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Action Alert: File Comments with FCC on Net Neutrality by Thursday

On December 14, the FCC will vote on whether to repeal Net Neutrality. Indian Country is encouraged to stand up for internet freedom by filing comments with the Federal Communications Commission opposing this action by this Thursday December 7. If this item moves forward, Tribes and their citizens could be charged more for basic internet, could experience slower internet speeds and will continue to be on the wrong side of the Digital Divide.

Net Neutrality means that an internet service provider (ISP) cannot charge you more to access different sites or charge you more for faster speeds. Currently, you pay one bill to your ISP to access every site on the web at one speed. Under the new FCC plan, your ISP can charge you more money to access particular websites and can slow down your speeds if you chose not to purchase a fast lane. This could negatively affect Tribal Members and Tribal Governments that rely on the internet to stay connected to their members, governments, businesses and families.

NCAI filed comments with the FCC today. Feel free to use NCAI’s comments as a template or guide. Click here to view NCAI’s Net Neutrality Comments.

Repealing Net Neutrality could negatively impact Tribal Governments and their citizens by

Corporate Interference in the Government-to-Government Relationship
Corporations could monopolize and interfere with the Government-to-Government relationship by charging you more to access government websites or intentionally slowing down service to those websites
Limits Tribal Self-Determination
Internet providers could charge you more to access basic sites- email, education sites, healthcare sites, internal administration sites, natural resource mapping, educational video and streaming services, social media to connect with Tribal members and community
More Costs for Tribal Governments
Tribal Governments could be charged more to access the full internet including sites that are necessary functions- email, mapping, health administration
Harms Data Sovereignty
Internet providers could limit the data Tribal Governments can use over the internet- limiting telehealth, videoconferencing, education, streaming services, gaming, security

This action could allow Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, Centurylink and other internet providers to charge consumers more to access different sites and will allow ISP’s to intentionally slow service. Many people anticipate Internet Service Providers setting up “fast lanes” for websites that you access most often, and then charging more for those “fast lanes.”

How to File with the FCC

Tribes are encouraged to file comments with the FCC opposing the FCC Action titled “Restoring Internet Freedom” WC 17-108. Due to the high volume of comments the FCC is receiving, we encourage Tribes to follow these steps.

File with the Electronic Comment Filing System

Go to https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings
For “Proceedings” enter “17-108” and select “17-108 Restoring Internet Freedom”
Enter your information and upload your comments
Submit through ECFS
Email a copy to the FCC Office of Native Affairs and Policy at native@fcc.gov.

Native Heartbeats Creates Personalized Novelties With an Indigenous Twist

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Three short years ago, young Tulalip tribal member Mackenzie Parks found herself in an auspicious situation while at a trade show in Los Angeles. Her eyes fell onto a laser-engraving machine, used to customize jewelry with personal messages. After inquiring about the machine from a salesperson at the show, she continued to observe the laser machine in action. As she studied the product, people began to approach Mackenzie, asking how the machine worked. She happily informed the small crowd about the laser-engraver and while doing so, decided to purchase one of her own, essentially selling the product to herself. Thus beginning her new business venture, Native Heartbeats.

“I am a young, entrepreneurial tribal woman with some big dreams for Native Heartbeats,” Mackenzie states. “I’ve invested my life savings into this business knowing that there are tons of people out in this world doing the same thing. Every time a team goes to get sports plaques, they go to a business like mine. The trouble with their business model is that they’re all fighting for the same customer. My vision is to create a new customer, kind of like my own niche market. What better than my Native American culture?”

The inspiration for Mackenzie’s new project came in the form of one of the world’s favorite carbohydrates, the potato. When hearing about a humorous story of a man successfully selling personalized potatoes nationwide, Mackenzie, along with her father Les Parks, conjured the idea of gathering and customizing flat beach rocks for tribal members across the nation. Now Mackenzie is the owner of a unique company that combines traditional Native American artwork with modern technology to create items such as drums and carvings that are engraved with family photos and personal messages.

Since purchasing the laser-engraver, Mackenzie has been perfecting her craft by learning the machine’s software and engraving several different types of materials. In addition to drums and woodcarvings, Mackenzie has successfully engraved photos and designs onto glass and stone, as well as leather. Les has been involved with Mackenzie’s project from the beginning, often bringing new ideas to the table. More importantly, he owned and operated a number of small businesses, and offers Mackenzie strong advice along her journey with Native Heartbeats.

Mackenzie’s father, Les Parks, brings new ideas and a helping hand to the business.

The father-daughter duo have put their brains together on more than one occasion to create new products. Perhaps one of their most astonishing creations are wooden salmon carvings which feature engraved Coast Salish designs, as well as additional space for a picture and a message. The salmon carvings are one of many popular items and have been commissioned for both gifts as well as memorial plaques for celebrations of life. In the near future, Mackenzie plans on packaging smoked salmon and attaching it to the back of each personalized salmon carving.

Currently, Native Heartbeats has a variety of novelties such as mirrors, jewelry boxes, hot plates and coasters that are ready to be engraved with your favorite designs and photos. Mackenzie is eager to grow her new startup and equally excited to create custom keepsakes for tribal members all across Native America.

“I love my culture and I’m happy I can get into it by creating unique pieces for people who love it just as much as I do,” she expresses. “While I’m just now nurturing my business plans, watch how it will grow in coming months and years. I would be happy to sit with anyone and talk about what my business can make for you and your families.”

If you are searching for the perfect gift this holiday season that is both personal and unique, please visit the Native Heartbeats Facebook page; and be sure to send the page a message for orders, pricing and all other inquires.

Tulalip Honors Our Veterans

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Throughout the weekend of November 11, citizens of Tulalip and its surrounding areas commemorated Veterans Day with several ceremonies in the community. The gatherings allowed community members the chance to thank the veterans for their service in the United States Military as well as pay tribute to those who bravely fought for this nation’s freedom and are no longer with us.

On the morning of Thursday November 8, Tulalip Honor Guards journeyed to Totem Middle School for an assembly honoring veterans. The assembly included speeches from teachers and students as well as a spirited, patriotic-inspired performance by the Totem Middle School Band. Following the middle school assembly, the Honor Guards traveled to Quil Ceda Elementary for another assembly, which featured personal thank-yous from the young students. The Honor Guards were presented with a carved canoe paddle medallion necklaces as fifth graders spoke about the history of Veterans Day.

“Hi my name is Lupita and I am going to tell you a few things about Veterans Day,” stated a fifth grade Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary student. “Veterans Day is a United States public holiday. Veterans Day is on November 11. The reason it’s on November 11 is because World War I ended on the eleventh day of the eleventh month on the eleventh hour. We celebrate Veterans Day to recognize the people who served for our country.”

On Saturday November 11, Tulalip and Marysville community members gathered in the longhouse of the Hibulb Cultural Center to honor and pay tribute to the brave men and women who fought for our freedom. Veterans shared their experience in the Military during roll call as well as recognized the fallen soldiers and Veterans who have passed.

Seven Tulalip tribal members spent their summer crafting quilts to gift to the vets during the ceremony. The veterans were both surprised and graciously appreciative for the quilts. The Veterans Day event included a series of classes geared to veterans and their families – a lecture series with John Campbell, a glass art culture series with Robert Mitchell and a veterans healing forum with Rev. Bill Topash.

A huge thank you to the brave veterans who fought for our county and those who are currently serving in the military.

Raising Hands for a tradition of giving

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

On the evening of October 25^th, the Tulalip Tribes recognized and gave thanks to more than 460 Washington non-profits and community groups who made a difference over the past year at the 10-year anniversary of the Raising Hands Celebration. Held at the Tulalip Resort Casino’s Orca Ballroom, the stylish space was filled to max capacity as representatives of these high-impacting organizations came together to create an atmosphere of giving and community.

“In the Tulalip Tribes tradition, we raise our hands to show appreciation to the numerous organizations that work so hard to contribute services to our community,” stated Chairwoman Marie Zackuse. “It is truly remarkable how many of our citizens, non-profits, and community organizations are involved in efforts to improve health care, education, natural resources and the well-being of our communities. The Tulalip Tribes holds this event every year to let these individuals, organizations, and surrounding communities know that we value their good work.”

This year’s Raising Hands recognized the prior year in community achievement stimulated by a record $7.5 million in Tulalip support to more than 460 charitable organizations. Since 1992, the Tulalip Tribes charitable giving program has donated over $84.2 million in critical support to the community and, indirectly, to their own membership by supporting regional efforts to improve education, health and human services, cultural preservation, public services, the environment, and the economy.

But the Raising Hands event isn’t all about dollars and cents. At the annual celebration, our community’s change makers are given a chance to celebrate each other, to share their plans for the future, and to learn how others are striving to make a difference in our communities. This is an invaluable benefit for organizations who can sometimes struggle to get their message broadcast to the larger community.

Lushootseed Language Teacher, Maria Martin, opened the event with a compelling prayer.

Additionally, there are traditional songs, speeches from tribal leaders, and videos that underscore the good work that is being done. Lushootseed Language Teacher, Maria Martin, opened the event with a compelling prayer, followed by the next generation of Tulalip drummers, singers, and dancers led by Cultural Specialist, Chelsea Craig. The exchange of knowledge and understanding that took place at this year’s event was truly a sight to behold.

“When you see people having these amazing, positive conversations, that is when we see that we are making a difference. Giving people the opportunity to work together is worth its weight in gold,” said Marilyn Sheldon, manager of Tulalip Tribes Charitable Fund. “We try to show respect and honor these charities that give so much of themselves for this community. Whatever we can do to give them the opportunity to do more, we will do. We want them to feel like the red carpet just got laid out, and that it’s just for them.

“Each year, as soon as the event is over, we ask ourselves how we can help make the next one better,” continued Marilyn. “Some days, I feel so blessed that this is my job. We are so fortunate to be able to work with these amazing organizations in Snohomish and King Counties, and throughout the State that do so much good in our communities.”

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988 allows tribes to conduct certain types of gaming if they enter into a gaming compact with the state. Tulalip’s tribal-state gaming compact, like most, includes a provision to donate a percentage of gaming earnings to organizations impacted by gaming, as well as other charitable organizations. From this provision the Tulalip Tribes Charitable Fund was created.

Visit www.TulalipCares.org to learn more about the Tulalip Tribes Charitable Fund.

“We are humbled to be recognized and to have our mission and activities shared with the community. The Tulalip Tribes has been a stanch supporter of us, not only providing us with a food truck, but with generous donations in previous years as well. For us to be featured as a special recipient, I couldn’t be more pleased and humbled.”

– Bill Buck, Vice President of Snohomish County Volunteer Search & Rescue

“I feel truly privileged to be here. This is a beautiful event, such a great evening to feel honored. The Tulalip Tribes does an amazing job of making us feel special and welcomed. Being a grant recipient allows us to have more kids in the program by being able to scholarship kids to be in the program who might not otherwise be able to participate. There are kids who have great singing voices, but not all families can cover the tuition. Support by the Tulalip Tribes allows these kids the opportunity to follow their musical dreams.”

– Kris Mason, Founder and Artistic Director of the Seattle Children’s Chorus

“We are very, very grateful to the Tulalip Tribes for all their support. We have kids who are waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister in Marysville, and it costs about $1,500 a year to serve a kid in a mentoring relationship. We ask for the Tribe’s help specifically for serving these kids in Marysville. I have to admit my surprise that Tulalip gives us money, then throws an event to thank us for letting them be a supporter. It’s an honor to be here and very humbling that the Tulalip Tribes would do this.”

– Pamela Shields, Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sister of Snohomish County

QCT Elementary participates in Red Ribbon Week

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

In an effort to inspire eager to learn students to live a drug-free life, Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary participated in Red Ribbon Week from October 23 to 27. This year’s theme was “Your Future Is Key, So Stay Drug Free.” Students, parents, and staff were invited to participate in daily activities to promote positive, healthy living.

Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign held during the final week of October and brings drug abuse awareness to schools. Think of it as a modern day equivalent to the D.A.R.E. program for the previous generations. It’s a program that started back in the 1980s in honor of a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, Kiki Camerena, whose goal was to educate youth on drug prevention.

“The message behind Red Ribbon Week was explained really well to our students during our daily assemblies and through in-class activities,” said Principal Douglas Shook. “The most powerful piece was the pledge that the students took with our Youth Service Advocates, Doug Salinas and Malory Simpson. The pledge of belief in one’s self and to be all that they can be to stay drug free resonates with our students when they have trusted adults reinforcing this belief. My hope is that this pledge lives, not only during Red Ribbon Week, but throughout the year.”

During the week, QCT students filled out a pledge to be drug-free that were then linked together in a unified chain put on full display at the front entrance of the Elementary. There were several in-class activities, most notably a poster making contest with the theme of staying drug-free that got the participation of all classes. Class winners were celebrated with an Italian soda party.

Students were most excited to participate in the themed dress up days. One day they looked to the future while wearing the colors of their favorite college, and on another they brought out their inner superhero to assemble in Avengers-like fashion.

“Red Ribbon Week brought drug awareness to our students. They pledged to live their life drug-free in pursuit of their goals and to make sure drugs wouldn’t be a road block to finding success in life,” explained school advocate, Doug Salinas. “As a community, we need to spread the word of drug prevention and do healthy activities in order to keep our youth safe.”

“In our community, we have kids who might see drugs and alcohol every day and think that kind of activity is normal,” adds fellow advocate, Malory Simpson. “For these students, it’s important for them to learn about drug-free living and to understand that they have the choice to make their own future. They made those drug-free pledges and it could have long-lasting meaning for them.”

At the end of the week, it’s safe to say every student at QCT received a quality lesson in what it means to live drug-free and is more aware of drugs and drug prevention than they were before. Just having the conversation itself is critical. Evidence shows that children of parents who talk to their youth regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t, yet only a quarter of youth report having these conversations. For QCT students, the seed has been planted.

Basket weaving and story time bring families to TVTC

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The latest cohort of TERO Vocational Training Center (TVTC) students made some pretty cool memories with their family and friends on October 25^th, during the autumn session’s “Family Day”.

“We set aside a day every session to bring families together, allowing for the children of students to visit the training center and experience their parents’ success,” says Lynne Bansemer, Tulalip TERO Coordinator. “Family Day focuses on literacy as well. We partnered with Sno-Isle Libraries who come in for storytelling, library card sign-up, and book check out.”

Making the day even more impactful for everyone was being given an introduction to basketry. Instructors Heidi Miller and Bill Roeder were on hand to teach construction students and their families how to make garlic baskets in the traditional way, using round reed.

“It was a privilege to have an opportunity to get some bonding time with my son and his grandfather at Family Day. It was exciting to meet with my fellow students and get to know them a little better after being introduced to their families,” says TVTC student and Tulalip tribal member, Brando Jones, who had his father and infant son, Dakota, on-site participating in Family Day. “My favorite part was learning how to weave a small basket. I’m making it as a gift for my son. Also, it was awesome bringing my father in to get a behind the scenes look into what it is we do in pursuit of a construction career.”

The gathering of students with their young children also allowed for some hands-on experience with trade skills. Several of the kids assisted their parents adding special meaning to their personal projects. Whether it was hammering a nail or adding additional flare with some bright colored paint, the children apprentices made their presence felt.

Jessica Bustad and her young daughter, Jazmyn, spent their morning at the construction center partaking in the day’s activities in support of TVTC student, Rayvin Foster.

“I thought the TERO family day was great! All of the staff did a great job in making the day special for families,” shared Jessica. “It made me feel good to see what Rayvin has been working on and all of the different types of knowledge he is gaining from being a part of the class. Our daughter, who is 18 months old, loved running around the shop and wearing her “safety” gear they gifted to her. We were also able to sign back up for our library cards and get my daughter some books from the book mobile.”

Tulalip youth exercise treaty rights, learn hunting safety

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Over the weekend of October 21-22, ten Tulalip tribal members, comprised of nine youth ages eight through eighteen and one parent, spent their days off at the Tulalip Administration Building learning the fundamentals of hunting and firearm safety. The course, presented by the Stillaguamish Tribe’s Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Office, is a Washington State requirement for hunters who wish to obtain a Washington hunting license; as well as a requirement for Tulalip tribal members between the age of fourteen and eighteen who wish to obtain big game hunting tags.

“The course was first initiated when [Tulalip Fish and Wildlife Director] Jason Gobin and [Tulalip Natural Resources Licensing/Records Technician] Yvonne Williams asked us to come from the Stillaguamish Tribe to teach a Hunter Education Class,” explains Stillaguamish Fish and Wild Life Enforcement Captain, Bill Hebner. “The Tulalip Tribes require Hunter Education in order to obtain a hunting and fishing license. It’s a state course and we’re state authorized instructors and we like to cooperate and work closely with the Tulalip Tribes.

“This course is designed primarily for state hunters, but because of Tulalip’s treaty rights, we get to cover unique situations in addition to what the state offers,” he continues. “Because our instructors are from the Stillaguamish tribes, we’re able to bring the tribal perspective and interject. In addition to all the requirements from the state course, we can talk about some of the intricacies involved from a tribal perspective, which usually isn’t presented during a state course at all. It was really nice to have a tribal only class. We also do that in Stillaguamish, because we like to customize it and usually what that means is providing additional information than the requirements from the state class, and the student’s leave with a lot brighter perspective.”

Hunter Education teaches the basics of hunting, such as game identification, firearm safety, zone-of-fire and the importance of wearing hunter orange. The course requires sixteen hours of class time and is taught through an eleven-chapter workbook, a variety of videos and ends with a hands-on outdoor firearm safety course, which details the safe handling, loading and unloading of firearms as well as safe carrying positions.

“We cover a myriad of topics from the safe handling of fire arms, cause of hunting incidents, conservation, first aid and survival,” Bill states. “We cover a number of different topics that are required and make up the statewide curriculum for the Hunters Education course. At the end of the course we give an exam and students are required to pass with at least seventy-five percent accuracy.”

The young tribal members were engaged from the beginning to the end of the ineteractive course. Several youth are excited for the chance to exercise their hunting rights including Tony Hatch who states that she, ‘just can’t wait to get my first elk’. Fellow student, Kaiser Moses, believes the course is informative and recommends it to all young inspiring hunters.

“Some of the biggest things I learned are how to hunt and the sportsmanship of hunting; the do’s and don’ts,” said Kaiser. “I liked that the instructors who taught the class went over our hunting and fishing rights. I think when I’m ready, I’ll go hunting and I’ll bring home an elk or deer and my mom will get to prepare it. I like the traditional aspect of going out and hunting, bringing the meat home, preparing and cooking it. It’s definitely more traditional than just going to Haggen or Albertsons. I feel like other people should take a class like this. If you get the chance to or if you plan on hunting, it’s really helpful and I really enjoyed it, it was fun!”

The students now anxiously wait for the results of their exam; those who received a test score of seventy-five percent or higher can take the next step in obtaining their hunting permits. For further details, please contact the Tulalip Natural Resources Department at (360) 716-4480.

Students and their families enjoy QCT Coffee Morning

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Research shows that children are more likely to succeed academically and are less likely to engage in disruptive behavior if their families are involved in their education. Additional studies have found that parental involvement is more important to student success, at every grade level, than family income or education. However, many parents say that they feel unwelcome or uncomfortable in their children’s schools.

To bridge this gap, Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary (QCT) has brought back ‘Coffee Morning’, an activity to promote parental involvement and gets families more familiar with school staff. The first Coffee Morning of the school year took place on October 11.

“I feel the significance of a monthly Coffee Morning is to provide access to the school, myself, and our staff in an informal setting,” said Principal Doug Shook. “Just as we want Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary to feel welcoming to all of our students every day, we want families to feel welcome when they come in the building. It is important for families to have an opportunity to meet me and talk to me about their child’s experience here at QCT. This way we can stay responsive to the needs of the family and community.”

Parents, grandparents, and guardians alike were invited to join their students in the school library where coffee, juice, and a variety of donuts could be enjoyed. Over 80 participants showed up and mingled during the 8:45a.m. – 9:15a.m. window. Several parents could be found joining their student in reading a good book, while others took the opportunity to introduce themselves to the new Principal and his staff.

“As the new principal at QCT, I’m excited that we had 80 family members and students participate!” added Principal Doug. “We’re hoping that word of mouth gets out so we have even more family members at our next Coffee Morning. I had the opportunity to talk with many families and to introduce myself and answer all of their questions. My hope is that we can provide additional ways for our QCT families to visit and show off the great work of our students. Our staff does a great job and works hard in making QCT a warm and inviting space so that our students can do their best every day.”

October marks the second annual Unity and Wellness Month sponsored by the Tulalip Tribes and in partnership with the Marysville School District as they focus on a different area of student wellness each week in October. Week 2 was healthy relationships week. Morning Coffee showcased the goals of healthy relationships with students, parents, and teachers coming together in unity.

If you missed out this time (or even if you didn’t) QCT staff would love to see more of their students and families at the next month’s Coffee Morning on November 1 from 8:45a.m. -9:15a.m.

Cultural Gatherings brings Lushootseed language to ELA families

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

At the beginning of the 2017-18 school year, the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy, the Lushootseed Language Department and the Rediscovery Program teamed up to bring Family Cultural Gatherings to the young students of the Academy and their families. The gatherings are held at the Academy every Tuesday and alternate between a one-hour class at 12:00 p.m. and a two-hour class at 5:00 p.m. weekly. Families can learn traditional Tulalip Lushootseed Language by means of storytelling, song and interactive lessons.

“We really want to build that connection between our language and culture back to the families so that they can really have a feeling of what the kids are learning in school,” explains Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy Director, Sheryl Fryberg. “We want to share that value; I think that the Lushootseed Department does a really great job of sharing that value. We want our families to have an opportunity to learn Lushootseed too, with our kids.”

The revitalized traditional Coast Salish language is currently offered at all levels by the Lushootseed Language Department. The language is being spoken to and utilized by students at the Early Learning Academy,

Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary and Tulalip Heritage High School. The Language Department also offers Lushootseed 101, a college course through Northwest Indian College, to the employees of the Tulalip Tribes. This past summer, the Annual Lushootseed Language Camp was a huge success as over one hundred and sixty youth participated in the week-long language camp.

The Academy wanted to bring this experience to the parents and siblings of their students, and the Cultural Gatherings presents the perfect opportunity for students to practice the language outside of the classroom. During the Cultural Gatherings, parents and students learn words, phrases and songs alongside one another. A meal is prepared by the Academy for the participants and each gathering begins with a joint prayer, in Lushootseed, to bless the food. The Language Department creates a fun learning experience for the families with book readings, flash cards, and songs as well as arts and crafts. Many students are familiar with the words and often assist their parents with pronunciation.

Lushootseed Language Teacher, Natasha Gobin, encourages families to attend the gatherings.

“It’s encouraged for each family to attend at least one of the classes we offer,” states Lushootseed Language Teacher, Natasha Gobin. “We’re trying to teach the families what the kids are learning in school because we know that when the kids go home, they’re trying to get their parents to learn [the language] with them. If they point out any of the animals and are saying the words in Lushootseed to their parents, quite often the parents are like ‘I have no idea what you’re saying’, so we’re trying encourage the families to engage in that learning and make it relevant in the home which in turn empowers the kids when they start using the language.”

The next gathering will be held on Tuesday, October 25 at 12:00 p.m. for more information please contact the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy at (360) 716-4250.

Indigenous Peoples Day in the Pacific Northwest

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

In 2014, the Seattle City Council unanimously elected to replace the national holiday known as Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, a holiday which celebrates Native American culture. It is no secret, in fact the atrocities committed by Christopher Columbus are well-documented. Under the name of colonization, Columbus and his crew raped, murdered and enslaved thousands, if not millions, of the Indigenous People who inhabited his ‘new-found land’.

Even though his crimes are well-documented, the majority of America seems to conveniently forget about his actions, often romanticizing his voyage and ‘discovery’ as the birth of a nation. Although several cities recently followed Seattle by declaring the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day, many Americans refuse to acknowledge the Italian explorer’s dark history and are upset that people are electing to celebrate Indigenous culture instead. This year, a Native American statue in Texas was vandalized with red paint, the vandals left behind a cross with a message that simply read ‘Columbus Day’ next to the statue.

President Donald Trump recently stated, “The permanent arrival of Europeans to the Americas was a transformative event that undeniably and fundamentally changed the course of human history and set the stage for the development of our great nation. Therefore, on Columbus Day, we honor the skilled navigator and the man of faith, whose courageous feat brought together continents and has inspired countless others to pursue their dreams and convictions – even in the face of extreme doubt and tremendous adversity.”

Due to schools nationwide inadequately teaching the history of Christopher Columbus, he is perceived by many as a stand-up guy; it may be years before the entire nation collectively agrees otherwise. However, Indigenous Peoples Day promotes awareness and education about Columbus, while celebrating the Native American culture, heritage and traditions.

On October 9, the United Indians of All Tribes gathered at Westlake Center in downtown Seattle and marched to City Hall. Throughout the march traditional songs and dances were on display as tribal members from across the nation, many in full regalia, celebrated being Indigenous. Upon reaching City Hall, local Indigenous leaders shared words of excitement, gratitude and encouragement with fellow marchers.

Following the march attendees were invited to a traditional salmon dinner at the Daybreak Star Cultural Center. Hundreds of local-based Natives attended the celebration at Daybreak, where special performances including songs, dances and poetry were shared. United Indians honored several community leaders with blankets designed by Eighth Generation by Louie Gong. In a Facebook post Hunkpapa Lakota member and local Native American Activist, Matt Remle, shared his feelings regarding this year’s Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration.

Matt Remle, (Lakota) Native American Liaison for Marysville School District, activist and human rights leader.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those I had the opportunity to work with this year on our fourth annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration. We jammed for a good twelve hours from the streets of Seattle to Daybreak Star and it was all beautiful. Much behind the scene work goes into organizing these gatherings and so many are responsible for pulling it off – all for the love of who we are. I seen non-stop smiles, pride, joy and many tears. To all the singers, dancers, cooks, organizers much love, appreciation and gratitude. We’ll keep putting forth that good transformative energy as we live our values, roles and responsibilities daily. We’ll grow stronger, united for our children and grandchildren. They are watching and waiting. Hecetu welo.”