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Tulalip Jr. Hawks make statement with dominant Ws

89ers Bryson Fryberg and Derek Wilson forcing a QB sack.

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Last year, for the first time in nearly fourteen years, Tulalip began an initiative to have its own youth tackle football program. Under the careful guidance of Youth Services employees Lonnie Enick and Josh Fryberg, the Junior Hawks program kicked off with a single team of 9-12 year olds who played during the 2017 season. That lone team was the spark that ignited a flame, attracting many more aspiring Tulalip football players for the 2018 season.

Now in its second season, the Junior Hawks youth football program has grown from having just the single team to having five teams, each separated by age level; Peewees, 89ers, Juniors, Bantams, and Seniors. Each team is comprised of mostly Tulalip tribal members. These youth, who before were only able to play football under the banners of Marysville or Everett, now proudly sport stylish uniforms that read Tulalip Hawks.

Tulalip sought and received acceptance into the North Sound Junior Football League, legitimizing the program as a whole and establishing themselves as the official feeder program for the reservation’s Heritage High School.

“We have a lot of very dedicated players, coaches, parents and volunteers who are ready for football season to start,” noted Junior Hawks president, Bantam team coach, and Tulalip tribal member James Madison. “It takes a lot of hard work for it all to come together, but we’re ready and we’re excited.”

89er coaches reviewing the game plan at halftime. Right – Bryson Fryberg and Derek Wilson forcing a QB sack. Below – J.J. Gray throwing for a TD.

This season’s campaign kicked-off on Saturday, August 25, with four of the Junior Hawks teams playing home games at the youth center versus Lake Stevens teams.

The 89er division got things started with a 9:00am game. Quarterbacked by tribal member J.J. Gray and coached by his father O’Mar Gray, the Junior Hawks executed their game plan flawlessly by dictating tempo on both sides of the ball. Offensively, J.J. looked like a young Mike Vick running quarterback options and routinely juking multiple defenders as he left the pocket for long runs. Meanwhile, the defense was giving up nothing on the ground or through the air. Several Junior Hawks players, like Bryson Fryberg and Derek Wilson, were able to overpower their Lake Stevens counterparts and come up with multiple quarterback sacks.

At halftime the Jr. Hawks were up 21-0, giving the home crowd much to cheer about. They would tack on another touchdown for good measure in the second half on their way to a well-earned 27-0 victory.

“For this being our first game, I thought it went great,” reflected Coach Gray after the season opening win. “For them to play in front of their families and friends, here in Tulalip, was a big energy booster for the team. All of the kids stepped up and you could see each player was hungry for a win.”

Bantam squad’s Gio Vega-Hillaire shreds Lake Stevens with the ground game.

Following the 89er game, the Junior Hawk Bantam squad took to the field. Prepared by long-time coach James Madison and led by a crop of highly talented 12-year-olds, this team walked on the field with high expectations.

They set the tone early unleashing a variety of offensive formations that Lake Stevens was unprepared to defend. Players Gaylan Gray, Gio Vega-Hillaire, and Jayden Madison all scored touchdowns early as their team took a commanding 26-0 lead. Their defense would force several 4^th-down stops and the offense never let off the gas, eventually winning with a lopsided score of 57-14.

“Our offense came easy because our O-line did a great job blocking for us and opening up running lanes,” said do-it-all player and tribal member Gaylan Gray. He accounted for five Jr. Hawk touchdowns on the day. “My favorite play was catching a pass and going for a 50+ yard touchdown.”

“Both our defensive and offensive lines did good,” added lead running back Gio Vega-Hillaire, who chipped in four touchdowns himself. “It was a lot of fun winning the way we did at home.”

Jayden Madison coming up with a clutch interception.

The dominant victories by both the 89ers and Bantam teams give the Junior Hawks program high hopes for the season and expect to see a champion crowned at the end of the season. All in all, the program consists of five teams, over 125 athletes, and thirty volunteers.

“Our kids are out here representing Tulalip the best way they can,” said Coach Madison. “They all know each other, most are family, and they get out on the field and just play hard. We know, as a program, we’re brand new but we’re determined to show every week that we’re Tulalip and we’re proud of it. These kids have set a goal from day one to win a championship, and we expect to do just that.”

To follow the Junior Hawks progress over the season visit www.northsoundjrfootball.org

Finding your way with diabetes

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

The Tulalip Diabetes Care and Prevention program hosted a series of classes for the community during the month of August. Led by Diabetes Educators Jessica Bluto and Miguel Artega, Finding Your Way with Diabetes is an interactive course where community members learn how to manage their diabetes by sharing their personal experience with other diabetics in the community.

Diabetes is prevalent in many Native communities throughout the country. In fact, Indigenous people are at a much greater risk of being diagnosed with diabetes than any other race in America. However, recent research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that Native America is actively working to change those statistics and saw a huge drop in the amount of kidney failures caused by diabetes in 2017, down by about fifty-four percent than previous years. Thanks to programs like Diabetes Care and Prevention, Natives have a better understanding of diabetes and how to properly care for the disease by making healthier choices.

Eight community members participated in the class last month and talked about a number of topics such as nutrition, the different types of insulin and their daily triumphs and struggles while living with diabetes. Miguel and Jessica compiled a list of topics for the participants to discuss before each class. The students then used a conversation map, which resembled a large board game, to lead their conversation throughout the class.

“Over the past four classes we’ve been doing the diabetes conversation map,” says Jessica. “The first class talked about the basics of dealing with diabetes, from medication to balancing your diet, to coping with your feelings. We also talk about what causes your blood sugar to fluctuate and frustrations that people feel with diabetes. I think it’s important for them to share because they learn from each other and also know that they’re not alone. Even though a lot of people have diabetes, not a lot of people are willing to talk about their experience which keeps them from moving forward and better managing it. When they come to this class, they open up to each other and they’re building a community together.”

An example of community building was on display during the last class of the month as they welcomed a young new comer, who was diagnosed with diabetes a few short years ago. The class embraced the young man as he opened up about his journey with diabetes and encouraged him to keep pushing forward, offering friendly advice and letting him know what lies ahead.

Tulalip community member and Alaskan Native, Jim Dunham has lived with diabetes for over twenty years and happily passed on his knowledge and experience to his classmates.

“It’s not easy to change your lifestyle,” Jim states. “When you find out you have a sickness like diabetes you need to change your lifestyle and adapt. A lot of times when you go to your doctor, they give you a lot of information and sometimes you can’t fully grasp everything they’re telling you. I’ve learned so much more by coming to these classes over the last five years and have been able to manage my diabetes better. I’ve been dealing with this for over twenty years and am so thankful for these classes and this program, it really is phenomenal for our community.”

If you are living with diabetes or have recently been diagnosed with the disease, Jessica and Miguel encourage you to drop by the Diabetes Care and Prevention program at the Karen I. Health Clinic so they can answer any questions, provide you with resources and get you setup with a personalized plan to help manage your blood glucose levels.

“Diabetes can be different for everybody,” explains Jessica. “If you feel the plan you and your doctor made isn’t right for you, let your doctor know because there are wide variety of ways to manage diabetes as well as medication. Come on down and visit, chat with us. We always have prizes at the classes and we always try to feed you. The purpose is to show you different kinds of healthy foods so you have the opportunity to try it before you buy it.

We have another series coming up this fall or winter, the American Association for Diabetes Educators: The Seven Pillars of Managing Diabetes. Be sure to follow our Tulalip Food & Nutrition Education Facebook page for more information and upcoming events.”

Tulalip Bay firefighters join strike team, help control eastern Washington wildland fires

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News; Photos courtesy of Tulalip Bay Fire Department

It’s been a long hazy month for Washingtonians as wildfire smoke contaminated our air for the majority of August. At one point, Seattle even made national headlines for having worse air quality than Beijing, which is usually covered by a thick cloud of smog throughout most of the year. Smoke from both the Oregon and B.C. wildfires continues to circulate through the state, causing dangerous conditions for people with respiratory issues as well as pregnant women, elders, children and pets. Thousands of firefighters, covering a myriad of forest fires from all areas of the state, were called upon in an effort to control the flames during peak wildland fire season.

Among the strike teams deployed across the state was the Northwest 3 Strike Team, comprised of firefighters from Bothell, East Jefferson, Skagit, Shoreline, Arlington and Tulalip Bay Fire Departments. Tulalip Bay’s own Collin Chavez, Patrick Dineen, James Shockley, Lindsay Muller, Shawn Carlson and Jacob Shoresman were on the strike team and bravely fought three large fires in eastern Washington to protect nearby residents and businesses and help bring an end to all of the haze.

“Tulalip Bay Fire is now a part of state mobilizations,” says Tulalip Bay Firefighter, Collin Chavez. “The way that works is when there’s a big incident, a big fire that warrants the need of statewide resources, the state will send over strike teams. The team we were on was the Northwest Strike Team, they’re comprised of departments from all over, typically bigger departments. Now Tulalip’s a part of that strike team, led by Chief Hots of Getchell, and we’re pretty excited to be a part of it.”

The strike team was on duty for seventeen days, serving sixteen hours on the frontline and getting minimal sleep each night. The team setup camp at local schools, sometimes in tents on ball fields and other times inside the school’s gymnasium.

“It’s a constant rotation but being out there is fun. You work with a lot of different departments so you get to make friendships with people,” says Firefighter Patrick Dineen. “On the Cheney fire we got to work with an inmate crew, it was crazy but really cool. These guys are actually in prison and this is a job that they get to do.”

The crew visited three sites to help suppress the fires at Silver Lake, Grand Coulee and Boyds (Kettle Falls). The reason for the fires is still under investigation but it’s safe to say that the extreme heat and dry air were among the factors.

“The first fire was in Cheney, Washington at Silver Lake. We were the initial attack team. As initial attack you arrive and you’re the first ones to attack the fire for structure protection of homes and buildings in the vicinity of the fire,” says Chavez. “From Silver Lake we went to Grand Coulee. That was a grass valley fire, it started out very small in acreage around five hundred to one thousand and within two days it jumped all the way to 78,000 acres. It spread very quickly, there were some high winds.

“The third fire we ended up on was the Boyds fire by Kettle Falls in Colville, Washington near the Canadian border. That was a bigger incident because there were a lot more residential and commercial structures nearby. Anytime there’s more threat to homes or towns, the incident usually increases in scale. The first two fires were type three, which is a smaller incident and this one was type two. It can be a little tiring and you get very dirty but there’s a sense of satisfaction. It was really cool to have our Tulalip rigs out there on the strike team. The citizens are a big part of it, there were a lot of evacuations, but there was still a lot of people in the town making signs, stopping by to say hi and just excited to see firefighters there to protect their towns and homes.”

The strike team members returned to their respective departments now that nearly all three of the fires are under containment. The crew still remains cautious, however, ready to return to battle at any given moment.

“The seasons not over,” warns Dineen. “It’s calmed down a little but one lightning storm or one person throwing a cigarette butt out the window, we could have a whole ‘nother one pop up. Wildland season goes until October.”

“Stay current on the burn bans,” Chavez adds. “Adhere to the burn bans, that’s a huge way to prevent any type of grass or brush fire. Don’t go shooting any fireworks off, especially where there’s dry fuels. And protect your house, it’s always a good idea to have defensible space between your residence and any debris, wood or anything that could burn. And having sprinklers set-up will definitely be helpful. Just be aware and remember how dry it is and that fires can spread quickly.”

For more information, please contact the Tulalip Bay Fire Department at (360) 659-2416.

Traditional salmon dinner, art and culture at Hibulb fundraiser

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

For a brief moment, the smokey, hazy air from local forest fires dissipated and blue skies were visible in Tulalip on the evening of August 18. The timing couldn’t have been any better because the Tulalip Foundation planned for a spectacular outdoor event at the Hibulb Cultural Center, which involved cooking salmon traditionally over an open-flame fire pit. Over two hundred guests arrived at the museum for the second annual Salmon Bake Fundraiser in benefit of the Hibulb Cultural Center.

While dinner was prepared the guests toured the museum’s exhibits, learning of Tulalip’s history and culture. The cultural center’s upcoming exhibit Interwoven History: Coast Salish Wool is due to open this November, and fundraiser attendees got a sneak preview of some of the blankets and artifacts as well as some of the works by Coast Salish Wool Weaver, Tillie Jones, in the museum’s longhouse. Guests also used this time to bid on a variety of traditional art created by Tulalip artists, such as baskets, blankets, beaded earrings, drums and paintings, donated for the silent auction. A number of guests entered a raffle for the chance to win a framed art piece by James Madison or a gift basket donated by the T Spa at the Tulalip Resort Casino.

Once everyone grabbed a plate full of salmon, they sat down to enjoy each other’s company while Tulalip tribal member and Hibulb Cultural Center Museum Assistant, Cary Michael Williams, played a few tunes on the traditional flute. Young Tulalip Storyteller Xavion Myles-Gilford also took the stage to share traditional Tulalip stories and received a great deal of applause for his work. Tulalip Artist and Master Carver Steven Madison held a live demonstration carving a large cedar salmon, which sold immediately after it was completed. Red Eagle Soaring, a Native youth theatre group in Seattle, performed several songs for the guests as well.

Last’s year’s salmon bake raised over $25,000 which was used to open new exhibits as the cultural center continues their mission to revive, restore, protect, interpret, collect and enhance the history, traditional cultural values and spiritual beliefs of the Tulalip Tribes. For seven years, the museum has taught both surrounding communities and tourists of the Tulalip way life, while bringing attention to serious topics such as the boarding school era and assimilation. Local kids learn words of the Lushootseed language while engaging in hands-on, interactive activities at each of the exhibits. The center also hosts a number of events including cultural nights, where the community can make traditional items like baskets and drums as well as participate in Coast Salish jams and traditional flute nights.

As the night ended, the highest bidders retrieved their newly acquired Tulalip artwork from the auction and the raffle winners were awarded their prizes. The second annual Salmon Bake Fundraiser was yet again a great success.

“It was a really good time,” says Mytyl Hernandez, Hibulb Cultural Center Marketing and PR. “I think everyone wanted to enjoy a good salmon dinner while we shared a little bit of the Tulalip culture. Our artists and vendors donated over thirty items for the silent auction which went really well. I want to thank all of our vendors, artists, community members, tribal leadership for all of their support because without their support we wouldn’t be as successful as we are.”

For more information, including upcoming events, please contact the Hibulb Cultural Center at (360) 716-2600.

Aspiring Native youth make journalism workshop a success

By Micheal Rios

Media, be it print-based, television or on a social media platform, continues to shape the world by dictating public opinion. From words one reads or hears to the images one may be exposed to, the media landscape is never-ending in its pursuit of an audience. Which is why it’s so important to have proper representation in media.

Aside from portraying our world through a realistic lens, credible and accurate representation in media also allows those belonging in minority and marginalized groups, such as Native Americans, to feel validated for who they are. By being depicted in a positive light and empowered to tell their own stories, Natives can distance themselves from stereotypes and other prejudices, allowing them to gain confidence in themselves, their culture, and the future.

Putting these concepts to practice, the Urban Native Education Alliance (UNEA), a non-profit organization based in Seattle, and the Clear Sky Native Youth Council collaborated to create an all-new workshop series dedicated to increasing knowledge and improving critical thinking for high schoolers intent on a career in journalism. Dubbed the Aspiring Journalist Series, the five session process took place over the first three weekends in August.

“We see the value in providing the opportunity for youth to explore the vast field of journalism and learn the many facets and mediums available to utilize as platforms for having visibility, voice and influence,” explained UNEA elected Chairwoman, Sarah Sense-Wilson (Oglala Sioux).

“Aspiring Journalist Series inspiration was driven by several converging forces, starting with the current trend in the underrepresentation of Natives in the profession of journalism. Also, we wanted to address the importance of leveraging Native voice in mainstream outlets such as high school papers, radio, blogs, social media, and local papers,” continued Sarah. “We want to raise student consciousness on dominate societies narratives and impact on attitudes, beliefs, and biases towards Native Americans.”

Student consciousness was indeed raised during the series, as nine Native high schoolers were introduced to the journalism field and the tribal role in mass media by a collection of individuals dedicated to telling the stories most important to them and their communities. Series participants toured the University of Washington’s Communications Building, visited The Daily newspaper, and got first-hand knowledge from those who do the job every day. Quality Native and non-Native professionals in the field of journalism served as guest instructors who educated, inspired, and motivated the eager to learn youth.

“I learned that you may not go into your first profession you thought you would be passionate about. You can find something else that you’d enjoy more along the way.” – Miguel Echo-Hawk Lopez (Pawnee, Athabaskan)

“I thought the part when the instructors explained that people randomly come up to them to share something was interesting because that means people are comfortable sharing things with them.” – Autumn Yellowbear (Kiowa, Northern Arapahoe, Eastern Shoshone)

“Speakers such as Matt Remle, Gyasi Ross, Micheal Rios, and Brian “Red Bone” Frisina, all offered valuable lessons for developing critical thinking as a necessity to empower and challenge youth to upend the mainstream narrative and to raise their visibility using writing, reading and voice for meaningful causes,” added Sarah. “Each presenter shared interesting perspectives, insights and challenges to our youth, which made the trainings engaging, interactive and fun.”

Over the five sessions, students improved their critical thinking, writing, and reading comprehension, while learning to discern fact from opinion. All those skills are vitally important for youth to achieve academic excellence in their pursuit of a steadfast career. Students also learned about newspaper layout, interviewing techniques, research methods, and the roles and responsibilities of publishers, reporters and photojournalists.

The enthusiasm for journalism and an interest for exploring the Native voice in media was a common theme from each student, especially when the Native journalism professionals took front and center. These professionals provided a Native perspective and critical cultural framework for developing tools and techniques to the vast and diverse field of journalism. Many questions were asked by the students and much truth was shared by the instructors.

“I’ve learned the positive and negative of people who consider themselves right or wrong, and that it takes action from writers/activists to get accurate information to Native American tribes.” – Nevelen Yellowbear (Northern Arapahoe, Kiowa)

“I learned that Tulalip had its own news coverage. I also found that Tulalip News live streams events for people, such as elders, who can’t make it to events can still watch from home, for free.” – Joanne Sayers (Ojibwa, Nez Perce)

“I learned way more about journalism than what I thought I knew, like the daily roles of being a journalist and how to gain access to specific people and places,” shared workshop participant Josiah Vaomu (Northern Arapaho). “Also, learning about how you would want audiences and readers to feel, so that’s pretty cool. I found it interesting how being a journalist means you can cover multiple and diverse topics, like sports and music.”

“What stood out most to me was that in journalism you try and reflect a specific message or an emotion in the work, whether that’s in writing or even the pictures you take,” said Logan Lebeau (Cheyenne River Sioux). “I also learned to look at both sides of a story and incorporate all viewpoints into my evaluation.”

“What I learned was that Tulalip was its own newspaper. Also learned about what you have to do to be a successful journalist.” – Timothy Shay (Yakama)

“I learned that journalism is more than just reporting, it’s about informing people about what’s happening in the community.” – Noni Echo-Hawk Lopez (Pawnee, Athabaskan)

“Today, I learned that all family members get updated on events or news from the Tulalip News website and social media platforms. Also, the articles they produce cover both positive and negative topics.” – Taleah Vaomu (Kiowa Apache, Northern Arapaho)

Investing in high school students takes time, commitment, and dedication. The Aspiring Journalist Series encouraged Native high school students to work together to tell the stories that are most important to them and their communities. By using current Native media professionals to interact with and inspire the high schoolers, this workshop series not only broadened horizons, it demonstrated that given the opportunity Native young people can and will perform successfully in the media landscape.

Managing directors hired to lead tribal government

By Niki Cleary, Tulalip News

Tribal government is going through an organizational restructure and the process began by hiring four Managing Directors. Each of the four Managing Directors will be responsible for a different aspect of tribal government. Their domains are Business Operations, Community Enrichment, Health Services and Regulatory Affairs.

Wendy Fryberg, Managing Director of Regulatory Affairs

My career started at our Casino and have over 25 years of leadership experience. Along with experience, I have an Associate’s Degree from NWIC. My work experience includes; Regulatory Compliance, Gaming, Strategic Planning and Executive Director all of which will contribute to my success in this position. Additional experiences include Leadership Snohomish County and MSD Board Member. Living and working in this community, I have knowledge of the needs and understand the concerns. My long term career goal has always been to work in leadership at out Tribal Government Office, I am grateful to start this new opportunity.

Michelle Gettsy, Managing Director of Business Operations

Fresh out of college I worked for Tulalip as a Land Use Planner, compliance officer, and GIS tech all rolled into one. Since then, I have been with the Muckleshoot Tribe in various capacities. I began there as an Executive Assistant to the Tribal Council. From there I moved to the Public Works Department as an Account Manager and in 2015 I earned a position at the Muckleshoot Tribal School

as the Business Manager. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in 2006 from the University of Washington and in 2016 I earned my Master’s degree in Jurisprudence in Indian Law from the University of Tulsa, College of Law. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to bring my knowledge and experience back to my Tribe.

Norma Razote, Managing Director of Health Services

I began my career with The Tulalip Tribes in 1992 in which I worked for the Tulalip Gaming Organization as a Table Games Dealer. I started working for the Tulalip Tribes Government in 2001 at the Housing Authority and continued to work in various departments which include the Housing, Health Clinic, Finance, General Manager, and Quality Assurance Department. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. I am appreciative for the opportunity to serve my tribe and looking forward to working with a great managing director team.

Shawneen Zackuse Managing Director of Community Enrichment

I began my working career for the Tulalip Gaming Organization in 1994 in Food & Beverage and Finance Departments then started my journey on the government organization in 2004 in TTHAP’s, Housing, and Higher Education Departments. I have an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor in General Studies, Bachelor in Criminal Justice, Bachelor in Business Administration, Master in Business Administration in Project Management, and currently working on my Doctorate in Criminal Justice and Business Administration. I am thankful for the opportunity to use my skills and serve my tribe.

Together we create a healthy and culturally vibrant community

As we have gathered as a team, we believe tribal members want better communication, inclusion and understanding. Our tribal members are our

customers, we will strive to accomplish the mission and values of our Tribe, to better serve ourmembers and provide services at a higher level.

Together we will enhance wrap around services to our people and work as a team to ensure collaboration throughout the governmental organization.

Youth create LEGO robots during STEM week

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Located behind the Tulalip Boys and Girls Club, a group of young Tulalip summer school students occupied one classroom in each of the three Tulalip Education Department buildings during the week of August 6– 10. Separated by age, the kids intently worked behind laptops as they constructed a series of robots, programing them to move and perform tasks. The youth had so much fun in fact, they got lost in the LEGO robotics software and forgot they were in summer school learning about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

After two successful years of STEM ROBOTICS week, the Tutoring and Homework Support Program of the Education Department once again reached out to Kathy Collier and her team at Robotics.how.com to bring the fun, hands-on learning experience to the students of the summer school.

“They don’t even realize they’re inventing,” says Kathy. “They are taking part in what is called upper-level critical thinking but they’re having fun. They’ve learned two different physics principals this week and had a blast with it.”

The students are split into three groups based on which grade they will be entering at the beginning of the school year; kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grade and sixth through twelfth grade. The students began each day with a new science experiment and assembled their bots in the afternoon.

“K through second graders are doing science experiments in inertia, centrifugal force, momentum, stored energy and they use the Lego WeDo Robots,” explains Kathy. “They are doing simple coding, they can actually explain to you the function of each LEGO piece, interpreting the software language at a kid level. The third through fifth grade kids are using the EV3 Robots, that’s the latest version of LEGO robots, which is actually being used at MIT. First year college students in engineering have a course where they explore all kinds of principals using the EV3 robot. It’s a very sophisticated little machine. And the sixth through twelfth are teaching their robots. They built a custom obstacle course and have to program the robots to make a decision at each turn like forward, right or left.”

Through a set of commands on their laptop, the kids are able to control their bots. While the older kids created one spider-bot that they worked with throughout the week, coding it to make directional choices, both younger groups assembled a number of robots. The youngest group built lions, monkeys and airplane robots and the third through fifth grade students invented both rolling EV3 robots as well as a dog robot.

“This entire week we’ve made a bunch of different little LEGO robots and took them apart because that was our practice for programing, it’s been a lot of fun,” said Alexis Bowen while putting the finishing touches on her bot.

“We learned how to build robots!” young Jala Jimenez enthusiastically expressed. “The airplane one was fun. We put the human LEGO in it and made the propeller spin. We did a lion yesterday, that was the most fun. I learned how to make it move on the computer, it was good and easy. Oh and you can record your own sounds like a roar for your lion. After the lion we built a drumming monkey and he drummed on some cups.”

Tulalip Youth Employment worker, Quintin Yon-Wagner, attended the camp to assist the Robotics.how.com team during STEM week. Quintin, who will be a freshman this year, also built a spider-bot and used it to race his fellow peers through an obstacle course comprised of text books and wastebaskets.

“This past week has been amazing because we’ve learned so much,” states Quintin. “Starting with programming the computer and learning how the Bluetooth connects with the robots that we made out of LEGOS. The building process takes some time but the benefits that the students take away and how much you learn about programing is amazing. But this isn’t just about programming, it expands on different, new ideas like artificial intelligence and machine learning.

“My favorite part has been building my robot and programming it to move its way through an obstacle course, knowing where and when to turn at the exact time and angle,” he continues. “We actually got it through a huge obstacle course and it was a huge accomplishment. I’ve made great friends and connections this week. This all can help you get different types of jobs or into a good college. Learning about STEM can ultimately lead to a new career path for your future.”

For additional details please contact the Tulalip Tutoring and Homework Support Program at (360) 716-4646.

TELA students receive first diploma during Moving Up ceremony

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Family members gathered in the lobby of the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy to cheer on their kids as they completed the very first phase in their educational journey. On August 14, forty-two students graduated from the Early Head Start birth to three program and took a symbolic walk across a mini podium as they moved up from the Early Head Start side of the Academy to the Montessori and ECEAP side of the building.

The kids received certificates for completing Early Head Start along with cedar-carved pendant necklaces. Many of the students have been enrolled in the program since infancy and are ready to expand their knowledge as well as see what the big kids have been up to in Montessori.

“My son will be going into Montessori, leaving the birth to three program,” says parent and Early Head Start teacher, Teresa Frane. “He’s been in the program since he was six-weeks old, he started right away. It’s been very emotional but very exciting at the same time watching him go through the whole Early Head Start process. My son has grown into this amazing little man because of Early Head Start. I especially love the cultural aspect because they do a lot of the drumming and get to learn about the canoes and the salmon. It was a very emotional day; I’m excited to see what the next two years brings him through this academy.”

Tulalip opens high-end retail cannabis shop

Remedy Tulalip is one of the first cannabis dispensaries to open on a reservation in the U.S

Tulalip Tribes Vice Chairwoman Teri Gobin and Tribal Council Members Les and Jared Parks cut the ribbon at the Remedy Tulalip soft opening.

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

“Today is the big day. We’ve been waiting for this day for many, many years,” said Tulalip Board of Director, Les Parks, as he addressed a large crowd at the Remedy Tulalip Grand Opening on August 9. “I’ve been challenged as a Board of Director for the last three years to get this door open. Today we’re finally there, there’s so many good things that are going to come out of this.”

The Tulalip Tribes held a ribbon cutting ceremony and soft opening for the new recreational marijuana dispensary located in Quil Ceda Village at the old Key Bank. Remedy Tulalip is the tribe’s flagship cannabis store that was long rumored since Washington State voters passed bill I-502, legalizing the use of recreational marijuana for citizens ages twenty-one and older, back in 2012. Word was, the Tribe set their sights on the Key Bank location nearly two years ago, which kept community members debating if and when the store would open.

“We were very deliberate in our negotiations with the state of Washington in getting this place open,” says Les. “We wanted it done our way, and it took a long time for us to get there.”

The Tribe believes it will be well worth the wait and plans on Remedy generating plenty of revenue because of its prime location near the Tulalip Resort Casino, the Seattle Premium Outlets, Walmart and Home Depot, which is sure to attract a number of cannabis enthusiasts, from locals running errands to high rollers at the casino.

“Remedy Tulalip is one of the first stores to open on a reservation,” stated Remedy Tulalip Assistant General Manager, Jonathan Teeters. “We are also one of the first who have this sort of location, many of the others are tucked away or are smaller shops. We have the opportunity to succeed immensely and we planned for it. That’s one of the reasons we’re one of the most technologically advanced stores in the state. We employ seventy plus people and I’m very optimistic that this going to turn into quite the endeavor for the tribe.”

Upon stepping into the store, your eyes are immediately drawn upwards to the artwork along the inside of the building’s corners which showcases an orca swimming in the Salish Sea, Big Foot walking amongst the trees and the Cascade mountain range. Another thing you may notice is the number of staff, or cannabis concierge, who are available to help you find the perfect strain. The concierge in red shirts work the retail floor and are equipped with iPads. These team members typically have prior experience in the marijuana industry and are very knowledgeable about the products offered at Remedy Tulalip. The concierge in green shirts assist guests from behind the counters, retrieving their orders from the inventory room as well as taking their payments.

“If you walk into most dispensaries in Washington State there’s really only one or two type of workers, there’s the budtender behind the counter waiting to take your order and sometimes there’s the manager,” Jonathan says. “The cannabis industry hasn’t really created a lot of opportunity for people to gain experience and move up because it’s been managed by the people who started and founded it. We’re taking a different approach here, we recognize that as a wholly-owned tribal entity, part of our major responsibility is to create economic opportunity in the form of jobs here on the reservation both for tribal members and others in this community. Not just any jobs, but well-paying jobs and ones that leave them more empowered and ready to move on to something bigger and better and hopefully take some of the experience they learned here and pass that forward.”

The new recreational pot shop will work with local companies to provide a variety of cannabis products including flower, oil, edibles and wax. The store also offers an assortment of glass and CBD products as well as a membership program.

“As a flagship store for the Tulalip Tribes, we recognize that we are in charge of making sure the products that folks find in the store meet the experience that they expect and the brand expectations that come with the Tulalip name. This going to be your top-of-the-line stop for cannabis,” Jonathan explains. “When you come here you’re going to see things you haven’t seen on other shelves, a lot of things from small craft growers, producers and processers. Part of our mission is to make sure that we use our economic influence to help not only small producers and processers, but especially those that are Native-owned and Native-affiliated. This is a Native movement and we want to celebrate that.”

The Tribe has big plans in the future for Remedy Tulalip which may include expansion stores along I-5. Tulalip also intends on exploring the many benefits the plant can offer medicinally, to help heal their people and combat the opioid crisis.

“Opening a retail shop is really just the tip of the iceberg for the Tulalip Tribes,” Jonathan explains. “Under the company Traditional Biologics, we have plans to open not only a few other cannabis dispensaries here on the reservation but also other companies in cultivation and manufacturing. Eventually we have our eyes set on making an impact when it comes to reminding people that cannabis is medicine. There’s an epidemic facing this country, and certainly here, the opioid epidemic. The folks who really pushed to have cannabis become part of this reservation were forward thinking enough to know that cannabis is actually something that is proving to have a very positive effect on communities that are ravaged by opioids. In many cases CBD has proven to break the addictive pathways in the brain. It’s a natural product that we can grow with the love and spirit that it’s intended.”

Remedy Tulalip is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.RemedyTulalip.com.

Poise under pressure: Malana Richwine crowned Miss Regal Majesty

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Malana Richwine recalls watching her big sister Martelle transform into a beautiful princess as she captivated runway and stage judges alike while competing in national beauty pageants. For nine-year-old Malana, the moment her sister won National Cover Girl and received a dazzling tiara, she was inspired to compete in pageantry. Like little girls everywhere, she dreamed of being a princess.

After a series of discussions with her parents to prove she was committed to everything pageantry required, they were convinced this was the path for their youngest daughter. Following in her sister’s footsteps, the bold, young Tulalip tribal member set out into the competitive world of beauty pageants under the banner Miss Tulalip.

“Because Tulalip is my tribe, it’s where I’m growing up, and it’s my community,” says Malana on why she chose to be Miss Tulalip.

In the beginning, it was all about practice, practice, and more practice. Malana had to rehearse every routine, every stage queue, and, yes, even every hair flip until it became muscle memory. Because in pageants, just one misstep, missed mark, or misspoke word on stage can be the difference between placing high or being at the bottom.

“Pageantry is no different from any other program you put your child into,” explains Malana’s mother, Nickie Richwine. “Gymnastics, Little League, basketball, it all requires money, commitment, practice and lots of hard work on the part of the kids. Malana showed us her dedication by putting the time in to get prepared for a competition she had never done before.”

After months of training with a coach, Malana learned how to strut across a stage with style, keep her poise under pressure and speak into a microphone before crowds of people without faltering. With her personal introduction and stage routines fine-tuned to maximize her sparkling eyes and bubbly personality, Malana was ready to hit the big stage and put her skills to the test.

“I’ve been practicing and working really hard. Preparing for pageants and going on stage has made me confident,” admits Malana. “I know that anything is possible if I put my mind to it and try my best. I have my mom and dad, my sisters, my coach Jeremy, and so many people back home supporting me.”

Having a dedicated support system has been a reciprocal relationship, with Malana and her family giving back to the community. For example, on weekends she volunteers at local non-profit Leah’s Dream Foundation, which helps support families who have children with autism and other special needs. She’s also dedicated time at Volunteers of America collecting and sorting foods for families in need, and local charitable events like the 5k for the Fallen and the Walk for Autism.

In August 2017 (Tacoma), November 2017 (Anaheim, California) and March 2018 (Lynnwood), Malana’s confidence soared as she competed in three preliminary pageants. In each of them she wowed the judges in a variety of categories, even surprising herself with how well she performed on the microphone. Most importantly, Malana received high enough marks in all competitions to qualify for her first national pageant, Regal Majesty.

Beauty pageants aren’t cheap. Fees for preliminary or local contests range from $25 to $95. State level pageants run $150 to $300, and once one gets to the national level, competitors can expect to pay $400 to $1,000 (not including travel and accommodations) just to take part in the basic competitions. These include bonding parties, such as Disney and neon parties, photo portfolios, an interview, photogenic rating, plus formal and theme wear competitions.

The wardrobe alone can run $400 to $800, depending on whether mom is a clever seamstress. Because the Richwines don’t have money to burn, Nickie has become a whiz at pulling together outfits by adding a ruffle here and some beading there. She also utilizes valuable Tulalip resources, like leaning on Karen Fryberg as a custom wardrobe designer.

To pay for the Regal Majesty pageant experience, momma bear Nickie raised $3,000 in less than five months by holding garage sales, car washes, and 50/50 raffles like a madwoman.

The Regal Majesty National Pageant took place in Seaside, Oregon during July 29-31. All told, 41 contestants including teen, pre-teen, and adult contestants were introduced as the three-day pageant opened. Based on their modeling, confidence, style, and overall grooming, only a handful would be selected to wear the highly coveted Regal Majesty crowns.

Malana competed in seven competitions, having to change wardrobes and remake her hair and makeup on the fly in the short window between events. She showcased a hip, creative, and trendy style the entire time, all while never breaking eye-contact and a beaming smile towards the judges.

“I was really nervous before my first event. I had a nervous attack backstage going ‘oh my god, oh my god I can’t do this’ and had really bad butterflies in my stomach,” describes the animated, soon-to-be 4^th grader. “But once I got on stage and could hear my family and friends cheering me on, I felt much better and was able to just have fun.”

Having fun came easy and her swagger was palpable as each competition came and went. In a group full of deserving youngsters, Malana’s stage game stood out. During the Regal Majesty crowing ceremony, many in the crowd could be overheard talking about Malana as the favorite in her age division.

After the 1^st and 2^nd runners-up were announced, leaving only the radiating little girl who not so long ago dreamt of being a princess like her big sister, Malana was overcome with emotion and cried tears of joy while being crowned a petite national champion and Miss Regal Majesty.

“When I realized I won, I was so happy that I couldn’t stop crying. So happy because I did my best, listened to my coach and my mom, and won a national title,” reflects Malana while wearing a dazzling tiara and sash signifying her as Miss Regal Majesty. “Having confidence in myself and smiling, and being focused were the keys to winning. I got to travel with my family and make a bunch of new friends, too.”

Monica Berginc, national director and owner of Regal Majesty, shares “Malana is so happy and positive. She’s simply amazing! She’s such a hard worker and has participated in so many community service events. In this pageant, we really focus on family, community service, and being positive role models, all of which Malana embodies beautifully.”

Looking forward, Malana is already envisioning herself winning another crown as she’ll be competing for a state title in the upcoming National American Miss pageant.

For the Richwines, competing in pageants has forged a strong bond among mother and daughters.

“The pressure is tremendous,” says Nickie, “but it’s so cool looking at the pictures and video to remember that feeling of being together and supporting each other. Not many moms have that kind of experience with their daughters. It’s a great feeling to watch their strength and confidence grow. Knowing I play a part in that by supporting and encouraging them to follow their dreams is so fulfilling as a mom.”