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Lushootseed Family Nights are Tuesdays and Thursdays during the month of March.
This 8 class series will focus on canoe terms, dialogue, introductions, speeches and prayers. All ages are welcome, please be sure to RSVP so we can have enough food and materials for all participants.
Family Nights will be held in the Lushootseed Building, located at 7736 36th Ave NW (Old Tulalip Elementary Offices), meeting in the Library.
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
“Housing isn’t new to us,” stated Tulalip tribal member and 1st Tribal Lending Outreach Spokeswoman, Darkfeather Ancheta, to a full classroom at the Tulalip Administration Building. “We’ve had longhouses and smokehouses for years. We’ve grown and can’t all fit into longhouses anymore. Housing isn’t new to us, credit is new, income is new. The times have changed, we didn’t have to worry about those types of things back then.”
The Tulalip Tribes Leasing department recently partnered with Darkfeather and 1st Tribal Lending to bring Native Homeownership: The Guide to Buying a Home, a three-part, seven and a half-hour class, to the tribal members of the Tulalip community. The classes are held throughout the year to help prepare and provide education to tribal members who are interested in purchasing a home of their own. Now in its second year, word about the course is spreading throughout the community as the most recent class, on the evening of February 27, saw their largest attendance of nearly fifty Tulalip citizens.
In 1992, the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program, designed for federally recognized tribal members, was established through U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The loan program guarantees that Indigenous borrowers from across the nation get into homes with lower down payments as well as lower and fixed interest rates, compared to standard bank loans. The loan can be used for the purchase of a home on the reservation as well as designated areas off of the reservation. 1st Tribal Lending is an administer of the Section 184 Loan and by enlisting Darkfeather to instruct the course, tribal members get an in-depth look at the process of the loan. Although there is no minimum credit score requirement, 184 does require your credit to be relatively clean. Meaning no outstanding collection items and no charge-offs, as well as a few other requirements. If a future homeowner shows delinquencies on their credit score, Darkfeather can discuss ways to improve and remove items from their credit.
“The 184 loan is specifically for tribal members,” says Darkfeather. “We can use it for purchasing, remodeling, purchase plus remodel and building for homes on and off the reservation. The way that tribal members qualify is based off credit history and income. I can help them with their credit. When they take this class, we can pull their credit for them for free. We can go over it, I can help them understand what’s good, what’s bad and where their situation is.”
Tulalip tribal members who successfully complete the course are also eligible for the Down Payment Assistance Program in which Tulalip provides the down payment of the 184 loans for their members, up to $5000.00 depending on the amount of the loan.
“I want to buy a home, I’m sick of renting,” expressed Tulalip tribal member Sydney Napeahi. “I’m interested in learning about the loans I can get and what I can do to qualify, what the next steps are if I’m already qualified and how quickly I can get into a home.”
“The Native homeownership [course] helps get tribal members ready,” says Darkfeather. “For me it’s about the education. Knowledge is power. If they can learn about it, prepare and get ready for it, when they find their dream home they’ll know what to do to get into that home. Nobody wants to be told they’re denied, so hopefully with this class they can gain that knowledge to get their dream home.”
Current Native Homeownership students will complete their final class on March 13, and will be all the more closer to stepping through the front door of a home to call their own. Native Homeownership: The Guide to Buying a Home will be held twice more during this year, so be on the lookout for future dates and be sure to RSVP ASAP to reserve your seat in the class. For further details, please contact the Tulalip Leasing Department at (360) 716-4818 or e-mail Darkfeather Ancheta at Darkfeather@1tribal.com
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
Nearly 60 tribal members, varying from children to elders, attended the collegiate women’s basketball game between Skagit Valley and Peninsula held in Mt. Vernon on Wednesday, February 21. Dubbed “Tulalip Night”, the game doubled as an evening to showcase the talents of second-year college standout and Tulalip tribal member, Adiya Jones.
A week before, the Skagit Valley women’s basketball team took part in Heritage High School’s morning assembly. There they talked with local students about their college experience and offered words of advice to anyone looking to achieve at the next level, whether it be community college or a university. Being a graduate of Heritage, Adiya’s success both in the classroom and on the basketball court as a college student make her a positive figure in the community.
“Adiya has grown so much in the classroom and on the court. She is a tremendous young lady and a great basketball player,” beamed Steve Epperson, Skagit’s Athletic Director and Women’s Basketball Coach. “She’s working towards achieving a degree in Human Services so she can go back and help the tribal youth.”
Adiya shared her heartfelt message to the tribal youth by saying, “My message to all Native American youth is to never give up because there will come a time when you feel like you
don’t belong. Thankfully, I have always been pushed by my family, Coach, and teachers because they want me to be successful. It can only help to have the right support system around you. If you persevere through high school and prepare yourself for the next level, then you will succeed no matter what.”
Getting back to Skagit’s Tulalip Night, the evening kicked off with young Image Enick performing a welcome song to the delight of all those in attendance. Then Tulalip elder, Dale Jones, honored coach Steve Epperson with a Native designed jacket for all his good work towards supporting Adiya on and off the basketball court.
“I was very surprised and am truly honored by the presentation Dale gave to me,” Coach Epperson said later. “The jacket is now hanging in my office as a one of my precious momentous from the past 41-years of coaching. It’s very special.”
As the crowd settled in to the game, they were treated to free food, beverages and snacks to enjoy while being entertained by a competitive basketball game.
In her second year playing for Skagit Valley College, Adiya has stepped up and taken the reigns as the team’s unquestioned leader. She is the primary playmaker on offense while also anchoring the team’s defense. Her full skill set was on display in this game. A high scoring affair, Adiya led her team with 20 points, each bucket receiving a cheer from her Tulalip fans. She also came up big on defense with several highlight blocks and a couple timely steals.
Following the game Adiya reflected on what the night meant for her, “It felt really good to look out into the crowd and see so many fans from home! That is what I love about my community, they have always supported me in one way or another.”
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
In the biggest game of the season, with a trip to State on the line, the Heritage Hawks overcame an early deficit, managed their foul trouble, and rode the flaming hot-hand of Jr. Shay for an emphatic victory.
The game was played on a neutral site, Jackson High School in Mill Creek, on Saturday, February 24 between the Tulalip Heritage Hawks and the Eagles from Pope John Paul II. These two team previously played two weeks prior, with the Hawks earning a hard fought 50-44 W.
During the 1st quarter, the Hawks came out lethargic and found themselves in an early 2-8 hole. After making a couple substitutions to shore up the defense, Tulalip got engaged on both ends of the floor and tied the game at 10-10.
Trailing 15-18 entering the 2nd quarter, Hawks senior guard Jr. Shay started to make his imprint on the game in a big way. Jr. bailed out back-to-back possessions late in the shot clock by knocking down 3-pointers. The outside shooting was contagious as Josh Iukes and Alonzo Jones both got buckets from perimeter shooting as well. At halftime Tulalip led 31-28.
In the 3rd quarter, with the score tied at 36-36, center Rodney Barber picked up his 4th foul, sending him to the bench. As a team, Heritage collected its 7th team foul with 1:15 remaining, meaning their opponent would be in a bonus free-throw situation for the remainder of the 3rd and entire 4th quarters. For their part, the Hawks navigated their foul trouble admirably by playing straight-up defense and contesting jump shots without fouling.
The game turned when Jr. Shay knocked down his fourth 3-pointer of the game, followed by Josh Iukes and Isaac Comenote both connecting on 3-pointers of their own. The offensive spurt put Tulalip ahead 49-39.
Down the stretch of the 4th quarter, Jr. Shay hit two more 3-pointers, giving him a season-high six 3-pointers made in the game. The Eagles from Pope John Paul II intentionally fouled to slow the game down, but the Hawks were hitting their free-throws to keep their lead in the double digits. When the final buzzer sounded, Heritage came away with the 66-57 win.
Jr. Shay led all scorers with 27 points, Alonzo had 13 points and team high 8 rebounds, and Josh Iukes added 12 points and 3 steals.
“My team was drive-and-kicking me the ball a lot because I was getting open, and I executed with six 3-pointers,” Jr. Shay stated with lots of energy following the W. “Me and Isaac were knocking down threes right off the bat and the team did a good job of riding the hot hand. If it wasn’t for the hustle of the guys down low, Rodney, Sammy, and Nashone getting into position and then kicking the ball back out to the guards, we wouldn’t have the outside shooting setup like we did.
“Honestly, as a senior today knowing this could be my final high school game, I had to take over at times because I wasn’t ready to go home. Now, we’re moving on to the Dome, to the State Tournament in Spokane. We’re going to try to make something special happen now.”
Submitted by Jeanne Steffener, Higher ED
If you are interested in learning about the when, where, and how of human life, anthropology searches out what it means to be human in terms of culture, biology, history and how all these areas are interrelated. Anthropology strives to understand our humanness through four (4) major sub-disciplines, each focused on a different aspect of what makes us human.
Social or Cultural Anthropology studies human social and cultural behavior.
Linguistics studies human language, its construction and how it is used in societies. There is also interest in the development of languages, how they connect and differ, and processes involved in information dissemination.
Physical or Biological encompasses the study of biological diversity, primate behavior and the evolution of humans over time (paleoanthropology).
Archaeology is the study of our human past through material remains with the aim of reconstructing, ordering and describing the daily life, customs and events of past people.
Through these four areas, anthropologists are tasked with studying people, their cultures around the world and throughout time comparing and contrasting them and trying to answer the question of what does it mean to be human. Through this process is the discovery of how biology and culture intersects in human behavior. As cultures past and present adopt attitudes and behaviors, anthropologists are able to discover what beliefs and values have helped cultures to adapt, survive and reproduce through the generations. Adaptation and survival become key components that will advise our culture what it takes to thrive.
The study of anthropology will defy your assumptions but ultimately prepare you for the diverse world we live in. Through research opportunities in the laboratory and in the field, writing assignments, you will learn technical proficiency and the ability to work in a team setting, gain effective oral and written communication skills, learning analytical reading and critical thinking skills while establishing a deeper understanding of human behavior, biology and the human experience. These skills cultivated and developed while in an anthropology program are widely sought after by a variety of employers. These skills have contributed to solving some of the gravest problems facing society today.
A majority of students who major in anthropology have found career paths after graduation in several occupational areas: health and medicine (doctors, nurses, genetics research, allied health fields, etc.), business, economics and teachings (from pre-school through PhDs. Students with a concentration in social and cultural anthropology matriculate easily into other areas of focus including cross-cultural study of law, politics, economic systems, psychology, and medical systems. By cultivating abilities is useful for anyone whose future job will require them to develop interpersonal skills and work with the public. This applies to just about every college graduate today.
If you have a firm connection to learning about what really makes us human and how that fits into the universe, studying anthropology can be an exciting path to discovering what it is all about. The job possibilities for someone with an anthropology based background are infinite. Please call the Higher ED staff at 360-716-4888 or email us at highered@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov for assistance with this educational path.
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
Disasters strike at any given moment. Whether it’s weather, like the recent snowstorm in the Pacific Northwest, earthquakes, forest fires or tsunamis, it’s important to be prepared for natural disasters to ensure the safety and survival for yourself, your family and community. Twice a year, the Tulalip Tribes Office of Emergency Management hosts Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trainings at the Tulalip Administration Building. The course teaches local citizens how to be prepared and how to respond when an unexpected emergency or disaster occurs. Twenty community members recently began their eleven-week CERT journey to help provide a safer tomorrow for Tulalip.
“Throughout this course, you will become more self-reliant and be able to help your community base,” Tulalip Emergency Preparedness Manager, Ashlynn Danielson, explained to the class. “When a disaster strikes, everyone would like help from professional first responders immediately, but the reality is, bridges can be down and roads can be closed. How many times have we had a windstorm where Marine Drive had several trees down and PUD couldn’t get to us for hours? Our overall goal is to create a more resilient community. We want you to have tools and knowledge to be able to set a shelter in place and be able to help thy neighbor and move forward from there.”
The course is an extensive, interactive program where students must pass a series of tests and emergency drills in order to graduate and receive a certified CERT certificate. The trainings cover fire safety, medical operation and triage, team organization, utility control, and damage assessment as well as search and rescue. Students also assemble their own go-bags, or survival kits, to take home and are encouraged to make go-bags with their families.
“A go-bag is essential and needs to be on hand in case of an emergency,” states CERT Trainer, Eric Cortez. “Your go-bag covers your basic human needs as far as security, shelter, food, water, medical and all the essentials. Go-bags are different for everybody because everyone has different needs. What I normally carry is a knife. I always keep a cutting tool on me because it’s useful. You can do a lot with a cutting tool; you can manufacture other items to make your survival situation better. I also carry a flashlight. A flashlight is used often and it’s the first form of security in most situations. And a bandana for medical purposes.”
In emergency situations, when medical attention is required but cannot be accessed, CERT trainees learn how to provide basic medical assistance until first responders arrive. Students also learn how to properly inspect their neighborhoods for any extensive damage, hazardous areas or injuries to their neighbors; and conduct detailed reports for the proper authorities.
“[CERT] is important to our community because our rez is long,” states CERT student and Tulalip tribal member, Margie Santibanez. “We need to have a plan in place for everybody to be checked on. I think more tribal members need to attend these classes, especially because we have so many housing developments. We need to make sure our people are safe, our elders are safe, our youth are safe and if anyone needs help we can figure out a way as a community.”
“We’ve always been survivors as Indigenous Peoples, so why not be even more prepared?” said Eric. “We survive as a Tribe, we prosper as a Tribe and can get through anything together as a Tribe.”
Current CERT students will complete their training and graduate this spring. The Office of Emergency Management is currently in the process of developing a Teen CERT training program and will begin their next CERT trainings in the Fall. For more details, please contact the Office of Emergency Management at (360) 716-4006.
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
After defeating Pope John Paul II in the opening round of the Tri-District Tournament, the Tulalip Heritage Hawks (20-4) had two days to prepare for the #1 ranked Muckleshoot Kings. The game was played at Evergreen Lutheran H.S. in Tacoma on Thursday, February 15.
Muckleshoot entered the game riding a 15-game winning streak and had earned the #1 seed in the tournament. Meanwhile, Tulalip was coming off an exciting home win, but they would be without two key contributors in Nashone Whitebear (ankle) and Paul Shay, Jr. (personal).
In the early going, the Hawks held their own especially on the defensive end where they did a stellar job of keeping the high-octane Muckleshoot offense at bay. Muckleshoot averages 90 points per game and has hung a 100+ on five teams during the regular season. At the end of the 1st quarter, Tulalip trailed 7-14.
In the 2nd quarter, the Hawks would get to within five points, 9-14, but then the defense that had been doing such a good job containing Muckleshoot finally gave way. In only a matter of minutes the Kings went on a 24-3 tear to end the 2nd quarter. Tulalip didn’t have the fire power to mount a comeback and without a full squad it was difficult enough to keep players from exhausting themselves on defense. Tulalip would lose the game 51-88. Josh Iukes led his team with 13 points, while Isaac Comenote added 9 points.
Nothing helps a team forget a loss like returning to the court and getting a W, and the very next day, February 16, the Hawks played Mt. Rainier Lutheran in an epic clash. After a back and forth 1st quarter that saw the teams go bucket for bucket, the score was tied 15-15.
Mt. Rainier got the Hawks in foul trouble and was knocking down their free-throws. The Hawks repeatedly sending their opponent to the free-throw line had put them in a 33-40 hole entering the final quarter. But in the 4th quarter, when it mattered most, the Hawks responded with one of their best stretches of basketball. They were contesting everything on defense and did it without fouling, while on offense Josh Iukes was controlling the tempo and finding his guys for in rhythm buckets. The Hawks won the 4th quarter 19-7 to pull off a crucial 52-47 comeback. Josh led all players in scoring with 17 points.
The victory over Mt. Rainier Lutheran put the Heritage Hawks in the 3rd/4th place game where they would once again play the Lions from Cedar Park Christian. On the year Tulalip had only lost four games and of those four, three had come at the hands of Cedar Park. The inside presence of two strong post players and a highly talented guard had been too much for the Hawks to handle in their previous matchups. Would the fourth time be the charm?
The answer would be no. The Hawks put up a good fight in the 1st half, matching the intensity of Cedar Park. The boys played their best quarter in terms of defense against Cedar Park standout Erwin Weary, holding him to zero buckets in the 1st quarter. That being said, Tulalip still trailed 21-31 at halftime. Then Erwin and Cedar Park got hot in the 3rd quarter to put the game away. Tulalip was outscored 12-25 in the 3rd quarter and went on to lose the game, 50-68.
Even with the loss, the Heritage Hawks had finished 4th in the Tri-District Tournament and clinched a berth in Regionals. They will play on Saturday, February 24, at 2:00p.m. at Jackson High School in Mill Creek. Their opponent is Pope John Paul II, a team the Hawks have already beaten once this year. If they win again, then they’ll be on to State.
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
For the third straight year, the Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks basketball team (17-6) made it out of Districts and into the Tri-District Tournament. After losing an opening round game to Clallam Bay, 55-63, the Tulalip girls packed up and traveled to Evergreen Lutheran H.S. in Tacoma. There they would matchup with the Rainier Christian Mustangs in a loser-out game played on Thursday, February 15.
In the 1st quarter, the Lady Hawks took some time getting adjusted to the Mustang defense. Not scoring as they are accustomed to, they still managed to keep the game close by playing top-notch defense of their own. Midway through the quarter it was a tie score, 5-5, before the Mustangs went on a 6-0 run to take an 11-5 lead.
During the 2nd quarter, the Lady Hawks made a concentrated effort to get the ball inside and play through their forwards, Deandra Grant and Krislyn Parks. They both responded by making some buckets in a crowded painted area. Midway through the 2nd quarter, the game was again tied, this time 11-11. A pair of Krislyn free-throws would be the only remaining points for the Lady Hawks in the 1st half, who trailed 13-16 at halftime.
The 2nd half was one to forget as the Lady Hawks just weren’t able to solve the Mustangs defense. Tulalip scored only 9 points the entire 2nd half and saw their season come to an end with a 22-38 loss. Deandra and Krislyn each scored 9 points to lead their team.
Following the loss, the Lady Hawks remained upbeat and proud of all that they had accomplished during the season. After starting 0-3 on the year, they bounced back going a perfect 12-0 in league play, and were only a couple buckets shy of taking 1st place at the District Tournament.
Senior standouts, Keryn Parks and Deanda, ran a lethal two-man game all season that resulted in each of them routinely having big games. Up until the Tri-District Tournament they hadn’t seen a team have the size and athleticism to slow them down. The two captains took a moment to speak on the achievements made this season and how the team had grown.
“The beginning of the season was weird because we went through three different coaches, from Bubba to Tina then switching to Tempest. The changes were drastic and we really didn’t play well together at the start,” reflected senior forward, Deandra Grant. “Towards the middle of the season we starting working well together and our game plan finally clicked. Then by the end of the regular season we really got to connect with each other and that showed in our play. Overall, we improved so much as a team from where we started and we did pretty well in the playoffs.
“My favorite moment of the season came in our last game. Even though it was a playoff loss, while we were losing we still kept our spirits up and showed heart. We didn’t want the season to end and if we lost we knew we were giving it our all.”
Senior guard, Keryn Parks, added, “I felt we grew a lot as a team, especially towards the end and in the playoffs. Yes, we took three losses to end our season, but during that time we came together as a team and worked on our mental game. We did thought exercises and talked about our mindsets in order to become stronger mentally.
“Our three coaches, Tina, Katia, and Tempest did a really good job coaching us all throughout the season. I give props to Tina for pushing us to perform in the classroom and on the basketball court. She wants to see us succeed at school as students, and that really means a lot to us. I appreciate Tempest coming in and, for not knowing any of us girls, she built us up individually. She worked with us one-on-one and showed us how to be better players. Throughout the entire season as a coaching staff they pushed us to do better every single game, in practice, and in the classroom.”
Submitted by Megan Boyle, Tulalip Children’s Advocacy Center
Teen dating violence is a widespread issue that can lead to serious short- and long-term effects.
Victims are often more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, think about suicide, and engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.
Teen dating violence can occur between current and former dating partners, in person, or electronically. Examples include physical and emotional harm, as well as stalking. Once teens experience violence in one relationship, research has shown they are at significant risk for experiencing violence in another relationship.
According to a study funded by the National Institute of Justice, 69 percent of youth age 12-18 who were either in a relationship or had been in the past year reported being a victim of teen dating violence. Additionally, 63 percent of that same sample acknowledged perpetrating violence in a relationship. Psychological abuse was the most common type of abuse victimization reported (over 60 percent), but there were also substantial rates of sexual abuse (18 percent) and physical abuse victimization (18 percent).
Consistent with other adolescent relationship abuse studies, researchers found there was significant overlap between victimization and perpetration; 84 percent of victims also perpetrated abuse in a relationship. This finding has important implications for prevention and intervention; it serves as a reminder that programming should recognize the fluidity of these roles among youth in relationships.
Identifying teen dating violence is key to breaking the cycle. It is critical that teachers, parents, coaches, or any others in a teen’s life maintain awareness and take action to get help when it occurs. It is important that teens who experience dating violence seek help soon after so they can receive services to protect against the potential psychosocial impacts of violence and reduce the likelihood of future violence.
If you or someone you know needs to speak with someone regarding teen dating violence contact the Tulalip Children’s Advocacy Center (360)-716-KIDS(5437).
