Reclaiming the wool weaving heritage

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The meditative motions and alluring sights associated with traditional wool weaving are resonating through Tulalip, once again. Across traditional Coast Salish territory, from Skokomish to Lummi and into British Columbia, tribal culture bearers are actively reviving the generations-old practice that is wool weaving – an art form nearly lost because of colonization and forced assimilation.

Historically, Coast Salish wool weaving wasn’t simply an art form. Rather it was an essential skill practiced and embraced communally for the warmth it bestowed, both physically and spiritually. Using wool from mountain goats and specially bred Salish Wool Dogs, sadly now extinct, our Coast Salish ancestors wove robes, blankets, and regalia infused with cultural significance. Every piece told a story and linked the weaver to their land and people. 

However, with the arrival of European settlers and the implementation of boarding schools, the weaving tradition was suppressed. Generations were cut off from learning the techniques and ancestral knowledge associated with the practice.

Now, in a resurgence of cultural identity, a cohort of aspiring Tulalip weavers are intent on reclaiming their heritage. They are the majority of enrollees in a first-of-its-kind wool weaving program offered by Evergreen State College that is actually held on the Reservation. The program required a year-long commitment, wherein participates dedicate the first weekend of each month to an incredibly hands-on, three-day session taught by the one and only, master weaver Susan Pavel.

The Center for Washington Cultural Traditions detailed how Susan Pavel, Ph.D., first learned the Coast Salish wool weaving tradition on the Skokomish Reservation from master weaver Bruce Miller during the summer of 1996. At that time, Bruce was one of only three practicing weavers. After years of producing ceremonial blankets for Skokomish elders, Susan’s teacher invited her to teach weaving classes and carry the tradition, saying “It is through teaching that we truly honor the spirit.”

2025 marked twenty-nine years of wool weaving and honoring the weaver’s spirit power for Dr. Pavel. She is routinely approached by promising weavers seeking an apprenticeship, while also presenting weaving demonstrations at various prestigious venues. For her latest prestigious venue, she selected the Tulalip homeland. 

“I very thoughtfully and purposefully chose Tulalip,” explained Susan. “I wanted to bring these teachings to Tulalip so that those who learn can share either their family. Think of the auntie or cousin who comes in and witnesses a wool weaver’s process in live-action. There’s an excitement, right? An excitement that can cause a spark of curiosity to fuel a lifelong passion. By seeing wool weavers in the family and making wool weaving a regular sight again, that’s how we reach the little ones of the next generation. How do you reclaim the wool weaving tradition? By making wool weaving traditional. That’s my dream for Tulalip.”

In collaboration with Evergreen State College, Tulalip’s Education Division, and Coast Salish Wool Weaving Center, the Coash Salish wool weaving certificate program officially launched earlier this month. Base of operations is the Don Hatch Youth Center and its pristine backdrop of luscious cedar trees and calm waters of Mission Creek entering Tulalip Bay.

Two dozen culture bearers became acquainted with natural sheep fiber in its rawest form while learning the preparation stages required to turn wool into yarn. Under the natural sun light, they worked diligently to tease apart the clumps of raw sheep fleece and loosen the fibers. This picking process helps shake out barnyard bits, such as dirt, debris and ol’ fashioned poo. It’s a necessary pre-cleaning process done by hand that establishes a connection between the weaver and the sheep who provided the wool bounty. 

Indigenous plant specialist Tayna Greene shared her thoughts amid the synthesizing process. “We’re learning to process modern sheep as a fiber similar to how our ancestor’s processed mountain goat and the wooly dog. In my experience learning plant medicines I’ve processed cedar, fireweed, nettle and cattail fibers, to name a few, but never sheep’s wool. I’m excited to learn a new teaching, especially one like wool weaving that can become a resource to teach our youth and work with our elders. Honestly, this feels like a Creator-type moment where I just feel like I’m on the right path, doing the right thing.” 

After hours of picking, the class moved to the Youth Center kitchen area to begin the scouring step. Raw wool is full of lanolin, which is natural sheep grease, that needs to be washed out in order to have a clean, fluffy fleece. In order to remove the lanolin, the thoroughly picked wool is soaked in hot water with a gentle soap, like Dawn, for 10-15 minutes. The wool is then rinsed to reveal a bright, gold-colored textile that is ready to be dried and carded.

  Carding aligns the wool fibers and gets them ready for spinning. Susan showed the group her preferred method of using two flat paddles with wire teeth. One by one, they loaded a bit of wool onto the carders and brushed them against each other, back and forth. This detangles the wool fibers, removes any leftover debris, and results in a fluffy mat called a batt. 

While taking a momentary break from carding her wool, elder Lena Hammons said, “It’s just so humbling to be among so many community changemakers who are intent on keeping our culture and traditions alive. It’s so often said ‘We’re losing our teachings. We need to get our teachings back. We need our young ones to step up and learn.’ Well, when I come to gatherings like this and witness our people, our actual young ones, stepping up to learn, it just warms my heart to know that long after I’m gone these teaching will continue.”

Picking, cleaning, and carding are just the first three prep stages required for turning a raw fleece into yarn. As they move along to further stages, like the fascinating sight of spinning with a spindle whorl, we will continue to document their progress. It’s a slow, hands-on process that provides the group with plenty of shared laughter and bonding moments as they collectively work towards reclaiming their wool weaving heritage via the legendary loom.

Flip of the coin

Ryan Miller wins coin flip in tie breaker for Board of Directors position.

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News

The Tulalip Tribes held their annual General Council Meeting on April 12 at the Tulalip Casino. Over 1,300 tribal members cast votes, and 467 stayed throughout the long, eventful meeting. The day was filled with passionate discussions, essential motions, and a moment of history repeating itself.

One of the most unforgettable parts of the day came when a tie vote occurred between Ryan Miller and Jennie Fryberg. Both candidates received 288 votes, triggering a recount. When the numbers came back the same, the decision had to be made by a coin toss—something that hadn’t happened in the tribe since 1970, when Ralph Jones won his seat by flipping a coin after tying Herman Williams with 56 votes each.

Chief of Police Shawn Ledford was selected to perform the toss. The atmosphere shifted, and the room grew quiet. By tradition, the older candidate calls the coin, so Jennie called “tails.” The room stood still as the coin flipped through the air and hit the floor. Jennie rushed forward to see the result—it was heads. Jennie lost. Ryan Miller, stunned, graciously embraced her in a show of respect and unity.

“I feel so grateful to the membership and everyone that voted for me,” Ryan said afterward. Deborah Parker, who earned the most votes overall with 342, also claimed a board seat and shared her powerful message: “I’m going to challenge the United States government.”

Teri Gobin remains Chairwoman with 157 votes, Hazen Shopbell as Vice Chair with 128, Theresa Sheldon remains Secretary with 226 votes, and Glen Gobin returns as Treasurer.

Several important issues were raised during the meeting. Job requirements and adjustments to what’s needed to gain employment within various fields in the tribe were discussed. Jared Parks presented a motion to make it easier for tribal members to build on their land by easing codes and allowing the board to vote on individual cases. “We need to create an avenue for tribal members to utilize their land,” he said. 

Glen Gobin supported this motion, emphasizing balance: “We need to find ways to make the lands available but using common sense to let our membership utilize those while still protecting the critical wetland areas.”

A significant motion that passed was a five-year economic development business plan. This plan will focus on economic sovereignty, responsible growth, and sustainable prosperity for future generations.

The meeting was long, but many left feeling hopeful. Tribal elder John Bagley shared, “I gave the meeting two thumbs up.” He reflected on what lies ahead, “For the tribe to be a better place, I think the board members need to work together with compassion.” He ended with warm congratulations to the newly elected board members.

In the words of Linda Gobin, capturing the energy of the day, “Pump up the jam.”

Return to the Salish Sea: Tulalip community participates in annual canoe awakening ceremony

“Getting in the canoe and being on the water is such a huge medicine for us. These canoes have been designed for us for over 10,000 years the same way. When I say we have to take care of them so they can take care of us, this is part of it. And when we go out there, they return that. Because every stroke we take, we’re leaving some of that hurt, some of that pain, or whatever you’re going through. We let some of it go with every stroke, that’s what we’ve always been told.”

– Tulalip Skipper, Taylor Henry

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Moments before hearty and raucous laughter filled the air, a reverent moment took place at the Hibulb Cultural Center parking lot. On the evening of April 9, three beautiful cedar canoes were stationed in front of the Rediscovery program’s offices. While offering a blessing song, dozens of community members circled each canoe and delicately brushed them with cedar branches, softly awakening the Tulalip canoes for a new season. 

The illustrious black and red cedar dugouts radiated a spiritual energy that instilled a cultural resoluteness in everyone involved, from youth to elders. And through the awakening ceremony, the act of caring for the canoes provided a connectedness, that spanned multiple generations, to the ancestors of the Tulalip people who originally performed this tradition at the beginning of each spring. 

Tulalip Skipper, Taylor Henry, shared. “We do this every year. We were told to wake them up because they go to sleep for the winter. And it is now time to wake them and let them know we’re going to put them back on the water. We were told when we do this, to always have a prayer, and an open mind and heart, so the canoes know we’re relying on them to take care of us.”

With the awakening complete, community members then removed the floorboards from each canoe in preparation for the cleansing ceremony. Equipped with wash cloths and buckets of soapy water, the people got to work, hand washing each canoe and further building upon that connection to the spirits of Little Sister, Big Sister, and Big Brother.

In total, close to eighty people took part in the ceremony. This included many young kiddos and teens who are excited to return to their ancestral highways for the 2025 Canoe Journey this summer.

Accounting for approximately one-quarter of those in attendance were members of the Tulalip Wellness Court. Since its inception nearly a decade ago, the Wellness Court has helped Tribal members attain sobriety and lead healthy lifestyles. One of the reasons why the Wellness Court has seen much success over the years is the fact that they incorporate a cultural component into each individual recovery plan for their participants. 

Said Wellness Court Interim Program Manager, Leora Jones, “We require the participants to attend a cultural event each month. A lot of them have never participated on Canoe Journey or even been on a canoe before. So, we made this one mandatory so they could learn their history and learn more about the canoe family. And now that they got to meet everybody today and feel a bit more comfortable, they have the choice to continue to come out to the practices each week.”

Following the ceremony, Tulalip Wellness Court participant Victor Garcia recalled, “Today was pretty wholesome. It encompassed a lot of our traditions in what we do. It was really community driven, and I learned a lot while I was here. Washing floorboards, washing the outside of the canoe, awakening the canoes in the beginning. It was a new learning experience and really cool. Super thankful to have been here.”

Now that the canoes are ready to return to the Salish Sea, the Rediscovery program is currently holding weekly canoe practice at the Tulalip Marina every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. Prior to taking the canoes on the water each week, the participants are required to walk or run a few laps around the marina, so be sure to bring a pair a comfortable shoes if you plan on attending. 

“Today was amazing,” expressed Tulalip Skipper and Rediscovery Program Coordinator, Natasha Fryberg. “I think this was the biggest group that we had so far, and it was great to see new faces. Taylor and I work with Wellness Court weekly. We already have established a really good relationship with them. We provide them cultural activities within their court requirements. We also had a lot of teens who participate, that’s kind of how it’s been the last few years. And then our younger ones too, they absolutely love it. I think it’s important – teaching our kids what’s important in their culture and history.”

Natasha continued, “I want to invite everybody out to participate. We have culture night on Tuesdays and canoe practice on Wednesdays. And we really want to promote a healthy lifestyle, whether that’s physical activity, mentally, emotionally, so forth. I think a lot of us are eager to get back on the water and we’re excited for all the new people to be here.”

For more information, please contact Natasha Fryberg at (360) 631-2737.

Ancestral waters, modern battles depicted in ‘Fish War’ film

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News

A quiet war rages in the foggy waters between traditional and territorial lines, where fishing for Indigenous coastal communities of Washington State is not just a means of survival—it’s a vital aspect of their identity. As governments encroached upon fishing grounds and enforced maritime laws, the tribes of Washington fought to uphold their sovereignty, which was established in the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott. The age-old rights to the sea are being challenged, and at stake is not merely access to resources but the fundamental right to exist as sovereign people in a world where states are tightening their grip on the waterways.  

One powerful example of this struggle is captured in Fish War, a compelling documentary highlighting the challenges faced by the Coast Salish Indians in Washington. As they fight to fish in their ancestral waters and co-manage fisheries, the film provides profound insight into the importance of protecting sovereign rights. It illustrates that these rights are defended in the waters and the courtroom. 

The Everett Performing Arts Center hosted the Everett Film Festival on Saturday, April 5, showcasing various films over two days. For over 25 years, this festival has celebrated local and national filmmakers. This year, Tulalip contributed at the screening for the documentary “Fish Wars.”

As the festival got underway, Patti Gobin said a few words before leading members of the Tulalip Tribes in an opening song before the film started. She said, “We are stronger together than apart.” A fundamental aspect that played a major role in what the tribes had to do.

After the film ended, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission Chairman Ed Johnstone said a few words. “I am very proud of this film. It hits on all the major components of how we found ourselves, signing treaties. And the expectation when we signed those treaties was to become citizens of the territory. They used the language “citizens of the territory” because it was many years before statehood.” 

When speaking about how he wished non-natives would receive the film, Johnstone said, “I hope they realize how we got to the courts and prevailed. I also hope they ask themselves how can we bring the salmon back?” He then discussed what actions we must start doing to help the salmon now. “Recovering the streams and suitable habitat. That’s where the battle is in the habitat. If we don’t start winning that battle, we will be down to zero fish and out of business.” 

When talking about the youth and what was intended for them to take away from the film, Johnstone said, “First of all, we want to leave the place better than when we found it. We also want to get them energized to get in there and help. They are our future leaders. Our messaging has to be relevant to them and their way of life. We want to equip them to succeed. 

Johnstone continued, “We are just going to keep telling our story about who we are. We aren’t going anywhere. This is Indian land here in Washington State, where we hold our treaty rights and will be the voice for the habitat. The fish that can’t speak for themselves, we have to do that.”

As the tides of policy and climate continue to shift, the voices of Washington’s tribal communities remain steady-rooted in generations of knowledge, resilience, and responsibility to the land and waters. The story in Fish War is not only a call to recognize treaty rights but a reminder that the health of our environment is deeply intertwined with the survival of Indigenous lifeways. In standing firm for their sovereignty, the tribes also stand up for a more sustainable and just future for all.

If you want to watch the movie, it is currently available for preorder on Amazon Prime and is expected to release on April 15. 

Charles Oliver Blatchford

JANUARY 9, 1960 – APRIL 7, 2025

Charles Blatchford, a devoted father, grandfather, and proud U.S. Marine, passed away on April 7, 2025. Straight out of high school, he joined the United States Marines and continued his service in the Marine Reserves. For 32 years, he dedicated himself to the Tulalip Tribes Casino. Charles was a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and found joy in the simple moments—especially road trips with his son Brian and time spent with his beloved grandchildren.He is survived by his children, Jenny and Brian; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his loyal fur baby, Buddy. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, C.B. Charles’s strength, laughter, and unwavering love will live on in all who knew him.

An evening service will be held Monday, April 14, 2025 at 6 PM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with bubbles!

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

A certain cartoon sponge once famously said, “We’re not just blowing bubbles, we’re making bubble art!” He quickly backed up this statement by using his special technique to conjure a butterfly from his bubble wand, while also unintentionally annoying his underwater neighbor. 

As hilarity ensued in the bubble-centered Spongebob Squarepants episode, Spongebob’s unwavering fondness for sudsy orbs shined a bit of light on the important role bubbles play in brain development and cognitive function. Examples of this include patience, perception, creativity, sensory integration, visual tracking, hand-eye coordination, cause and effect, social interaction/skills, and even motor skills. 

Now, though bubbles are beloved by people of all ages, children who are diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) take a particular shine to bubble play. This is most likely because it helps fulfill so many of their sensory needs by offering an engaging and calming experience.

A few years back, in April 2012, a nonprofit called Faces 4 Autism embarked on an initiative to set a Guinness World Record for the most people blowing bubbles at the same time and invited schools and families across the nation to participate. After achieving this amazing feat, bubble play became a staple at Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month events throughout the country. And this year, the Tulalip Family Haven’s IDD program is hosting a bubble-themed gathering on April 25, to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month on the rez. Or as Spongebob would say, they are gearing up to ‘bring it around town’.

Autism is a common, yet very complex, intellectual developmental disability that has significantly been on the rise over the past few decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in thirty-six children in the United States are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. That study also shows that Native children are affected at a similar rate as other races and ethnicities, but that does come with a caveat. 

Because of a lack of resources on reservations and access to mental health care, many Indigenous kids are diagnosed later on in life, during their pre-teen years. In comparison, non-Native children living with ASD are typically diagnosed by the age of three. Early indicators include language delay, repetitive behavior, obsessive interests, as well as social and communication challenges. The CDC states that children living with ASD have different ways of learning, moving, paying attention, and interacting with the world around them. 

Furthermore, research conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that Native youth are 13% less likely to be identified with autism in early childhood, while non-Native kids are 1.5 times as likely to receive an ASD diagnosis at a young age. And those low statistics and the lack of available knowledge surrounding IDD tends to lead to negative misconceptions, denial, and a feeling of despair once an Indigenous child is diagnosed with any form of IDD. 

With the prevalence of ASD on the rise, many communities are slowly transitioning from participating in Autism Awareness Month to celebrating Autism Acceptance Month, including Tulalip. 

Said Alayna Helland, IDD Case Manager at Tulalip Family Haven, “Awareness is important, but acceptance is also vital. To show acceptance of individuals with autism, it’s important to focus on everything they can do instead of focusing on what they can’t do. People with autism are often gifted with unique abilities like exceptional memory, heightened attention to detail, strong visual-spatial skills, and unique perspectives on problem solving.”

In preparation for Autism Acceptance Month, Alayna reached out to Tribal member and a parent of a child with ASD, Cara Mccoy. Cara spoke on the difficulties Tribal families face with the lack of inclusion when it comes to attending community gatherings. Cara shared, “We rarely go to the events because there are a lot of people and it’s loud. To do more things in the community, offer sensory-friendly events. Have a sensory room at the more significant events.”

The IDD Support for Families program was developed in 2023 to help Tulalip community members with an ASD or IDD diagnosis by bridging the gap between the reservation and the available resources. 

The program is referral-based and takes both outside referrals, from other tribal programs and/or the Marysville School District, as well as self-referrals where a family can request services by either in-person appointments or by completing an online application on Family Haven’s Tribal department webpage. They offer their services to Tulalip tribal members as well as to other Natives who live in Snohomish County. IDD services include monthly play groups, weekly support groups, community outreach, connecting families with resources, and assistance with any applications in regard to their child’s needs such as medical, disability, and caregiving. 

When asked about the importance of celebrating Autism Acceptance Month, Alayna stated, “It is important to celebrate because Studies have shown that children in Native American communities are less likely to have access to a specialist to receive a diagnosis and are less likely to have an early intervention. Early intervention is crucial for children with autism because it maximizes their potential for positive outcomes by addressing developmental challenges early, improving essential skills like communication and social interaction, and enhancing independence and overall quality of life. 

“The IDD program assists in connecting families with providers that can diagnose Autism and ADHD, and it’s important that our community knows this resource exists so early intervention is possible. The IDD program holds events throughout the year that are accommodating to our community members with Autism. On April 25, we are celebrating Autism Acceptance Month at the Mission Highlands building. We will have sensory activities for the children, early dinner, and information and resources for anyone interested in the program.”

The Autism Acceptance Month bubble blast bash will take place from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Mission Highlands park on the last Friday of April. For more details about the IDD program or the upcoming gathering, please contact (360) 716-4935.

Welcoming Home our Vietnam Vets

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

A truly heartfelt and emotional event took place recently that brought together veterans, families, and community members from all walks of life. The event, named “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans,” was organized by respected Tulalip elder and Vietnam veteran, Andy James.

Andy, now 69, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1975 to 1977 where he earned the rank of Private First Class. After returning home nearly five decades ago, he, like many others who served their country during the tumultuous Vietnam War, was not met with gratitude. Instead, they returned home to resounding hostility or even worse, spirit piercing silence. 

For the past 12 years, he’s made it his mission to ensure that the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans are acknowledged, honored, and remembered. Since 2013, Andy has organized a veteran-led gathering at Tulalip to bring the Native community together with compassionate individuals and local organizations who wish to give those past warriors the welcome home they were previously denied.

“That first gathering in 2013 was achieved by word of mouth alone. I roamed around Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom Counties letting people know what my intentions were,” Andy explained during the 2025 event, held at the Tulalip Youth Center. “That first year 40 veterans showed up. They were impressed, the non-Indians in particular, and shared with me they wished they had something similar in their respective communities. Most don’t get to experience the love our Indian people extend to our veterans and elders.”

The morning-long gathering blended traditional Native ceremonies with modern tributes. It opened with a smudging ritual and drum circle, followed by a 13-student color guard from Marysville School District, which included an honorary bugle player.

Chief Kathleen Wilde, naval science instructor for Marysville School District, led the color guard. “When we were invited to participate, the kids were very excited and considered it a great honor,” she shared. “It’s so important for veterans of every branch and community to be able to teach the students what it meant to serve and what it still means to serve our country. These lessons that only veterans can teach and share are invaluable. I’m humbled to be here and just so grateful that the students were included. This is something they’ll never forget.”

The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans events included tear-evoking testimonials from vets willing to share their experiences of war and their return, as well as intertribal dances, flute music, songs from two drum circles, and a communal meal. A true sight to behold was a solo powwow dancer fortified by a wolf headdress and full-bodied eagle staff. He summoned the warrior spirit within that shared space and managed to radiate healing medicine for all who needed it.   

Andy emphasized that one of his goals was to use the event to share Native traditions with the wider community. “We’ve always had ceremonies for returning warriors,” he said. “This is our way of showing gratitude and helping the spirit return home. I want all people, all veterans, Indian and non-Indian, to experience the power of our culture.”

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Native Americans serve in the Armed Forces at five times the national average, having the highest per-capita involvement of any other ethnic group. Yet, those stories are often left out of the broader narrative. Events like Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans aim to change that by platforming the voice and experiences of Native vets.

One of Tulalip’s oldest living tribal members, 94-year-old Hank Williams Sr., attended the event and praised Andy’s continued efforts. “This is powerful. Shows one person can bring us together,” the proud U.S. Army veteran (1952-1954 Korean War) said before taking to center floor during a ceremonial salute to vets.

Protecting children and empowering families

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News

Each year, hundreds of thousands of children in the United States experience the trauma of abuse and neglect. According to the National Children’s Alliance, one in four girls and one in 13 boys will experience child sexual abuse. This devastating reality underscores the importance of community action and support. In 2022 alone, 558,899 children were identified as victims of abuse and neglect, and by 2024, Child Advocacy Centers across the nation had served over 372,000 children facing allegations of abuse. 

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Tulalip’s Children’s Advocacy Center held a community awareness event at the Hibulb Cultural Center on Thursday, April 3. This gathering brought together representatives from various tribal departments to showcase a plethora of resources aimed at supporting children facing abuse and adversity. The event underscored the critical importance of vigilance and compassion within our community, encouraging attendees to become more aware and active in protecting our youth.

Coinciding with Hibulb’s free admission day, which takes place on the first Thursday of every month, the event featured engaging activities such as a drum-making class and a beaded bracelet workshop. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit booths from Family Services, beda?chelh, Tulalip Bay Fire Department, Tulalip Office of Civil Legal Aid, and Child, Youth, and Family Mental Wellness, which provided valuable information and resources to enhance community support for children in need. 

Sue-Mei Slogar, Social Worker for beda?chelh said, “Essentially, CPS can be scary, and people don’t really understand our role and think we are just coming in and taking kids away. A lot of what we do is provide resources for families that need help getting connected to resources in the community and giving them resources we have at our end. We aim to keep kids and their guardians together and strengthen their relationship. And to stop child abuse and child neglect. Also, to help parents be there for their kids.” 

Explaining her perspective on the importance of these events, Slogar emphasized that many individuals in need of assistance often feel lost regarding where to seek help. She stated, “A lot of time when people need help, they don’t know where to go and turn to.” Slogar believes that making the community aware of the services available enables those in need to reach out before a crisis occurs. She added that it is essential for the community to understand that support is accessible, saying, “I think that’s helpful for the community to know our presence and build those relationships before something negative happens.” This proactive approach fosters strong connections and ensures a supportive environment instead of waiting until problems escalate. 

The Child, Youth, and Family Mental Wellness booth offered resources on grief, stress relief, and self-care tips. They provided fun gifts for children, such as beach balls, to help them practice healthy breathing techniques. Clinical Supervisor Sarah Wright explained, “We are here to bring some awareness to mental health and creative ways to calm ourselves and bring our stress down.”

The Tulalip community’s dedication to preventing child abuse and supporting families was reflected in the heartfelt collaboration and meaningful activities at the awareness event. As these efforts continue, it is vital to remember that help is always within reach. Whether you are a child, parent, or community member seeking guidance, remember that you are not alone. For support and resources or to learn more, contact the Tulalip Children’s Advocacy Center at (360) 716-5437 or email childadvocates@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov