Tulalip News

Tomahawk wrestlers compete at Mat Classic XXV

Drew Hatch (right) won a fourth place medal.

By Roy Pablo, Tulalip See-Yaht-Sub guest writer

The Mat Classic High School State Wrestling Championship celebrated it’s 25th year at the Tacoma Dome, February 15-16. The top wrestlers from each region in Washington at every weight class came to battle it out for the elite title of State Champion. For a high school wrestler there is no greater goal than making it to the Dome, and most can only hope to be there by their senior year. Beyond high school every serious wrestlers dream is the Olympics. As you can imagine the topic of conversation this weekend centered on the IOC’s suggestion to remove wrestling from

the Olympics, which will be voted on by 2014. “It’s a tough blow,” said Marysville Pilchuck head coach Craig Iversen. “Our sport is very successful. We’re filling up the Tacoma Dome, and for the top level to not be recognized would very damaging to this sport. But for now, kids are excited to be here and we are focusing on today.”

Marysville Pilchuck had six competitors make it to state this year. For sophomores Ryan Daurie at 126 lbs., Killian Page at 145 lbs. and Drew Hatch at 160 lbs. this was their second time at the Mat Classic. As freshman Drew and Killian both took 6th place and Ryan attended as an alternate. Marysville Pilchuck is one of the few schools to have under classmen make it to the dome in the higher weight classes, much less place. Seniors Jory Cooper at 285 lbs., Ignat Gabov at 220 lbs., and Ishmael Perez at 195 lbs., fought through both district and regional qualifying tournaments to represent the Tomahawks for their first time. The Tomahawk wrestlers are led by Craig Iversen, who was named “Coach of the Year” in 2012, Tony Hatch, “Assistant Coach of the Year” for 2013, Tony Delpozo, and John Hodgins.

The two-day tournament was long and exhausting. After day one, Marysville only had three wrestlers left in the folkstyle tournament, Ignat Gabov , Drew Hatch and Killian Page. The other three had been eliminated after suffering two losses. Killian, ranked number six, was up first in a semi final match that would determine whether he would wrestle for the championship or be bumped into the losers bracket to fight for third place. His opponent was the number three-ranked senior Dylan Schmidt from Shadle Park. (Rankings are established through last years placing, wins, losses and number of tournaments wrestled). It was a battle match that lasted over 12 minutes with injury and stoppage time. The score was tied almost the entire match in the final 10 seconds Killian rallied with a 2 point take down to end the match and put him in the finals. Although he lost his finals match to senior John Hoover from (Mt. Spokane) Killian was still so excited to be there. “I am okay with second” Killian said. “That guy was a beast and a cool kid he deserved it. Besides just being in the finals felt like a dream.

Next up was Drew Hatch in the 160 lb. bracket. Recovering from a torn meniscus, Drew had his first loss of the season the day before against senior Morgan Smith of Meadowdale, and needed every win to stay in the running. His first match of the day was against freshman Mason McDaniel and ended with a win by injury forfeit. Next up Drew wrestled the number 3 ranked sophomore Bryson Pierce from North Central. It was a tough match, but Drew dominated and won 8-5 securing his spot on the podium and ending up with a fourth place medal. “I put alot of pressure on myself to do better than last year, but I can’t say I am not a little disappointed.” Drew said. “ I just can’t wait for next year when I am completely healed and hopefully my teammates and I will get another chance.”

Ignat or “Iggy was last to wrestle in the semi final round. Iggy’s story is the most interesting. He and his family moved from Russia to Marysville several years ago. After dominating at football he decided to try wrestling. It was difficult for him to communicate with the coaches at first because English was his second language, but Iggy didn’t give up. In only his second year he made it to the state championships on pure brute strength. He won three matches with a “head and arm” and moved on to place 8th.

The sophomores of Marysville Pilchuck are all ready looking forward to Mat Classic XXVI and the future. Killian, Drew and Ryan all shared the same words; “There are many promising wrestlers in the Marysville Wrestling Club and coming up from the middle schools. We are going to have a strong team next year and the year after, and hopefully we will just keep going.”

Both the wrestlers and coaches are hopeful for the State Championships in 2014 as well as the IOC’s final vote on the fate of Olympic Wrestling.

Help is always needed at Tulalip Church of God food bank

By Monica Brown, Tulalip News Writer

TULALIP, Wash.-

The many food donations recenlty recieved being boxed ready to go. — The many food donations recently received being boxed ready to go.

Volunteers at the Tulalip Church of God food bank are happy to say that they help feed families of Snohomish County. Food bank volunteer Tamara Morden says, “We help feed about 150 -200 families every two weeks, so about 400 a month”. The food bank receives regular donations from people in the community and local businesses such as Safeway, Winco, and Northwest Harvest. While they did very well with donations this last, they received extra donations from First Nation Ministry of Portland of 2,000 lbs. of potatoes and two palettes of juice. And they are always in need of more donations of non-perishable foods.

The food bank has been in operation for seventeen years and was started by Marge Williams in order to serve the community west of Interstate 5. Once the food bank began receiving donations from Northwest Harvest they became available to all residents of Snohomish County.

Tamara has lived on the Tulalip Reservation since she was born. She began attending the Church of God in her youth and eventually began volunteering her time at the food bank. With the help of volunteers Tamara manages to keep the food bank going and while working a full-time job.

Food Bank volunteers; Delores Williams, Frances Morden, W. Jake Price and Tamara Morden on the far right.

“Louie Pablo picks up supplies and I’m very, very grateful for him doing that,” Tamara says. W. Jake Price is her biggest help; Jake has been helping at the Food Bank since Marge ran it, “He’s always here every day of donations,” explains Tamara.

The food bank hands out donations on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 10:30am -4:00pm and receives the donations the day before they hand out the donations, the second and fourth Monday of every month. Volunteers are always welcome, currently more help is needed to pick up donations from local businesses for the food bank.

If you would like to help, stop by the Tulalip Church of God (the red church) on the second or fourth Mondays and Tuesdays of each month to volunteer.

Tulalip Church of God

1330 Marine Dr NE

Tulalip, WA 98271

(360) 653-7876

U.S. Exposure to Horse Meat: Answers to Common Questions

By Stephanie Strom, The New York Times

The alarm in Europe over the discovery of horse meat in beef products escalated again Monday, when the Swedish furniture giant Ikea withdrew an estimated 1,670 pounds of meatballs from sale in 14 European countries.

Ikea acted after authorities in the Czech Republic detected horse meat in its meatballs. The company said it had made the decision even though its tests two weeks ago did not detect horse DNA.

Horse meat mixed with beef was first found last month in Ireland, then Britain, and has now expanded steadily across the Continent. The situation in Europe has created unease among American consumers over whether horse meat might also find its way into the food supply in the United States. Here are answers to commonly asked questions on the subject.

Has horse meat been found in any meatballs sold in Ikea stores in the United States?

Ikea says there is no horse meat in the meatballs it sells in the United States. The company issued a statement on Monday saying meatballs sold in its 38 stores in the United States were bought from an American supplier and contained beef and pork from animals raised in the United States and Canada.

“We do not tolerate any other ingredients than the ones stipulated in our recipes or specifications, secured through set standards, certifications and product analysis by accredited laboratories,” Ikea said in its statement.

Mona Liss, a spokeswoman for Ikea, said by e-mail that all of the businesses that supply meat to its meatball maker issue letters guaranteeing that they will not misbrand or adulterate their products. “Additionally, as an abundance of caution, we are in the process of DNA-testing our meatballs,” Ms. Liss wrote. “Results should be concluded in 30 days.”

Does the United States import any beef from countries where horse meat has been found?

No. According to the Department of Agriculture, the United States imports no beef from any of the European countries involved in the scandal. Brian K. Mabry, a spokesman for the department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, said: “Following a decision by Congress in November 2011 to lift the ban on horse slaughter, two establishments, one located in New Mexico and one in Missouri, have applied for a grant of inspection exclusively for equine slaughter. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (F.S.I.S.) is currently reviewing those applications.”

Has horse meat been found in ground meat products sold in the United States?

No. Meat products sold in the United States must pass Department of Agriculture inspections, whether produced domestically or imported. No government financing has been available for inspection of horse meat for human consumption in the United States since 2005, when the Humane Society of the United States got a rider forbidding financing for inspection of horse meat inserted in the annual appropriations bill for the Agriculture Department. Without inspection, such plants may not operate legally.

The rider was attached to every subsequent agriculture appropriations bill until 2011, when it was left out of an omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama on Nov. 18. The U.S.D.A. has not committed any money for the inspection of horse meat.

“We’re real close to getting some processing plants up and running, but there are no inspectors because the U.S.D.A. is working on protocols,” said Dave Duquette, a horse trader in Oregon and president of United Horsemen, a small group that works to retrain and rehabilitate unwanted horses and advocates the slaughter of horses for meat. “We believe very strongly that the U.S.D.A. is going to bring inspectors online directly.”

Are horses slaughtered for meat for human consumption in the United States?

Not currently, although live horses from the United States are exported to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico. The lack of inspection effectively ended the slaughter of horse meat for human consumption in the United States; 2007 was the last year horses were slaughtered in the United States. At the time financing of inspections was banned, a Belgian company operated three horse meat processing plants — in Fort Worth and Kaufman, Tex., and DeKalb, Ill. — but exported the meat it produced in them.

Since 2011, efforts have been made to re-establish the processing of horse meat for human consumption in the United States. A small plant in Roswell, N.M., which used to process beef cattle into meat has been retooled to slaughter 20 to 25 horses a day. But legal challenges have prevented it from opening, Mr. Duquette said. Gov. Susana Martinez of New Mexico opposes opening the plant and has asked the U.S.D.A. to block it.

Last month, the two houses of the Oklahoma Legislature passed separate bills to override a law against the slaughter of horses for meat but kept the law’s ban on consumption of such meat by state residents. California, Illinois, New Jersey, Tennessee and Texas prohibit horse slaughter for human consumption.

Is there a market for horse meat in the United States?

Mr. Duquette said horse meat was popular among several growing demographic groups in the United States, including Tongans, Mongolians and various Hispanic populations. He said he knew of at least 10 restaurants that wanted to buy horse meat. “People are very polarized on this issue,” he said. Wayne Pacelle, chief executive of the Humane Society of the United States, disagreed, saying demand in the United States was limited. Italy is the largest consumer of horse meat, he said, followed by France and Belgium.

Is horse meat safe to eat?

That is a matter of much debate between proponents and opponents of horse meat consumption. Mr. Duquette said that horse meat, some derived from American animals processed abroad, was eaten widely around the world without health problems. “It’s high in protein, low in fat and has a whole lot of omega 3s,” he said.

The Humane Society says that because horse meat is not consumed in the United States, the animals’ flesh is likely to contain residues of many drugs that are unsafe for humans to eat. The organization’s list of drugs given to horses runs to 29 pages.

“We’ve been warning the Europeans about this for years,” Mr. Pacelle said. “You have all these food safety standards in Europe — they do not import chicken carcasses from the U.S. because they are bathed in chlorine, and won’t take pork because of the use of ractopamine in our industry — but you’ve thrown out the book when it comes to importing horse meat from North America.”

The society has filed petitions with the Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration, arguing that they should test horse meat before allowing it to be marketed in the United States for humans to eat.

This article has been revised to reflect the following correction:

Correction: February 25, 2013

An earlier version of this article misstated how many pounds of meatballs Ikea was withdrawing from sale in 14 European countries. It is 1,670 pounds, not 1.67 billion pounds.

This article has been revised to reflect the following correction:

Correction: February 25, 2013

An earlier version of this article misstated the last year that horses were slaughtered in the United States. It is 2007, not 2006.

Reduced Spending Would Limit Park Services and Revenue, Interior Secretary Says

By John M. Broder, New York Times

WASHINGTON — Mandatory federal spending cuts scheduled to begin Friday are already affecting operations at many of the nation’s national parks and wildlife refuges, officials said Monday.

Contracts for plowing Tioga and Glacier Point roads in Yosemite National Park and Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park have been delayed, pushing back the opening of large parts of those popular parks. Hiring of seasonal workers — including firefighters, law enforcement officers, search-and-rescue teams, and maintenance staff members — has been frozen. Rangers are preparing to close or cut back hours at campgrounds, trails and visitor centers at parks from Cape Cod in Massachusetts to Denali in Alaska in anticipation of the across-the-board budget cuts.

Ken Salazar, the interior secretary, did not announce the closing of any parks, monuments or refuges, but said that hours for visitors centers, tours and interpretive programs, like those at the Gettysburg battlefield, would be curtailed. He also said that access to some backcountry trails and campgrounds could be limited if firefighting and rescue teams are cut back.

“These are real impacts we’re looking at,” Mr. Salazar said in a call with reporters on Monday. “The sequester was not supposed to happen and now we have to implement these reduced numbers in the remaining seven months of the year.”

Mr. Salazar’s comments and his dire predictions for impacts on the millions of visitors to the nation’s 398 national parks and 561 wildlife refuges are part of a concerted administration campaign to pressure Congress to cancel the automatic spending cuts known as sequestration and to accept President Obama’s demand for balanced deficit reduction including some tax increases.

Mr. Salazar and Jonathan B. Jarvis, director of the National Park Service, used the call to highlight the economic impact of the 280 million annual visits to federally managed lands and the businesses that depend on them. They said the national parks generate $30 billion in economic activity and support 252,000 jobs and that some portion of those businesses and those jobs will suffer under the looming cuts.

Under the mandatory spending cuts, each park must absorb a 5 percent decrease in its annual budget. But since the sequester begins in the middle of the fiscal year, the immediate impact is in effect doubled.

Mr. Salazar has announced that he intends to leave office in March to return to his family in Colorado. President Obama has nominated Sally Jewell, currently the chief executive of the outdoor outfitter REI, to take over the department.

Mr. Salazar said that if the cuts take effect as scheduled, the agency will have to temporarily furlough thousands of employees, some for as long as 22 days. He said that federal personnel law requires 30 days’ notice of involuntary furloughs, so none will take effect before April 1. He said that he and other officials are now planning such actions.

The Interior Department has already warned that the budget cuts will reduce federal revenue by slowing development of oil, gas and coal on federal lands and waters. Mr. Salazar, in a letter earlier this month to Senator Barbara Mikulski, the Maryland Democrat and chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, said that the required cuts will have serious effects on the nation’s prized natural, scientific and tribal resources.

Mr. Salazar said that the spending slowdown would delay review of an expected 550 drilling plans for the Gulf of Mexico and permits for seismic testing and air quality in Alaska. He also said that the agency would issue about 300 fewer drilling permits than anticipated this year for oil and gas wells in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

In addition, delays in coal leasing because of the sequester will cost the federal government $50 million to $60 million for each delayed lease sale, Mr. Salazar said.

Mr. Salazar also warned that federal mineral revenue sharing payments to state and local governments will decline by more than $200 million and that programs for Native American tribes would be trimmed by nearly $130 million.

Joan Anzelmo, the former superintendent of the Colorado National Monument and spokeswoman for the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees, said that Mr. Salazar and Mr. Jarvis are highlighting the cuts that will be most immediately felt by the public to bring pressure on Congress to call off the sequester.

She said that the park service budget has been stagnant for four years while operating costs are rising. Something has to give, she said.

“Instead of being focused on getting their jobs done, park managers are all focused on how they’re going to implement these cuts,” she said in a telephone interview from her home in Wyoming. “It’s hurting people, it’s hurting communities around the parks, and employees are at a point where they’re hitting a wall. This is no way for our government to work.”

Gathering of Nations Celebrating 30th Anniversary

By Monica Brown, Tulalip News Writer

Information Source: Gathering of Nations

The world’s largest gathering of Native American and indigenous people, the Gathering of Nations will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The Gathering of Nations is a 3 day event, starting Thursday evening on April 25th, 2013 is the Miss Indian World Talent Presentations held at a the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino -Albuquerque Showroom. The Gathering of Nations PowWow is an 2 Day and Night event (April 26th and 27th, 2013) and the powwow is held at the UNM A (University of New Mexico Arena)”The Pit” in Albuquerque, NM.

The Gathering of Nations is an experience for all people (Indian and Non-Indian) to see the colorful powwow dancing and to hear the songs and become enlightened with emotional happiness!Over 3,000 indigenous / Native American / Indian dancers and Singers representing more than 500 tribes from Canada and the United States come to Gathering of Nations PowWow annually to participate socially and competitively.

Included with the Gathering of Nations PowWow Admission are admittance into the Indian Traders Market and Stage 49. The Indian Traders Market offers a special shopping experience, which includes intercultural traditions and exhibition of Native American Arts and crafts with over 800 artists, crafters, and traders will place their wares on display and for sale.Stage 49 will highlight contemporary and traditional Native American music performances and entertainment. Native musicians will perform in all Genres of music (comedy, country, reggae, blues, metal and traditional).

After the Saturday evening Grand Entry on April 27th, 2013, a young Native American Woman will be crowned the 2013-2014 Miss Indian World at the UNM A “The Pit”. Miss Indian World will represent all of Native America and Indigenous people as a cultural goodwill ambassador.

With the celebration of its 30th anniversary the Gathering of Nations is releasing of book, “30 Years of Gathering: Gathering of Nations Powwow,” and launching the Gathering of Nations Internet Radio on the iHeartRadio network.

Powwow tickets cost $17 per day, $34 for a two day pass, or $50 for a two day pass with VIP seating. For more information, visit http://www.gatheringofnations.com/powwow/index.htm

Senate schedules confirmation hearing on Sally Jewell’s nomination as Interior Secretary

WASHINGTON — The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a confirmation hearing March 7 to consider REI Chief Executive Sally Jewell’s nomination to become the next Interior Secretary.

President Obama nominated Jewell earlier this month to succeed Ken Salazar, who said he will leave the administration at the end of March and return to Colorado.

The hearing will be led by committee Chairman Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat of Oregon.

Jewell, an avid mountain climber and skier who worked as a banker and a petroleum engineer, would be taking on a department with a dual mission of protecting public lands while tapping timber, coal, gas and other wealth from them.

Already, Jewell’s nomination has drawn attention from interest groups, ranging from mountain bikers who want to lift the ban from their pursuits in national parks to east coast governors who want drilling permitted off the Atlantic Coast.

Strawberry Festival introduces Royalty candidates

From left, the Marysville Strawberry Festival Senior Royalty candidates for 2013 are Madison Doty, Kalyah Bojang, Derek Groves, Victoria Stefoglo, Forrest Brown, Israel Lopez and Franceska ‘Franqui’ Rojas. Photo: Kirk Boxleitner.

By Kirk Boxleitner, Marysville Globe Reporter

MARYSVILLE — The Marysville Strawberry Festival packed the Jennings Park Barn nearly to overflowing on Feb. 12, when it introduced its seven Senior Royalty candidates and eight Junior Royalty candidates for the year.

Kalyah Bojang, a senior at Marysville-Pilchuck High School, opened the evening by praising her large, affectionate family — she’s the second-oldest sibling of seven — and explaining her goals of going into medical science.

Forrest Brown, a senior at the School for the Entrepreneur at Marysville Getchell High School, credited his parents’ divorce with making him interested in how the legal profession can help people. The Naval Junior ROTC cadet told judges that if he could meet one person it would be Andrew Carnegie, whom Brown admired for going “from rags to riches through his drive and determination.”

M-PHS junior Madison Doty, a former Junior Royalty princess, credited her parents and her religious faith with “polishing my charms.” Like her fellow candidates, the Everett Community College “Running Start” student is heavily involved in local volunteer work, much of it through her church.

Marysville Getchell SFE senior Derek Groves is a member of his school’s Future Business Leaders of America, and touted his FBLA’s recent regional conference performance, which dovetails with his goals of going into business administration, accounts, finances or human resources via the University of Washington.

“If I were to witness bullying, I would confront the bully and be there for the victim,” Groves said in response to a judge’s question. “I’d also tell an adult.”

M-PHS senior Israel Lopez cited his own uniquely mixed heritage as “not an excuse to fail, but a chance for greater success, by cultivating two cultures into one.” When asked how he would choose to spend lottery winnings, he advocated investing in organizations that aim to “motivate kids to pursue their dreams, because everyone has potential, but not everyone has drive, so we need to help them become who they could be, instead of making bad choices.”

SFE junior Franceska “Franqui” Rojas was part of the same Junior Royalty court as Doty in 2008, and she echoed Groves’ pride in the accomplishments of the FBLA to which she also belongs. Rojas plans to enter the UW’s Foster School of Business.

Lakewood High School senior Victoria Stefoglo’s sisters have been princesses in the Senior and Junior Royalty courts of previous years’ pageants, and the multilingual aspiring UW medical student would like to see Marysville place a greater emphasis on education.

“There’s always much to learn, no matter what path you take,” Stefoglo said.

The Junior Royalty candidates for this year included sixth-graders Jessica Apgar, Olivia Corona and Erika Krause of Totem Middle School, Ivanna Garza and Cassandra “Cassie” Kunselman of the 10th Street School, Lauren Vital and Criscia Rinaldi of Cedarcrest Middle School, and Leah Taylor of Marysville Middle School.

Women’s HIV Awareness Day free testing March 12

EVERETT — In honor of National Women and Girls HIV Awareness Day, all women ages 14 years and older who have had any risk for HIV transmission qualify for free, rapid HIV testing on March 12. The test involves a simple pinprick to the finger, resulting in a tiny drop of blood, and only takes 30 minutes, including results.

No appointment is necessary. Just stop by between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, at Snohomish Health District Suite 106, located at 3020 Rucker Ave. in Everett. For more information, call 425-339-5298 or visit www.womenshealth.gov.

Cornish Music Series Presents Michael Nicolella, Johnaye Kendrick & Friends

Friday, Mar 1 8:00p

Cornish College of the Arts: Cornish College of the Arts: Kerry Hall, PONCHO Concert Hall Seattle, WA

Buy Tickets

A San Diego native, Johnaye Kendrick received a Bachelor of Music from Western Michigan University in 2005. During her time at Western Michigan, she received a Down Beat Student Music Award as an Outstanding Jazz Vocalist, and was featured on an honors recital with pianist Fred Hersch. In the summer of 2005 she was a featured soloist in a piece composed and directed by legendary bassist Rufus Reid for the International Society of Bassists Conference. In the fall of 2007, Ms. Kendrick was accepted to the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, a graduate program which focuses on jazz performance and composition. While attending the Thelonious Monk Institute, Johnaye worked with many jazz legends, including Terence Blanchard, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Danilo Perez, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Brian Blade. She received a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies from Loyola University, and an Artist’s Diploma form the Thelonious Monk Institute. After graduating from the Institute, Johnaye was immediately hired by trumpeter Nicholas Payton who rave “Johnaye has the potential to be a vocalist of the highest order; the likes of which we have seen seldom since the grande dames of the golden era of jazz roamed about the earth. She’s got IT!” In addition to her many travels with the Nicholas Payton SEXTET, Johnaye was also the featured vocalist with the Ellis Marsalis Quartet and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. The Orchestra won a Grammy Award in the 2009 “Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album” category for their latest release, Book 1 on which Ms. Kendrick is featured. Ms. Kendrick resides in Seattle, WA and serves as the Assistant Professor of Jazz Voice at Cornish College of the Arts.

Michael Nicolella is recognized as one of America’s most innovative classical guitarists. He has received wide critical acclaim for his performances, recordings and compositions. Classical Guitar magazine has referred to him as “one of the contemporary guitar’s most gifted stars”; while the Washington Post stated “Since the passing of Andres Segovia the guitar world has needed an advocate…perhaps Michael Nicolella is that person.” A uniquely eclectic and versatile artist, Michael blurs the lines between musical styles and disciplines. He is part of a growing trend in classical music to revitalize the role of composer/performer. As a concert artist he frequently programs his own works for guitar in solo, chamber and orchestral settings. His most recent major piece, Flame of the Blue Star of Twilight (for soprano, guitar and orchestra), was premiered by the Northwest Symphony Orchestra and soprano Alexandra Picard in April 2012. Known for his creative programming, he has introduced electric guitar into his “classical” programs and extended the repertoire and audience of his instrument not only with his own compositions and transcriptions, but also by premiering and commisioning works by some of today’s most exciting emerging composers. Michael Nicolella has performed with the Seattle Symphony, Northwest Symphony Orchestra, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Ensemble Sospeso, odeonquartet, Seattle Choral Company, Seattle Guitar Trio and Charanga Danzon. As a performer and composer, he has received awards from ASCAP, the American Composers Forum, 4Culture, Wisconsin Arts Board, Washington State Arts Commission, Seattle Arts Commission and was first proze winner of both the Portland and Northwest solo classical guitar competitions. Michael is a graduate of Yale University, Berklee College of Music and the Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy. He is on the faculty of Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle.

Read more here: http://calendar.thenewstribune.com/seattle_wa/events/show/297920447-cornish-music-series-presents-michael-nicolella-johnaye-kendrick-friends#storylink=cpy

Visit Seattle: Coast Salish Artwork

Source: Visit Seattle

The ubiquitous totem pole, the most visible example of Native artwork in Seattle, actually comes from Southeast Alaska and British Columbia.

Since the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897, Seattle has had close ties to the Northwest Coast, and many monumental works of art from Haida, Tsimshian and Tlingit carvers can be seen in Seattle.

Totem poles were traditionally carved from cedar trees to serve as memorial posts displaying inherited crests, or as house posts providing support for large cedar long houses.

These monumental sculptures feature stylized animals and animal-spirits such as Bear, Beaver, Raven, Frog, Killer Whale, and many others which play important roles in traditional stories and have been associated with family clans reaching back many generations.

Traditional totem poles are on display at the Burke Museum, Victor Steinbrueck Park, Pioneer Square, and other parks and viewpoints around the city. Contemporary artists throughout the Pacific Northwest have adopted this form, and examples of their work can be seen in many museums and galleries.

Coast Salish artwork, the traditional style of the Puget Sound area, features more subtle and personal designs. Local traditions included carved objects such as house posts, which were both decorative and functional. House posts were typically found inside of large plank houses as part of the framing structure, rather than outside on public display.

Small items such as spindle whorls and canoe paddles were both utilitarian objects and ornately carved artworks. Twined baskets, as well as hats and clothing were made from cedar, and elegant blankets and robes were woven on large looms using yarns spun from the hair of mountain goats and woolly dogs.

Local design traditions have been overshadowed for generations by more dramatic artistic styles from farther north, but Coast Salish aesthetics are being revived by contemporary artists such as Susan Point, Roger Fernandes, Andrea Wilbur-Sigo and Shaun Peterson.

These and other Native artists drawn on traditional styles, and incorporate new materials such as glass and metal, to create work that is increasingly visible in Seattle’s galleries, museums, and public artworks.

Did You Know?

Large terra cotta cartouches featuring a stylized portrait of an Indian elder are found in several locations throughout Seattle. Oddly, the figure’s traditional feathered head dress is associated with tribes from the Great Plains region, rather than the Pacific Northwest, and was perhaps inspired by photographer Edward Curtis to symbolize the grandeur of the West, rather than to depict local historical reality.

These architectural ornaments were part of the 1909 White Henry Stuart Building, which once stood at Fourth Avenue and University Street. When that building was demolished, the terra cotta artifacts were salvaged and are now on display at the Convention Center, the Museum of History and Industry, Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center and other locations.

For more Native American culture and other cultures found around Seattle, check out Visit Seattle.

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