Category: News

In Pursuit of a Ph.D. Tessa Campbell is indigenizing space on the UW campus

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

At the cross-section of academia and culturally inclusive education, prevailing winds of change are sweeping though newly constructed learning centers and century’s old college campuses across the nation. Generated by Native American culture bearers focused on increasing representation and breaking down barriers by actively seeking to become mentors, school administrators and college professors. These individuals are powered by a fearless determination seven generations in the making. 

The Tulalip Tribes has produced several of these illustrious education change makers; from Dr. Stephanie Fryberg and Dr. Lena Hammons to Early Learning Academy director Sheryl Fryberg and Quil Ceda Elementary vice principal Chelsea Craig. Soon, Tessa Campbell will join the ranks of those marvelous matriarchs. Proving yet again that educational pursuits, even at the highest of levels, aren’t just realistic dreams, but are attainable goals for our Tulalip people.  

“The main reason I am in the Ph.D. program is because the University of Washington Information School supports Indigenous Knowledge and Indigenous Systems of Knowledge research,” explained Tessa. “There are currently three Native faculty and three Native Ph.D. students.  I am pursuing my doctorate degree so I can eventually teach. I also want to be a role model for not only younger generations but others as well. It is important to see Native people in academia. Having representation of Native faculty and students is so important to see that if other Native people can survive and thrive in these programs then so can they!

“Personally, for me, education has been empowering,” she added. “It hasn’t been an easy journey though. My Ph.D. experience is so drastically different than my undergraduate experience. When I was an undergraduate student 20 years ago, there was a significant lack of Native American representation at the University of Washington. During my undergraduate years, I never saw Native American students, faculty or staff. I even took an American Indian Studies class, and it was taught by a non-Native professor. During those years, I felt unsafe and unsupported, so I remained invisible and silent.”

  The now 47-year-old Tessa is anything but invisible and silent. With an extensive wardrobe of vibrant colors and bold Native designs that is often accessorized with stunning beaded earrings or cedar woven jewelry, she proclaims herself a proud Tulalip and Tlingit culture bearer in any space she occupies. A classroom in UW’s Moore Hall is one such space. That’s where her articulate voice speaks truth to power every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon as she seeks to indigenize education.

Only months away from earning her doctorate degree from the University of Washington, Tessa is working towards completing her Ph.D. program by teaching an exclusive course within UW’s school of Informatics.  INFO 353 Indigenous Ways of Knowing in the Digital World is the course title.

In her pursuit to become Dr. Campbell, Tessa is indigenizing education not only by recruiting and supporting Native American educators but also integrating Native perspectives, histories, and teaching methods into her academic curriculum.

“The curriculum was originally created and developed by Dr. Sandra Littletree (Navajo/Easter Shoshone), which I have kept the foundation but have integrated material about the Tulalip Tribes into,” explained Tessa after allowing SeeYahtSub staff to attend one of her class sessions. “I asked and was granted permission from our Tulalip Board of Directors to teach about Tulalip history and culture this quarter. I believe that all tribes should have control of their knowledge and information and know where it is being disseminated.

“It’s been great having guest speakers from Tulalip, such as Aaron Jones, Ty Juvinel and Dave Sienko, come to UW this quarter and speak to the students,” she continued. “The main takeaways I want students to learn is that all tribes are not a monolith. They are so unique and diverse in their languages, cultures and histories. Since most students in the class have no previous exposure to Native American history, I want them to learn about Treaty Rights and tribal sovereignty.”

That vast majority of her 30 students are international or 1st generation American. Descending from countries like China, Thailand, India, Mexico, Armenia, Indonesia and the Philippines, Tessa’s class is one of the most diverse on the entire Seattle campus. Add-in the meticulously curated course content, various guest speakers, and the unique individual teaching and that’s a formula resulting in cross-cultural learning at its finest. 

UW student Joanna Pena-Rodriguez said she was excited to learn from a fellow Indigenous person, especially one that is an enrolled Tulalip Tribes member. “I want to learn more about how Indigenous people have connections to the land and use storytelling as a way to preserve traditional knowledge for future generations,” shared the UW 4th year whose parents are both from Jalisco, Mexico. “I’m also interested in learning about building community and tying these concepts back into my own Mexican roots and traditions.”

The movement to indigenize education reflects a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and respect for diversity. As more Native Americans enter the field of education, they are redefining what it means to teach and learn in America. This effort not only empowers Native communities but enriches the educational landscape for all, creating opportunities for students to engage with the histories and cultures that shape our world.

All those Native educators working tirelessly to indigenize these historically marginalized spaces are actively dismantling colonial narratives while promoting tribal sovereignty and self-governance. For Tessa, the macro is just as important as the micro.

“Academia and education have been harmful and traumatic spaces for Native people, so creating space for ourselves and sharing our ideas and knowledge with others helps us feel stronger,” concluded Tessa. “These actions help us feel safer, building community, mentoring, uplifting and supporting each other. Any educational pursuit is empowering whether it is a training certificate program, apprenticeship program, associate’s degree, bachelor’s or whatever. We can all integrate these programs and indigenize them and bring that knowledge back to Tulalip to build a stronger and healthier community.”

What a breath of fresh air those prevailing winds of change are.

Building pathways: Honoring Aliana Diaz’s trade advocacy

 
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News

On Saturday, November 2, Washington’s Women of the Trades held their Sweet 16 annual Dream Big Dinner, celebrating men and women who excel in their careers or contribute to the advancement of women in the trades. The organization aims to promote economic equity and self-sufficiency for women by providing access to high-wage, high-skilled careers in fields like construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Among those honored this year was Aliana Diaz, a member of the Tulalip Tribes, who received the Union Activist of the Year award for her commitment to opening doors for Indigenous communities within these essential fields.


Aliana, now a third-year apprentice with Elevator Construction Local 19, is passionate about creating pathways for Indigenous individuals to build rewarding trade careers. Her journey into the field required hard work, resilience, and a focus on building a versatile skillset that would make her valuable on any job site. In her previous role in guest services at the Tulalip Casino, Aliana developed essential skills in managing diverse interactions. “Going through the different trainings the casino offered helped me set boundaries and speak up for myself when I entered a more male-dominated field,” Aliana shared.


Determined to break into the construction industry, Aliana sought guidance from professionals who emphasized the importance of specialized skills and certifications. Inspired by their advice, she joined the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA), where she quickly gained experience and worked her way up. 

Through LIUNA, she earned certifications in OSHA 30, flagging, and welding, and even obtained her Commercial Driver’s License to enhance her value on the job. Reflecting on the importance of these accomplishments, Aliana said, “I wanted to make sure I had the skills and certifications to prove my value so no one could question my ability to contribute on any site.” These credentials helped her stand out as she transitioned to the Elevator Union.


Her commitment to community advocacy ultimately led Aliana to join her union’s outreach program, where she quickly took on the role of treasurer. Aliana engages with Indigenous communities in this leadership position, sharing information and resources about trade career opportunities. Her outreach work includes actively visiting various tribes, as well as partnering with organizations like the Chief Seattle Club, Native Action Network, and United Indians of All Tribes. 

She also participates in TERO (Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance) meetings, which focus on ensuring employment opportunities for Native people. Through these connections, Aliana aims to make valuable information about trade careers more accessible to Indigenous communities, especially those who might not otherwise have the resources or guidance to enter these fields.
With only about 25 women out of a thousand workers in the Elevator Union, Aliana is grateful for the supportive “sisterhood” of women who have paved the way in this challenging field. “The women before me showed that there’s space for us here, and they’ve given me the strength to keep pushing forward,” she shared. 

Their example, combined with Aliana’s commitment to her craft and community, has fueled her success and earned her the Union Activist of the Year award. Her proactive approach to reaching out to Indigenous communities and advocating for pathways into the trades played a significant role in her recognition. 

She hopes to inspire others to find fulfilling, sustainable trade careers, showing that these fields offer more than just a job—they provide a pathway to economic stability, leadership, and community impact.
For those interested in exploring a career in the elevator industry, programs like the National Elevator Industry Education Program (NEIEP) provide the foundational education needed to succeed in this specialized trade. For more information, visit neiep.org. 

DV is not our tradition

Tulalip Legacy of Healing rallies support for DV survivors at 2nd annual Coastal Jam and Dinner

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

“I remember gasping for air, feeling his grip tighten behind me. When he finally let me go, I could see the blank expression on his face. Once I finally caught my breath, he walked away. I called the police, which led me to the Legacy of Healing. Their support has been a lifeline for me.”

Tears were visibly streaming down faces while domestic violence (DV) survivor, Andres Thornock, opened up about their experience in a three-year intimate partner DV relationship. By sharing their story, Andres wanted to reassure others that they are not alone, and that help is available at the Tulalip Legacy of Healing. 

Andres continued, “Throughout our time together, I faced verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, and ultimately physical harm. My now ex-fiancé struggled with alcoholism and bipolar schizoaffective disorder. His emotions would swing wildly – one moment he’d be shouting, the next he’d be in tears. It felt like a relentless rollercoaster. Eventually, I couldn’t sleep at night; I’d wait until he left for work in the morning just to find some rest. He wouldn’t let me work or pursue anything meaningful, often sabotaging my attempts. Living in a constant state of hyper-vigilance for so long made me believe that anxiety and fear were my new normal. I also fell into a deep depression, isolated from everyone I loved. I felt profoundly alone for far too long. This was my reality for three exhausting years.”

Although Andres was only one of two to share their terrifying and heart wrenching truth on the night of October 25, there were scores of people listening who could relate. They say there’s strength in numbers, and that strength could be felt as over 150 people attended the second annual DV Awareness Month Coastal Jam and Dinner. An impressive turnout considering there were several other community gatherings occurring at the same time. That was important for survivors to see that support, feel that love, hear those stories of resiliency, and help raise awareness about DV, something that happens far too often in Native America.

The yearly coastal jam and dinner is organized by the Legacy of Healing, a program that is designed to support local victims and survivors of DV in several capacities. Whether it’s educating the community about DV, providing resources to survivors, standing in your corner throughout the court process, or even designing a safety plan with you for when you’re ready to leave an abusive relationship, the Legacy of Healing is available 24/7 to help in any way that they can. The program has a strict confidentiality policy and does not pass judgement on anybody who needs to utilize their services. So, if you need information for a friend, family member, or yourself, your concerns and conversations shared will remain between you and the advocacy team.

“You don’t need to live with violence in your home,” urged Marisa Chavez, the Legacy of Healing’s Lead Advocate. “The Legacy of Healing is here for you to utilize for help. Once you speak to an advocate, you will be provided with information to learn the next steps on your healing journey to living a DV free life. It may be tedious, but you will find that you have the inner strength and support to make that happen. You don’t need to walk this journey alone to healing. We are here for you.”

For the better half of the past decade, the Legacy of Healing has participated in a nationwide initiative known as DV Awareness Month. Every October, the program dedicates all of their efforts to educating the community about what DV is and what it looks like, so survivors can identify those red flags and recognize when they are in a dangerous relationship. And through this work, they are able to reach more people and provide support and resources to those in need of their services. During DV Awareness Month, the Legacy of Healing team also partners with the Tulalip Foundation and holds a raffle throughout October, in which all proceeds go directly to helping survivors of DV. 

“A lot of times victims experience DV outside of public view and it happens in secret in their own homes,” explained Legacy of Healing Coordinator, Kaley Wickham. “October is a time for us to raise awareness for DV. Most, if not all, of the survivors we work with have also witnessed DV when they were children, or they know other family members or friends who have also experienced it. It’s a very normalized part of their life and yet people aren’t able to recognize it or talk about it.”  

In years past, the Legacy of Healing put on a number of trainings, activities, and movie screenings during the awareness month to bring attention to DV occurring at Tulalip and on reservations across the country. Last year, however, the program pivoted to one culturally centered gathering, which was a huge success. As Natives, we know that there is healing in our traditions. Drum and dance are our tradition. Community and cultural gatherings are our tradition. The ancestral language and songs are our tradition. Sharing story and meals together are our tradition. Wrapping each other with love and healing through the culture is our tradition. The Legacy of Healing took each of those aspects of the culture and enveloped it into one night of awareness and healing – the coastal jam and dinner. 

Fittingly, the tagline of this year’s gathering was ‘DV is not our tradition’. Unfortunately, in today’s society, more than four in five Native American men and women have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime – more than 3 million people according to the National Institute of Justice. Through that study, the NIJ also reported that tribal communities experience DV at higher rates than any other race or ethnicity throughout the U.S. 

On the night of the coastal jam and dinner, Executive Director of the Tulalip Family Advocacy Division, Jade Carela, elaborated on the statistics. “Tonight, I stand before you not only as an advocate of this work, but also a daughter of our community, which has faced immeasurable pain and loss. This issue touches each of us personally. We have DV in our community happen every day. The statistics we discuss are not just numbers; they represent our family members – they are our sisters, brothers, our mothers, fathers, our daughters, sons, our grandmothers, and grandfathers. Each name, each survivor, is a vital thread in the fabric of our community. These aren’t abstract victims; they are us.”

Following the testimonials, bravely shared by Andres and former Tulalip Board of Director Pat Contraro, the dinner concluded with a moment of silence and a prayer song by Antone George (Lummi) and the Westshore Canoe Family. With their swag bags in-hand and donning their new ‘DV is not our tradition’ event t-shirts, the crowd migrated from the Teen Center to the Greg Williams Court for the coastal jam. 

As the survivors and their families filed into the bleachers on either side of the court, the healing work began to take place along the sidelines. Throughout the night, three drum groups shared the floor. Their booming voices and steady drumbeats in dedication to all the DV survivors, both inside of the gym and across the reservation. And also, in memory of those who are no longer with us due to DV. Equally as important, dozens of dancers spread that good Indigenous medicine as they occupied the dancefloor for nearly the entire three-hour jam. Many survivors immersed themselves into the songs and dances, experiencing that traditional work first-hand and incorporating their ancestral ways into their healing journey. 

“Why does this matter?” asked Jade, “Because the fabric of our community is integral to the entire tapestry of society. The violence that affects us reflects deeper systemic issues that we have faced for generations. Standing up for the rights and safety of Indigenous people strengthens our collective human dignity. Tonight is not just for reflection, but for collective awareness. We must arm ourselves with knowledge and the tools to dismantle the cycle of violence against our community. Violence is against our traditions, our values, and our culture. Together, let’s turn our shared trauma into our collective strength. Stand united, as our ancestors did, and ensure our community does not merely survive but flourishes.”

If you or anybody you know is experiencing an abusive relationship, please do not hesitate to call the Legacy of Healing at (360) 716-4100 for assistance. And if you are in a crisis or an emergency situation, the Legacy of Healing provided a list of three additional hotline numbers that you can utilize during your time of need: 

  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • Strong Hearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483
  • Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County 425-25-ABUSE (22873)

Reflecting on another successful coastal jam and dinner, Jade expressed, “Let us honor the memory of those we’ve lost and those who are still experiencing DV by committing to an unwavering dedication to end violence in our communities. Thank you for standing with us – for our people, for our future. I am grateful that so many of our community members came to support the cause. I’m also thankful for my staff and their dedication to our community. We owe it our ancestors, our current families, and the many generations yet to come to fight for a community where every one of us is safe, respected, and cherished.”

A Season of Healing concludes, shifting how we see Native Americans

Theresa Sheldon, Matika Wilbur and Lilly Jefferson.

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News.  

As Tulalip’s Season of Healing comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the profound teachings and experiences shared among tribal members over the past two months. This period included gatherings over shared meals, giveaways, craft days, mind and spirit work sessions, and presentations from diverse guest speakers—each offering unique insights into healing, resilience, and community. From trauma therapy to traditional foods and spiritual empowerment, each aspect of this season brought a fresh perspective on Indigenous identity, unity, and wellness.

The Season of Healing featured key speakers such as Serene Thin Elk from South Dakota, who shared her expertise in trauma therapy, and Sheldon Smith from the Navajo Nation, who discussed spiritual empowerment. Educator Linzie Crofoot (Tlingit) and Tulalip Native Program member Martin Napeahi also guided the community in conversations about nutrition. Throughout the season, members observed and celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day and Orange Shirt Day with a coastal jam, honoring heritage and the importance of self-respect.

On October 25, artist and advocate Matika Wilbur delivered an inspiring, TED-talk-style event at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. Wilbur shared her journey to understand what it truly means to be Indigenous, discussing how she left behind the familiar to embrace the unknown in her search for new perspectives on Native American life. Wilbur’s insights provided a powerful close to the Season of Healing, encouraging others to explore their identities and stories in the context of community and culture.

Wilbur, a Tulalip and Swinomish citizen, is known for her ambitious project 562, which redefines Native American life through storytelling and art. With a deep commitment to her heritage, she sold her belongings in 2012 and set out across the continent in her RV, “Big Girl,” traveling over 250,000 miles to document the lives and landscapes of over 500 tribal nations. Wilbur challenges stereotypes and brings Indigenous identity’s often-unseen resilience and richness through her photography and narratives.

One of Wilbur’s most memorable encounters was with Wilson and Oliver Hoogendorn, brothers from Nome, Alaska, who defied expectations by summiting Mount Denali without sponsors or professional equipment. Their journey exemplified the strength and determination of Indigenous people, demonstrating an enduring connection to their homelands. “They were there to show their power and resilience,” Wilbur explained, “pushing against every obstacle without losing their sense of purpose and pride.”

Another powerful experience was her visit with the Kumi people in Southern California, where she witnessed the tradition of singing 1,200 songs to welcome a new child into the world. She described these ceremonies as embodying the essence of Native identity, steeped in ancestral wisdom and a profound relationship to land and community. “It’s about carrying on something greater than ourselves,” Wilbur said, “so that our young people can see their heritage alive in today’s world.”

Wilbur’s commitment to storytelling extends beyond photography. Recently, she opened Tideland, a space in Seattle dedicated to Indigenous art, community, and storytelling. “It’s a place where our stories are seen, where our people are understood on our terms,” she shared, reflecting her vision of preserving and elevating Indigenous voices.

Before leading a meditative session, mind, body, and spirit therapist Glendy Morrison shared her journey of healing and transformation. Morrison spoke about overcoming her struggles with trauma, including leaving an abusive marriage, re-evaluating respect, and understanding the impact of trauma. She emphasized the importance of self-reflection, explaining how her role as a healer has evolved through “turning the mirror inward” and embracing vulnerability. Morrison encouraged attendees to explore their own stories as they confront and understand the layers of their experiences.

BOD member Theresa Sheldon reflected on the initiative, which she described as a “safe space…where we could talk about tough issues, hard issues, real issues.” She acknowledged that grounding oneself can be challenging, especially for those with busy minds. She said, “For those of us whose brains never stop, taking this time to ground ourselves is a challenge, and being able to focus on breath and moments—I’m grateful for that.”

Sheldon shared how the initiative grew from a community desire to come together, discuss difficult topics, and foster a supportive environment. “Sometimes acknowledging is the first step,” she emphasized, “and then the second is, what do we do with it once we know the name of it…or the words we’ve always been living our whole life.” She also encouraged community members to help shape the future of this initiative, expressing excitement for continued growth and feedback. “Maybe it’s something monthly; maybe it’s something else,” she suggested. “We have a Board of Directors right now that wants to focus on healing and wellness and to break down barriers.”

Concluding the season with Wilbur’s presentation underscored the power of Indigenous storytelling and the ongoing journey of self-representation and healing for Native communities. The Season of Healing laid the groundwork for future gatherings and ongoing support for those committed to healing and cultural empowerment, ensuring the conversation continues.
If you are a member of the Tulalip Tribes and missed any of the Season of Healing events, you can watch them at IamTulalip.com.

Together We’re Better hosts a thriller Trunk or Treat

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

While Boom City might be famously known for explosive deals on pyrotechnics in the summer, it has recently become the home of a fall time family event, beloved by Tulalip and its surrounding communities. 

Hundreds of kids, dressed as their favorite characters, excitedly bustled about the gravelly site on the afternoon of October 27. Following a line that rotated in a clockwise circle, the kiddos slowly filled up their plastic jack-o’-lantern pails, Halloween-themed totes, and pillowcases with enough sugary snacks to last for months on end. Their parents, many of whom were also incognito as the counterparts to their children’s costumes, followed closely behind, happily engaging in conversation with the thirty-or-so families distributing candy.

Organized by local non-profit, Together We’re Better, the event is highly anticipated by the community each Halloween season. On that particular Sunday afternoon, heavy rainfall was predicted by local meteorologists and weather apps alike. But the Creator must’ve been smiling down upon the Tulalip community as the precipitation let up for the entire duration of the two-hour gathering.

“The annual Trunk or Treat is always an event that I and my family look forward to,” said Together We’re Better Founder, Malory Simpson. “One thing I always try to teach my children is how to give back to our community. This is one of the ways we choose to do that. We typically try to coordinate as a family, or at least park near each other, so we can enjoy each other’s company as well as soak in all of the joy from the youth and community members.”

It seems like every year Together We’re Better finds a way to outshine their previous Trunk or Treat events, in both participation and attendance. And that speaks volumes about their grassroots efforts, because the Tulalips do not play about Halloween. Their standard for wicked fun is set as high as a witch’s broom. Many locals love this holiday. So much so that the Tribe hosts several of its own eerie events this time of year, including a community party and an employee party, to satiate the harrowing Halloween hunger of the community. And that’s not to mention the Marysville, Everett, Arlington, and Stanwood community members who join in on the frightful and fang-tastic fun of Trunk or Treat. 

For the people, by the people, Trunk or Treat is 100% community-funded and volunteer-based, which of course is Together We’re Better’s M.O. With the exception of the social distancing era, in which the Tribe donated a portion of the sweets, the non-profit has relied on candy donations from the community; as well as volunteers to participate and adorn their whips, rez-runners, and hoopties with spine-chilling décor. And for over a decade, this has resulted in a fun opportunity for local kids to participate in the trick-or-treat tradition, in a safe environment and amongst people they know and trust.

“What does Together We’re Better mean to me?” Malory pondered. “The name says it all – Together We’re Better! Together, we helped to create a successful event for around 650 people [this year]. When we all come together and work towards a goal as team, not only are we helping create a healthy and safe event, but we are working together and building bridges with members outside of our community by giving them a space to also join in on the event and host a trunk.”

Trunk or Treat 2024 was a graveyard smash! There were so many great costumes on display, ranging from superheroes to slashers. And there was no shortage of creativity by the volunteers either, this year’s themed trunks included a zombie pig farm, two separate scenes from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an ominous cornfield, a witch’s apothecary, and the classic creepy carnival.  

“It is always amazing to witness the work that goes into the event, whether it’s community members sending monetary donations, porch drop-offs of candy, or items purchased from the wish list,” expressed Malory. “And seeing the work that each member puts into creating a fun and sometimes scary themed trunk. You can see how much thought, time, and effort has gone into each trunk. All the kids are happy and smiling, the parents seem just as happy and excited for their children as well. That makes it all worth it.”

If you are looking to get more involved with the community, Together We’re Better is always accepting donations, whether that is goods, funds, or your personal volunteered time. For more information, please contact Malory Simpson at (425) 905-9137. 

Tulalip Tribes Celebrate Historic Apology from President Biden Regarding Boarding Schools

Tulalip, WA – The Tulalip Tribes express gratitude for President Biden’s apology concerning the devastating impact of boarding schools on Native American communities. This historic acknowledgment marks a significant step toward healing and reconciliation for our people. For generations, the boarding school system inflicted deep wounds on our culture, language, and families. The forced assimilation policies aimed to erase our identity, resulting in profound pain and loss. President Biden’s apology stands as a powerful affirmation of our experiences, and we hope it signals a commitment to addressing past injustices.

Chairwoman Teri Gobin stated, “This apology is a monumental moment for the Tulalip Tribes and all Native American communities. It validates our history and the resilience of our ancestors who endured unimaginable hardships. We look forward to collaborating with the administration to ensure that this acknowledgment leads to meaningful action and support for our ongoing efforts to revitalize our culture and language.”

The Tulalip Tribes are also advocating for the passage of the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act. This bill aims to formally investigate, document, and report on the histories and long-term effects of Indian boarding schools. It seeks to develop recommendations for federal participation, protect unmarked graves, support repatriation efforts, and halt the removal of Native children from their families by state agencies.

Additionally, we are calling for the return of our ancestors’ remains to their families, a crucial step in our journey toward healing. The Tulalip Tribes remain dedicated to preserving our heritage and fostering a future where our children can thrive with pride in their identity. We stand united in our pursuit of healing and justice.

New beginYINS are on the way for Tribal families with troubled youth

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

A new program will soon be available for Tulalip families who are weathering those years of adolescent growing pains and teenage rebellion. A collaboration between Tulalip Family Haven and the Tribal Court, the program focuses on bringing the family unit together to address some of their teen’s actions and misbehaviors, and help right the ship before those real consequences start to kick in. 

“When this idea came to the floor at General Council, it was by the parents,” explained Family Haven Manager, Alison Bowen. “They felt that there were a lot of supports for families when things got really bad, but not for families that were trying to resolve issues before it came to the point of being unchangeable. And so, this program is for youth, who are still in the care of their parents or guardians, who are trying to solve a problem and not enter into beda?chelh or the juvenile court system.”

The program is called Youth in Need of Services, or YINS for short. It is open to Tribal families with troubled youth between the ages of 13-17. The youth must be experiencing one of the following issues: has been absent from home for at least 72 hours without consent of parents or guardians, has substance abuse problems with no pending criminal charges related to substance abuse, has excessive unexcused absences or is excessively late to school, is not participating in their education, are beyond the management of their parents/guardians, or their behavior is endangering their own health, safety, or welfare or others around them.

Getting to know the YINS Case Manager.
“I am Andrea Coberly. I’m a Quileute tribal member and a Tulalip descendant. I was previously a home liaison at the Quileute tribal school and worked with kids from kindergarten to 12th grade. I have dealt with the juvenile court system and worked on truancy cases and with youth at risk. And I have experience in helping guide the parents and the kids through this process because it can be hard to understand at times. I’m excited to be working here, because in La Push we didn’t have anything like this, and just because of the amount of resources that this Tribe and area can provide for the parents and the kids.”

From their mission statement, Family Haven states, ‘The goal is to not punish youth or their families, but rather to reconcile and work together for the family.’ Alison likened the new program to the successful Family Wellness Court, which is a program where tribal parents follow a personalized plan to regain custody of their children. Upon acceptance into YINS, the family will also follow a plan tailored to their needs and services required. The individualized plans will be developed by the YINS Case Manager, Andrea Coberly, along with courthouse officials. And similar to Family Wellness Court and the Healing to Wellness Court, cultural and community engagement from the family will more than likely be implemented into their plan, depending on the case. 

“I can help the parents find resources like therapy, I think that’s a very big one, and the other big one is medical,” Andrea stated. “And we have other resources and other departments and locations that we can refer them to. I will be the mediator, so the parents and kids aren’t going at each other’s necks. And I can help the parents communicate that they just want their kid to do good and succeed. And help the kids realize that what they are doing isn’t okay and it can lead to criminal charges or juvie, and how that can affect their future.”

After Family Haven receives a referral form for the family, they will reach out to them within three business days to schedule an intake meeting. At the initial meeting, Andrea will have the families fill out an intake form, give a complete overview of YINS, schedule a follow-up meeting, and determine if the family meets the qualifications for enrollment into YINS. Andrea also notes that the intake meeting is parent-led, but the kids will have an opportunity to say their piece as well.

Said Andrea, “If we decide it needs to go to the court, then we would file the first petition, which I will be helping the parents through because it is kind of lengthy, and then send it over to the court to get put on the docket. The first [court appearance] is not considered a hearing, it’s more of a conference with the court to develop the plan.”

Alison added, “And then following that, the court will set a date to review the progress of the plan. Did the youth do their part? Did the parents do their part? Were there any barriers? And if so, what can we do to work around those barriers? It’s really to facilitate the process and also try to reduce or shorten the timelines of barriers for the families that are in crisis.” 

The team laid out a timeline as they start to roll out the new program to Tulalip’s membership. YINS will officially start meeting with parents and guardians on November 18. On December 2, they will begin the filing process, to get any potential cases on the docket. And the first YINS court hearing will be held on December 5. 

For more information, or to refer a Tribal family, you can reach out to Andrea directly at either her desk phone, (360) 716-4342, or her cell phone (360) 913-7357. She can also be contacted through e-mail at ACoberly@TulalipTribes-nsn.gov.

“A big aspect of Native American culture is family,” expressed Andrea. “And separating us ties into that generational trauma of not being able to be with your family.  We want to keep the families together and prevent the youth from ending up in beda?chelh, where there might be placement problems and shortages, and they might have to be sent to a different state. It’s important to keep the tribal kids together with their families and connected to their Tribe’s awesome traditions.”

From Rez Rat to Rez Ball

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News


Growing up on the rez, basketball is more than just a game—it’s woven into our culture. From broken-down hoops in backyards to the pristine hardwood of tribal gymnasiums, rez rats are always ready. You’ll spot them with shorts on under their pants, prepared for a pickup game or to jump in for a tournament. Always in the gym, with a ball in hand, dribbling away the troubles of the world, they live for the game and its escape.


 If that sounds familiar, Netfix’s Rez Ball might make for the perfect watch for you and your family, especially if you have a few rez rats under your roof. The story follows a high school basketball team from Chuska, New Mexico, as they try to come together after the tragic loss of one of their teammates. The team faces adversity on and off the court, navigating the challenges of rez life through hardship, unity, and their shared love for the game, all while striving for victory.


Recently, Tulalip News sat down with one of the stars of Rez Ball, the Pacific Northwest’s own Damian Henry Castellane, who plays Ruckas Largo. Castellane, enrolled in the Puyallup Tribe but raised on the Squaxin Island Reservation in Washington’s Mason County, shared insights into his journey to becoming part of the film.

Scene from the movie Rez Ball, now streaming on Netflix. Courtesy of Netflix. 


When asked about his connection to basketball, Damian shared, “I started playing reservation basketball at about five years old. I’ve only played in tournaments and never played school ball. For us rez kids, basketball is all we have. It’s the only way we know to escape our home and school lives. Growing up, my uncles were excellent basketball players, and I was always encouraged to pick up where they left off, so I just had to take it there.”


The conversation then turned to how Castellane landed his role in Rez Ball. He recounted, “I like to tell this story because it encourages people to take risks. My good friend Thomas sent me a casting call he found on Facebook for a Netflix movie produced by LeBron James. I laughed and thought, ‘They’re not going to pick me; I’m from Squaxin.’ But he insisted I give it a shot. I submitted my name, and they called me for a video audition. They liked my look — the tattoos, the hair — and asked me to read for the role. I set my phone up, had my girlfriend read the other lines, and sent it in. They loved my humor and invited me to audition in person in Albuquerque. There were 5,000 auditions for Rez Ball, and I felt honored to be picked from such a large pool. I performed well in both the basketball and acting sides of the audition. Two days later, they called to offer me the role of Ruckas Largo and asked me to fly out in four days. I stayed for two months, and the rest is history.”


When asked what it meant for him to be part of the film, Damian said, “It meant everything because I feel like I was doing it for Indian Country. Basketball is so meaningful and powerful to me. What better film to be a part of than Rez Ball? I can’t express enough how grateful I am for this opportunity.”

Castellane also spoke about how his community has responded to his success. “What’s funny is that on the Squaxin Reservation, people still treat me like the same person I was before. They don’t see me as a Netflix star, which I love. I can walk into the tribal store, and it feels like home. However, when I go outside my reservation, such as to the Puyallup area, I can’t go into stores or casinos without being recognized. It’s picture after picture in those places, but I appreciate that my reservation treats me like I’m still just me.”


In today’s era, shows like FX’s award-winning Reservation Dogs offer hope to Indigenous youth. Many of us grew up without seeing anyone who looked like us in movies. All we had were films like Dances with Wolves and Smoke Signals. But now, shows like Reservation Dogs have paved the way for Native representation in Hollywood. “Now we see people who act and look just like us,” Castellane said. “I believe Native cinema is opening doors for many young Indigenous individuals, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Photo courtesy of Damien Henry Castellane


Damian shared his childhood dream of acting: “Since I was a kid, I would tell my mom, ‘I’m going to be on TV one day, Mom. I’m going to go to Hollywood!’ She always supported me, saying, ‘I believe you, son.’ Growing up, I’d tell my friends I wanted to be in movies or become one of the biggest rappers of all time, and they would laugh at me, saying things like, ‘Yeah, right. Pick a different dream.’ So finally achieving this dream by being in the film has been the best experience ever. I’m a humble person, and I’m just proud of myself.”

One of Castellane’s favorite memories from filming was a lighthearted moment involving sheep herding. “During the scene where we were herding sheep, it was real—we were actually pushing those sheep to the pen. There was this one timid sheep that was hyper. A background character named Cooper is in the movie, and that sheep managed to juke him out, causing him to fall. I hoped that would make it into the film, but it didn’t. It was a funny moment that everyone on set still talks about.”


Regarding the heavier themes in the movie, including struggles with suicide and addiction, Damian said, “I can relate a lot. In Indian Country, issues like drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and suicide are significant concerns. If you haven’t experienced it personally, you’ve likely seen it firsthand through family, friends, or in your community. For example, when I was 13, my aunt Jamie committed suicide. The film addresses suicide—like the character Nataani taking his life—which brought back memories for me. I also connected with Jimmy, who tells his mom he’ll get her beer money. I had a neighbor growing up who struggled with alcohol, so that resonated with me.”


As the interview concluded, Castellane urged, “I encourage everyone to watch the film. If you need to, watch it again because it’s truly an amazing movie. The whole cast and crew of Rez Ball would appreciate your support as we aim to win awards with this film.”


As for his future, Damian teased exciting projects ahead. “Whether in music or acting, I want to take everything as far as possible. I have a big acting gig coming up that I can’t discuss yet, but it’s exciting. I also recently dropped an album titled AJ’s World, dedicated to my little brother, who passed away on March 9. You can find it on all platforms—Apple Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and more.”


Damian Henry Castellane’s path from reservation basketball courts to the big screen is a quiet reminder of the power of pursuing one’s passion. You can catch his work in Rez Ball, which is now streaming on Netflix.

A coastal connection on Indigenous Peoples Day

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

“When I say Indigenous People, you say hell yeah!,” instructed Tulalip Board of Director, Theresa Sheldon. The call was met with a resounding response that reverberated off of the Gathering Hall walls, and was accompanied by many whistles, cheers, and drumbeats. 

Native pride was on display as the people of Tulalip arrived at the Hall in full regalia on the evening of October 14. They were greeted by the aroma of traditional foods as salmon was prepared over flame for the gathering. 

More than a day of recognition, Indigenous Peoples Day has become a time to celebrate our heritage, traditions, and culture across the nation. All of which were nearly stripped away from us due to colonialism and assimilation efforts. It’s become a day to educate the wider population about our history and our connection to the land, the waters, and how the stewardship of Mother Earth provided sustainability for our people generation upon generation. Perhaps most importantly, it’s a day to hold our youth up and pass those teachings on to ensure our way of life continues well into the future. 

Fittingly, nearly the entire Indigenous Peoples Day gathering was led by the youth. Approximately 250 community members were in attendance. After an hour of socializing and enjoying that salmon dinner, event emcee, Deyamonta Diaz, asked everyone to take a seat at the center of the Gathering Hall as the festivities of the night began.

At the head of the hall stood fourteen young adults, ten Tulalip tribal members and four visitors hailing from O’ahu, Hawaii. Now, we don’t want to gloss over this moment, because it was beautiful and powerful. And beyond the dreams of many Tulalip ancestors, who faced unspeakable punishments for this very act while attending Indian boarding schools. Every single member of the youth coalition took time to introduce themselves, and their lineage, in traditional Lushootseed. And what followed was equally heartwarming and promising as the youth took matters into their own hands and introduced the Tulalip Youth Education Declaration to the public.

With the assistance from those four visitors, Maliatoa Tuallii, Ka’iwa Foster, Lilia Iokepa-Guerrero, and Maui Iokepa-Guerrero, the Tulalip youth spent the entire weekend, leading up to Indigenous Peoples Day, building a detailed declaration. The areas of focus included youth protection, elder and youth interactions, tribal sovereignty education, and health and wellness. 

Maliatoa, Lilia, Ka’iwa, and Maui are members of Hawaiian nonprofit, Papahana Aloha ʻĀina. Ten years ago, the organization wrote their own declaration dedicated to Hawaiian cultural education, youth leadership development, language preservation, as well as land stewardship and environmental advocacy. Since then, the group spent those years spreading their message and sharing their culture across the nation. With their experience and success, the Tulalip youth called upon Papahana Aloha ʻĀina to not only learn how to design their declaration, but also to learn new ideas of how to implement those motions and initiatives into everyday Tulalip. 

The result was astounding. In solidarity, the group presented the declaration as one, taking turns stepping up to the podium and passing the mic with each PowerPoint slide. 

Tribal youth, Ariel Valencia, shared, “We chose food sovereignty to highlight because we can decolonize from the inside out by eating our traditional foods – being able to harvest and differentiate the native plants, being able to survive off the land. We want to have traditional medicine classes for devil’s club and stinging nettle – harvesting it, making salves, and making tea. It is all connected to food sovereignty and our traditional plants/food. Being able to gather also follows the medicine wheel which has four sections and four directions – spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health, which helps you harvest right and produce the good medicine from those plants.”

Highlighting another topic of the declaration, Tribal member Lilly Jefferson got the crowd fired up. She said, “We want to implement the Lushootseed Young Learners program. I think this is an idea that we can take active steps to. It opens the door so that kids of all ages can learn Lushootseed outside of school. I think it’s a good opportunity for young adults who want to learn the language. Every Tribal department should be required to incorporate our language into their work. I think this is really important because we, as a people, should be using the language on a daily basis. So, why not incorporate it into our work? We think it should be expected of our Tribal members to be using our language on the daily.”

Lilly continued, “The next thing I wanted to highlight is that the Board of Directors have to know how to use our language – write it, read it, and speak it. This is very important because you’re the leaders of our Tribe, you should be speaking our language. Also, why would you even run if you’re talking like a colonizer? I think I speak for us all when I say that we’re so very proud of all this work that we’ve done in the last three days. And how much we’ve gotten to know each other, problem solve and create this beautiful document that will grow and thrive in the next couple years.”

After the thirty-minute presentation by the youth, Deyamonta invited three Lushootseed language warriors to the podium to kick off the cultural exchange between Tulalip and Hawaii. Tribal members Thomas Williams, Oceana Alday, and Natosha Gobin each shared an interactive and traditional story in their ancestral language. The stories told were Crow and Octopus, Owl and Chipmunk, and Grandmother Cedar Tree. Like Theresa, the language warriors utilized the call and response technique to share their stories, and thereby introduce Lushootseed words and phrases to the attendees. Once all the stories were shared, the language warriors passed the baton to Papahana Aloha ʻĀina.

The similarities between the two cultures were recognized from the get-go as Ka’iwa blessed the floor beforehand by blowing on a conch shell in all four directions.  Lilia, Maliatoa, and Maui then took the floor in their traditional garb. They danced to the rhythm of the ipu, a drum unique to the Hawaiian Islands, all while chanting in their traditional language. 

“We greet you from Hawaii; from the highest of heavens down to your fertile lands of Tulalip; from the highest peaks to your waters here with abundant fish that has sustained your people,” stated Papahana Aloha ʻĀina member, Dino Guerrero. “The youth did a chant that talks about our people on our islands. How the islands were created. And how after the islands were created, our people stepped foot on those islands and sustained themselves for thousands of years. It was a traditional hula, a welcoming chant. We’re going to take you on a tour of our islands with our traditional dances, from our oldest island down to our youngest island.” 

The community was mesmerized as the Hawaiian youth danced each intricate step of their traditional songs. After several songs, the dancers left the floor for a brief intermission. During this time, Ka’iwa grabbed the attention of everyone in the hall when he began playing the guitar and singing soothing melodies in the Hawaiian language. Ka’iwa performed three songs before the dancers returned to the floor. After changing out of their regalia, Dino informed everybody that the first half of their cultural exchange was solely traditional dances. The second half was reserved for more modern songs and dances. 

Papahana Aloha ʻĀina closed their ceremony behind microphones, with a song performed in unison by the entire group. Our Hawaiian relatives were honored and blanketed by the Tulalip youth and leadership. Donning new shawls and cedar headbands, Papahana Aloha ʻĀina received a standing ovation from Tulalip.

Originally intended to be a two-hour event, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Indigenous Peoples Day Gathering and cultural exchange went late into the night, to absolutely nobody’s dismay. Grateful that Papahana Aloha ʻĀina gave the community a glimpse into their traditions and culture, Tulalip was excited to return the favor. The group was invited to front row seats, and the Tribe brought the evening to an end with high energy throughout several of their ancestral songs. 

Even the Darkness  premiere lights up Tulalip

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The Tulalip Resort Casino’s Orca Ballroom has been an ideal venue for thousands of events, from extravagant weddings to charity auctions to stand-up comedian acts and a fair share of employee holiday parties. Most recently, for perhaps the very first time, the Orca Ballroom was redesigned to host a red carpet, TV series premiere.

In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day weekend, series director and Global Net Productions founder, Michael Lienau, held the first public viewing of his latest project Even the Darkness in Tulalip. An estimated 350 cinephiles convened for the exclusive October 13 viewing, including Chairwoman Teri Gobin, elected leaders from nearby tribes, Tulalip youth representatives, and many Even the Darkness cast members who basked in the limelight of their first red carpet experience.

Child actor Phillip James and his family enjoy the red carpet experience

One such actor was 8-year-old Phillip James who donned a cedar headband with abalone shells and a one-of-a-kind ribbon vest with imagery of his distinct Indigenous ancestry that spans the Americas. Most notably, he wore a heartwarming smile that was impossible to miss when he took front and center beside his family for his red carpet photo.

“I was happy and excited to get to act in a TV series,” said young Phillip after taking his seat in the Ballroom. “I thought it was going to be a fun thing and it was. My favorite memory [while shooting my scene] was seeing how happy my mom and grandma were. They were so happy they cried.”

Actress Amber Cantu and writer/producer Larisa Koenig greet the audience.

One of Phillip’s on set coworkers was actress Amber Cantu. She joined producer/writer and fellow stunning ribbon skirt wearer Larisa Koenig on center stage to welcome all those who managed to carve out time of their busy lives to celebrate an intersection of film, advocacy, and indigeneity.

“Even the Darkness started out as a dream, and now we’re all here at this red carpet premiere to celebrate it becoming reality,” shared Amber. “This project was a beautiful collaboration of amazing people with a vision to bring the realities our First Nations People face to the big screen. It’s about telling our stories of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), sharing traditional stories that connect us to the land and our ancestors, and so much more. I’m so thankful to be a part of this incredible series.” 

Even the Darkness features Coast Salish culture, gives credence to our stories that predate settler contact, has an Indigenous co-producer and several Indigenous advisors/consultants, and gave a number of aspiring Indigenous actors and actresses their official break into the film industry. Moreover, the independently created TV series seeks to honor and unite people of all ethnicities and generations, all while promoting environmental stewardship.

Bringing the Orca Ballroom hosted premiere full circle is the fact that several scenes were filmed within traditional Tulalip territory. One such scene took in the natural splendor viewed from Tulalip Marina and its central location within the Reservation.

Director Michael Lienau and his wife Shari at the Even the Darkness premiere.

Showcasing Native actors, Native lands, and Native stories within the creative lens of filmmaking is something Director Michael Lienau and the show’s producers were intentional about from the very beginning.

“We thought it was significant to hold the premiere here in Tulalip because our series seeks to honor the Native American people and really amplify their voices,” explained Director Lienau. “Using the premier as a means to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day and to be able to bring so many together on such a significant day is really special. I’m just amazed to see so many people from Native communities all over the state came to celebrate with us and to view an unknown, unseen TV series.

“This outpouring of support proves why its so important to listen to our local Native American tribes’ stories and learn of their rich histories,” he continued. “Across this nation, especially here in Washington State, the Native American culture is so vibrant and filled with amazing stories that have stood the test of time. My hope is to see more filmmakers and media companies showcase these communities and not tell the stories for them, but work alongside them in a respectful way and allow them to tell their own stories.”

After all, honoring traditional stories and amplifying the Native voice is foundational to any proper Indigenous Peoples Day celebration.