Category: Tulalip News

Hawks finding their identity, get 2nd W 

 

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News 

The (1-4) Tulalip Heritage Hawks were coming off their first W of the season when they defeated Summit Sierra, 51-46, back on December 20. They traveled to Puyallup on Tuesday, December 27, to play the (4-2) Chief Leschi Warriors. Tulalip only had 5 players for this one.

The Warriors were just the better team, especially with the Hawks missing guys, and had their way on both ends against Tulalip. The Hawks hadn’t played an opponent like Chief Leschi and struggled to matchup with their athleticism. With only five guys the burden would fall on guard Josh Iukes to carry the team, but the Warriors knew this as well and constantly threw a double-team at him, forcing Josh to give up the ball.

Tulalip trailed 8-21 after the 1st quarter and the deficit only increased at halftime when they trailed 16-48. When the game was over Tulalip lost 28-75. The only bright spot for the Hawks was forward Samuel Fryberg finding a rhythm and getting buckets in front of his cheering family. Sam knocked down three 3-pointers and led his team with 13 points.

 

 

Lummi Nation hosted the Tulalip Hawks the very next day. The game played out very similar to the Leschi game, with Lummi opting to press and double Tulalip’s key ball handler. The strategy worked again as Tulalip committed many turnovers on errant passes that led to easy transition buckets for the Blackhawks. Tulalip would lose the game 31-65.

After losing back-to-back games to fellow tribal schools, the Hawks returned home to host (2-5) Grace Academy on Tuesday, January 3. These two teams matched up very well on paper and with a large crowd turn-out, the people were expecting a highly competitive game. Got to give the people what they want.

 

 

In the 1st quarter, Nashone Whitebear caught fire by making three straight baskets. Trailing 6-9, freshman Josh Miranda found his spots in the offensive sets and made Grace pay for leaving him open. Josh splashed in consecutive 3-pointers to keep his team close. At the end of the opening quarter, Tulalip trailed 14-18.

After some quick buckets by the home team, it was a 19-20 game before Grace went on a 12-2 run. Trailing 21-31, Tulalip called a timeout. The Hawks players were strongly urged to turn up their defensive intensity and stop giving up uncontested buckets if they were going to get back in the game. Paul Shay responded, coming up with two timely steals and going on a 6-0 run of his own. Tulalip finished the quarter strong and cut their deficit to only 4 points, 31-35 at halftime.

Starting the 2nd half, Miranda hit another 3-pointer to bring his team within one point, 34-35. However, this time it was Grace finishing the quarter strong, leaving Tulalip to trail 41-48 with one quarter to play.

In the 4th quarter, the Hawks as a team collectively willed their team to victory. Everyone was scrambling on defense to not give up any easy buckets, they were crashing the boards, and hitting the deck diving for loose balls. Nashone once again got the hot hand and scored three straight baskets. With just over five minutes to go, the Hawks took their first lead of the game 49-48. With the defense still turned on full throttle, Grace Academy was at a loss on the offensive end. They were held to only 5 points in the quarter.

In the game’s biggest moments down the stretch, guard Josh Iukes was clutch. Josh hit a corner 3-pointer to give his team a 52-49 lead and then he sealed the deal draining another 3-pointer with only seconds remaining. Tulalip played their best team game of the season and earned their second victory, 55-53.

Nashone and Josh both led all scorers with 16 points each, Miranda with his three 3-pointers scored 9 points, while Paul and Rodney both added 8 points.

Mental health stigma, it’s a personal thing

Tulalip Tribes Mental Health Team

 

By Kay Feather, MA, LMHC, ATR, EMDR, Sandplay & Art Therapy, Tulalip Family Services

There is much written about mental health stigma, long articles from many perspectives, some about how mental health stigma lives in Native Country.  The common thread for me is the shame I have felt and seen in my life and those around me.  I see it when someone does not want to share their illness with a new friend or family member, fearing that they will be looked down upon.   I see it when a medication might help and there is hesitancy in taking it because that means “I’m mentally ill”.

Mental Health Stigma is a very personal issue.  I have struggled with depression for most of my life and have loved ones who are caught in the grip of mental illness.   I realized recently that even though I am a mental health counselor and work daily to help others alleviate the effects it has on their lives, that I had an attitude about mental illness.

Shame is the part of mental health stigma that makes it so painful.  Shame buries us in self-doubt and we tend to suffer in silence, fearing what someone might think of us.  So we don’t share or ask for help when we are in need.  Mental health stigma undermines our efforts towards wellness and an ability to heal.

So you see, Mental Health Stigma is a very personal issue.  It is for anyone who suffers with mental illness, or has a family member who does.  Mental health stigma shadows one’s ability to understand and have compassion for another’s pain and struggle.

When one is diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, or some other illness, friends and family gather round and offer support.  There may be sadness, shock, fear, and also shame, but it does not cripple our ability to reach out.

Mental illness is a broad term for many different diagnosis, several hundred in the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Illnesses.    There are many different behaviors with the different diagnosis, but one thing that is true for all of them; the person is suffering, they are in pain.  It manifests in many different ways, but they are suffering.  And being given a diagnosis is not necessarily a permanent thing, with help it can change.

I urge you to look within and find the compassion you have for your loved one and know that they need your love, your kindness and understanding to live a full life.   Educate yourself on their mental illness, talk with them, and ask how you can help.  And if you suffer from mental illness, allow yourself to love yourself and know that it’s not your fault, you didn’t do anything wrong.  Sometimes things happen in life and it just doesn’t feel fair.   Seek help, educate yourself, and know that you are stronger than your diagnosis.  .

Here are some resources that you may find helpful:

  • http://www.namisnohomishcounty.org/   National Alliance on Mental Illness This organization offers support group and education for those who suffer with mental illness and those who love and support them.
  • https://themighty.com/   The Mighty is a website that has articles written by those who are healing from mental illness, disabilities and illness of all sorts.  I have been following this one on Facebook, and have found a wealth of support here.

Here at Tulalip we have two teams to help you:

  • Adult Mental Health Team  360-716-4400
  • Child, Youth and Family Team    360-716-4072

New Year, New Cafeteria

 

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News 

Many people often begin their new year optimistic, ready for change and a new beginning. For some that new beginning may be a change of scenery, proper financial budgeting, and perhaps the most popular, healthy eating and lifestyle habits. Marysville-Pilchuck High School (MPHS) students returned to school from winter break to a new cafeteria named the Food Commons. The cafeteria provides students the tools to accomplish their resolution goals as well as the promise of a better tomorrow.

In Spring of 2016, construction on the Food Commons began after the results of an online survey showing parents, faculty, and most importantly students of MPHS, felt the previous cafeteria was too emotionally straining for future use. In fact, for over two years students ate their lunches in classrooms and the school gym, leaving the cafeteria unused since the shooting in 2014.

“It feels like we are turning the page on a very difficult chapter and looking to the future. Our kids are so resilient, but it’s been an incredibly tough road for them. To have a new beginning in a new place, to push the restart button, is a great way for them to see that the community really does care. We’re hoping for this to be a celebration and a new beginning for our kids,” stated Marysville School District Superintendent, Dr. Becky Berg.

 

The 16,382 square-foot Food Commons was designed to highlight natural lighting and follows the Washington Sustainable Schools Protocol, using 15 percent less energy and 25 percent less water annually.

The $7.5 million cafeteria was funded by both Legislature and Washington State, and has many new features that students are undoubtedly excited about including a large lounge area, an ASB office, a DECA (finance and marketing) classroom, and the school store.

Students collaboratively chose the name of the store, the Oasis, because it’s a cool spot to grab a drink and refresh oneself. Students can purchase a variety of items at the Oasis including espresso, paninis, and frozen yogurt.

MPHS will host an open house for the community of Marysville and its surrounding areas during the Spring, once the students are comfortable and settled into the Food Commons. For more information on the Food Commons visit the Marysville School District’s website, www.msd25.org

 

 

 

Contact Kalvin Valdillez, kvaldillez@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

Lady Hawks Continue to Cruise

 

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News 

With a (2-1) record that includes a 72- and 59-point win, the Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks basketball team traveled to Orcas Christian to take on the (0-2) Saints on Tuesday, December 13. The girls once again made quick work of their opponent, winning 50-14.

Tulalip returned to their home court when they hosted the Spartans from Summit Sierra on Tuesday, December 20. Looking for their first competitive game in front of the home crowd, spectators were instead treated to what may be the most dominant victory in Lady Hawk history. The inexperienced Spartans team comprised of 9th and 10th graders were torched early and often. Tulalip led 22-0 after the 1st quarter, 49-0 at halftime, and went on to take the game 71-0.

 

Hawks notch first W of the season

 

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News 

The Tulalip Heritage Hawks basketball program is in the midst of a rebuilding year. After graduating Willy Enick and Robert Miles, Jr. last season, the program has no remaining players from that highly talented 2013-2014 team that ran the table in the regular season before making it all the way to the State tournament. Also, this year’s team only returns three players from last season in Josh Iukes, Nashone Whitebear, and Samuel Fryberg.

The Hawks opened up the season with four straight losses as all the new faces are getting their reps in while learning the offensive and defensive sets. The learning curve has been steep, but the coaches have been working diligently with their young team and hope to find a winning form.

On Tuesday, December 20 the Hawks (0-4) hosted the Summit Sierra Spartans at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium. In a highly entertaining game, the Hawks found themselves winning 31-21 at halftime led by 15 1st half points by sophomore guard Paul Shay, Jr.

 

In the 3rd quarter, the Hawks built their lead to 41-25 midway through the quarter. The Spartans kept battling and started to find holes in the Hawks defense, while at the same time the Hawks offense went ice cold. Tulalip’s 16 point lead vanished as the game tightened up and in the 4th quarter with a little more than four minutes remaining the score was tied, 41-41.

In the game’s most tense moments, Hawks guard Josh Iukes came up huge. Josh all but clinched the game with three clutch free-throws and a key 3-pointer. When the final game buzzer sounded, Tulalip had defeated the Spartans 51-47 and earned their first win of the season.

Paul Shay, Jr. led all scorers with 20 points, while Josh and Nashone each added 10 points.

Promoting Men’s Health

 

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News 

Early detection is key for the treatment of heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, and many other diseases that disproportionately affect men. However, men are less likely to seek preventative care than women. Despite growing awareness, men usually take a back seat approach to maintaining their health. We will shy away from seeking advice, delaying possible treatment and/or waiting until symptoms become so bad we have no other option but to seek medical attention. To make matters worse, we refuse to participate in the simple and harmless pursuit of undergoing annual screenings.

Enter the Annual Men’s Health Fair held at the Karen I. Fryberg Tulalip Health Clinic on Friday, December 16. This year’s health fair provided us men the opportunity to become more aware of our own health. With various health screenings being offered for the low, low price of FREE, we were able to get in the driver’s seat and take charge of our own health. Blood sugar, cholesterol, and prostate screenings were among the options for men to participate in. Along with all the preventative health benefits of participating in these screenings, as if that was not reason enough, they gave out numerous goodies and a complimentary “Indian taco” lunch to every man who showed up to take charge of his health.

At 16.1 percent, Native Americans have the highest age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes among all U.S. racial and ethnic groups. Also, Native Americans are 2.2 times more likely to have diabetes compared with non-Hispanic whites (per Diabetes.org). Clearly we are at a greater risk when it comes to diabetes, making it all more crucial to have glucose testing and diabetes screenings performed on an annual basis. For those men who attended the health fair, they were able to quickly have their glucose (blood sugar) tested with just a prick of the finger.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the first and stroke the sixth leading cause of death among Native Americans. High blood pressure is a precursor to possible heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure is also very easily detected by having routine checks of your blood pressure taken periodically.

 

 

Representatives from Health First Chiropractic, the Marysville branch, were on hand as well to offer a free posture analysis. Using a spinal analysis machine, the patient advocate conducted postural exams on a number of men and reviewed the results with each participant. Good posture can help you exercise more safely and achieve better general health. When you sit or stand correctly, your organs will be better aligned, which reduces indigestion and helps your lungs to function at full capacity. Your core muscles will be strengthened and your back and shoulders will feel more comfortable.

Along with the various health screenings being offered there were information booths available that ranged from alternative health care options in the local area, ways to have cleaner air in your home, and methods to change eating habits to live a heathier lifestyle. There was a booth where we could have our grip tested, a method used for assessing joint and muscle fatigue. Another booth offered us the opportunity to have our BMI (body mass index) and body fat percentage measured. Wondered if you need to cut back on those weekend treats? Or if you need to start leading a more active lifestyle? Well if that BMI was too high and you didn’t like what your body fat percentage was, now you know the answer.

 

 

Face it, as we get older, we all need to become more aware of the inevitable health concerns that may one day affect us. The possibility of having to deal with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or the possibility of prostate cancer looms over us all. The only way to avoid such health concerns to heighten our awareness of these preventable conditions. Health educators empower us to be more proactive about our health by getting annual screenings, detecting issues early, as well as seeking medical treatment before a simple, treatable issue becomes life altering.

At the conclusion of the Men’s Health Fair, Jennie Fryberg, Health Information Manager, said the following, “I’d like to personally thank all the men that came out and participated in the men’s health fair today! Way to come and take care of your health, men.”

 

Celebrating Indigenous culture and traditions during this holiday season

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News 

In the Francis Sheldon Gym of Heritage High School, drumbeats echoed throughout the room as spectators filled the bleachers to enjoy a night of culture and Christmas. Hosted by Tulalip Youth Services and the Marysville School District, the Third Annual Christmas Powwow and Coastal Jam spread holiday cheer, with traditional song and dance, to the Tulalip community. Mr. and Mrs. Claus handed out presents to the children, donated by Toys for Tots. Led by MCs Randy Vendiola and Arlie Neskahi, the powwow presented the opportunity for community members to spend time with each other, while celebrating Indigenous culture and traditions during this holiday season.

Why study geology? 

 

Source: Jeanne Steffener, Tulalip Tribes Higher ED

Geology is the study of Earth…our home. Most people think of it as the study of rocks but it is actually the study of the materials and processes which make earth an amazing dynamic planet capable of supporting life. An important part of geology is the study of how Earth’s materials, structures, processes and organisms inhabiting our planet have changed over time.

Study of the geologic record tells us about the Earth – the evolution of life, its history, the continents and how they evolved, the ocean basins, and our climate. Historical geology teaches us about fossil life and the physical changes to the earth since its beginning. These changes include the movements of the continents; the formation and reconfiguration of ocean basins; growth of mountain ranges; erosion and redistribution of sediments; changes in surface environments and changes in climate over time.

As geologists work to try to understand the history of our planet, it helps them to envision how events and processes of the past might affect the future…our future. The Earth processes geologists study include landslides, earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions. These events can be very hazardous to people.

Geologists work at understanding these processes as they strive to avoid building structures where they might be damaged. For instance, if geologists can maps areas that have flooded in the past, they can recognize areas that could potentially flood in the future. These maps could potentially determine where and where not to develop communities as well as determine where flood protection or flood insurance is necessary.

People use earth materials every day. They use oil that is produced by drilling holes into the Earth then extracting it, metals are mined and water is drawn from streams or underground. The process is geologists performing studies that locate materials of the Earth, then they plan how to extract and remove the materials from the rocks. Similar work is done to locate and produce oil, gas, gems, metals and water.

Today we are very concerned about climate change. In helping to minimize the effects of climate change geologists work to learn about past climates on earth and how they have changed across time. Through studying and understanding historical geology we learn what is affecting our current climate change and what the results might be.

Geology can be a very interesting and rewarding career. The minimum required training for Geology is a four-year college degree. Many geologists earn master’s and doctorate degrees. The advanced degrees provide a higher level of training in specialty areas such as paleontology, mineralology, hydrology or volcanology. Advanced degrees often qualify the geologist for supervisory positions, research assignments and teaching positions at the university level.

Employment opportunities are very good for geologists. Geology graduates with a strong academic background and good grades have no trouble finding positions.

If you are considering pursuing a career in a very interesting and exciting field, there are many universities offering courses and programs in geology The job possibilities for someone with additional training and skills are limitless. Please call Higher ED staff at 360-716-4888 or email us at highered@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov to find out more information.