Month: June 2015

Professor Looks At Evolution Of American Indian Education

 

By Samantha Sonner, KRWG.org

New Mexico is a state rich in American Indian culture and history, but the way American Indian children are educated has changed drastically over the years. This was the topic of a recent discussion at the Branigan Cultural Center.

Tad Conner, Assistant Professor of Government at New Mexico State University says when most people think of American Indian Education they remember the boarding school era that tried to force assimilation. He says a lot has changed since then.

“Tribes kind of reasserted themselves,” Conner said. “Preserving their languages, preserving their traditions and their customs, but also to try to create positive change and reform in public schools and in public education. And so today I think that’s why we’ve seen sort of a role reversal, away from assimilationist policies but more toward this era of self-determination.”

He says New Mexico is a good example of American Indian history and culture being taught in the classroom.

“I think New Mexico is actually one of those states that’s really kind of taken a lead,” Conner said. “In trying to create at the state level some type of coherent image of instituting an American Indian education curriculum, and traditional kind of cultural programs in public schools that are not only going to benefit native children but are also going to benefit non-native students as well.”

He says it’s important for non-native children to learn more about native culture.

“It’s never a bad thing to learn more,” Conner said. “Especially about your state, and especially in New Mexico when the history of the pueblos, and tribes, and apaches are intimately connected with the experience of non-Indians in this state. So, I think it’s really important for New Mexico’s students in terms of learning the history of the state to be familiar with the history of the tribes, the tribes that are in this particular region and the rights of those particular groups.”

He says there are a growing number of schools on American Indian territory.

“With the tribally controlled schools it gives the tribes a little bit more control over the curriculum,” Conner said. “In terms of being able to bring into the classroom things that are unique. Not only to American Indians as a whole, but unique to their particular groups historical experience as well, especially with regards to the language.

He says there is still a long way to go in the evolution of American Indian Education.

Tulalip Tribes and Quil Ceda Village Defend Right to Tax Tribal Economic Development

Source: Tulalip Tribes Public Affairs

 

Tulalip, WA–June 12, 2015–The Tulalip Tribes and its political subdivision, the Consolidated Borough of Quil Ceda Village, filed suit today in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington asking the Court to permanently enjoin the State of Washington and Snohomish County from imposing and enforcing sales and use, business and occupation, and personal property tax on economic activities within the boundaries of the Quil Ceda Village, to the extent of similar taxes imposed by Tulalip.

”With its own resources, the Tulalip Tribes transformed over 2,000 acres of vacant land into Quil Ceda Village, one of the premier shopping and entertainment destinations in Western Washington,” said Mel Sheldon, chairman of the Tulalip Tribes.  “Today, Quil Ceda Village has over 150 businesses, creating more than 6,000 jobs, attracting up to 60,000 visitors a day, and contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to the North Snohomish County economy.”

Information from the Washington Department of Revenue reveals that Quil Ceda Village generates approximately $40 million in tax revenues each year, but none of these taxes go to Tulalip or the Village.  Instead, the state and county collect one hundred percent of the taxes, with the vast majority going to Olympia.  “This is a grave injustice,” continued Sheldon.  “Like any government, Tulalip must generate tax revenues to fund the infrastructure and local government services it provides, which benefit not just Village businesses and patrons, but everyone in Snohomish County.”

“As a matter of federal law,” said Sheldon “Tulalip is entitled to collect its own Tribal taxes on business activities in Quil Ceda Village and Tulalip will defend its right to function as a sovereign government.”  Tulalip cannot do this as long as the state and county continue to impose and enforce their taxes because businesses and customers in the Village would be subject to dual taxation.  The United States has long recognized that tribal taxing authority is an important aspect of tribal sovereignty and self-governance.

For well over a decade the Tulalip Tribes has requested to work together with both state and county officials to reach a fair resolution on this issue, but these requests have been ignored.  “It is critical for the continued growth of the Village that we take action now,” said Chairman Sheldon.

 

About the Tulalip Tribes and the Consolidated Borough of Quil Ceda Village

The Tulalip Tribes is a federally-recognized Indian tribal government, and the Consolidated Borough of Quil Ceda Village is a political subdivision of the Tulalip Tribes, located entirely on federal land held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tulalip Tribes.  Quil Ceda Village is located on the Tulalip Indian Reservation and consists of approximately 2100 acres.  It is adjacent to the western boundary of Interstate 5 and is approximately 40 minutes north of Seattle, Washington.

 

 

Charles “Yah-Lee-Chud” Sneatlum Jr.

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Charles “Yah-Lee-Chud” Sneatlum Jr., 60, passed away June 7, 2015. He was born April 5, 1955 in Everett, Washington to his parents Charles and Shirley Sneatlum.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Shirley Sneatlum; his brothers and sisters, Cliffie Sneatlum, Sunnee Sneatlum, Sheryl Sneatlum, Charmaine Sneatlum; Aunt Marie Sneatlum; and grandson, Michael Sneatlum. He is survived by his life-long mate of 44 years, Janet Patrick; his children, Charles Sneatlum III of Tulalip and Edward Little George Sneatlum (Kim) of Muckleshoot; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; his brother, Leonard Sneatlum of Muckleshoot; sisters, Renee Sneatlum, Lisa Sneatlum (Martin Hannigan), and Dawn (Roger) Miller all of Muckleshoot; and numerous nieces and nephews. He enjoyed playing stick games, fishing, hunting, playing slot machines, and riding his motorcycle.

He participated in the winter spiritual pow wows. In his younger years he pulled canoe for the Tulalip Tribes. He was a participant in the fish wars/Boldt decision. He worked for 25 plus years at the Tulalip Casino.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Schaefer-Shipman with an Interfaith service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at the Tulalip Tribal Gym. Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 12, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Tulalip Tribal Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home. – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldnet/obituary.aspx?n=charles-sneatlum-yah-lee-chud&pid=175049165&fhid=2242#sthash.hzOfqUtG.dpuf

Andrew Martin Leroy Fryberg

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Aug. 10, 1999-Nov. 7, 2014 Andrew Martin Leroy Fryberg was a Tulalip Tribal member who blessed us with his presence on August 10, 1999. He was a victim of the tragic school shooting that had taken place at Marysville Pilchuck High School on October 24, 2014, a day that impacted all of our lives forever. After a long two weeks of fighting for his life, Andrew entered into rest November 7, 2014 at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Wash.
Andrew was such an amazing and important person to our family, especially being that he was the first boy born into our family that was filled with girls that would do just about anything for him. Andrew was known for his one-of-a-kind personality. He was always smiling, very outgoing, being over protective and caring, being an amazing friend, uncle, brother, and son. Andrew was a natural born athlete and succeeded at basically everything he tried to do. He loved to play football, wrestling, riding quads, hanging out with friends, family dinners, watching his nieces and nephews and spending time out on the water. He also loved to take car rides with his sister Leila, as well as random road trips with her to Yakama just to get Miners.
Andrew leaves behind his mother, Laheen Fryberg; sisters, Tawny Fryberg (Merlin), Kiah Fryberg (Andy), Tasha Fryberg (Ryan), Josephine Fryberg (Chandell), Leila Fryberg, Brandee Fryberg; his brothers, Cameron Fryberg, Nate Hatch, and Hercules (Andrew and Nates dog); grandparents, Keith and Mary Casady; nieces and nephews, Koda, Keiara, Ladianian, Kailonna, Maleia, Bryson, Andrew and Aiden. He also leaves behind numerous of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Andrew was truly blessed with such an amazingly large family.

He is preceded in death by his father, Leroy Martin Fryberg Jr.; grandparents, Leroy Martin Fryberg Sr., Ella M. Hill, Loris Puyette, Robert and Keeta Cameron; uncles, Martin J. Fryberg, Glen Mcjoe, Leroy Wyman; aunts, Dee Dee Cameron, Carmen Wayman, Donna Jean Brady, and Ladonna Fryberg; and nephews Dayson Blondin and Jordyn Moses; as well as a special friend, Zoe Galasso. Andrew will be forever missed but never forgotten. Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home with an InterFaith service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at the Tulalip Gym. Services will be held Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the Tulalip Gym with a burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.

Oil Impacts Could Be Catastrophic

“The Oil Industry’s Sacrifice Zone”

        

 Source: Water4fish

HOQUIAM, WA (6/11/15)–  Presenters at a Wednesday night public forum here, which focused on the probable economic and environmental impacts of increased storage and transport of oil in Grays Harbor County, concurred that the results could catastrophic, said Quinault Indian Nation President Fawn Sharp, who added, “the impacts on tribal culture would be beyond measure.”

“Coastal Washington, The Oil Industry’s Sacrifice Zone,” was held at the Little Theater at Hoquiam High School, organized by a coalition of local organizations rallying against the three proposed oil storage facilities at the Port of Grays Harbor and others along the Washington coast. The facilities, proposed by Westway Terminals, Imperium Renewables and U.S. Development, are currently undergoing environmental impact statements under supervision by the state Department of Ecology. Presenters included Ocean Shores Mayor Crystal Dingler, Washington Dungeness Crab Fisherman Association Vice President Larry Thevik and President Sharp. Numerous other local officials attended to demonstrate their opposition to planned oil expansion and the forum was moderated by Eric de Place, of Seattle-based think tank Sightline Institute.

President Sharp pointed out that tribal members have fished and gathered in the Grays Harbor region for hundreds of years and that increased oil traffic will make that more difficult.

 “An oil spill would devastate the fish, shellfish and plants that sustain the QIN identity and culture, and would decimate the Grays Harbor economy,” she said.

To achieve a direct and accurate analysis of the potential impacts to Quinault rights and interests, the tribe hired an economist firm, Resource Dimension (RD) of Gig Harbor to do a comprehensive economic analysis of potential impacts the three proposed terminal projects would have on tribal treaty rights and economic interests. RD researched economic data, interviewed several tribal fishers and gatherers, and considered various oil spill scenarios to evaluate economic impacts to QIN from these facilities.

 “One thing was clear from the beginning. It is impossible to assign an economic value to the cultural and spiritual aspects of our treaty-protected rights,” said President Sharp. “We will always fight to protect those rights, because they define us as a people. It’s who we are. But measureable economics are also important. In this case, the  quantified economics clearly point out the folly of further expanding oil transportation and storage in Grays Harbor County,” she said.

The RD study found that in 2013  668.5 direct jobs were generated by Treaty fishery-based activities and select fishery-related QIN-owned businesses. Purchases made by these entities supported an additional 132.2 induced jobs in the region. The study also found that 107 indirect jobs supported $32.1 million of local purchases made by businesses supplying services to these firms. Direct wages and salaries amounting to $27.6 million were received by the 668.5 directly employed. Re-spending of this income created an additional $5.0 million of income and consumption expenditures in Washington, principally in Grays Harbor County. Those holding induced jobs received $4.3 million in indirect income. Businesses providing services to these firms received $84.7 million of revenues.

Also, in 2013, other QIN businesses contributed 907 jobs, $36.8 million in direct/indirect income, $84.6 million in business revenue, representing $32 million in local spending.

 “These figures, which will continue to increase as we invest more in sustainable businesses, training and cooperative efforts with our neighboring communities, clearly demonstrate the profound importance of tourism and a healthy environment in the Grays Harbor area,” said President Sharp.

RD modeled three oil spill scenarios: one on the lower Chehalis River, one in Grays Harbor and one just outside the entrance to Grays Harbor to demonstrate potential economic losses from an oil spill. Among numerous other findings, it was determined that due to minimal containment due to limited spill response capability and tidal and climactic conditions, a spill in Grays Harbor would spread throughout the entire harbor and seaward in a matter of hours. Oil would not be able to be stopped before reaching sensitive areas in the harbor, and the oil would persist. It would kill salmon and other life forms, from the time it spills, for years to come. Shellfish would be particularly vulnerable and acute mortality would be expected. The crab and clam populations in and around Grays Harbor would be devastated, as would the economies based on them. At the minimum, modeled spill scenarios indicate that over the three years of the worst economic impact from a spill, between 105 and 151 tribal fishing jobs would be reduced. Tribal fishing incomes would be slashed from between $12.8 million and $17.1 million, and overall fishing incomes could reduce from between $24 million to $40 million.

Impacts to QIN businesses, such as the hotels, casino and QMARTS over a three-year period following a major spill could result in a loss of 118 to 229 jobs, along with personal income losses of $14.7 million to $28 million, QIN business losses of $29million to $70 million, and local purchasing losses of $10.3 million to $23.4 million.

 “It’s important to remember that these are non-Indian as well as Indian jobs, and that ultimately the oil industry proposals result in just a handful of jobs. How much clearer can this decision be? The risk the oil industry is asking us to take is not worth it,” said President Sharp.

 De Place first talked about the large number of proposed and active oil storage sites that have popped up in the Pacific Northwest since 2012, saying the amount of carbon in those projects is roughly equivalent to five and half Keystone XL Pipelines. He estimated the three terminals would result in 300 to 400 additional loaded oil vessels per year taking loaded crude oil out of the Harbor, with about 800 to 900 extra oil trains annually, or two and a half to three dangerous oil trains coming through Grays Harbor daily. He said the federally estimated cost to recover from a worst-case scenario derailment is about $5 billion, or at least ten times the amount of insurance most railways carry.

 “If there were an accident, the local community would be left to pick up the tab,” he said.

Thevik, a commercial fisherman for 45 years, said the oil proposals could have severely damaging effects on the Grays Harbor economy. He cited a recent report that said more than 2,000 jobs and more than $200 million in revenue come from commercial fishing activity in Westport, adding that a National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration study stated 67,000 jobs in Washington State were based on seafood-related activity. In Grays Harbor County 31 percent of the local workforce depends on marine resources. Yet the oil that would move through proposed Grays Harbor and Vancouver sites would equal half of the oil moved by rail throughout the entire country in 2014. He noted that the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989 spilled 11 million gallons of oil, affecting 1,300 miles of Alaskan coastline. On Grays Harbor, proposed oil transport would see tankers carrying upwards of 15 million gallons each.

 “Our members have witnessed first-hand the difficult task of recovery of oil on water and on shorelines. Many have also witnessed the promise to pay for damages and the reality of payment,” he said, adding that Exxon was appealing judgments for payment 19 years after the Alaska spill. A quarter of a century later, the company still owed $92 million and much of the oil is still there, the cleanup job apparently long since abandoned.

Dingler talked about the “Nestucca” oil spill that occurred in 1988 on the Washington coast. She, too, talked of the severe economic effects a spill would have on the region’s economically.    

 “Ocean Shores is known for our beach,” she said, adding “oil spills can easily change that.”

Approval given for gambling compacts with New Mexico tribes

SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN, Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Gambling compacts negotiated by the state and a handful of American Indian tribes have cleared their final hurdle.

The U.S. Interior Department reviewed the compacts but took no action. Under federal law, the agreements are considered approved by the agency as long as they’re consistent with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The assistant secretary for Indian Affairs, Kevin Washburn, spelled out some concerns the department had with the compacts in a four-page letter sent Tuesday to Gov. Susana Martinez and tribal leaders.

Washburn pointed to an apparent increase in revenue sharing rates for some tribes, but he acknowledged that the agreements had the support of the tribes.

Under the compacts, the Navajo Nation, Jicarilla and Mescalero Apache nations and three pueblos can operate casinos for another two decades.

Hundreds attend Tulalip Veterans Pow Wow

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By  Mara Hill, Tulalip News 

The vibrancy of color and beauty in Native American regalia and the sound of drums is enough to give you goose bumps throughout your body, and a shiver down your spine. The intensity of the drum beat matches the heartbeat of the bystanders as they watch 15 drum groups and hundreds of dancers compete in the Annual Veterans Pow Wow. The dancing, round drums, and singing can give the sensation of being in a meditative state of mind.  Attendees travel long distances to be a part of this pow wow, to not only honor our veterans, but to meet and connect with other communities and tribes.

The Veterans Pow Wow was held June 5-7 in the Don Hatch Youth Center.

 

 

Contact Mara Hill, award@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

Quinault Nation Applauds U.S. Court of Appeals Decision

Big Lagoon Rancheria v. State of California A significant victory for Indian Country

Source: Water4fish.net

TAHOLAH, WA (6/10/15) — A unanimous decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals issued Thursday, June 4, in favor of the Big Lagoon Rancheria in a dispute regarding the State of California’s failure to negotiate in good faith was a landmark case for tribes throughout the country, including the Quinault Nation, according to Quinault President Fawn Sharp.

The decision, made en banc by the Ninth Circuit Court ruling in Big Lagoon Rancheria v. State of California marks a significant victory for Indian Country and settles the uncertainty created by a now-vacated decision by the court in January 2014. Thursday’s decision holds that challenges to the trust status of lands and the federal recognition of an Indian tribe can only be brought pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (APA)*. 

In other words, a party cannot attack collaterally a BIA trust decision outside the framework of the APA. In this particular case, the State of California “failed to file the appropriate APA action and because such an APA challenge would be time-barred,” the Ninth Circuit held that the State could not prevail on its claims.   The decision is an affirmation of a U.S. District Court’s decision that the state had failed to negotiate in good faith and ruled that the tribe can conduct gaming under the Indian Gaming Resources Act (IGRA), subject only to the Secretary of the Interior’s approval of the tribe’s gaming compact.

 “This holding is a major victory for all of Indian Country and for American justice,” said President Sharp. “Among other things, it will protect the final decisions of the Bureau of Indian Affairs from collateral attacks in litigation after the expiration of administrative and legal remedies.  It clarifies that the status of tribal trust property is an issue separate from the obligation of states to negotiate in good faith under IGRA.  The decision sets a positive precedent for other federal courts and will help protect and preserve the legal status of tribal trust lands throughout the country.

The case began as a bad-faith suit filed against the State of California.  Relying on Carcieri v. Salazar, the state argued that the BIA lacked the authority to take land into trust on behalf of the tribe because the tribe was not under federal jurisdiction in 1934.  In that case, the state claimed the tribe was not entitled to good faith negotiations under IGRA because the parcel in question was not properly taken into trust by the BIA. In January 2014, a divided three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit held that the tribe was not “under federal jurisdiction in 1934” and that its trust property was therefore not “Indian lands” for purposes of IGRA.  This ruling had been a serious blow to the tribe and to Indian Country because it opened the door to collateral Carcieri attacks on BIA fee-to-trust decisions years after the expiration of administrative and legal remedies. In June 2014, the Ninth Circuit granted a rehearing en banc (full court hearing).

That hearing’s decision, Thursday’s unanimous reversal holds that challenges to the trust status of lands and the federal recognition of an Indian tribe can only be brought pursuant to the APA. 

 “In other words, a BIA trust decision cannot be attacked collaterally outside the framework of the APA,” said President Sharp.

“This truly is a case in which justice prevails. The case ruled that the tribe can conduct gaming under IGRA, subject only to the Secretary of the Interior’s approval of tribal/state compacts and not a barrage of collateral actions,” she said.

 

*The Administrative Procedure Act (APA), Pub.L. 79–404, 60 Stat. 237, enacted June 11, 1946, is the United States federal statute that governs the way in which administrative agencies of the federal government of the United States may propose and establish regulations.

Technology and Families: How to Stay Connected

By Maria Shane, MA, LMHC, GMHS, Tulalip Tribes Behavioral Health

Have you ever wondered how to create the right balance between the time you spend on electronics and the time you spend face-to-face with loved ones? If so, you are not alone. Today we have smart phones, computers, TVs, laptops, tablets, iPods, gaming systems, and the list goes on. There are many benefits to the technology we have available. We have access to more information now than ever before. Through technology, we can connect with loved ones who are far away. It can be enjoyable and reduce our stress to check in with others online to share our ideas, thoughts, and feelings. Sharing a good laugh can lift our spirit. Spending time on electronics can help shift our attention away from stress, worry, and pain.  However, our inability to turn off our electronics can also interfere with our ability to find true connection with one another. It may mean that our families would benefit from reasonable limits on the amount of time each day we spend on electronics. The strong urge to always be checking Facebook, texting, or gaming affects everybody: adults, teens, and young children, as well as the relationships within the family or couple. If you are curious about ways to find the right balance for your family, we hope the ideas shared here will help you think about the possibilities.

Technology and Children

Some parents and grandparents wonder how much “Screen Time” a child should have each day. There is no one right answer, and each parent/family knows their children best; however, a useful guideline is between 30 minutes to 90 minutes per day, depending on age. In general, younger children should have less “Screen Time”.

When children spend too much time each day on electronic devices, there can be negative effects. The Mayo Clinic has identified some of the effects, which include: irregular sleep patterns, behavior problems, obesity, lower grades, violence, and less time for physical play. If you are concerned about the amount of video games your child plays, or the way your teen uses Facebook, you might be interested in setting some reasonable limits for your children around electronics.

Technology and Couples

A relationship may feel negatively affected by technology when a couple has not discussed some ground rules to ensure the outside world doesn’t interfere with connection and intimacy.  Couples who are having problems connecting because of electronics often report the following concerns: misinterpreting messages, feeling like screen time comes before the relationship, and having difficulty communicating face to face. Couples may find it difficult to connect, even when they’re in the same room, because of the distractions from their smart phones, computers, etc. If you and your partner struggle to safeguard your time together, you may be interested in setting some boundaries around electronics.  Come up with some mutually agreed ground rules to ensure the cyber world doesn’t interfere with your quality time together.

Difficult conversations are always better to have face-to-face than through text messages.  It’s easier to express your anger, frustrations or hurt feelings through a text, email or facebook post.  However, when emotions are running high, the likelihood of misreading a message rises sky high.  According to various researchers, body language accounts for 50-70 percent of all communication.  You cannot see facial expressions, body posture or hear the tone of a person’s voice through texting.  Why keep that from your loved one?  Arguments aren’t easy but if you put in the work to improve your communication the results will be worth it.  Strengthen your communication and enrich your relationship.

Possibilities and Solutions

If you are interested in ways other families have tackled their technology struggles, here are some tips you can consider.

Talk about It. Sit down with your family or loved one and make a plan so you can prevent the virtual world from interfering with your real world. Talk honestly about the ways technology interrupts with your connection; this will help you find clarity for what changes to make.

Establish “Tech-Free Zones”. It may be difficult to keep track of the amount of time you or anyone else in your family spends on electronics each day. However, you can set limits and create “Tech-Free Zones” in the times and places when you are together. This is important for couples as well as families with children. Some families come up with an agreement that for 30 minutes while everyone eats dinner at the table, no phones, iPads, TVs, or computers are on. Or, during the car ride to school or running errands, no one uses their phone, iPod, hand held gaming system, or tablet. Instead, you have the opportunity to talk to one another. Some families have discovered a fun way to make this a “game,” for example, the first person to check their phone during dinner has to do the dishes.

Remove TVs and Computers from Bedrooms. It may be hard to remove the TV, Xbox, and computer from your child’s bedroom; however, it may help improve sleep, academic performance, and many other areas of your child’s life. Keep TVs, computers, and gaming systems in a shared space like the living room, so you can better monitor the content and time your children spend on these electronics. Couples may also benefit from an electronic-free bedroom which can increase intimacy. Try eye-gazing instead of screen-gazing, or simply use this time to check-in and talk about your day.

Settle Disagreements Face-to-Face. Just because you can reach your partner, parent, or child anywhere at any time, doesn’t mean you always should. It’s understandable that you may want to clear the air sooner rather than later, but don’t take the risk of making matters worse. [Remember, it’s too easy to misread a text or post on Facebook.] Set a time to sit down with your loved one to talk things out, this will minimize problems because you can rely on body language and tone of voice to really get your message across.

Model Healthy use of Electronics. Adults are in a good position to model, through their own behaviors, healthy use of electronic. As adults, we need to follow the “Screen Time” rules we set for our children. We can make a commitment to avoid texting or using the phone while driving. We can show our children what appropriate conversations are on Facebook. We can turn our phones off and refrain from checking our email during dinner. Our children can follow our lead.

Engage in “Screen Time” with your Child.   Use your child’s favorite app or video game as a way to connect! Sit down and play a game with your child. If this seems difficult, try doing it for only 10 minutes at a time. [You can even set a timer to help you keep track.]. Allow your child to teach you the game. You will get to have some quality time with your kid, doing something they love, and, you will have the chance to assess if the game and online community is something you are comfortable with.

Limit “Screen Time” at Bedtime. Create a “No electronics at bedtime” rule. Did you know that looking at electronic screens before sleep interferes with our brain’s ability to “shut off”?  Collect phones, tablets, and other electronic devices one hour before bedtime and allow your children to pick up their electronics in the morning.

 

Create Ways for Children to Earn “Screen Time”. Allow children to earn “Screen Time” by completing other activities such as homework, chores, and physical play. One possibility is to allow children to earn up to one hour of screen time a night for completing one hour of the other activities. For example, if your child spends 15 minutes walking the dog, 15 minutes jumping on the trampoline, and 30 minutes reading, they can earn one hour of screen time to use watching a TV show or playing a favorite video game.

 

The goal is to find a balance between the benefits and advantages technology brings while avoiding the pitfalls of disconnection. When use of technology causes relationship problems such as: avoidance of feelings, isolation from loved ones, or when it blocks us from having necessary but difficult face-to-face conversations, it could be time to make a change. There are many ways to set reasonable limits on the use of technology in your life.  I hope the ideas shared here have gotten you thinking creatively about your options. If you have questions or are having trouble developing a game plan in your home, consider talking to a professional for additional support.

Feel free to contact us for guidance or questions. We are here to help.

Our Child & Family Mental Wellness Team serves youth 17 and younger and their families.  They are located at beda?chelh at 2828 Mission Hill Rd. Tulalip, WA 98271 and can be reached at 360.716.3284.

The Adult Mental Wellness Team serves adults 18 years and older and their families. They are located at Family Services at 2821 Mission Hill Rd. Tulalip, WA 98271 and can be reached at 360.716.4400.