On Tuesday, January 26, the Heritage Hawks traveled to Eastsound, WA to play the league’s 1st place team, the Orcas Christian Saints. It was a big game for the Hawks, who were looking for a statement win after losing their previous two matchups vs. the Saints. It was a highly competitive game from the opening tip, but just like the last two matchups the game would slip away from Hawks down the stretch. Saints point guard and leading scorer Michael Harris continued to give the Hawks’ defense matchup problems and made timely plays for his team. The Hawks would lose 58-71 and fall to 0-3 vs. the league’s best team.
The Hawks bounced back in a big way when they hosted the winless Grace Academy Eagles on Friday, January 29. From the very beginning onlookers knew it was going to be a blowout, as the Hawks executed flawlessly on both ends of the court. At halftime the Hawks held their largest lead of the season, 46-2. In the 2nd half, with such a massive lead, the coaching staff pulled their starters and let the reserves get in a lengthy run. The Hawks finished the game with a 58-18 win. They were led by Josh Iukes and Samuel Fryberg in scoring, both had 13 points.
On Monday, February 1, the Hawks held their final regular season game at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasiums when they took on Providence Classical Christian. The Hawks had beaten Providence by at least 20 points in their previous two matchups. This would be no different. Willy Enick led all scorers with 18 points, as his Hawks won easily, 66-35.
After starting the season off with a 1-5 record, the Hawks finished the season strong by winning 11 of their final 14 games. Now, with a 12-8 overall record (11-4 in their league) the Hawks have earned a top 3 seed in the upcoming District 1B tournament.
Here are the facts. The Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks sit atop the Northwest 1B league with a 16-0 record (12-0 within their league). The Lady Hawks score an average of 60.2 points per game, while holding their opponents to an average of 30.7 points per game. They win their games by an average margin of 29.5 or basically 30 points per game. The starters usually don’t play into the 4th quarter of games because there is no reason to when the victory is all but assured. The Lady Hawks are dominant.
Because of their dominance this season, they’ve been climbing up the Associated Press’s Girls State Basketball Poll. In the latest edition of the weekly poll, the Lady Hawks are ranked #3 in the state for all 1B programs.
Over their last handful of games, opposing defenses have completely sold out to try and take senior stand out Adiya Jones out of games. In some instances, teams have doubled and even tripled teamed her off the ball. For those who don’t know, this means teams are choosing to leave one or two other Lady Hawks wide open so they can minimize Adiya’s scoring. This strategy employed by opposing teams has only helped to speed up the development of Adiya’s teammates. In particular, Aliya Jones and Keryn Parks have benefited from the open driving lanes and uncontested jumpers. As they continue to grow and develop, the Lady Hawks are able to get more and more creative with their offensive sets.
At their current rate, it’s a foregone conclusion the Lady Hawks will win their final three regular season games and go into the 1B District tournament as the #1 overall seed. Only one time this whole season have the Tulalip girls even been giving a competitive game (a 5 point victory at Neah Bay back on December 21). It’s likely they won’t see another competitive game until the Tri-District tournament. So what are the girls to do until then? Continue to practice to get better and remain dominant.
Back on Monday, December 27, the Heritage Hawks were coming off an 18 point loss to the hands of Neah Bay. The loss dropped them to 1-5 on the season and near the bottom of the Northwest 1B league standings, only one win better than winless Grace Academy. The outlook was bleak, as the Hawks had graduated four of their senior starters from last season, and this present team resembled nothing near the squad that went to the Tri-District tournament last February.
Fast forward a month and nearly everything has changed. The wins came in waves; first a was a four-game win streak with victories over Lummi, Rainer Christian, Lopez Island, and Lummi a second time. The momentum was stopped cold on Monday, January 11, with a lopsided home defeat to the then undefeated Orcas Christian. In that loss, the Hawks scored a meager 33 points, which the lowest a Tulalip team has scored in over five years. However, the Hawks didn’t allow the sting of that loss to linger as they quickly got back to their winning ways.
First up was an away game vs. Grace Academy on Wednesday, January 13. The Hawks made quick work of Grace, who remains winless on the season, by running away with the game early. The final score was 58-22.
Next up was another away game, as the Hawks traveled to Redmond to take on Providence Classical Christian. The Hawks took a large lead early, but had a defensive letdown in the 2nd quarter, allowing Providence to cut into their lead. At half time the Hawks led by only 4 points, 26-22. After reengaging defensibly, the Hawks were able to force turnover after turnover and convert easy transition buckets. Josh Iukes scored 14 points, Willy Enick had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Robert Miles had his first triple-double of the season with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Hawks won 61-40.
The third game of their road trip was against Lopez Island on Tuesday, January 19. After trailing 11-12 going in the 2nd quarter, the Hawks were struggling to find their offensive rhythm. That is until Josh Iukes took the reins and had his best game of the season by far. Josh finished the game scoring a game high and season high 27 points, but most importantly led his team to a 50-37 victory.
Hawks play against Providence Classical Christian. Photo/Micheal Rios
After going 3-0 on their road trip, the Hawks came back home on Thursday, January 21, to host Providence Classical Christian. There would be no defensive letdowns this time around vs. Providence, as the Hawks took a 16-6 1st quarter lead that turned into a 35-17 lead at halftime. The Hawks would go onto to win 64-38, stretching their winning streak to four games. Robert Miles led all scorers with 20 points, while Willy Enick and Josh Iukes both chipped in 15 points.
For the second time this season the Hawks were riding a four-game winning streak into a big time matchup. This time around it was against Lummi Nation, played at home on Friday, January 22. After winning their first two games vs. Lummi the Hawks were confident they could win again, but were a little on edge as Lummi had just beaten the previously undefeated Orcas Christian only days earlier.
The game started out competitive. The Hawks trailed 7-11 after the 1st quarter, and with only two minutes to go to halftime it was a three-point game, 14-17. To this point the Hawks had pretty much matched Lummi in terms of effort and hustle. Both teams defensive was making it difficult to find easy shots. Then Lummi went on a run. They closed the half on a 2-7 run, leaving the Hawks trailing 16-24 at halftime. It would only get worse from there. The Hawks weren’t able to keep up their defense and weren’t able to run their offensive sets in the 3rd quarter. Tulalip got outscored 13-33 in the quarter and trailed 29-55 going into the final eight minutes. Unable to mount any kind of comeback the Hawks lost 54-78, ending their four-game win streak.
Fortunately, the Hawks had a game the very next day vs. Lopez Island, so they didn’t have to dwell too long on their loss to Lummi. The Hawks hosted the Lobos on Saturday, January 23, and made short work of the visitors in a 46-30 victory.
So after a very disappointing 1-5 start to the season, the Hawks have bounced back to go 9-2 over their last eleven games. Currently sitting at 10-7 (9-3 within their league), the Hawks are in 2nd place in the standings with only three regular season games to go before the District playoffs. The Hawks have proven that they are clearly one of the best teams in the league, along with Orcas Christian and Lummi. The question is, are they able to contend against either when they face off at Districts? We’ll find out soon enough, as the District tournament starts on Friday, February 5.
The Lady Hawks (10-0) made short work of the Orcas Christian Saints (1-4) in a home game played on Monday, January 11. Coming into the game, the Lady Hawks were riding a 10 game win streak and remained unbeaten, while the Saints were just hoping they’d have five girls to play. Due to injuries the Saints only dressed five girls, but one had so much tape around a sprained ankle it looked like a cast.
From the opening moments of the game observers could tell it was only a matter of how much the Lady Hawks would win by. The Saints only had one player who could handle the ball and find some clean shots against the Lady Hawks stingy defense. Meanwhile, the home team fielded five starters who were all able to find quality shots and, a lot of time, wide open looks after a couple quick dribbles.
The Lady Hawks led 19-1 after the 1st quarter and pushed that lead to 35-6 at halftime. If that’s not dominant enough, the Lady Hawks starters went on a 20-0 run to open the 3rd quarter that hardly took more than five minutes of game time. Up 55-6, with the result clearly not in doubt, coach Bubba Fryberg took the starters out for the remainder of the game. In the end, 9 out of 10 Lady Hawks’ players scored in the game as they earned their eleventh win of the season, 63-10.
Adiya Jones finished with a game high 22points, while Aliya Jones scored 15points, and Keryn Parks chipped in 10points.
On their road to perfection, the Lady Hawks have beaten teams by an average margin of 31 points per game and have only won a single game by less than 15 points, which was a five point victory over Neah Bay on December 21.
The Lady Hawks next home game is Friday, January 22, when they host their rivals, the Lummi Blackhawks.
The Tulalip Heritage basketball team (5-5) hosted the Saints from Orcas Christian (6-0) at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium on Monday, January 11. After the 1-5 start to the season, the Hawks had returned to their winning ways and were on a 4-game win streak that propelled them into 2nd place in their Northwest 1B league. The only team above them in the standings? The undefeated Orcas Christian team.
These teams previously played on December 10. It was a highly contested match that saw the Hawks lose a late lead as the referees took over the game and sent Orcas to the free throw line time and time again. The Hawks would lose the game 52-61.
Coming into the rematch the Hawks were confident they would avenge their previous loss and continue their win streak. Orcas Christian had other plans however. The 1st quarter yielded the worst offense output from the Hawks all season, just 5 points, as they trailed 5-12 going into the 2nd quarter. Whether it was due to the 2-3 zone Orcas applied that clogged the paint and forced the Hawks to keep the ball on the perimeter, or the Hawks missing close, albeit contested, shots at the rim, the Hawks just were unable to get into a groove offensively.
In the 2nd quarter, senior forward Willy Enick did away with the game plan and found his own offense through isolation plays and some timely shooting. Willy scored 8points in the quarter and had 10 of the team’s 17 points at halftime.
Trailing 17-27 entering the 3rd quarter, the Hawks looked to rebound quickly by putting more defense pressure on the Orcas points guard, Michael Harris. Unfortunately, that game plan didn’t come to fruition as Harris repeatedly was able to cut through the Hawks defense and either score a layup or find an open teammate for a quality look from 3-point territory. The Hawks would be outscored 6-27 in the quarter, making the score 23-54 going into the final quarter.
The Hawks would go on to lose the game 33-67, snapping their win streak. The 33 points was the lowest offensive output on the season. Willy led all Hawks scorers with 17 points.
Now, with a 5-6 record, the Hawks remain in 2nd place in their league but know they have work to do. They have to clean up the offense and defense if they want to have a good showing at the District Tournament next month, where they’ll likely face this same Orcas Christian team who has beaten them twice now.
The Hawks next home game is Friday, January 22, vs. the Lummi Blackhawks.
On Monday, January 5, the Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks (8-0) hosted the Lopez Lobos (2-4) at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium. For the Lady Hawks, it’s been smooth sailing through the first eight games of the season. Owners of an undefeated record and winning by an average margin of 24 points, the Lady Hawks are on a dominating form of cruise control.
The dominance has been showcased on both ends of the floor, as they are averaging a league high 52 points per game while holding their opponents to a measly 29 points per game.
In the 1st quarter of Monday’s game, the Lady Hawks displayed everything that’s been working for them thus far. They were able to work the ball inside to Adiya Jones and Cyena Fryberg at will, their ability to draw a double team opens up wide open looks for wing players, and those wings have been knocking down the good looks. Then on the defensive end, the Lady Hawks use a nice combination of 2-3 zone and full court press to either force their opponents into a highly contested jump shot or a turnover. The home team led 17-9 at the end of the quarter.
Photo/Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
In the 2nd quarter, guard Keryn Parks caught fire from 3-point land, making three straight 3-pointers. Aliya Jones chipped in a 3-pointer of her own, while Adiya started to have her way inside scoring three fields goals in the paint. Defensively, the Lady Hawks were putting on a clinic. It seemed like every other possession they would come up with a steal or block. Forcing so many turnovers left the Lobos dazzled and they weren’t able to do much scoring. At halftime the home team had a 20 point lead, 38-18.
During the 2nd half, with such a large lead, coach Bubba Fryberg was afforded the opportunity to give his bench players some heavy minutes. It was good a learning experience for the Lady Hawk reserves as they tried to run their offensive sets while remaining active on the defensive end.
When the final game buzzer sounded, the Lady Hawks had moved to 9-0 on the season with a 58-38 win. Keryn led all scorers with a career best 21 points, while Adiya filled the box score with 13 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals and 5 blocks.
Tulalip Pharmacist Jane Jacobson describes the contents and uses of a Narcan kit, which are available at the Tulalip Pharmacy. Photo/Niki Cleary
by Niki Cleary, Tulalip News
It’s the time of year that we gather together with our family, reminisce about favorite memories and create new ones. While the holidays are a time of love and generosity, for those down on their luck they can be a painful reminder of better times. Holidays can also bring the added stress of creating the perfect holiday experience (usually accompanied by consumer debt) and they can heighten emotions grief and loss. Many cope with the stress and pain by leaning on prescription drugs or opiates.
Too often deaths in our community are a result of drug overdose. According to a report released early this year, one out of every five heroin deaths in the State occurred in Snohomish County (you can view the report http://www.snohd.org/Records-Reports/Data-Reports). Combined with the fact that drug use spikes during the holidays, chances are someone you know may be in danger of opiate overdose this season.
Other than abstinence, there’s no surefire way to prevent overdose, and the stigma surrounding addiction often prevents people from being willing to even discuss the possibility of a family member’s use or potential overuse of drugs. Tulalip citizen Rico Madison lost his mother to an opiate overdose; the experience has made him passionate about changing the culture of hiding drug addiction.
“I do this because everybody has someone close to them,” he said. “Everyone has been in a situation where they rejected someone who asked for help, or someone they wish they could have helped.”
One of the primary tools to offset the harm of drug addiction is Narcan, also known as Naloxone.
“Narcan is a way to help without enabling,” Rico continued. “It’s like a fire extinguisher, it can’t hurt, it can only help.”
Rico campaigns constantly to encourage everyone to purchase a Narcan kit. Most insurances will cover at least part of the cost.
The simple explanation of a deadly opiate overdose is that the effects of opiates cause your brain to shut down the normally automatic impulse to breathe. Without oxygen to the body, the heart stops and brain damage and death follow. Narcan is a narcotic antagonist; it blocks opiate receptors, which can temporarily halt the effects of the opiate.
Tulalip Pharmacist Jane Jacobson explained, “This is not a fix, it’s a last resort. A dose will wear off in 30-90 minutes, so you still need to call 911, because when it wears off the patient will be back into overdose.”
She described the ‘look’ of an opiate overdose, “They may look like they’re sleeping. They may be breathing very slowly. They may breathe in a long, slow gasp, followed by a long pause. They may have blue or gray lips or may be unresponsive. When a person is only breathing 5-10 breaths a minute, you are looking at brain damage.
“If you even think someone may be overdosing on opiates administer Narcan immediately,” she instructed. “It only works on opiates, if someone is overdosing on something else, this won’t hurt them. There are two doses in your kit. If there’s no effect within two to three minutes, use the other syringe, start rescue breaths and call 911.”
Due to Rico’s activism, Tulalip enacted the Lois Luella Jones Good Samaritan Law, a law that offers limited exemption from prosecution if a person calls 911 for help with an overdose.
“With the Good Samaritan Law you will not be arrested for drug paraphernalia, underage drinking, or non-violent misdemeanors,” explained Jane. “Sometimes addicts want to help, but they don’t call 911 because they’re afraid they will be arrested.”
Narcan kits are available at the Tulalip Pharmacy. Tulalip employee insurance covers the cost with only $8.00 co-pay, and Washington’s Applecare covers the kits at 100%. For the uninsured, the kits cost $105 for non-Tulalips and $65 for Tulalip citizens.
Each kit comes with a pharmacist’s consultation and purchasers watch a video that explains how to use it. Photo/Niki Cleary
“We have a lot of kits in stock, made up and ready to go,” said Jane. She pointed out that the kits, while generally sought after by families and friends of those suffering addiction, are useful for many populations.
“We also recommend people on chronic pain management medications have kits on hand as well,” she said. “Hopefully you won’t need it, but it’s here if you do. It’s better to have a kit just in case than be in a situation where you could have used it and saw a friend or family member pass away when you could have gotten something to save them.”
If you have a kit and use one dose, replace it even though there’s another dose still in the kit.
“You always want the second dose,” said Jane, reminding that sometimes a single dose isn’t enough to halt the overdose. Each kit comes with a pharmacist’s consultation and purchasers watch a video to explain how to use it. Narcan is prescribed as a four-day supply, so a client can pick up a new kit every four days if they choose.
“If people want to come in and get kits as a family, we can do that too,” said Jane.
“I don’t want to go to another funeral because of overdose,” said Rico. “I want people to understand that it’s easy, it’s the difference between life and death and it only takes 20 minutes.”
A fire extinguisher, a life preserver, a first aid/CPR class; we don’t think twice about most tools designed to save lives. If you can learn something or buy something and save someone’s life, it’s a no-brainer, right? Narcan is no different. This holiday season, while you’re shopping and heading to and from dinners and holiday parties, please think about scheduling a trip to the Tulalip Pharmacy to pick up a Narcan kit. It may be that the greatest gift you give this year, is saving someone’s life.
Coming off a very forgettable 2-18 season last year, the Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks came into the season with a renewed sense of purpose: returning back to their winning ways and making a run at the District 1B title. The team was revamped in the off season as key additions Adiya Jones, Aliya Jones, Keryn Parks and Desirae Williams joined the team. Coming back from last year is Michelle Iukes, Myrna Redleaf, Cyena Fryberg and Kaenishia Herrera. This year’s team has all the components necessary for a winning season and a deep playoff push.
Starting off the season, the Lady Hawks hosted the Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks C-team at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium on Wednesday, December 2. It was obvious from the get go that the Tomahawks C-team, a team of all freshman, didn’t have the experience to deal with a player the likes of Lady Hawks forward/center Adiya Jones. Coming off a year in which she led La Connor High School to the state playoffs and earned All-State First Team honors, Adiya took full advantage of the mismatches she had on offense.
The Lady Hawks came out firing on all cylinders as they quickly took an 18-2 1st quarter lead, a lead they never relinquished. It was impressive to watch Lady Hawks guard Myrna Redleaf hound the ball-handlers of MP all game long. Her on the ball defense made it very difficult for the MP players to pass the ball or even attempt a shot. Nothing came easy for MP, as the Lady Hawks kept active on defensive, jumping the passing lanes and contesting all shot attempts.
In the 2nd quarter, the Lady Hawks continued to dominate the game on both sides of the ball, taking a 36-9 lead into halftime.
Keryn Parks
In the 3rd quarter, Keryn Parks and Aliya Jones both forced multiple turnovers which led to easy layups for their team. Adiya continued to have her way in the paint both offensively and defensively, to the tune of 34 points through 3 quarters and only a handful of shot attempts for MP coming near the rim.
Going into the 4th quarter, the Lady Hawks led 60-17 and gave coach Bubba Fryberg the perfect opportunity to give his bench and role players quality minutes to build up their on-court experience. This time is critical for the long-term success of the Lady Hawks, especially in close games where every player, every play is crucial to earning a W.
When the buzzer sounded signaling end of game, the Lady Hawks had won 64-22.
“It feels really good to be playing my final season of high school ball back at home, for Heritage,” said Adiya following the lopsided victory. “Being able to play with my sister is huge as well. We’re so familiar with each other’s game that it makes it easier to run our offense. There are some areas as a team we’ll look to improve on in practice, but it should all come together soon.”
Store opens in Tulalip, bringing jerky back to its Native American Roots
December 2, 2015 Tulalip, Washington – The first Beef Jerky Outlet franchise in the Pacific Northwest celebrates its grand opening December 12 on tribal grounds in Tulalip, Washington. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Seattle Union Gospel Mission, a local charity that helps the homeless.
This local Beef Jerky Outlet specializes in more than 200 jerky varieties and sizes, including specialty meats like kangaroo, alligator, venison and elk with exotic flavors ranging from Moonshine to Cajun. Sales of beef jerky jumped 46 percent from 2009-2015, as locals and people throughout the country devour the tasty, cured dried meat snack with a vengeance.
“Beef jerky is the latest food craze with Americans craving high protein, low fat snacks,” says Tom Miller, owner of the new Tulalip Beef Jerky Outlet, one of 45 franchises throughout the country. “We can’t wait to provide people in our community with a unique selection of this popular snack. Plus we’re opening the store on tribal land, where the American Indians and pioneers in the 1800s first smoked, dried and cured beef. We’re bringing jerky back to its roots and our store is a celebration of its heritage.”
Miller spent his career as an executive in the technology industry. He’s thrilled to be the first to bring the Beef Jerky Outlet to the Pacific Northwest.
“We do a lot of wine tasting here in this area and I can see how beef jerky tastings will be a lot of fun and generate excitement for the store,” he says. “We also sell seasoning and rubs for jerky and we expect that will be a big hit with those who make their own jerky.”
Grand Opening Celebration!
Come out to sample a variety of jerky flavors at the ribbon cutting at our local Beef Jerky Outlet at 8825 34th Ave NE, Tulalip, Washington Saturday, December 12 at 10 AM.
One lucky customer will walk away with a $100 gift basket full of jerky. Other giveaways will be handed out all weekend long.
Mel Sheldon, Chairman of the Tulalip Indian tribe will be the honored guest at the ribbon cutting
10 percent of all sales Saturday go to the Union Gospel Mission, a local charity that helps the homeless. This after Seattle’s mayor declared states of emergency in Seattle and King Counties to help combat the area’s homeless epidemic.
We will also collect bags of jerky for troops. Beef Jerky is the number 1 snack choice of the military
Talk to the local Beef Jerky Outlet owner and customers as they try out these new jerky flavors in the brand new store.
History of Beef Jerky:
The word jerky has its origins in the native languages of South America. In the 1800s, the term “jerky” quickly spread across the new world to describe the process of smoking, drying and curing beef. American Indians, cowboys and pioneers made and embraced jerky as an easily transportable and long lasting food source. Jerky has traditionally been the No. 1 favorite snack of the military, and for years, NASA has sent it up to our astronauts in space.
Today, jerky is selling like crazy with the general population because of America’s demand for lightweight, high protein foods. Jerky is lean, high in protein and nutritional value and low in calories, carbohydrates and fat (jerky is only 3 percent fat).
• IRI, a Chicago based market research firm, reports sales of jerky jumped 46 percent from 2009-2015, catapulting it to a $1.24 billion industry.
• Jerky is in the beef snack category – the fastest growing segment of the snack food industry (Convenience Store Decisions, Nov. 2012).
• Our nation’s health craze is fueling the jerky revolution as runners, weightlifters, hikers and weekend warriors eat it before, during and after exercise.
• Jerky is a popular snack for folks on the trendy Paleo diet, which urges consumers to eat foods from their hunter/gatherer ancestors.
• Jerky is catching on for women too, because the cured, low fat snack provides an energy boost without spoiling the diet. A study at Penn State University found physically active women ages 18–45 consider jerky as more convenient and satisfying than tortilla chips.
• Chefs are now incorporating jerky into their gourmet dishes. You can find jerky on the menus of high end restaurants in Four Seasons hotels and others throughout the country.
About the Beef Jerky Outlet:
The Beef Jerky Outlet is the world’s first national beef jerky franchise that has grown to six founder-owned stores, 46 opened franchise stores, and dozens of more locations opening in the next 18 months across the U.S. The Beef Jerky Outlet specializes in more than 200 jerky varieties and sizes including kangaroo, alligator, venison and elk with exotic flavors ranging from Moonshine to Cajun. The dried, smoked meat has traditionally been the No. 1 favorite snack of the military, and for years, NASA sent jerky up to the astronauts in space. Today, jerky is selling like crazy with the general population because of America’s demand for low fat, low calorie foods that are high in protein. IRI, a Chicago based market research firm, reports sales of jerky jumped 46 percent from 2009-2015, catapulting it to a $1.24 billion industry. For more information, please visit www.independencejerky.com.
Leaders and members of the Lummi Nation and other Washington State tribes opposed to coal terminals in the Pacific Northwest are bringing their concerns to the other Washington, the U.S. capital, on Thursday November 5.
Eight tribes in total will call on Congress to honor treaties that safeguard both the environment and tribal members’ ability to fish and conduct other cultural and sustenance activities that would be compromised by proposed industrial development. They plan to speak on the issue at the Ronald Reagan Building courtyard during the White House Tribal Nations Summit, to be held
“Tribal treaty rights are being threatened by corporate interests and congressional interference,” said the tribes in a media release announcing the event. “As Lummi Nation fights to protect its fishing areas from North America’s largest coal terminal, other tribes have faced their own development pressures and stand united with Lummi against the terminal and the erosion of treaty rights.”
The Lummi have vociferously opposed the projects and have asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review and reject the proposal for a coal rail terminal at Cherry Point, the ancestral village site of Xwe’chi’eXen.
The statement is signed by Lummi Nation Chair Tim Ballew II; Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Chair Brian Cladoosby (also president of the National Congress of American Indians, a post to which he was recently reelected); Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Chair Frances Charles; Tulalip Nation Chair Melvin Sheldon Jr.; Yakima Nation Chair JoDe Goudy; Hoopa Valley Tribe Chair Ryan Jackson; Spokane Tribe Chair David Brown Eagle, and Quinault Tribe Vice President Tyson Johnston.
“Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) has led efforts in Congress to prevent the U.S. Army Corps from reviewing the impact of the terminal on the Lummi Nation’s treaty fishing rights—a central tenet of its trust responsibility,” the leaders said in the statement. “If successful, it could set a dangerous precedent for other projects in Indian country.”
