coveted State playoffs. Two such teams featured Tulalip tribal members and well-known bucket getters.

Both inspirational female ballers. Both high school seniors. Both playing for programs outside Marysville School District. Both hoping to end their high school hoops career with a State run. 

Jacynta Myles anchors the Lummi Nation Blackhawks as their starting center, while Tamiah Joseph comes off the bench to ignite the Archbishop Murphy Wildcats’ second unit. They each played on Saturday, February 19, in raucous gymnasiums located in Mt. Vernon.

First up with a noon tipoff was Lummi Nation vs. Muckleshoot in battle of two tribal schools featuring an ensemble of all-Native talent. Before the game, Muckleshoot coach Dora Brings Yellow said, “We know that it’s going to take a complete team effort to box out #32 [Jacynta]. We have no one close to matching her size or height, so it’s up to the entire team to keep her from living in the paint. As two tribal schools, it’s unfortunate we have to play each other in a knock-out game, but our people travel well. We fully expect to hear both teams’ fans throughout the game.”

The Rez ball battle was dominated by Lummi in the first three quarters. Going into the 4th quarter, Lummi led 30-17. Jacynta was making her presence felt in the post by gobbling up every rebound. She routinely fended off double and triple teams to seemingly grab every available loose ball. 

But as outclassed as Muckleshoot was to that point, they refused to concede the game. Instead, Muckleshoot benched their two starting bigs down the stretch and went with a five guard lineup. This change in strategy allowed for Muckleshoot to run an all-out uptempo offense on every possession, wherein they routinely got to the bucket before the towering Jacynta could shutdown the paint. 

In an incredible turn of events, Lummi squandered their 13-point lead in the final quarter and were forced into overtime. Minus three starters who all fouled out in the 4th, Lummi and their rebounding monster Jacynta just didn’t have enough firepower. Muckleshoot and their adoring fans roared as their 47-41 victory went final, while a contingent of Lummi and Tulalip faithful sat stunned in disbelief. 

The 6-foot-3-inch Jacynta finished her last high school game with an incredible career-high 38 rebounds to go with 12 points, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.

“So many people have asked me this season why I’m playing for a rival and opted to leave Tulalip in order to play for Lummi. My response remained the same every time – I’m Tulalip wherever I go,” shared Jacynta postgame. “I felt playing for Lummi was the best opportunity to reach State, while being able to proudly embrace my Tulalip culture, and in the end we came up just short. I wouldn’t change my decision at all. I never compromised who I was and my Lummi teammates and coaches supported me the entire time.

“Looking to the future, I’m being recruited by colleges to go play volleyball. Some of the college coaches in New York, Maine and Kansas have expressed interest in me playing basketball, too, if I want to go that route,” she added. “What I’ve learned this year more than anything is trying new things, being willing to fail in order to learn how to succeed, is the best confidence builder. I know there’s so much more I can improve upon, but I’m willing to accept the challenge to get better and train with those willing to teach me.”

A mere six-hours after Lummi’s stunning loss, Tamiah Joseph and her Archbishop Wildcats took to the hardwood for a matchup with the Burlington-Edison Tigers. On the line was the NW District 2A Championship and a high seed in the upcoming Regional tournament. 

A 5-foot-9-inch power guard, Tamiah came off the bench to give her team a boost defensively whenever her coach instructed. She guarded the Tigers best perimeter players on multiples occasions and did an admirable job of slowing them down. 

Tied at 13-13 midway through the 2nd quarter, the Wildcats held a slight 2-point advantage at halftime, when they led 17-15. In what would be a season deciding 2nd half, Tamiah provided invaluable energy during her team’s 42-29 outpacing of Burlington down the stretch. While the Archbishop fans cheered from the stands, players and coaches reveled in a 59-44 victory. In traditional fashion, the Wildcat players took turns postgame, one by one climbing a ladder to cut a single strand of nylon from their winning basket. An occasion befitting the NW District 2A Girls Basketball Champions.

“Tamiah’s role all season has been to come off the bench and knock down big shots for us. Clearly, our opponent game planned for her shooting tonight, but she still managed to make an impact on this game with her defense,” said Archbishop head coach Ebany Herd after her team’s Championship performance. “She does a really good job of grabbing offensive rebounds and staying patient on offense, usually being ready to shoot the 3-ball when she has the opportunity.”

“I’ve been friends with Tamiah since our freshman year and I just love her to pieces,” added Archbishop senior and starting point guard Jojo Chiangpradit. “She’s such a good shooter. If she’s open, she’s gonna knock down her jumpers. We’ve always been able to count on her to hit a clutch 3 when it really matters.”

Next up for Tamiah and her Wildcats is a Regional round matchup with W.F. West High School out of Wenatchee on Friday, February 25. Tipoff is set for 8:00pm at Tumwater High School. Regardless of the outcome, Archbishop with their District Championship is guaranteed a State appearance and at least one game in the Yakima Valley SunDome in early March. 

Hibulb Cultural Center is making headlines in Snohomish County

By Shaelyn Hood, Tulalip News

On January 28, the Everett Herald Readers’ Choice Awards announced that for the first time, the Hibulb Cultural Center had won 2021’s Best Museum in Snohomish County. Winning this award allows the opportunity to spread more awareness to others about Hibulb’s presence, and confirm all the hard work that the staff make to revive, restore, protect, interpret, collect and enhance the history, traditional cultural values and spiritual beliefs of the Tulalip Tribes. 

The process for winning an award like this isn’t easy. To even get your hat thrown in the ring, someone outside of the organization must nominate you. Then, the Everett Herald releases the voting panel, votes are made, and the winner with the most votes takes home the title. Currently there are 18 other competing museums in Snohomish County.

Museums have the ability to create solidarity on a social and political level. The various Smithsonian museums within the United States see roughly 3.3 million people combined every year. These museums cover numerous cultural backgrounds, highlighting major political figures, historical art pieces, and an insight to humankind. They are wildly popular and hold the power to attract, educate, and influence the people that visit them.

What many seem to forget is that local museums are just as invaluable. They offer an insight into the history of a specific location, and help us to pay tribute to the communal cultures, customs, and legacies to that area. As the New Jersey Maritime Museum stated, “Museums focused on heritage and culture bring people together, creating a network of support for different minorities and groups. It is support networks like these that prevent cultures from disappearing and languages from dying.” 

Of the 18 museums that are located in Snohomish County, the Hibulb Cultural Center is the only museum that focuses on Native American history and culture. One of Hibulb’s most popular attractions is the tracking of Native American lineage. This gives current tribal members the ability to enter their Tribal enrollment number and track their descendance. And anybody can see the earliest recorded history of connections to the tribes that have created Tulalip Tribes. Something so significant and meaningful to visualize after many years of genocide and lost history.

Hibulb Group Tours Specialist, Courtnie Reyes said, “A lot of people around here don’t know the entire history of Tulalip people or a lot of the history of Native Americans in general. I think we bring a lot of that to the table, and allow people to get educated on our history and on the land they were on as well.”

During the time in which the voting was taking place for Everett Herald’s Best Museum, the world was put on pause. The Covid-19 pandemic made it hard for businesses to stay open, and interactions became limited. The Hibulb did it’s best to remain connected to people, and the staff worked diligently to maintain an online presence. 

Museum Manager Mytyl Hernandez said, “We tried to keep people engaged in our center through our social media campaigns. We would recycle some of our old posts and share videos for people to continue to see our content. We have a really great relationship with our social media following, and we tried to navigate it as much as we could.” 

The center also utilized this time to produce videos on their TV program, Hibulb Conversations, which features heated conversations and hot topics that can be shown online and in exhibits.

Because Hibulb followed tribal government guidelines, they safely reopened in August 2020, though visitation numbers were extremely low. During their busiest months of the year, March to June, they normally see around 7,000 guests. However from 2020-2021, they fell well below that average.

Though visitor counts remain lower than usual, Hernandez believes that more people will come and experience the center, “people really look at museums as a place of solitude, and a welcoming and safe environment. So as soon as we were able to do so, we were happy to provide that to our community and our guests.”

With the abundance of effort put on by tribal staff, the Hibulb Cultural Center raises awareness about tribal culture, educates people outside of our tribe, and maintains the cultural wellness of our people. If you would like to visit or know more information about the center, go to: www.hibulbculturalcenter.org

Indigenizing the Airwaves

By Kalvin Valdillez, photos courtesy of  Dom Joseph and  Faith Iukes

For over 50 years, the Daybreak Star Cultural Center at Discovery Park has been a space for local Native Americans to connect and celebrate their culture. Whether gathering to attend their annual powwow or Indigenous People’s Day celebration, or perhaps visiting art exhibits or attending one of their many cultural events throughout the year, Natives of all ages, and from multiple tribes across the nation, have shared laughs, stories, tears, traditions, artwork and meals with one another at Daybreak Star. The cultural center has earned a special place in the hearts of many.

The Daybreak Star Cultural Center is headquarters to the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 1970, when a collective of over 100 urban Seattle Natives reclaimed Indigenous land near the Magnolia neighborhood, which would then become Discovery Park. Over the years, the non-profit has provided an array of services and resources to Natives living in the Seattle area, including outdoor pre-school education.

Due to the pandemic, people haven’t had the opportunity to gather at the cultural center as frequently as they once had prior to COVID, especially for cultural events. However, that did not stop the organization from doing what they do best, and have been doing for over a half-a-century, and that’s connect Indigenous people with each other to celebrate our culture and share our way of life.

Last summer, the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation announced a new project aimed to reach as many reservations and Indigenous homelands as possible, bringing that signature Daybreak Star experience to your home. Via the internet, the newly established Daybreak Star Radio Network brings music, stories, news and on-air interviews, podcasts and conversations to Indigenous people throughout the world.

The online radio station is perfect to listen to while on your daily commute, at work, exercising, studying, or simply doing chores about the house. It features all genres of music including R&B, hip-hop, country, EDM, rock and funk, as well as traditional music such as flute, drums, coastal and powwow. Daybreak Star Radio not only welcomes, but encourages Indigenous artists to submit their art to the station to be featured on-air, helping creative Natives gain more exposure and expand their fan base.

The Daybreak Star Radio Network enlisted Lummi tribal member, DJ Big Rez to host a daily hip-hop and EDM session, as well as DJ Abe Cortez who hosts a Latin rock, freestyle, R&B and dance two-hour slot every Sunday evening. And Seattle-based creative, Luminous Pariah, plays ‘classic Chicago house music with new sounds from Europe and the Americas’.

Dominick Joseph

Tulalip’s own Dominick Joseph, of The Dom Joseph Podcast fame, was named the Daybreak Star Radio Network’s Audio Producer and has been featured on KIRO 7 News and Q13 Fox News to talk about his work with the online radio network. Dom has a strong passion of amplifying the Indigenous voice, and helping Native artists and creatives share their stories and experiences through their choice of medium.

“Daybreak Star Radio Station is more than just storytelling and music,” he shared. “It is a non-profit organization that provides a platform and opportunity for Native American artists to showcase their art to the world. Having this space allows Native Americans across the country to be portrayed the way we would like to be represented in media, instead of the mold made for us by society. We here at Daybreak Star Radio are Indigenizing the airwaves one piece at a time.”

Faith Iukes.

Dom is not the only Tulalip tribal member involved in the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation’s latest project. Social media influencer, Faith Iukes, recently signed-on as the youngest on-air personality and will begin hosting her own show on the radio network in the near future. Faith’s show will be geared toward the Indigenous youth of the world and she will play music from some of her favorite Native musicians.

Faith expressed, “I believe that not only are we still here, we are thriving. In film, news, fashion, radio, in all forms of media really. We are a part of this world today, not some relic of a past culture. We are growing, evolving and surviving. We aren’t going to disappear.”

The radio station is active 24-hours a day, seven days a week. You can tune-in by visiting www.daybreakstarradio.com. Daybreak Star Radio also recently launched an app that is available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, making listening on-the-go a fun and easy experience. For more information, including how to submit your own music, please visit the radio network’s website at www.daybreakstarradio.com.

Newest Youth Council sworn-in

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Way back in the simpler times of 2015, then President Barack Obama issued a call to action at the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) annual conference. He referred to this call to action as “the first step in engaging a broad network of people interested in addressing the issues facing Native youth and creating a platform through which Native youth can access information, opportunities and resources. [Most Importantly, to] have their voices and positive contributions highlighted and elevated.

“We want to give those young people and young Native American like them the support they deserved,” the former President continued. “We have to invest in them, and believe in them, and love them. And if we do, there’s no question of the great things they can achieve – not just for their own families, but for their nation and for the United States.”

Those words inspired the next generation of Tulalip leaders to heed the call to leadership. The teenage youth thoughtfully and expeditiously created the first-ever Tulalip Youth Council as a result. Since it’s inception seven years ago, Youth Council continues to develop excitement amongst our young people to engage in cultural activites and local events, while proudly representing the youth voice at Board of Director’s meetings.

The latest rendition of youth leadership, known as the 2022 Tulalip Youth Council, was sworn-in by Chairwoman Teri Gobin on Saturday, February 5th. 

Prior to being sworn-in, each attending youth took a moment to introduce themselves in the traditional way. Tribal leadership was stunned as a majority of young culture bearers spoke Lushootseed while introducing themselves and shared who their parents and grandparents are. 

“This is the first time I’ve heard so many youth speak Lushootseed, our language, in the board room or anywhere else for that matter,” marveled Board of Director Glen Gobin. “To be able to open up and share what’s been handed down to you from our ancestors shows the passion each of you has to learn and embrace our culture. Our elders are so encouraged to know our Tulalip youth are bringing the language back.

“It’s so important we have youth be involved in our Tribe and to know who we are as Tulalip people. One day, members of this Youth Council will be sitting here as Board of Directors because you were willing to stand up, be involved, and actually care about what’s happening in our community. I am encouraged and feel secure knowing we have future leaders who want to learn, understand, and provide for the next generations. Your Tribe is proud of you.”

After taking their oaths and offering handmade necklaces to the Board of Directors, the three attending Senior members of Youth Council, all of which just so happen to be 15-years-old, offered their vision for the next year.

“My mission is to continue working towards getting drugs off our Rez,” shared chairman Image Enick. “By bringing more awareness to the drug problem, getting tribal members in need in contact with services that can help them get clean, and hosting events like Get Drugs Off Our Rez rallies, we can all work together to accomplish this mission. An important piece of this includes breaking down the drug issue to our young ones, at elementary and middle schools, because they are affected, too. They need to know what the devastating effects of drugs are so they aren’t tempted and know what can happen if they do drugs.”

Vice-chair Faith Valencia said, “My goals are more about cleaning up our community, like removing garbage from our streets and neighborhoods and getting more people to recycle. I’d like to see more recycle bins at our common areas so that people have more of an option to recycle than just throwing everything away. By having more community clean-ups we can reach more people and help make them aware.”

Treasurer Johnathon “JD” Rinker added, “I’d really like to see more of an effort to get our community garden going. Having our people learn to garden, understating the different types of soil needed for growing plants and vegetables can make a big difference in getting more people healthy. We have people with records that can’t get jobs, so by creating job opportunities for them at the garden they can get their life back together and learn a valuable skill that they can teach others.”

In attendance at the swearing-in were two previous Youth Councilmembers who wanted to support their fellow tribal members. Eighteen-year-old Evelyn Vega-Simpson and seventeen-year-old Sebastian Gomez spent the previous two years as officers on Youth Council and shared how their time in leadership positions helped them grow as individuals and gain invaluable experience for future endeavors.

They shared that a definite highlight of thier time on Council was creating a Wellness Warrior video that won 2nd place at the UNITY conference, while also being very proud of creating the first-ever Tulalip Pride Walk. They also spoke of the multiple collaborations with Tulalip departments and services in gaining more momentum for community-based events. 

“For me, being on Council during the pandemic meant we become a source a of positivity and optimism for our people. Always looking at the bright side that we had each other and being part of a community that cares for one another,” said Sebastian. “I was very shy when I first joined, but quickly had to learn to speak to people I didn’t know and gained so much public speaking experience. Ultimately, I learned to step outside my comfort zone and be more confident in myself and my abilities.”

“When I joined initially it was to not only help the community but to learn more of our language and about our shared culture,” added Evelyn. “Through all the experiences and events we got to attend and be a part of, we learned more and more about the culture. What it means to be Tulalip and how to represent ourselves as Tulalip tribal members. So when I look back at the last few years I’m really thankful for the opportunity to get to know more about the community and to have met so many of our people.”

While no official projects have been decided on yet, the newest version of Tulalip Youth Council will meet regularly under the guidance of their advisor, Shane McLean. Many of the newest members said they hope to participate in national events and do some travelling like previous Councils have done. Their shared optimism lies in working in their community and volunteering with local organizations and schools to address what they view are areas of most concern. 

We wish them the best of luck and look forward to updating our readers on future Youth Council activities. 

Official Roster

Sr. Council: 

  • Chairman- Image Enick
  • Vice Chairman- Faith Valencia
  • Secretary- Calista Weiser
  • Treasurer- Johnathon Rinker.

Jr. Council: 

  • Chairwoman- Kyla Fryberg
  • Vice Chairman- Bradley Paul-Williams
  • Secretary- Terrance Nguyen
  • 8th grade rep- Able Charley
  • 7th grade reps- Kileea Pablo & Arielle Valencia
  • 6th grade rep- Aylani Lewis
  • Media Coordinator- Elijah Cheer & Faith Iukes 

Youth Council Advisor- Shane McLean

Donald Heinze Brodersen

October 16, 1931 – February 13, 2022

Donald Heinze Brodersen aka “Grandpa” was born October 16th, 1931 on his family farm near Arlington, Washington to Henry Brodersen and Anna Rose Kraetz Brodersen he was 1 of 8 children. 
Donald grew up on that same farm and graduated in 1951 from Arlington High School, he lettered in track and was an avid member of FFA. He then joined the Armed Service November 17th, 1952 serving as an MP for 2 years before transferring to the reserves until 1960 when he received an Honorable discharge. 
That same year of 1960 he met the love of his life Vera M. Zackuse at a cafe in Marysville Wa. Soon after they moved to Smith Island where Don worked full time on the Island until he gained employment at Weyerhaeuser where he retired serving 20 years. 
Don and Vera resided at Smith Island for 13 years and in 1973 they bought a 5 acre track in Tulalip, Wa. now known as the Zackuse Compound where they continued to raise their growing family. 
Throughout the years to follow Donald enjoyed his life of raising numerous children spending time with Nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Great-great grandchildren. 
The life of Razor Clam digging, farming, gardening, traveling to all the kids sporting events and camping were some of his fondest memories. 
Donald worked his entire life and was committed to everything he did, passing down that teaching to his future generations. 
Donald went on his Journey on February 13th, 2022 at 4:37 p.m. in the same home he had lived in for nearly 50 years, surrounded by the love and strength of his family. 
He is survived by siblings Rose Mary Ford, Bill Brodersen, Roger Brodersen and Debbie Brodersen. Children Morris Zackuse, Mitch (Karen) Zackuse, Brenda Zackuse (Richard), Leona Zackuse and Elishia Stewart. Grandchildren Jimmy Zackuse, Tory Chuckulnaskit (Kris), Shiloh Zackuse, Mitchell Zackuse, Tristin Zackuse, Nicole Zackuse (Michael), Joe Zackuse (Annie), Shawneen Zackuse (Doug), Heidi Fryberg (Marlin), Michael Addie, Leona Addie, Kimberly Addie, Juan Gonzalez, Kiana Hernandez and TyReece Hernandez. Great-Grandchildren Cheryl Mae Chuckulnaskit, Kristy Chuckulnaskit, Jalen Chuckulnaskit, Wesley Zackuse, Shaughnessey Zackuse, Elyssa Zackuse, Shylah Zackuse, Ryelon Zackuse, Deven Zackuse, Kecia’Ann Zackuse, Makayla Zackuse-Moseley, Chayce Zackuse-Moseley, Ryleigh Zackuse-Moseley, Ashlee Salinas, Cullen Zackuse, Hallie Zackuse, Aubrey Zackuse, Mekiah Phillips, Logan Fryberg, Leighton Mitchell Fryberg, Ellie Rose Fryberg, Zane Addie, Sophia Romero, Julio Romero, and Jayden Romero. Great-great grandchildren Waylin Zackuse #5, Kaliyah Chuckulnaskit. Special outlaws Doug Salinas, Marlin Fryberg, and Annie Zackuse. Special nieces Linda Hill, Kathy Williams, Sheryl Fryberg, Verna Hill, Candy Hill-Wells, Special Nephew Charles Hill, extended family and his dog Precious aka “Stinky”.

Preceded in death by Vera Zackuse the love of his life, parents Henry and Rose Brodersen, Brothers Lawrence Brodersen, Ralph Brodersen and Sister Louise Brodersen.

Elders, veterans head to LA for Super Bowl experience

By Micheal Rios; Photos by Malory Simpson

Over 112 million viewers tuned in to watch this year’s Super Bowl clash between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals. Among the sold-out 70,240 person crowd that travelled to L.A. to witness the big game in person was a very lucky group of Tulalip tribal members.

Made possible by a recently announced partnership with DraftKings, Tulalip leadership raffled off exclusive suite tickets to tribal elders and veterans. The lucky benefactors were Maurice “Hammer” Alexander, Rocky Renecker, John Ancheta, Nancy Koehler, Sara Andres and Patricia Balderson. Plus their official escort, events manager Malory Simpson.

“The experience was definitely once in a lifetime!” shared Malory. “We were able to attend some events hosted by DraftKings, one on Saturday night and a tailgate party the day of the Super Bowl game. There was tons of free food and drinks, as well as a concert by Wyclef Jean, which was absolutely amazing. It was great to hear live music after COVID, you know?! 

“The suite was immaculate and filled with lots of food, drinks and hospitality,” she added. “The group of elders and veterans made my job easy. I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with each of them. Big thank you to the Board of Directors for the tickets, to our Travel Department for booking our flights and shuttles, and the CEO staff for thinking of me to escort our elders to Super Bowl LVI.” 

Local artist Walter Moses created a special piece for the occasion that was gifted to the DraftKings representative by the group at the stadium. “I can tell you she was grateful to be gifted such a stunning piece of artwork. She mentioned to us that she’s never been gifted a piece of art from her clients before,” said Malory.

The football event watched around the world featured a thrilling game that went down to the wire, an exciting halftime show starring hip hop legends, and a $5 billion SoFi Stadium venue in Los Angeles that added a uniquely Hollywood flare. For the Tulalips in attendance, memories were made and experiences had that are sure to last a lifetime. 

“I had an amazing time,” shared Tulalip veteran Sara Andres. “I was super happy to be given this once in a lifetime experience and to be able to share it with the others. I am so thankful the Board of Directors offered the tickets to Tulalip elders and veterans. Having been the third alternate called, I didn’t think I would be going. I am very grateful for the winners that gave up their opportunity for me to be able to attend. I will never forget Super Bowl LVI. GO Rams!”