syəcəb
By Wendy Church, Court Director
The Court will be closed on Fri., Dec. 23rd so that the Court staff can attend the Tribal Employee Christmas party. The Court will remain open from 8:00 a.m. to Noon on the following days 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th. The Court will re-open for normal business hours on Tues., January 3, 2017.
Also, Warrant Quashes will be done the day prior on Thurs., Dec. 22nd from 10 to 11:00 a.m. instead of Friday.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Tribal Court Team!
By Bryan Cooper, Tulalip Health Clinic
The Tulalip Tribes values the health of its citizens and strives to educate all members about disease prevention. Recently, there have been some questions and concerns regarding Mumps and the vaccine that safeguards against the disease.
Mumps cases, although rare, are reported each year in the State of Washington. In 2014, 9 cases were reported. Last year recorded just 7 cases. To date, this year has only 3 official cases of Mumps. By comparison, in 1980 there were 166 cases and 1985 there were 165, so the numbers have dramatically dropped.
Who should get vaccinated?
Generally, anyone 18 to 60 years of age should get at least one dose of mumps-containing vaccine; however, most people received MMR vaccine as children as it is a school requirement. Anyone who can show that they have been vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), or that they have had these diseases in the past, do not need MMR vaccine.
That said, some people should either not get MMR vaccine or should wait.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
A vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. However, the risk of MMR vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Certainly, getting MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps or rubella.
Most people who get MMR vaccine do not have any serious problems with it, but here is the official list of possible adverse effects:
Mild problems
If these problems occur, it is usually within 6-14 days after the shot. They occur less often after the second dose.
Moderate problems
Severe problems (very rare)
Several other severe problems have been reported after a child gets MMR vaccine, including:
Frankly, these are so rare that it is hard to tell whether the vaccine causes them.
Globalization has exposed many cultures to diseases they would not otherwise be exposed to. Many of the diseases such as syphilis, smallpox, measles, mumps, and bubonic plague were of European origin; Native Americans at the time exhibited little immunity, and the traditional indigenous medical treatments such as sweatlodges unwittingly worsened smallpox mortality rates. Over time, immune responses increased and knowledge of effective treatments and care to the “new” disease were developed, and mortality rates improved.
Life is full of risks; healthy choices and wisdom of our elders should guide our way. Vaccines have and will continue to save countless lives. As we uncover new diseases, we, as a global people, can more effectively address treatments and cures much better then if everyone was isolated. Sometimes, quarantine is the only option to halt progression of a disease, but most often, standard precautions like frequent hand washing and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough keep us healthy.
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
Human trafficking ranks as the second largest criminal industry in the world today. It has become an ever increasing global problem and only continues to worsen. The International Labor Organization 2012 report estimates there are 21 million victims of human trafficking. Of that number, 4.5 million are children and women exploited by the global commercial sex trade. Most Americans view the sex trade as more of an international issue and aren’t aware of its prevalence within U.S. borders. In fact, thousands of American women and children are trafficked in the U.S. commercial sex industry.
Washington’s international border with Canada, its many ports, rural areas and agricultural make the state prone to human trafficking. In 2003, Washington became the first state in the nation to enact legislation making human trafficking a crime. Seattle police and the U.S. Department of Justice see a trend of victims and pimps being sourced out of the state along the west coast track from Vancouver, B.C. to Seattle to Los Angeles. The Seattle area including Snohomish County has seen an increase in illegal internet activity (e.g. prostitution) as a result of human trafficking along the I-5 corridor.
Snohomish County has been a major part of several sex trafficking stings led by law enforcement agencies over recent months. Most recently, in September 2016, ten men were arrested in Operation Anvil and charged in Snohomish County for crimes including commercial sexual abuse of a minor, rape of a child, and attempted rape of a child. Operation Anvil garnered national media attention and was an eye-opening moment for viewers of any local news shows. There was a similar sting operation in February 2016 where six men were arrested and charged for similar crimes.
Further emphasis on the need for sex trafficking awareness in Snohomish County has rose from special screenings of the award-winning documentary, The Long Night, within the past month. Set in Seattle, The Long Night explores the crisis of minors who are coerced into the American sex trade. The film, by Tim Matsui, weaves the stories of seven individuals whose lives have been affected.
On Thursday, November 17, the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County arranged a screening of The Long Night at an Edmonds church. Tulalip Girls’ Group coordinator Sasha Smith, Chairman Mel Sheldon, and Tulalip News staff were among those invited.
Following the screening, Sheriff’s Department detective Joan Gwordske reviewed sex trafficking problems in Snohomish County and urged all community members to help raise awareness on sex trafficking in order to help prevent future incidents.
“Anybody in here have teenage daughters or granddaughters that go to high school in this area? What school?” Detective Gwordske posed this question to the audience. Hands went up and crowd members responded with several local high schools. “I have [sex trafficking] cases with girls in every single one of those schools and probably every other one that you can think of in Snohomish County,” she said.
Long-time community member and former Northwest Indian College (NWIC) professor, Karen Shoaf-Mitchell has made it a personal mission of hers to help raise awareness on sex trafficking.
“As former public school teacher of forty years, I realize how vulnerable teens can be. In June of 2014, the Washington State legislature mandated that all school districts have information about this crime on hand for its counselors, school nurses, health classes, PTAs, etc. Yet, it was an unfunded mandate, so I decided that I should do something,” explains Karen. “Therefore, I’ve given an informative presentation on sex trafficking to the Everett Public Library, to a World Problems class at Cascade High School in Everett, several times to the sovereignty class located at NWIC Tulalip, and now to the Tulalip Girls’ Group.”
Karen credits Tulalip for openly discussing subjects like abuse and exploitation in the tribal newspaper. She also points to former Board of Director Deborah Parker, who has spoken publicly about how she was taken advantage of, as another example of the Tulalip Tribes motivation to protect the most vulnerable, our children.
“[Sex trafficking] is a crime that is perpetrated upon the vulnerable and that outrages me,” continues Karen. “I presented to the Tulalip Girls’ Group a documentary about sex trafficking that shares stories from trafficking victims. Upon viewing the film, the girls had shocked and worried expressions on their faces. I shared that they could be vulnerable or their friends could be vulnerable to this manipulation by others. I also gave the girls cards from Dawson Place in Everett to put in their wallets with a phone number on it from D.P. to call if they ever needed help.”
“The girls and I were surprised that it is happening in our backyard,” says Girls’ Group coordinator Sasha Smith of their reaction to the sex trafficking presentation. “I had no idea that it was happening so close to home, thought it was something you only see in the movies. It was a good wake up call for myself and the members of Tulalip Girls’ Group.”
Sex trafficking is a very real problem in Snohomish County and our local communities. For better awareness and understanding of the issue please visit www.SharedHope.org for more information.
Contact Micheal Rio, mrios@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Please use the following link to download the December 7, 2016 issue of the syəcəb:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mu4se889eyiog5a/December%207%202016%20sy%C9%99c%C9%99b.pdf?dl=0
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
Tulalip’s Behavioral Health Department recently split into two divisions in preparation for a statewide merge between Washington State care providers and Washington behavioral health and recovery departments. The upcoming merge will join Behavioral Health and Recovery Departments with local clinics and will be more convenient for patients, as well as a step towards a new integrated health model system.
Previously the Behavioral Health Department in Tulalip oversaw nine separate programs. The programs are now split into two separate divisions, Behavioral Health and Recovery and the new Family Advocacy division.
Family Advocacy consists of the following programs: beda?chelh, Family Haven, Child Advocacy, Legacy of Healing, as well as the Tulalip Safe House. The Behavioral Health and Recovery division consists of the Healing Lodge, Chemical Dependency & Problem Gambling, as well as Adult and Youth Wellness.
Carrie Jones, Family Advocacy Director, believes that division between the departments is a move in the right direction. She notes that the new division has an emphasis on the wellness of families within the community while the Behavioral Health and Recovery division focuses on the well being of an individual.
Carrie explains the reason behind the division, “Currently the State has merged their chemical dependency and their mental health programs and by the year 2020 [the State is] looking at more of an integrated health model where they’re merging those areas with health clinics. We’re getting ahead by splitting up the two divisions, and later on down the road the tribe will be merging Behavioral Health and Recovery with the Clinic. The integrated health model, when you think about treating the mind, body and spirit, it makes sense to have behavioral health and recovery and the health clinic under one umbrella.”
For further details about Family Advocacy contact Carrie Jones at (360) 716-4320.
For further details about Behavioral Health and Recovery contact (360) 716-4400.
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
Thanksgiving weekend has become synonymous with tournament basketball on the Tulalip Reservation. For years now, the annual men’s All-Native Turkey Throwdown, women’s Thanksgiving Iron-5, and 14U boys and girls Open Thanksgiving Tournament have all occurred on the weekend following the holiday.
This year was no different. Ballers from all over the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Canada journeyed to Tulalip to put their basketball prowess on display in the hopes of taking home some 1st prize money. Josh Fryberg, Youth Services Activities Coordinator, estimated 260 players took part in the three tournaments.
With no shortage of free entertainment taking place all weekend across three separate basketball courts, the gyms and parking lots of the Tulalip Youth Center and Boys & Girls Club were jam packed with hoopers and their spectating friends and family.
Non-stop buckets and bricks for three straight days yielded quality competition and sportsmanship on the court, plenty of time for friends and family to catch-up and bonding time for the young ones.
Two Tulalip teams took home top honors and the bragging rights that come with it. The “Tulalip Players” led by Shawn Sanchey, Bradley Fryberg, and Deyamonta Diaz claimed 1st place in the men’s tournament and the “Tulalip Boys” coached by Willy Enick got 1st in the boys 14U tourney.
“I want to thank all of the players, coaches, staff workers, the Tulalip Youth Services team, and the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club on helping make the Thanksgiving tournament weekend a success,” stated Josh, who also worked as a tournament co-coordinator. “We had a lot of good compliments and feedback. Looking forward to many more great tournaments in the future. Safe travels to everyone and thoughts and prayers go out to all in need.”
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
“Ten years ago this wouldn’t have even been possible,” stated Arigon Starr, member of Kickapoo Tribe and Creator of the comic book series Super Indian, about the first ever Indigenous Comic-Con (ICON). The comic book convention, recently held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offered the opportunity for fans, also known as Indigenerds, to meet their favorite Native American artists, writers, actors, and comedians.
Speaking to a large crowd Arigon continued, “Indian People, growing up as superhero fans, we never really had the right representation. Kids often ‘call’ who they want to be. You hear it all the time, I call Batman or I’m Iron Man and you can be Captain America. I think it’s cool that our future generations will be able to say I call Super Indian. And this movement will only get bigger because every day the following continues to grow.”
Like most comic-cons ICON, held at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, was a three-day event that included artist panels, exclusive signings, and even live performances from Native musicians, voice actors, and the comedian group the 1491’s.
The excitement grew as the Indignerds, many in full cosplay, began to arrive. Cosplay, a popular hit at comic-cons world-wide, is when a fan dresses in costume as their favorite characters. Although the occasional superhero, villain, and even a Game of Thrones character were spotted, the favorite cosplay characters hailed from a galaxy far far away. The Galactic Empire, the antagonists from the Star Wars movie franchise, ruled the cosplay scene during ICON. Among the many Darth Vader’s, Boba Fett’s, and Stormtrooper’s one ICON cosplayer took a moment to reflect on the event.
“This is so wild,” he exclaimed while taking off his Stormtrooper helmet, “It’s like that Seinfeld episode where George [Costanza]’s worlds collide, only this is a great outcome. My worlds are my culture and the comic book universe, both DC and Marvel. I’m a huge Star Wars fan. And seeing two things I love together is just beautiful.”
Aside from authentic storylines and a huge step away from stereotypes, artwork is one of the key differences between today’s Indigenous comic book characters and those of the past. Taking traditional artwork and giving it a modern twist, the artists are able to convey a sense of pride and connection to their Native audience. Such artwork, that catches the eye immediately, comes from Jeffrey Veregge.
“You know, it just kind of happened,” explains Veregge, “I was at a place in my old job position where I was bored, nothing I was doing was exciting for me anymore.” Veregge, a Pacific Northwest artist and Port Gamble S’Klallam tribal member, was chosen by Marvel to re-vamp the short-lived 1970’s comic book series, Red Wolf. Jeffrey’s passion for comic books began at a young age and like many other artists at the convention, he is excited to represent the Native community while adding his own unique style, Salish Geek.
“Coast Salish artwork used to be seen very seldom outside of the Northwest. Now everyone with a Seahawks jersey is wearing traditional Salish designs. Coming from Little Boston, I wanted to incorporate our artwork with characters that I grew up with. Batman was one of my first pieces and it really just took off from there,” stated Veregge. The Internet, Facebook in particular, took Jeffrey’s pieces including Batman, Optimus Prime, Iron Man and the Millennium Falcon and shared them enough times until they eventually caught the eye of Marvel executives. “I think it’s great. I’m honored to be a part of this, the whole movement, and I’m excited to see the influence the event will have on the youth.”
During the three-day event Indigenerds shared laughs, excitement, and stories with one another. The event also allowed the special guests a chance to speak with their fans about serious topics. Kevin Little, Director of the documentary More Than a Word was in attendance spreading awareness to his fellow Native Peoples. The documentary displays the racist connotations of the NFL team, the Washington Redskins, and urges the franchise to change their name.
Also in Attendance was Kagagi Creator, Jay Odjick. Kagagi is a graphic novel as well as a television series that is written and spoken in both English and Odjick’s native Algonquian language. Speaking during a signing at the Kagagi booth, Odjick addressed the group, “This platform not only hits us with the opportunity to give the kids something they’re into and can relate to, but it also hits us with the chance to talk about things like DAPL, suicide and substance abuse while preserving our traditions like our language, our art and our storytelling. We are still passing down our teachings, we are just doing it our way.”
For more information and for details for next year’s Indigenous Comic Con visit their website at www.IndigenousComicCon.com.
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
Led by All-State talent Adiya Jones, last season’s Lady Hawks team went a perfect (19-0) in the regular season, winning those games with an astoundingly high 30-point average margin of victory, and made it all the way to the State tournament. That team finished with a (23-3) overall record as they rewrote the Heritage history books.
Fast forward nine months and the Lady Hawks are looking to replicate that same level of success in the upcoming season. Gone now are Adiya, Michelle Iukes, Desirae Williams, and Kaenishia Herrera who all graduated, but remaining are talented seniors Aliya Jones, Myrna Redleaf, and Cyena Fryberg. Along with stand-out junior Keryn Parks and a bunch of new faces who intend on being key contributors, the expectations remain high for the Lady Hawks basketball program.
On Monday, November 28, the Lady Hawks returned to action as they hosted the Marysville Getchell Chargers c-team in the 2016-2017 season opener. It’s worth noting two Tulalip tribal members play on the Chargers c-team, freshman Jasmin McLean and sophomore Kecia Zackuse.
From the opening tip it was obvious that it wasn’t a question of if the Lady Hawks would win, it was only a question of by how much. The Chargers c-team is comprised of all freshman and sophomore players who are still learning to play the game, while the Lady Hawks have players with years of experience and are coming off a State run.
It couldn’t have been gone any better as the Lady Hawks opened up the game hitting their first six shots and taking a 12-0 lead before the Chargers called a timeout. Following the timeout, the home team continued to hit shots and execute their offense, while playing stifling defense. At the end of the 1st quarter Tulalip led 24-0.
In the 2nd quarter, the game continued to be all Lady Hawks. In fact, Tulalip led 48-0 at one point before the Chargers made their first basket of the game with only nine seconds to go in the half. At halftime the Lady Hawks were up 48-2.
With the victory already well secured, Keryn got the home crowd going with a one-woman scoring demonstration to open the 3rd quarter. In what seemed like only a matter of seconds, she scored back-to-back-to-back-to-back buckets giving her team a 57-2 lead. After hitting the bench for a quick breather, the hot-handed Keryn returned to score two more buckets, making it six straight shots without a miss for her.
Going into the 4th quarter, Tulalip led 61-2. Even in a blowout of this nature there is valuable experience to be had. All the new faces on the Lady Hawks were able to get a lot of run and get familiar with running the team sets in real game action.
When the final game buzzer sounded, Tulalip had won their season opener 74-6. In the process they set team records with the 68-point margin of victory and a team total 34 turnovers forced, including a record breaking 31 steals.
Keryn led all players with 19-points and 7-assists. Adding to the awesome game notes was every Lady Hawk player scoring at least 4-points. Not a bad way to start the season.
The Lady Hawks next home game is Wednesday, December 7, when they host Chief Kitsap Academy. Tipoff at 5:00 p.m.
Journeys East chef’s helpers will be busy in the kitchen whipping up specials during the week of Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve. The chef and his band of merry cooks will create some tantalizing dishes for guests to sample, including Gan Poog Chicken a lightly fried chicken breast, tossed in a spicy Sichuan sauce for $16; a Drunken Chicken with steamed free ranged chicken, marinated with Shao shin wine and ginger, served with a trio of sauces for $18; Braised Pork Belly seasoned with ginger, cardamom, oyster sauce and green onions, with steamed baby Bok Choy for $18; and a Stir-Fried Ginger 1 3/4 Pound Lobster marinated with ginger, green onion, sesame oil, oyster, cilantro, and served in the shell for $55.
Journeys East holiday hours are Christmas Eve from 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Christmas Day is 9 a.m. – 12midnight, New Year’s Eve on Saturday, January 31 from 12noon until 2 a.m.; and for New Year’s Day from 9 a.m. – 12 a.m. Reserve a table online via OpenTable or by phone at (360) 716-1880.
Cedars Cafe Chef Brent Clarkson has been planning his Christmas Day special all year: an 8 ounce thick cut Apple Wood Smoked Ham Steak grilled and served with a sweet chili glaze, mashed potatoes, house-made gravy, andouille sausage corn bread stuffing, vegetable du jour, and a choice of soup or house salad for $18 per person.The Cedars Cafe regular menu will also be available. Prices will vary.
The Cafe will be open during its regular scheduled time of 24 hours a day during the holidays. To reserve table, call (360) 716-1625, or email here. For more information, visit tulalipresort.com.
Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill and Bar is offering their signature Christmas Day dinner of Seared Duck Breast with a black fig demi Tillamook sharp cheddar and pear potato hash, Brussels sprouts with boar bacon, and a savory butternut squash-hazelnut bread pudding.
Blackfish will be open on Christmas Eve from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., and Christmas Day during 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill and Bar will feature a New Year’s Eve special of Hazelnut Crusted Lamb Chops with huckleberry-port demi, sage beurre blanc, white bean-bacon puree, wilted rainbow chard, glazed carrots, and asparagus for $35 per person. Prices exclude sales tax and gratuity.
To book a spot at Blackfish, go to OpenTable or call (360) 716-1500.
Tulalip Bay’s Chef Jeremy Taisey’s traditional Christmas Day special is an Individual Honey Baked Ham with wild rice polenta and haricot vert with almonds. And here’s a chance to put a big ol’ smile on kids of all ages for this festive time of year. Tulalip Bay’s regular dinner menu will also be available on Christmas Day, and prices will vary.
The restaurant’s holiday hours for Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24th are 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Christmas Day Sunday, December 25th are 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., New Year’s Eve Saturday, December 31 from 4 p.m. until 12midnight, and New Year’s Day Sunday, January 1, 2017, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
To reserve a table, go to OpenTable or call (360) 716-1100.
Eagles Buffet will feature its regular menu on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with bunch items served until 3:30 p.m. and dinner features starting at 3:30 p.m. On Christmas Day, Eagles Buffet will be pulling out all the holiday stops from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. featuring specials all day with Brunch until 2 p.m. Their Christmas Day dinner showstoppers will start at 2:00 p.m. Pricing for Adults is $24.95 per person and $13.95 for children ages 2-10. Prices exclude sales tax and gratuity.
For New Year’s Eve, Eagles Chef John Jadamec will serve Brunch from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with Dinner starting at 3:30 p.m. and going until 11 p.m. On New Year’s Day Sunday, January 1, 2017, Jadamec’s happy team of revelers will be serving amazing fare from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Seating at Eagles Buffet is on a first come first served basis.
Ring in 2017 at Tulalip’s Canoes Cabernet on Saturday, December 31 with great music to dance the year away by four decades of hits from Pop Offs, The Afrodisiacs, The Spazmatics, and Mr. Pink. Doors open and entertainment begins at 5 p.m. Table reservations range from $125 to $300 each, or a standing room only ticket option is $40 per person. To purchase tickets or reserve a table, see the Canoes Cabaret hosts in person or text them at (360) 502-1155.
Canoes Cabaret hours for Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24th are from 5 p.m. to 12midnight; Christmas Day Sunday, December 25 doors open at 7 p.m. until 12midnight; New Year’s Eve Saturday, December 31 with doors opening at 5 p.m. and New Year’s Day Sunday, January 1, 2017, from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information about the holidays and Tulalip Casino Resort, visit tulalipresort.com.
Wendy Church, Tulalip Tribes Court Director
As of December 1st, the Tulalip Tribal Court will begin accepting civil filing fees, criminal fines, and traffic citation payments with our new debit card reader which can process all major cards. We will also accept your debit card for ‘cash’ only bail and restitution payments as well. The debit card reader will be available at the Court’s reception window. If you have any questions about the debit card reader, please contact Annie Moses, Court Financial Coordinator at 360 / 716-4773.
For more information about Tulalip Tribal Court, please visit us on our website at the following address: https://www.tulaliptribes-nsn.gov/Home/Government/Departments/TribalCourt.aspx
Some new additions to our website include our up-and-coming Wellness Court in 2017 – please see website for further information.
