Tulalip News

Tulalip Tribal Member Charged in Death of Toddler

Source: 7th Space, 7thspace.com

An enrolled member of the Tulalip Tribes was charged today with second-degree murder and two counts of criminal mistreatment related to the October 2012 death of her young daughter and the neglect of her second daughter, announced United States Attorney Jenny A Durkan. Christina D Carlson will make her initial appearance in United States District Court in Seattle at 2:30 today. Carlson was transferred to federal custody this morning and the criminal complaint was unsealed. The complaint describes how on October 8, 2012, emergency crews were called to an address on Marine Drive NE on the Tulalip Tribal Reservation where Carlson was performing CPR on her 19-month-old daughter, who was unresponsive on a blanket on the ground.

The child was unconscious, not breathing, and covered in urine and feces. A second child, a 33-month old girl, was found strapped in her car seat in a nearby vehicle. The child was pale, unresponsive, and covered in urine and feces. The girl was transported to the hospital and later recovered.

The 19-month old child died and the Snohomish County Medical examiner classified the manner of death as homicide by parental neglect. According to the report, the child was malnourished and dehydrated, weighing only 19 pounds. The child’s skin in the diaper area was excoriated and infested with maggots. Her hair was infested with lice.

The investigation revealed that Carlson had been living in the car with the girls on the property since mid-September. On October 8, 2012, Carlson had left the girls in the car while she went to use a phone at the residence on the property. Carlson was away from the car for more than an hour by some estimates. About 20 minutes after the neighbors told her to go back to the car and her children, Carlson returned asking them to call 9-1-1 because the youngest child was unresponsive.

Second-degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison. Criminal mistreatment is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the Tulalip Tribal Police and the FBI. Press contact for the United States Attorney’s Office is Emily Langlie at (206) 553-4110 or Emily.Langlie@usdoj.gov.

States want to arm Teachers

By Monica Brown, Tulalip News staff

In light of the mass shootings having taken place many states are taking action. States are either reviewing gun control policies or choosing more proactive ways to protect themselves. While Oregon, the location of the Clackamas Town Center shooting, is divided on whether or not they are pro-gun and Washington has recently offered a Gun buyback program part of a gun safety initiative in order to reduce gun violence, Alaska is definitely pro-gun.

As stated in the Anchorage Daily News, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich stated that he had no current interest in a ban on sales of assault weapons in this country. Begich said decision-makers can’t “jump to the clamor of emotion” and create legislation that they think will be the “magic solution” to gun violence. He says there’s a broader issue of violence and a need for improved mental health services that need to be looked at.

The Alaska State Legislature will consider House Bill 55 sponsored by Republican Rep. Bob Lynn,

“An Act allowing school districts and private schools to adopt a policy authorizing one or more permanent employees to possess one or more firearms on school grounds under certain conditions.”

Alaska is not the only state mulling around the idea of arming their teachers, other states such as Texas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Alabama are also taking to the idea of arming teachers and school personnel.

Seattle’s first buyback will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 in downtown Seattle in the parking lot underneath Interstate 5 between Cherry and James Streets. The Seattle Police Department will monitor the buyback.

and

http://www.adn.com/2013/01/11/2749293/bill-would-let-teachers-carry.html

and

http://www.gazette.com/articles/teachers-149524-administrators-school.html

Tulalip’s NWIC Hosts a Teach In about Idle No More

By Monica Brown, Tulalip News staff

TULALIP- Wash.

January 11, 2013 Northwest Indian College’s extension site at Tulalip hosted a Teach In/potluck at noon for students and staff to talk about what Idle No More is, how it came to be and what it means for all of the indeigenous cultures around the globe.

Idle No more, NWIC students and staff at Tulalip College Center

Watch Video’s here of their meeting,

What is Idle No More from Tulalip News on Vimeo.

Tulalip Health Clinic offering flu mist through Jan 14

The Karen I. Fryberg Tulalip Health Clinic has the flu mist, a type of a influenza vaccine in the form of a nasal spray available for tribal children ages 2 to 18. This is not an injection but a mist in the nostrils.

The Clinic will have the mist available until January 14^th, 2013. No appointment necessary, walk-ins are welcome.

Off the Rez, serving Native American eats since 2011

Off the Rez, a mobile food truck has been serving up Native American eats around Seattle since 2011.

The outfit of Mark McConnell and partener Cecilia Rikard, Off the Rez is inspired by Native American food, a cuisine generally not found on menus around Seattle. McConnell, A Ballard native, grew up on Indian tacos, frybread and other foods that his mom and grandmother would cook for gatherings and special occasions. Marks; mother grew up on the Blackfeet reservation on Montana.

McConnell says he originally intended to open a restaurant but opted for a mobile operation. The Native food truck can be found at lunchtime around downtown, with possible stops in South Lake Union and late nights on Pike Street and Capital Hill.

This not-to-be-missed truck of tasty meals features a mural of a chief in a war bonnet on one side and a fellow smoking out of a peace pipe with a scene of Seattle on the rear.

The highly-rated menu includes pulled pork smoked for ten hours, a bacon burger, and frybread and tacos, slathered in homemade jam or chicken chili verde.

You can find the Off the Rez truck on Facebook. The Capitol Hill stops are fairly regular, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. by the Caffe Vita at 1005 E. Pike St.

By Kim Kalliber, Tulalip News staff

SAIGE Announces Youth Program at 10th Annual National Training Program

Saige, www.saige.org

The Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) is a national non-profit organization that advocates for American Indian and Alaska Native Government employees. SAIGE will host their 10th annual National Training Program, Guiding Our Destiny with Heritage and Traditions, June 3-7, 2013 in Spokane, Washington, at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino, owned by the Kalispel Tribe.

As part of the Training Program, SAIGE will also host the annual Native Youth Program. This program is designed to provide Native American students an opportunity to learn about careers within the federal government, to participate in professional and personal development workshops and leadership training, and to network with Native American professionals.

SAIGE encourages Native American youth to realize their potential to become leaders in their communities and schools, continue their educations by obtaining a college degree, and ultimately, to seek a career in the government sector in one of the multitude of civil service professions. Federal agency representatives attending the conference will have the opportunity to participate as Exhibitors, meet students, and promote career opportunities within their respective agencies.

SAIGE is offering a limited number of scholarships for Native students to attend the 2013 Training Conference June 3-7, 2013 in Spokane, Washington. The scholarships will include conference fee, airfare, hotel accommodations and meals.

The Youth Program is open to Native Students between the ages of 18 and 25 who can demonstrate they are currently enrolled in good standing at an accredited high school, college or university. Students must be interested in gaining a professional degree and in the possibility of pursing a career with the federal government. SAIGE invites American Indian/Alaska Native students to submit their application form, letter of reference, proof of school enrollment, and completed emergency medical information form for consideration to attend the conference. A short essay about their interest in government careers and information about themselves is also required. Completed application packets must be postmarked or electronic copies sent no later than April 1, 2013. To obtain a complete application visit our website at: www.saige.org under Youth Program.

Flu more widespread in US; eases off in some areas

Associated Press, Mike Stobbe AP Medical Writer, Jan 11, 2013

Flu is more widespread across the nation, but the number of hard-hit states has declined, health officials said Friday.

Flu season started early this winter, and includes a strain that tends to make people sicker. Health officials have forecast a potentially bad flu season, following last year’s unusually mild one.

The latest numbers, however, hint that the flu season may already have peaked in some spots.

Flu was widespread in 47 states last week, up from 41 the week before, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday Many cases may be mild. The only states without widespread flu are California, Mississippi and Hawaii

The hardest hit states dropped to 24 from 29. Those are states where large numbers of people were treated for flu-like illness.

Those with less activity include Florida, Arkansas and South Carolina in South, the first region hit in the current flu season.

Nationally, 20 children have died from the flu. There is no running tally of adult deaths, but the CDC estimates that the flu kills about 24,000 people in an average year.

Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months or older. Health officials are still recommending vaccinations, even in areas with widespread flu reports.

Nearly 130 million doses of flu vaccine were distributed this year, and at least 112 million have been used, according to CDC officials.

Vaccine is still available, but supplies may have run low in some locations, health officials say.

Also on Friday, CDC officials said a recent study of more than 1,100 people has concluded the current flu vaccine is 62 percent effective. That’s in line with how effective the vaccine has been in other years.

The flu vaccine is reformulated each year, and officials say this year’s version is a good match to the viruses going around.

Flu usually peaks in midwinter. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, head and body aches and fatigue. Some people also suffer vomiting and diarrhea, and some develop pneumonia or other severe complications.

Most people with flu have a mild illness. But people with severe symptoms should see a doctor. They may be given antiviral drugs or other medications to ease symptoms.

Tulalip prepares for annual Point-in-Time Count

By Jeannie Briones, Tulalip News staff

TULALIP, Wash. – on January 22, 2013, the Tulalip Tribes will join the annual Point in Time Count to gauge the local homeless population. By counting the homeless, Tulalip may become eligible for federal funding to assist the homeless with permanent housing.

This is a nationwide survey that emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, permanent supportive housing programs, renting assistance programs, homeless resources and outreach centers, feeding programs and food banks are required to conduct.

The importance of this homeless count is to survey the un-sheltered population that includes people who live in cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings, and on the street. The homeless count is to understand the size of the homeless population and to determine federal homeless funding.

The count will take place during Tulalip Food Bank hours at the Tulalip Church of God from 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sandy Tracy and Homeless Shelter staff, along with staff members from Housing Hope, and the Director of the Tulalip Food Bank, Frances Morden, will work attentively on getting an accurate count of the homeless

The count consists of community members that come in that day. Each person who is considered homeless will be asked to fill out a basic questionnaire form with assistance from volunteers in the community. The survey does not require a name or personal information, but it will ask about the person’s status as a veteran, their living situation, disabilities, and if they’re homeless due to domestic violence.

“We will be approaching people when they’re getting their food from the food bank and asking them if they’re homeless and if they’re willing to participate in the survey. It’s important for Native Americans that we get an accurate count because the number of homeless we find in the county determines what federal funds will be available,” said Sandy.

Having not received funding in the past, Sandy states that next year Tulalip Tribes should be eligible for federal funding to help with the rising issues of homelessness in the community.

“We are part of this national effort to come up with the most accurate numbers. According to the federal government, the amount of homeless has decreased from the past year. In our specific area, it’s seems like the majority of the long-term homeless are due to chemical dependency issues. So until we get a better handle on the chemical dependency issues, we are going to have this ongoing problem,” said Sandy.

Jeannie Briones: 360-716-4188; jbriones@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

Chief Theresa Spence will not attend Friday meeting without Governor General

Source: Rebecca Lindell, Global News

Wednesday, January 09, 2013 8:23 PM

Read it on Global News: Global News | Spence will not attend Friday meeting without Governor General

Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence has pulled out of Friday’s meeting between First Nations leaders and Prime Minister Stephen Harper because Gov. Gen. David Johnston will not attend the gathering.

The Assembly of First Nations scheduled a meeting for Jan. 11 between Harper and some of its chiefs, including Spence, but on Tuesday Johnston’s office confirmed he would not attend because it is a “working meeting” with the government on public policy issues.

Spence responded by issuing this statement on Wednesday: “We have sent a letter to Buckingham Palace and requesting that Queen Elizabeth II send forth her representative which is the Governor General of Canada. I will not be attending Friday’s meeting with the Prime Minister, as the Governor General’s attendance is integral when discussing inherent and treaty rights.”

Read it on Global News: Global News | Spence will not attend Friday meeting without Governor General

United Nations speaks out about Chief Theresa Spence to Canada

Canadian authorities must start meaningful dialogue with aboriginal leaders – UN expert

Source: United News Centre

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=43891&Cr=indigenous&Cr1=

8 January 2013 – A United Nations independent expert today urged the Canadian Government to establish a meaningful dialogue with the country’s aboriginal leaders in light of recent protests.

“I am encouraged by reports that Prime Minister Steven Harper has agreed to meet with First Nations Chiefs and leadership on 11 January 2013 to discuss issues related to aboriginal and treaty rights as well as economic development,” said the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya.

He continued, “Both the Government of Canada and First Nations representatives must take full advantage of this opportunity to rebuild relationships in a true spirit of good faith and partnership.”

For weeks, aboriginal leaders and activists carried out protests referred to as ‘Idle no more,’ according to a news release from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). It noted that the movement has been punctuated by the hunger strike of Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation, which began on 11 December.

“I would like to add my voice to the concern expressed by many over the health condition of Chief Spence, who I understand will be joining indigenous leaders at this week’s meeting,” the Mr. Anaya said.

The independent expert stressed that the dialogue between the Government and First Nations should proceed in accordance with standards expressed in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration states that indigenous peoples have the right to maintain their distinct identities and cultures as a basis of their development and place in the world, to pursue their own destinies under conditions of equality, and to have secure rights over lands and resources, with due regard for their traditional patterns of use and occupancy.

In particular, Mr. Anaya highlighted one of the preambles in the Declaration which affirms that treaties, agreements and other arrangements are the basis for a strengthened partnership between indigenous peoples and States.

The Government affirmed a “commitment to continue working in partnership with Aboriginal peoples and in accordance with a relationship based on good faith, partnership and mutual respect,” when it released a statement supporting the Declaration on 12 November 2010, said Mr. Anaya, who has asked the Canadian authorities to provide relevant information on this matter, in accordance with the terms of his mandate from the UN Human Rights Council.

“I will continue to monitor developments as I hold out hope that the 11 January meeting will prompt meaningful and restorative action by the Government and First Nations leadership,” Mr. Anaya added.

Independent experts, or special rapporteurs such as Mr. Anaya, are appointed by the Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.