Applications available at the Tulalip Tribal Administration Building or contact Kelly Finley at 360.716.4606 or kfinley@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Month: March 2016
Taking care of the community, taking care of each other
Annual awards ceremony reminds officers they are valued
Photo/Niki Cleary
by Niki Cleary, Tulalip News
Cast as superheroes or villains, depending on who called them, police officers take on work that is often hazardous, unrecognized and unwelcome. While every police force faces the day to day challenge of high risk interactions and angry clients, tribal officers are particularly imbedded within their community. Often reservation residents know their names, histories and families. Calls for service can lead to hard feelings when an officer has such close ties to the population they are policing.
Commander Sherman Pruitt, who helps recruit new officers, literally asks the recruits at every stage of the hiring process if they still want to work for Tulalip.
“There’s a stigma around tribal law enforcement, the opinion that we’re not real law enforcement,” he said. “But times have changed, our tribal law enforcement officers are trained and educated and have the same authority as other agencies out there. I want our recruits to be fully aware, I don’t want them to have any doubts, any regret and I want them know who they’re going to be serving and what the department they’re working for.
“In that last set of people that we hired,” Commander Pruitt continued, “we have two with Bachelor’s degrees and they could have gotten hired at any agency. They chose to work here. I’m impressed with all the candidates we hired, they were very informed and did their research about what the Tulalip Tribes is about. They looked into the Point Elliott Treaty and went above and beyond in learning who they were going to be serving.”
The rewards of the job are rarely a straightforward ‘thank you,’ instead it’s the satisfaction of knowing the community is safer, or the admiration of a child who wants to be a police officer. Which is why, the department sets aside one night each year to acknowledge the hard work and heart that each officer puts forth and to honor employees who have gone above and beyond.
“We care about the community and we want to make a difference in their life,” explained Commander Pruitt, describing the department’s impact on citizens. “We’re part of the Tulalip Tribes family. I want them to know that. I may not be Tulalip, but I’m family. Do families argue, disagree? Absolutely, but that love we have for each other doesn’t change. We want our children to know this is a safe community and a thriving tribe.
“We want to assure them we protect their tribal rights and the community is safe. What I love about Tulalip is people are passionate. I don’t take the things they say personal because it’s very heartfelt. I understand what they’re going through, I love that they’re passionate people who express what they feel, but they care. They may not tell us at the time, but they tell us later that they care. I love that. To our officers, we need to be vigilant and aware, but at the same time compassionate and understanding.”
Asked why recognition is necessary, Police Chief Carlos Echevarria pointed out the behind the scenes work that his department is responsible for in addition to policing, including knowledge of constantly amended laws.
“Ever changing case law adds steps in the process,” he explained. “All officers are required to be knowledgeable of all updates daily. We print them out and go over them every shift.”
He explained that each of his officers possess unique strengths, the awards banquet is a way to let them know their efforts are appreciated.
“With training and experience come areas of expertise,” Chief Echevarria clarified. “For example some officers do a great job in identifying impaired drivers, some excel at being aware when criminal activity is afoot and then investigating, not letting it go unnoticed. The banquet gives us a chance to acknowledge and for the department to show appreciation for those individuals who go above and beyond on a daily basis.”
He lamented that it is always tough to choose the reward recipients, “While everyone does a great job, there are individuals that go above and beyond especially in specific areas. I truly appreciate their hard work day in and day out.”
In addition to recognition from their peers, Board of Directors added their praise to the evening.
“I want to thank our men and women who serve and protect this community each and every day,” said Tulalip Chairman Mel Sheldon. “Too many times we forget about our police until we need them. A lot of us remember when Tulalip was a ‘lawless’ place where predators came to commit crimes or ditch evidence. At that time calls to the other law enforcement agencies either got no response or brought a very heavy handed approach. Although it often goes unsaid, our officers are so very important to our community. Having a police force of such caring, passionate and focused individuals is a blessing.
Our officers take care of us no matter how scary the call, and they take care of us with simple things, like escorting our family members on their last journey during funerals. Rarely a day passes when I don’t see an officer going out of his or her way to help. Every month in the board room we hear the statistics and we know what our officers are faced with. To our officers, you are making a difference for our people, keep up the good work.”
Awards
Senior Officer Aaron Cook – Chief’s Award (10 years of Honorable and Faithful service to the Tulalip Tribal Police Department and the Tulalip Tribal Community)
Officer Charles Oxstien – Officer of the Year (The police officer who stood out from all the rest, who was a team player, who served our Tulalip Tribal Community and who also serves in the Army National Guard as an Army Ranger)
Communications Officer Allison Fogelstrom – Employee of the Year (Provided Outstanding Support by inputting Numerous Protection Orders into the National Database and provided Transcriptions to Detectives and Police Officers regarding investigative cases)
Certificates of Commendation
Detective Sergeant Wayne Schakel – Supervisor of the Criminal Investigation Unit and Drug Task Force, took on Criminal Cases and provided support to his subordinates on Tribal, State, and Federal Cases
Detective Garry Tilleson – Numerous Felony Arrests involving Drugs and Vehicle Seizures
Detective David Sallee – Investigated High Profile Cases and Supported the AUSA Prosecutor with Federal Court Case Convictions
Sergeant William Santos – Outstanding Supervisor who led by example and went above and beyond on mentoring his subordinates
Sergeant Jim Williams –Outstanding Supervisor who led by example and went above and beyond on mentoring his subordinates
Officer Tre’ Pruitt – Officer who had the most Recovered Stolen Vehicles within the Department
Marina Security Officer Robert McCracken – Provided assistance in Saving a Fisherman’s Life on a boat by administering CPR and an AED Device to the Fisherman until Medical Personnel
Evidence Technician Officer Donica Johnson – Outstanding Support of our Tulalip Tribal PD Staff involving taking on additional duties in making our department successful
Office Manager Ashlynn Danielson – Outstanding Support to Police Personnel and Staff, and Coordinator of Community Events
Letters of Appreciation
Senior Officer Jeremy Mooring – Great supporting Senior Officer who helped cover patrol shifts to help serve our Tulalip Tribal Community, he mentored our new officers and took on additional duties with no complaint, and Coaches Youth Sports
Senior Officer Paul Arroyos – Senior Officer who was responsible for training and mentoring our new officers in being successful during the Field Training Officer Program
Senior Officer Clayton Horne – Supervisor who was in charge of Saving a Fisherman’s Life on a boat
Communications Officer Allison Fogelstrom – Dispatcher who goes above and beyond their duties in keeping the morale up with the Police Personnel on their professional career and personal life
Communications Officer Sadie King– Dispatcher who goes above and beyond their duties in keeping the morale up with the Police Personnel on their professional career and personal life
Girls Group gains leadership experience in D.C.
By Micheal Rios,Tulalip News; photos courtesy of Sasha Smith, Tulalip Family Haven Project Coordinator
The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) held its 26th annual National Leadership Forum and Prevention Days at the Maryland Convention Center during February 1 – 4. CADCA is the national membership organization representing over 5,000 coalitions and affiliates working to make America’s community safe, healthy and drug-free.
Count Tulalip among those communities represented by CADCA, as Tulalip tribal members Elizabeth Edelman and Priscilla Bumgarner attended this year’s leadership forum. Elizabeth and Priscilla, both 15 years old, were afforded the opportunity to attend thanks to their frequent participation in Girls Group.
Girls Group, comprised of young Native women ages 14-17, is designed through Tulalip Family Haven and is located next to the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club. Girls Group aims to provide Native girls the support they need to become the most successful person they can be.
“In selecting the two young ladies to take to the prevention conference and tour Washington, D.C., we based the decision off of overall participation and best attendance at Girls Group,” says Sasha Smith, Project Coordinator at Family Haven, who chaperoned Elizabeth and Priscilla on their trip. “These girls were so excited to get the chance to travel. Elizabeth had never been on an airplane before and neither had ever been so far from home without their parents”
The young ladies spent four days in Maryland and Washington, D.C. learning about reducing drug and alcohol use in their community, how to be a positive and supporting leader, and gaining life experiences on the other side of the country. They received helpful information about different groups and communities who have been successful in reducing substance abuse.
“Better environment, better future,” recalls Elizabeth is the line that really stood out from the seminars she attended. “It’s so true. If nobody cared about their surroundings and the environment then things can’t get better, they’ll only get worse. If you care about your future then you’ll care about your environment, who and what you have around you.”
A project they got to participate in, and may even do here at home, was a sticker project. The youth, armed with message carrying stickers, went around to local liquor stores and convenient stores placing stickers on alcohol products, as a way to remind buyers that underage drinking and purchasing for minor is illegal.
Another idea they participated in was being part of a high school student panel dubbed the Myth Busters. They held a Q & A session for middle school students who are in transition to high school. The middle schoolers were able to ask any and all questions they had about the high school experience, most of which were debunked as myths by the current high schoolers.
Of all their experiences during the four days away from home, the most lasting was getting a guided tour of the capital, which included taking a three hour night tour of all the historical monuments.
“The entire experience was pretty cool. Being out of here and off the rez everything was new, it felt like a vacation,” said Elizabeth. “Touring the capital and seeing the Lincoln Memorial was most memorable for me. And learning about Billy Frank, Jr. He has his own exhibit in the Museum [of the American Indian].”
Girls Group meets every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30p.m. – 6:30p.m. and is free to join. For more information on the Family Haven Girls Group or how to sign up, please contact project coordinator Sasha Smith at 360-716-4404.
Tulalip students are in need of Natural Leaders
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
“When the schools and families have a mutual respect for one another and depend on one another as partners in education, the result is increased achievement.” That is a key line from Dr. Steve Constantino’s 101 Ways to Create Real Family Engagement. For Tulalip, getting parents and families engaged in their students’ academic well-being remains a lofty goal. Local schools and many tribal service departments have proclaimed their strategies for family engagement and getting families vested in our students’ academic success, but most fall short of their proclamations.
In order to change this, we must help to build a new cultural foundation and create relationships that motivate family involvement and ultimately create family engagement. Research has constantly shown students’ success to be highly correlated with the level of their parent engagement. When parents are involved, students achieve more, regardless of socio-economic status, ethnic/racial background, or the parents’ education level.
Hoping to spark the must needed change for the sake of our students, Tulalip tribal member Eliza Davis, who works as a Native Liaison for the Marysville School District, is creating a parent engagement project that piggybacks off the Natural Leaders initiative. It is Eliza’s mission to help all our children succeed in school by providing skill building opportunities and in-class volunteer hours for parents to help their kids succeed.
“It is my dream that we will see a group of families and community members emerge and begin taking on leadership roles within the school. We want to help build the families capacity to be partners in their student’s education. That is the piece we are missing here at Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary, the family and community representation in our work,” explains Eliza. “We are striving to integrate families in all levels of the work we are doing through the Natural Leaders initiative. We need to get input on our school improvement plan. We want to get parent involvement in building our leadership team. Really, we are just seeking parents to be in the building as volunteers, to help us bring more community events throughout the year, and eventually to bring some fundraising to events for our school.”
The Tulalip Natural Leader project challenges parents to take on a leadership role. They will build relationships with families in the community, identify what helps these families be successful with education and then implement these ideas. A driving focus is collaborative community organizing where parents are equal partners sharing a common goal of children achieving success in education.
“We are starting this work at Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary, but really I am thinking how we could be building this type of work up with our families in all our schools; the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy, Totem Middle School, and the three high schools our kids are attending (Heritage, Marysville Pilchuck and Marysville Getchell),” continues Eliza. “We believe that family and community engagement work will bring great success for our Tulalip students. The research proves that these strategies are effective in bridging the opportunity gap in schools. We hope to be working side by side with more families and community members through this initiative very soon.”
According to the Washington Alliance for Better Schools, Natural Leaders are warm, caring social persons who serve as multicultural bridges between students, teachers, communities and schools. In our community we hear so much about education, the need for a cultural presence in our school, and advocating for our youth, especially around General Council season. Here is the perfect opportunity to show your support for our youth, our educators and our community by becoming a part of the Natural Leaders initiative.
Lack of parental supervision or a plain absence of parental engagement in their children’s day to day life is the most harmful demographic trend of this Native generation. It is the leading cause of declining child well-being in our society. It is also the engine driving our most urgent social problems, from crime to adolescent pregnancy to substance abuse to perpetuating the impoverish mindset that clutches so many like a mental vice grip.
It is very powerful when adults engage in education themselves because actions speak louder than words. Children view adults as role models and aspire to be like them. Parents and Tulalip community members who answer the call to become Natural Leaders will experience personal growth that comes with giving of oneself for the better of our younger generation. Personal growth and transformation is an important outcome that leads to stronger communities and academic success for children.
“Parent and community engagement is an integral part of a successful school. In order to achieve academic success, parents and staff members need a strong partnership,” states Cory Taylor, Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary Principal. “Thankfully the Natural Leaders program is designed to accomplish this objective. One particular way the Natural Leaders program has benefited our school is through the volunteer program. Parents have assisted in the following areas: after school events, classroom projects, perfect attendance awards, maintaining the school calendar, and individual academic student support.
“We are looking forward to building on the Natural Leaders program in the upcoming months and years. As we strengthen staff and parent relationships through this program we will be creating a brighter future for our students and children.”
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, or concerned community member, please consider becoming a part of Tulalip’s Natural Leader initiative. The next Natural Leaders group meeting will be Wednesday, March 23, at noon in room 162 of the Tulalip Administration building.
Share what the mission of the Natural Leaders group is and help our community to recruit able and willing employees, community members, parents and guardians. Become a part of the movement, be the ripple effect and support our youth.
Totem Middle School Spaghetti night and Student showcase
The Totem Middle School’s upcoming student showcase and spaghetti dinner will be held on Wednesday March 23rd form 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the Totem Middle School cafeteria. There will be performances by the jazz choir, clubs and talented students. There will be a basket raffle and a 50/50 raffle.
Tickets are $5 for dinner with children under 5 free. Feed the family of 4 or more for $20. Please come celebrate Totem’s biggest event of the year. Ticket order forms have been sent home with students and are also available in the school office. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door as well.
Easter at the Tulalip Resort Casino: One Special Day, Several Dining Choices
On Sunday, March 27, Select From Several Egg-citing Dining Options For The Whole Family
Tulalip, Washington — The chef team at the Tulalip Resort Casino has hatched several egg-citing dining options for the whole family. Guests can choose between two grand buffet brunches with one in the Orca Ballroom and one at their signature Eagles Buffet, to dinner specials at the award-winning Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill, Tulalip Bay Restaurant and Cedars Cafe. The offerings are a dining sanctuary for the senses.
Annual Orca Ballroom Easter Sunday Brunch
The annual Easter festivities in the Orca Ballroom are an awe-inspiring culinary adventure for the entire family. Diners can enjoy an array of specialties, such as the made-to-order omelet station, a carving station with Roast Baron of Beef and Bone in Ham, Niçoise Potato Salad, pasta station featuring a build your own Fettuccine and more, and Teriyaki Salmon with shiitake mushrooms, to Pigs in the Blanket and a Belgian Waffle display with fresh berries, whipped cream and maple syrup.
For the sweet tooth in all of us—a plethora of dessert delights will be available, featuring Carrot Cake with maple cream cheese frosting, Decorated Egg Shaped Sugar Cookies, Tropical Fruit Breton Tart, Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons, Lemon Panna Cotta, and Individual Blueberry Crisps.
Children can also enjoy their very own kid’s knee-high buffet, featuring Mini Pepperoni Pizzas, Chicken Strips, Macaroni and Cheese Bites, and Mini Burgers.
Adults and children can celebrate the holiday in grand style in the Resort’s Orca Ballroom, with seating from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. Easter brunch is priced at $42 inclusive for adults and $22 for children ages 4 to 12. Reservations* are highly recommended and can be made by calling 360-716-6888.
*Note: All reservations will have pre-assigned tables; each reservation will require pre-payment at time of booking and is non-refundable; parties of 10 or more will be placed within close proximity of each other.
Eagles Buffet
Eagles Buffet is offering a mouth-watering selection for Easter Sunday Brunch, Dinner, and items that will be served all day during both meal services. The menu** will feature a selection of brunch items, such as Made to Order Waffles, Steak and Eggs with chopped onion rings and pepper jack cheese, Prime Rib Hash, French Toast Casserole with bananas and rum sauce, and BBQ Braised Pork Belly.
With a nod towards dinner, here are a few palate teasers: Rotisserie Leg of Lamb with rosemary and garlic, Artichoke and Spinach Stuffed Chicken wrapped in bacon, Smoked BBQ Beef Ribs, Stuffed Shells with Italian sausage marinara sauce, and Vegetable Lasagna.
Throughout the day guests can also enjoy chef specials, such as the Baked Wild Salmon with lemon dill pepper, Slow Roasted Prime Rib, Honey Baked Ham, Tender Pot Roast, a grand Salad Bar, and a huge dessert selection with Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream.
Savor Eagles Buffet Easter Sunday Brunch and Dinner all day from 9 am to 9 pm. The holiday brunch and dinner are priced at $24.95 for adults and $13.95 for children ages 2 to 10 (prices do not include sales tax and gratuity). Tables are seated on a first come, first served basis. For more information, call 360-716-1462, or visit online at www.tulalipresort.com.
**Note: Menu items subject to change due to availability.
Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill
Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill is the Resort’s innovative Pacific Northwest seafood restaurant, influenced by traditional tribal culture and cuisine, served in a casual setting.
This year, Chef David Buchanan will be serving fresh Pacific Halibut with a pine nut pesto crust laced with Parmesan Cheese and served with gourmet rice blend, baby carrots, patty pain squash, French green beans, and pesto lemon beurre blanc for $39. The special will be available in addition to the regular dinner menu from 5 pm until closing on Sunday, March 27, 2016. To book a table online, visit OpenTable, or reserve by phone at 360-716-1100.
Tulalip Bay Restaurant
Tulalip Bay Restaurant is a winning combination of a classic steakhouse and a traditional Italian restaurant with a superior wine list — where old world taste is fused with local Northwest ingredients.
For Easter 2016, Tulalip Bay Chef Jeremy Taisey has crafted a Lavender and Rosemary Crusted Lamb accompanied with cauliflower puree, local fiddleheads, apricots, wild mushrooms, and lamb demi-glace. The special is priced at $40 and will be available in addition to the regular dinner menu from 5 pm until closing on Sunday, March 27, 2016. To book a table online, visit OpenTable, or reserve by phone at 360-716-1500.
Cedars Cafe
Cedars offers a relaxed atmosphere for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
This Easter Sunday, Chef Brent Clarkson is serving up lamb chops rubbed with olive oil, seasoned with garlic and a fresh herb marinade; served with a Riesling wine demi-glace, orange mint sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, charred asparagus, and crispy onion straws. The special will be available for $25 and comes with a choice of a house salad or soup du jour; and will be in addition to the regular menu on Sunday, March 27, 2016. Cedars Cafe is open 24 hours a day. For more information and to reserve a table by phone, call 360-716-1276.
March 16, 2016 syəcəb
Memorable season comes to an end for Lady Hawks
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
On Friday, March 4, the Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks (23-2) played a loser-out game in the State tournament held at Spokane Arena. Their opponent was the Warriors from Almira-Coulee-Hartline.
In the 1st quarter, Adiya Jones came out very aggressive and scored on three of her first four shots. Tied at 6-6, the Warriors started double teaming Adiya as much as possible, which put the clamps on the Lady Hawks offense. The Warriors finished the quarter on a 12-2 run to take an 18-8 lead over Tulalip.
In the 2nd quarter, the Lady Hawks went on a 10-4 run sparked by Aliya Jones connecting on a 3-pointer and a long two, then Adiya added a couple free-throws and a 3-pointer of her own. Trailing by only 4 points, 18-22, the Lady Hawks put enough pressure on the Warriors that they called a timeout. Following the timeout, the Warriors again adjusted their defense to pick up Aliya at half-court and pressured her to give up the ball. The Warriors adjustment worked as the Lady Hawks were unable to get their offense going to close the half and were trailing 22-30 at the intermission.
The Warriors ability to disrupt the Lady Hawks offense by forcing turnovers, corralling seemingly every rebound, and using their own size and athleticism to score on the Tulalip defense proved to be too much to overcome. The Lady Hawks lost the game 43-64, ending their season.
Adiya finished her last high school game again filling the box score with 27 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 6 blocks. Even more impressive, Adiya scored or assisted on 37 of the teams 43 points. Aliya added 9 points, Keryn 5 points, and Desirae 2 points.
This season was a tremendous success for the Lady Hawks. After a season to forget last year, in which the team went 2-18, the program added the talents of Aliya, Keryn and all-state selection Adiya. With a renewed vigor the Lady Hawks power housed through their regular season schedule going undefeated and winning by a whopping 30 points per game. They won their league, finished 2nd at Tri-Districts, and were one of only eight teams to play for the State title.
Senior players Adiya Jones, Michelle Iukes, Desirae Williams, Kaenishia Herrera, and Geri Iukes will be graduating this spring.
Shown below, Adiya Jones and Keryn Parks were recipients of the Hardwood Classic sportsmanship award for their play at State.
Contact Michael Rios, mrios@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
15th Annual Tribal Event Celebration, April 25
Lady Hawks stunned in State quarterfinals
by Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
The Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks (23-1) were one of only eight teams in the entire state to have the opportunity to play in the 2016 WIAA 1B State Girls basketball tournament. The state tournament took place March 3 – March 5 at Spokane Arena.
After finishing their regular season undefeated and easily winning their district playoffs, the Lady Hawks saw their quality of opponent get better and better with every game. First it was in the Tri-District tournament where they played one good team after another before suffering their first loss of the season in the championship round. Then at Regionals they trailed early on before stepping up the defense and securing their bid to State with a win.
Now at State, the Lady Hawks found themselves among eight of the best teams in Washington. At this level every team had the stifling defense and explosive offense that the Lady Hawks showcased all season.
Their quarterfinal opponent was the #2 ranked Knights from Sunnyside Christian. The Knights lost in the State championship game last season and were undefeated to this point. By far this would be the highest quality opponent the Lady Hawks had faced all year.
In the 1st quarter, the Lady Hawks were slow getting their offense going and trailed 0-8 minutes in. The Knights featured three girls 5’10 or taller, so they were sure to keep two of them around Adiya at all times. Adiya struggled with her shot against the stifling defense put on by the Knights, shooting 2-8 in the opening quarter. The score was 5-16 when the Lady Hawks got some good ball movement going that resulted in consecutive 3-point buckets by Keryn, Michelle, and Keryn again. At the end of the 1st quarter they were very much in the game, trailing 14-20.
Both teams struggled to score any points early in the 2nd quarter as both defenses tightened up, contesting all shots. The score was still 14-20 midway through the 2nd until Adiya sank two free-throws. Seeing the ball go in the net got Adiya going and she added five more points for her team before being called for her 3rd foul and forced to sit. With Adiya on the bench, the Lady Hawks were unable to get any more offense going and trailed 21-30 at halftime.
In the 2nd half, some quick whistles against the Lady Hawks led to many Knight free-throws, and unfortunately Adiya fouled out with 2:05 remaining in the 3rd quarter with her team trailing 24-41.
Things continued to get worse as Lady Hawk turnovers and fouls made it impossible to mount any kind of a comeback. When the final game-buzzer sounded the Lady Hawks lost 31-65.
As a team, the Lady Hawks shot 10-43. Adiya finished with 15 points and 8 rebounds, Keryn added 9 points, Aliya and Michelle both had 3 points.
It’s always easy to complain about officiating, and yes the free-throw shooting was lopsided in the Knights favor, but it was also easy to see that Sunnyside Christian was the better team. With their speed and size they made it extremely difficult for Adiya to get in her usual offensive groove near the rim, evident by her settling for outside shots and shooting a season high four 3-point attempts. Also, the Lady Hawks were sloppy with the ball, to the tune of a season high 30 turnovers, which a team like the Knights was able to turn into easy transition buckets. At this point in the season it’s all about execution and taking care of the ball.
Contact Micheal Rios, mrios@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov