Mission Beach Water Monitoring – Summer 2016

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By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News 

With the assistance of WSU Beach Watchers volunteers, the quality of water at Mission Beach is being monitored weekly. So far this summer, the water has been sampled seven times. Samples are analyzed at the Tulalip Water Quality Lab.

From Valerie Streeter, Stormwater Planner in Tulalip Natural Resources:

“This year is the first time Tulalip Natural Resources with WSU Beach Watcher Volunteers have monitored the water at Mission Beach for safe swimming conditions so we weren’t sure what we would find. It’s great to see that beach water is clean so far! The weekly water monitoring will continue until August 30.”

The results show that bacteria levels in the water are below the threshold limit for swimming, which means that the water is clean. The graph below shows the average result from the three beach sampling stations. The red line shows the bacteria threshold limit and the blue line is the water quality data.

 

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With the good news of Mission Beach having clean water with safe swimming conditions, be sure you make a trip before summer is over.

Robots Invade Tulalip

“I made a robot! What’s not to love, dude?”

 

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By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News 

“I made a robot! What’s not to love, dude?” asked a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Robotics Camp attendee in response to my question “How are you liking camp so far?” It’s true there was definitely a buzz in the air, yet the gym of the old elementary was nearly silent. An occasional giggle or “wow” was heard from the campers as they were exceptionally focused on a stack of LEGOS and a laptop.

The Tulalip Homework Support Program hosted STEM Robotics Camp this summer for the youth of the community. The camp, held August 8 through 12, provided the kids with the opportunity to build robots from scratch. The camp required no experience and had two groups, beginners and advanced.

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The beginners group made a monkey robot (“No, it’s an ape!” corrected a young camper) comprised of LEGOS. The campers first made their ape and then learned how to program and operate their creation with WeDo software, created by LEGOS. The advanced group created a variety of robots, some looked like Transformers, others looked like BattleBots. This group designed, coded, programed, and operated their robots and the excitement was hard to hide while the youth worked intensely on their projects.

 

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With how fast technology evolves it is important to teach this upcoming generation about coding at a young age. Margarita Huston, Homework Support Assistant, stated that the program follows a unique curriculum and throughout the program the youth work in groups while learning problem solving skills and patience as they participate in fun hands-on activities. The program allows kids to sharpen their vital skills, master their math skills, and build confidence through group work and presentations.

At the end of the program campers presented their robots, and if they chose to, challenged their fellow campers to a robot battle. Robotics camp is such a fun event that campers could easily forget they’re studying the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. I believe that with programs like Robotics Camp, the beginning of a futuristic tomorrow has arrived. But for now I can only hope that hover boards, flying cars, time machines, and teleportation aren’t too far away.

 

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AbOriginal Soul: Annual Tulalip Wellness Conference (Day 3)

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“Got this history in my blood

 Got my tribe that shows me love

So when I rise,

You rise.”

–Frank Waln

 

Native American Hip Hop Artist and Motivational Speaker Frank Waln performs wioth fellow activist and dancer, Micco.
Native American Hip Hop Artist and Motivational Speaker Frank Waln performs wioth fellow activist and dancer, Micco.

 

 

“It comes down to the decisions you make in your life. Most of the time the right choice isn’t the easy one. It’s easy to run away. To run away to drugs and alcohol and I’m not judging, but I am here today because I’m always making the difficult choice,” stated Native American Hip Hop Artist and Motivational Speaker Frank Waln. Along with Tanaya Winder, Megan Red-Shirt Shaw, and The Sampson Bros, Frank closed out the final day of the Annual Community Wellness Conference at the Tulalip Resort and Casino on August 11.

Frank shared his entire life story with the future of the Tulalip Tribes for one reason: inspiration. The history of Native America isn’t well known to the rest of the world. Our story is often watered-down or not mentioned at all in schools throughout the United States. Growing up as a Native American in today’s society, we always had difficulties finding role models that weren’t appropriated by stereotypes. Frank easily flipped the script by actively advocating Native American rights, and is clearing up any misconceptions during the process.

Now in his mid-twenties, Frank spoke to the youth about everything he went through as a young Indigenous man. From a fatherless childhood to the culture shock of leaving his reservation for college, Frank has seen it all in only 27 years.

 

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Frank spoke about his own experiences with drugs, alcohol, depression and suicide, so the youth can identify when they are caught up in one of those life-threatening cycles and can ask for help. More importantly, he shared those experiences so the youth, who might be going through a difficult time right now, could relate. He let them know that they aren’t alone, and how finding a healthy outlet is crucially important because it can break those cycles.

 

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Before Frank took to the stage to perform his music, three of his colleagues and close friends shared their uplifting words with the conference attendees. Frank’s long time friend, fellow activist, dancer, and half of The Sampson Bros, Micco, encouraged the youth to follow their passion and to give it everything they got. Poetess, activist, and Frank’s manager, Tanaya Winder, performed poems from her new book Words Like Love and spoke about losing a loved one to suicide. And activist, writer, and founder of Natives In America, Megan Red-Shirt Shaw, talked with the community about finding and utilizing your voice while encouraging the youth to pursue higher education.

 

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In between speeches, airbrush artists from Dzul Ink were at hand, making custom t-shirts for the youth with slogans such as Smoke Salmon Not Cigarettes and Pizza Rolls Not Gender Roles. Each person in attendance had the opportunity to choose a slogan they wanted to advocate for and the Dzul Ink artists created the t-shirt while the youth enjoyed the performance by Frank Waln and The Sampson Bros.

 

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The perfect way to end any conference is with a musical performance. Frank and Company took it a step further by incorporating the message they were expressing with the most influential genre of music in the past three decades, hip-hop.

Frank performed some of his notable songs including AbOriginal and My Stone and debuted a new track, What Makes A Red Man Red, which samples dialogue from the Disney classic, Peter Pan. The inspiration for the new song came from the frustration of how Tiger Lily and Native Americans are portrayed in the movie.

 

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While Frank passionately spit bars over beats he made on his own, the Sampson Bros performed along side him playing the flute and both fancy and hoop dancing. Micco shared the story of how he met Frank followed by spoken word poetry he wrote for his father, Will Sampson, who played Chief Bromden in the classic film adaptation of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.

The event was a success from the first day to the last. Each speaker gave the youth something to reflect upon and let them know they are loved, because sometimes when people get caught up in the everyday struggle it can be hard to overcome the overwhelming pressure of todays society. Sometimes we get lost in depression created by multi-generational trauma, and we desperately search for an escape. The wellness conference not only acknowledged that depression and anxiety are disorders that Native Americans are suffering from on every reservation, but also gave the Tulalip community healthy ways and the tools to help cope with those disorders.

 

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For The Kids: Tulalip Annual Wellness Conference (Day 2)

 

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Native American activism is the message that Ashley Tiedeman, Tobacco Cessation Program Coordinator, and her team delivered to the Tulalip youth during the second day of the Annual Community Wellness Conference. The three-day event, held July 28, August 4 and 11 in the Orca Ballroom at the Tulalip Resort and Casino, included a remarkable line-up of speakers. The second day’s focus, Exercising Our Rights, featured The 1491’s, Deborah Parker, and two Tulalip Board of Directors.

 

Comedy sketch group, The 1491’s
Comedy sketch group, The 1491’s

 

 The 1491’s

“Everyday we wake up and think of our image. What clothes and what logos we wear, that’s part of how we define ourselves. We are not that stereotype, we are not mascots that is not how we want to be represented,” stated Bobby Wilson of the comedy sketch group, The 1491’s. The group, including members Migizi Pensoneau and Ryan Red Corn, were the keynote speakers for day two of the event.

The 1491’s YouTube channel has nearly seven million views and is filled with hilarious Indigenous satire. The group shared a few videos during the event including an episode from the popular series A Day in the Life of a Pow Wow Emcee. The 1491’s effortlessly filled the room with laughter and were able to naturally transition into serious topics such as racism, mascots, and politics.

 

 

Tulalip Tribal member and activist Deborah Parker
Tulalip Tribal member and activist Deborah Parker

 

Deborah Parker

When you speak about activism for Native America in today’s society, one of the first names that come to mind is Tulalip’s own, Deborah Parker. As many know Deborah has done outstanding work for the community of Tulalip, starting both the Young Mothers Program and the Tribal Tobacco Program. Most recently Deborah played a large role in the Bernie Sanders campaign, and is an advocate for improved access for education and health care for Indigenous people.

A young Tulalip Native American woman with so many accomplishments is the perfect role model for activism. As she spoke, the entire ballroom listened intently. She touched on an array of topics including projects she is working on, and gave advice to the youth on where to start and how to make sure their voices are heard.

Deborah compared Native American activism to a battle stating, “It’s a fight unfortunately, for us to be acknowledged by the United States Government. For us as Native people to be seen on television for our voices to be heard, that’s what we are fighting for.”

 

Exercising Our Rights

Tulalip BOD member Theresa Sheldon shared motivating words on the importance of making sure your voice is heard through voting. With a moving story Bonnie Juneau, another member of the Tulalip BOD, spoke of the struggle of addiction.

Before the event shifted back to a light-hearted atmosphere with a fun run, Bonnie shared an extremely important message urging the Tulalip community to support and show love to our youth, stating, “We can get to a place that we can work through our emotions, where we can learn to deal with our pain in a healthy way. Let’s honor our children in life; lets encourage them in life. We can’t wait until it’s too late.”

 

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Dontae Wayne Jones

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April 20, 1996 – August 1, 2016 Dontae Wayne Jones, a proud member of the Tulalip Tribes, was born to Alpheus Jones Jr. and Ami Pablo on April 20, 1996. He went to be with the Lord on August 1, 2016. Before graduating from Heritage High School, he enjoyed playing basketball, where they were all district champs and went on to state tournament in Spokane, Wash. He also played varsity football and softball with his schoolmates. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, he loved his Seahawks, traveling and playing video games. Dontae was a very respectful young man and you cannot forget his contagious smile. He leaves behind his father, Alpheus Jr. (Dana); mother, Ami (Charles); foster mother, Michelle Hamilton; foster brother, Keanu Hamilton; foster sister, Kayla Hamilton; grandparents, Alpheus Jones Sr. (Mildred); Cheryl Tovar (Dan); Lori Parks; Gary Varner (Mari); and great grandmother, Leota Pablo; siblings: Alpheus Jones III, Antoinette The-Boy Jones, Roselynn The-Boy Jones, Kia Pablo, Desirae Jablonski-Jones, Deachae Jones, Reylynne Jones and Kian Jones; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; as well as numerous friends. He was preceded in death exactly one month to the day after his Papa Eddie Pablo Sr. His loving hugs will be truly missed by many. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home with an Interfaith service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at the Tulalip Gym. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 5, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Tulalip Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

National Night Out at Tulalip

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By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

 

“Over the past month we’ve lost over 12 fellow officers with the shootings in Dallas, and Baton Rouge. And as you all know this community has gone through a lot over these past few weeks, so what we’ll do is take a moment of silence and we will release the balloons,” stated Tulalip Police Chief Carlos Enchevarria.

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The balloon release was both a memorial for people we lost as well as a symbolic message for unity amongst law enforcement officials and the community. The Tulalip Police Department (TPD) hosted National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2 in the Battle Creek Neighborhood of Tulalip.

The two-hour event included a BBQ and stands promoting local programs and departments. Several police officers and firefighters interacted with the local children playing tetherball, basketball, and on the playground.

 

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The main event was a basketball showdown between TPD and Tulalip Bay Fire Department. A game that started out with a fun half-speed vibe quickly turned into an exciting competitive match. The nail biter contest came down to the wire as the Tulalip Bay Fire Department hit a two-pointer on the right side wing to take the game and a years worth of bragging rights until next years National Night Out.

 

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Although a difficult time for both the community of Tulalip and Police Departments across America, TPD hosted a feel good event that allowed community members to escape and enjoy great company.

Honoring the past, Impacting the future

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21st Annual Lushootseed Day Camp

 

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News 

 

During the sizzling, summer days of July 25-28, the old Tulalip Elementary gymnasium was glowing with rays of joy as it was home to the 21st Annual Lushootseed Day Camp, week 2. The camp was open to children age five to twelve who wanted to learn about their culture and Lushootseed language through art, songs, games, weaving and storytelling.

Each year the Lushootseed Department teams up with the Cultural Resources Department, along with a select number of very vital community volunteers, to hold two one-week camps. Each camp has openings for up to 50 participants, but this year the demand was so high that 64 kids participated in week one, while a whopping 80 kids comprised Language Camp week 2.The two-week total of 140+ Tulalip youth involved in Language Camp smashed the record for youth participation and attendance.

 

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“We are dedicating the 21st Annual Lushootseed Language Camp to Morris Dan and Harriette Shelton-Dover, for their guidance and teachings bringing back the Salmon Ceremony, as well as honoring Stan Jones Sr. “Scho-Hallem” for his decades of leadership and determination to keep the ceremony going,” said Lushootseed language teacher and co-coordinator of the camp, Natosha Gobin. “This year we are recreating the Salmon Ceremony to pass on the teachings to our youth. Vests and drums will be the regalia made for the boys, while the girls’ regalia will be shawls and clappers.”

Using the 1979 Salmon Ceremony video to help pass on the earliest teaching of what is still practiced today, the young campers learned a selection of highlighted songs and dances.  The lessons learned each day during Language Camp were based on the teachings of the Salmon Ceremony by way of songs and dances, traditional teachings, language, art, weaving, and technology. The goal this year was to provide our youth with some basic regalia along with the knowledge and ability to sing and dance. Staffers hope the youth that have participated have the teachings and experience needed so they will stand up and sing at every opportunity.

 

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Throughout the duration of camp, the children participated in seven different daily activities. The following list is what each child accomplished throughout the week:

  • Art – Salmon bracelets, Salmon hands, paddle necklaces.
  • Weaving – Pony Bead loom beading, small raffia baskets.
  • Songs and Dances – Welcome Song, Eagle Owl BlueJay Song, Snohomish Warrior Song.
  • Traditional Teachings – Salmon Ceremony videos, traditional stories, realia experience in traditional story and science face of how Salmon migrate.
  • Games – Various games and playground time.
  • Language – letter sounds, Salmon Ceremony key words, Lushootseed workbook.
  • Technology – children learned and practiced Lushootseed materials related to Salmon Ceremony using the Nintendo DSi handheld games created by Dave Sienko.

The closing ceremony for week two’s camp was held on Friday, July 30 in the Kenny Moses Building. The joyous, young play-performers made their debut to a large community attendance, as family and friends came out in droves to show their support.

“I want the kids to know that I love each and every one of you. When teachers are new to our community and they hear their Principal telling kids ‘I love you’ it’s foreign to them, but it’s one of our most important traditional teachings,” stated ceremonial witness Dr. Anthony Craig, former Principal of Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary. “We have to make sure we are expressing love every single day, otherwise people forget that it’s a traditional teaching. I love that they are here today and I love that they practicing their culture because culture is not something that just exists in a building or during a season. Culture is every day; every day we have to figure out ways to strengthen our culture and here they are doing that.”

 

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Also in attendance to witness the youth Salmon Ceremony were two very special guests. The 21st Annual Lushootseed Language Camp was dedicated to the late Morris Dan, our Swinomish relative, and the late Harriette Shelton-Dover, our Snohomish relative. Together Morris and Harriette brought back the teachings, songs and dances to the Salmon Ceremony that is still held yearly in Tulalip. Neah Martin, daughter of Morris Dan, and her daughter Merla Martin, oldest granddaughter of Morris Dan traveled to Tulalip to witness the teachings of their father and grandfather being honored by Tulalip’s next generation.

“I’m glad that all you children honored these beloved elders here today,” said Merla Martin, who was one of the lead dancers in the 1979 Salmon Ceremony video that the children learned from. “I’m very happy the teachings are still being passed on. Thank you for honoring my grandfather.”

 

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After the youth performed their rendition of Salmon Ceremony and the ceremonial witnesses had shared a few words, there was a giveaway. The camp participants gave handmade crafts to the audience members, which preceded a salmon lunch that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

Reflecting on the conclusion of this year’s 21st Annual Language Camp, Natosha Gobin beamed with pride, “My spirit is so happy. My heart is full. I raise my hands to each of the 140-plus kids who spent time with us to learn the teachings, rising up to sing, dance and carry these lessons on for the next generations. I’m grateful to the volunteers for giving their all to our youth while mentoring them daily during camp. You have created lifelong bonds with them and they will continue to look to you for guidance. My co-workers busted their buns planning, prepping, working, making sure every detail was taken care of.  To all the parents we say ‘thank you’ from the bottom of our hearts for sharing your kids with us and showing them their language, culture and teachings are relevant!”

 

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All That Power In You: Tulalip Wellness Conference Focuses On Activism

Tulalip Tribes Chairman Mel Sheldon speaks about activism at the Annual Community Wellness Conference.
Tulalip Tribes Chairman Mel Sheldon speaks about activism at the
Annual Community Wellness Conference.

 

Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

“With every journey, wherever you go, you’re going to find a way to make a difference in your own way. You could be the next President; you can be the leader of Pokémon Go! Whatever it is you believe in, you have to step up and find a way to make change. Somebody here might be changing the direction of this tribe in five to ten years, or maybe even tomorrow,” said Tulalip Tribes Chairman Mel Sheldon as he expressed to Tulalip’s youth the importance of activism during the first day of the Annual Community Wellness Conference.

This year’s conference, held in the Orca Ballroom at the Tulalip Resort Casino, is focusing on Native American activism. The event is a three-day conference held July 28, August 4 and August 11, and is free to the Tulalip community. An outstanding lineup of keynote speakers is scheduled,  including Seattle based Native American carver and activist Rick T. Williams, the Native American sketch comedy group 1491’s, and Native American Emcee Frank Waln.

As the opening speaker for the event, Chairman Sheldon gave a little history of both his, as well as the Tulalip Tribes, background. He spoke greatly of higher education and let the youth know that it is okay to go at their own speed while finding their path.

“Along the way on my educational journey, I learned a little bit about activism,” said Sheldon. “Being active, what are you going to do in life?”

Sheldon explained to conference attendees the signing of the Point Elliot Treaty, the rights the treaty entitles tribes to, and why it is important to exercise those rights. He also spoke about the Occupation of Alcatraz by the American Indian Movement in 1969 and communicated that if you are passionate about a topic you should stand up for what you believe in.

 

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“When we find what really motivates us, we find a way to get there. Is there something there that really hits your heart that you’ve got to get up and protest? You will want to be part of changing the social fabric of society,” said Sheldon. Crude oil, mascot names, equal pay for women, gun rights, and support for the LGBT community are issues that are currently affecting today’s society Sheldon pointed out, and that change can not happen unless you are active.

Sheldon stated that he is excited to see where life takes the group of young Tulalip tribal members. He closed the first day’s workshop with some encouraging words for the youth by stating, “One day you will find something so important to you, you’ll stand up and change the world for the better. You do have all that power in you!”