In recognition of Residential Boarding School Awareness Day, the Hibulb Cultural Center held a pop-up exhibit on Friday September 30 to help their visitors gain an understanding about the Indian Boarding Schools. The exhibit gave insight to what occurred at the terrible institutes of assimilation from the point of view of the Indigenous children who attended the Tulalip boarding school.
A heart-wrenching and tear-jerking screening of ‘The Faces of the Tulalip Boarding School’ played on a loop throughout the day inside the cultural center’s longhouse. The HCC giftshop also had a handful of orange t-shirts available for purchase in honor of the day of awareness. And a large double-sided panel was stationed at the center of the museum, which depicted black and white photos of the Tulalip boarding school and its students. Through letters sent home and a number of recorded interviews, the Hibulb Cultural Center compiled several testimonies from the Tulalip boarding school students, which painfully details what they experienced at the school.
Those dreadful recountings are positioned throughout the panel as captions to various photos. Below are some of those statements.
“The first night away from home seemed like a long, long night. At home, my mother would always go to the bedroom with me and lift me up. Sometimes my father would come to the door and tell me that I was a good girl. At school everyone put themselves to bed. The dormitories were always so cold. They had the windows wide open because they didn’t want us to get tuberculosis. Even in the winter they were wide open, and the cold wind blows over the bay.”
– Harriette Shelton-Dover, Snohomish
“I remember one of those majors, when there was an infraction of the rules, made the girls who went outside the boundaries line up and march in front of everyone in all three companies and get the back of their legs slapped with a ruler. And those girls couldn’t walk. It put scars on them.”
– Vi Hilbert, Upper Skagit
“At Tulalip you had to wear uniforms. They had a celluloid collar. I have a short neck and that thing would stick into my neck, so I’d always have to hold my head way up.”
– Ronomous ‘Toddy’ Lear, Lummi
“It was always meat and potatoes and ugly gravy. One doctor came along, and he changed things. He seen that a lot of us were getting sores around the neck, and he thought it was the diet.”
– Marya Moses, Snohomish
“We had to march from our rooms to the kitchen to eat and back again to get ready for school. And we’d march to the school building. Everywhere we went we’d march, march, march.”
– Ham Green, Makah
“I went to Tulalip. I was six years old. Mother didn’t like it very well, but she said it just had to be done. I felt bad when we was going., heck, along come a boat, a big motorboat, and picked us up. Like little cows, we got in and away we went. We didn’t even know where Tulalip was.”
– Woody Loughtey, Suquamish
“When the flu first came in 1917-1918m they were making coffins, but they couldn’t make them fast enough, so many people died. So, they wrapped them in tule mats, five or six in one grave.”
– Alfred Sam, Snohomish
The cultural center’s pop-up exhibit was a great introductory for those who wished to learn more about the boarding school era. Upon sharing the news about the exhibit on social media, many people who live out of the vicinity of Tulalip requested another pop-up so they can plan a visit in the near future. Several of those individuals expressed that they actually had relatives who attended the Tulalip boarding school and inquired how they could receive additional information and/or photos of their loved ones.
The Hibulb Cultural Center is open Tuesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday Noon to 5:00 p.m. For more information, including their exhibits and events, please visit their website www.HibulbCulturalCenter.org or contact (360) 716-2600.
The Tulalip Education Division hosted their second annual Residential Boarding School Awareness Day. The evening commemorated the lost lives from residential boarding schools, and acknowledged the pain that the survivors carry with them every day. Some of the survivors shared their stories, family members spoke about the generational trauma that came from this era, and tribal leaders expressed how our community can move forward together.
Board of Directors Secretary, Debra Posey, spoke about how her grandmother was the first woman ever on the Tulalip tribal council in 1936. Long ago, they would pull their money together for gas, travel and to write letters to Washington DC, urging politicians and legislators to help our people. She spoke about how that same spirit and unity still lives in our people today through events like Residential Boarding School Awareness Day.
The emotional and heartfelt event was full of song and prayer to instigate healing and spiritual restoration. Tribal and community members wore orange to symbolize the day and show unity in efforts to raise awareness about these issues. And the phrase “Every Child Matters” was seen printed on items like earrings, t-shirts, and bags to remind those around us of the horrific acts that our families and ancestors once endured.
Throughout history our people have been silenced, demonized, and violated. Residential Boarding Schools are just another example of this horrific past and the grounds in which this country was built. The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition has identified more than 350 boarding schools that were operated by the US Federal government and the churches, from 1869 to the 1960s. Their philosophy being, “Kill the Indian, save the man.”
Native American children were forcibly taken from their homes and placed into these boarding schools intended to implement cultural genocide. Native children suffered various amounts of emotional, physical, sexual, mental and spiritual abuse. And in many cases, death. Children were no longer allowed to speak their native language, wear their traditional clothing, sing or dance, and partake in any of their cultural practices.
The US Interior Department has so far recognized 53 boarding school burial sites, both marked and unmarked. While the remains of our ancestors continually are found, the Interior Department acknowledged that these numbers will continue to grow as research continues. Today, 75 of the remaining boarding schools are still open, and 15 of them are still boarding.
This heartbreak is nothing new to our people, it is something that Indigenous people across the continent continue to feel and strive to overcome. Native Americans continue to fight and spread the word on this horrific era, and make the tragedies of our people known.
When speaking about the intentions behind Residential Boarding School Awareness Day, Youth and Family Enrichment Manager Josh Fryberg said “We come together to raise awareness about boarding schools, and to bring our people healing in the best way that we know how.”
For our people to be able to gather like we once did, to sing and dance, and honor our ancestors, it speaks to the level of perseverance that our people have and will continue to portray.
Youth-led. A common catch-all term used to describe events, efforts, or movements where youth are the face and first point of contact. However, it’s become rarer and rarer for such a thing to actually be true. More often than not, its adults pulling the strings from the background and projecting their virtues onto youth who are unable to describe the enormity of such grandiose concepts that their string bearers have bestowed upon them.
That isn’t to say youth-led efforts, in the truest sense of the term, don’t happen. Because they do. And when they occur they are usually noteworthy stories full of inspiration. Such is the case with 13-year-old Audrina Bumgarner and her commitment to seeing her school, Our Lady of Hope, recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
More commonly known as Orange Shirt Day, September 30th has propelled itself into the mainstream because of Indigenous efforts all across North America. As Indigenous lore tells it, the day was created by Phyllis Webstad (Canadian First Nation) who tells the powerful story of having her orange shirt taken away when she attended a residential school, as well as being stripped of her language, culture and childhood joy.
“I went to the Mission for one school year in 1973-1974. I had just turned 6-years-old,” explained Phyllis. “I lived with my grandmother on the Dog Creek reserve. We never had very much money, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a new outfit to go to the Mission school. I remember going to the store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It was so bright and exciting…just like I felt to be going to school.
“When I got to the Mission, they stripped me and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt. I never wore it again. [Since then] the color orange has always reminded me that my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I worthless. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.”
Phyllis’s words put literal truth to power as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation has since been adopted by both Canadian and U.S. governments to support the stories and memories of the children and generations lost during the Boarding School Era.
With this powerful sentiment in mind, young Tulalip citizen Audrina approached her catholic school’s leadership staff several weeks ago with a simple request: formally recognize Orange Shirt Day by allowing the school’s Tulalip students and their fellow student allies to be exempted from the school’s uniform dress code in order to proudly wear orange. After consideration, the school honored the request.
“Our student council has been focused on several projects this year. One of those projects was created by Audrina who wanted us to recognize Orange Shirt Day in a bigger way than we have ever done in the past,” said Our Lady of Hope principal Kathy Wartelle. “She came with a complete plan that felt empowering to her and her community, while also being beneficial to teaching others about the day’s significance.
“It’s incredibly important that we, as a school, support our students of multicultural backgrounds,” she added. “We love the diversity that our school has and have develop a great relationship with the Tulalip Tribes. We have close to 50 Tulalip students attending this year, so it’s important that we continue to learn from one another and our families. This means recognizing the impacts of past discretions have had on all cultures and using our faith to lift each other up.”
With the support of Our Lady of Hope’s leadership, Audrina elevated Orange Shirt Day to new heights and led her fellow Tulalip peers in proudly wearing their culture on their impossible to miss, bright orange shirts. For students who wanted to support the movement but didn’t own an orange shirt, the administrative staff hand crafted orange ribbons that could be pinned to the students’ uniform.
As students took to their seats in preparation of the school day, Audrina took to the school-wide microphone with a heartfelt message intended to educate those within the private catholic school who may have been unaware of day’s significance.
“Orange Shirt Day is in recognition of the lasting trauma these Indian Residential Schools caused to survivors and their families and Native Americans to this day. This is a day for healing and to remember the children who didn’t come home. On this day we pray for healing,” declared the inspirational Tulalip youth.
While her words resounded throughout the classrooms and hallways of the Everett-based school, her well-intentional effort came to fruition in the hearts and minds of her peers and teachers who not only took in her message, but also weren’t afraid to showcase their support by wearing orange.
“Last year, only me and a handful of other students wore orange. The awareness wasn’t really there, so I wanted to make it more recognized and bring more awareness to the day this year,” explained the 13-year-old while. “Orange Shirt Day is a day of remembrance to honor the children who didn’t come home and also the children who did come home because the survivors and their families are still affected to this day.”
Following Audrina’s school-wide announcement, Dion Joseph, father of Our Lady of Hope students Gia and Kingston Joseph who rocked their Every Child Matters orange swag to school, summed up the day’s youth-led development perfectly. “It means a lot because not only are our kids honoring their ancestors by going to school to get an education, but they also are educating and bringing awareness to others about the true history of our people and the true history of European people. It makes me proud to know those truths are no longer being swept under the rug.”
The color orange was the prominent hue on the morning of September 30th at Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary (QCT). The color was visible everywhere you looked around the school’s gym during their morning assembly, as students and teachers alike proudly showcased their orange t-shirts, hoodies, and traditional regalia. The majority of the orange clothing displayed Salish formline designs accompanied with the message, ‘Every Child Matters’, the official slogan of Residential Boarding School Awareness Day, also known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“How many of you are learning a little bit about orange shirt day?” asked Tulalip Youth Advocate, Deyamonta Diaz once the kids were situated, and he had their full attention. Dozens of hands raised in the air in reply to his question. “Wow! Okay, that’s a lot of you,” he replied with a grin of astonishment.
He continued, “The intent of orange shirt day, for us as Tulalip people, is to give remembrance and honor to boarding school survivors and also the children who were lost in the boarding schools throughout history. We have the Tulalip boarding school historical site, that is now the Tulalip dining hall. Today, we give remembrance to our ancestors, the people who went through the boarding school. That’s why today we wear our orange shirts, to give truth and to shine a light on those things that have happened in history. I’m happy that you are all learning about boarding schools, and specifically what happened here at Tulalip.”
In 2021, the Marysville School District released a proclamation officially declaring September 30th as Orange Shirt Day, bringing attention to the lives lost and trauma gained from the early 1900’s Indian boarding schools. Children between the ages 5 and 18 were forcibly removed from their families and traditions to attend these horrific boarding schools during the assimilation era.
After last year’s proclamation, schools across the entire district participated in the awareness day by teaching their students about residential boarding schools and encouraging everybody to wear orange. Located on the Tulalip Reservation, QCT is mindful about the traditions of the sduhubš people and incorporated the culture into both the curriculum and everyday activities, such as the morning assembly. Students at QCT acquire first-hand knowledge about the tribe’s lifeways through collaboration with Tulalip’s membership, and they learn phrases and words from the Lushootseed language as well as several Tulalip songs, dances, and stories each year.
“It’s an honor to serve the Tulalip people every day,” said QCT Assistant Principal, Yolanda Gallegos. “One thing we [QCT principals] think about as a leader is how do we create spaces to make sure we’re not making decisions about Tulalip people and the education of Tulalip people, and how can we do it right, as a family and staff at QCT, to listen, support, and serve our community. That’s one way of reconciliation, instead of just saying sorry – it’s what are the actions and what are we doing to make sure we’re creating spaces to get out of the way and repair the harm that has happened to our people through boarding schools. This is a part of that, and a good example of our healing.”
The children were asked to remain seated and quiet while the Tulalip Youth Advocates, a select few QCT student drummers, and Heritage High School student drummers, offered a song in remembrance and recognition of all the kids who experienced the trauma of the Indian boarding school era, and those children who never made it home.
Though a large portion of the song is in the Lummi ancestorial language, a few of the lyrics are sung in English during the bridge of the song:
When they came, they took you from us. No remorse.Stripped away, never see you again.
Tulalip Youth Advocate and cultural bearer, Tony Hatch, shared the origin and meaning behind the song, “That song was composed by our relative Antone George, from Lummi and the West Shore Canoe Family, to recognize Orange Shirt Day and the survivors of the boarding schools, and also the ones who passed away when attending those schools. It’s important to remember all of those children and all those things that happened. A lot of people like to think that’s ancient history, but it’s not that far back. We have a teacher at Heritage and her mother was in one of those boarding schools. That’s one generation for her. We always want to remember those things, especially since we had a boarding school right here in Tulalip. Look at all the spirit we have in this room, it’s a lot of orange shirts. Today is a very important day for us, and we thank you for wearing your orange shirts.”
The special tribute came to end with the Happy Song, and the kids were invited to the floor to dance and sing along to the song that is well-known throughout all the coastal territories.
Tulalip elders Pauline Williams and Marvin Jones are regulars at the senior fitness class that takes place Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. at the conveniently located Senior Center. While their commitment to a healthier heart, stronger bones, and improved flexibility should serve as positive role models to their peers, they are instead left wondering why more Tulalip seniors aren’t participating in the program.
“I’d love to see more of my beautiful Tulalip seniors attend this wonderful class,” said 78-year-old Pauline. “Movement and balance are very important for us at this stage in life. As we age, we lose the ability to do some of our favorite activities, but we can still evolve and adapt to keep our mind and body functional for other activities. For example, because of arthritis I can no longer play tennis, but I’ve adapted to the change and implemented other forms of cardio, like morning walks and dancing, into my life. These gentle workouts on Wednesday mornings are another example of adapting as we age. They are well coached and appropriately suited for us seniors.”
“Why do I choose to work out? Simple, to live longer,” chuckled fellow 78-year-old Marvin. “For me, these morning workouts are all about getting my joints moving and feeling better from the natural energy boosts. We have a lot of people talk about wanting to exercise, but then don’t show up when the classes are offered. It could be a lack of interest or maybe they are concerned about looking foolish. I’d tell all our seniors to come check out the class at least once to form your own opinions. We can all look foolish together.”
If you’re a senior reading this, then you’ve probably heard it time and again: physical activity and exercise are good for you, and you should commit them as part of your routine. There are countless studies that prove the important health benefits associated with exercise, and it becomes more important as we age.
Regular physical activity and exercise for seniors helps improve mental and physical health, both of which will help you maintain your independence as you age. According to The Green Fields Continuing Care Community there are five huge benefits of exercise for seniors and aging adults:
Prevent Disease. Studies have shown that maintaining regular physical activity can help prevent many common diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Exercise improves overall immune function, which is important for seniors as their immune systems are often compromised. Even light exercise, such as walking, can be a powerful tool for preventable disease management.
Improved Mental Health. The mental health benefits of exercise are nearly endless. Exercise produces endorphins (the “feel good” hormone), which act as a stress reliever and leaves you feeling happy and satisfied. In addition, exercise has been linked to improving sleep, which is especially important for older adults who often suffer from insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.
Decreased Risks of Falls. Older adults are at a higher risk of falls, which can prove to be potentially disastrous for maintaining independence. Exercise improves strength and flexibility, which also help improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls. Seniors take much longer to recover from falls, so anything that helps avoid them in the first place is critical.
Social Engagement. Whether you join a walking group, go to group fitness classes or visit a gardening club, exercise can be made into a fun social event. Maintaining strong social ties is important for aging adults to feel a sense of purpose and avoid feelings of loneliness or depression. Above all, the key is to find a form of exercise you love, and it will never feel like a chore again.
Improved Cognitive Function. Regular physical activity and fine-tuned motor skills benefit cognitive function. Countless studies suggest a lower risk of dementia for physically active individuals, regardless of when you begin a routine.
It is never too late for seniors to start engaging in a regular exercise routine. The key is to find something you enjoy doing and start at a level that is easy to maintain, which is what the senior fitness class strives to do. Led by two enthusiastic health coaches who work with Tulalip seniors routinely via the Health Clinic, Jared and David are eager to see more participation at their weekly offering.
“We try and make it these gentle workouts as adaptive as possible, so that anyone, even those with mobility issues, can participate, have some fun and get a possible health outcome from the class,” said physical therapist, Dr. David Morris. “Hopefully, we start to accumulate more people joining and being a part of this health movement. No signups or reservations needed. Just come on down. Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at the Senior Center. Bring your brother and sisters, cousins, and significant others with you.”
For those seeking more information or have questions about the senior fitness Wednesdays, please call Dr. Morris at 360-716-4511.
During the week of September 19, ATNI held their annual conference at the Tulalip Resort Casino. Following the second day of presentations and workshops, dozens of Northwest tribal leaders visited the Hibulb Cultural Center to learn about the Tulalip way of life.
The guests were treated to a delicious salmon bake dinner and a glimpse into the culture of the sduhubš people, complete with traditional songs and dances. The ATNI leaders also had the chance to tour the entire cultural museum to end the evening.
In 1953, a group of visionary tribal leaders in the Northwest formed the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI), and dedicated it to tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Among those founding leaders included Sebastian Williams, who served on the first ever rendition of Tulalip Board of Directors. Today, Sebastian’s hard work and reassuring resolve live on in the thriving government of his people and the steadfast, collaborative mission of the organization he helped to start.
ATNI is a nonprofit organization representing 57 Northwest tribal governments from Oregon, Idaho, Washington, southeast Alaska, Northern California and Western Montana. Its purpose is to: provide a forum for sharing information on matters of interest to its member Tribes, develop consensus on matters of mutual importance, assist member Tribes in their governmental and programmatic development consistent with their goals for self-determination and self-sufficiency and provide for effective public relations and education program with the non-Native communities.
The spirit of self-determination and self-sufficiency was embraced by hundreds of Native American citizens from all across the region who journeyed to Tulalip to attend the 2022 ATNI annual conference. Hosted by the Tulalip Tribes, the four-day conference was held September 18th – 22nd at the Resort Casino
“Since founding ATNI, all of the Tribes of the Northwest come together to convene and conference in order to bring out the issues they feel are important at the time,” said ATNI board secretary Jeanie Louie (Coeur d’Alene). “Our annual conference is where members convene for discussion, presentations and the work of the committees in regard to policy, legislation and the future of Indian Country in the Northwest.”
Through its conferences, forums, networks and alliances, it is the intent of ATNI to represent and advocate for the interests of its member Tribes to national organizations and the federal government. For four straight days, the representation of local Tribal interests echoed in the Orca ballroom, conference rooms, and adjoining walkway of the Resort Casino.
The reservation’s gem of a Resort provided many oohs and awes by conference attendees who took in the AAA certified Four Diamond luxury and accommodations for the very first time. That thought wasn’t lost on Tulalip board of director Mel Sheldon.
Mel Sheldon.
“It’s important for our Tulalip membership to recognize that we are one of the leading Tribes in the five-state region. When members of other Tribes come here and see our gaming properties, our Hibulb Cultural Center, our government building and all the natural splendor we have to offer, I think they are not only impressed, but they leave wishing their Tribe could emulate the sustained culture and gaming success that we’re fortunate to have,” said Mel, who also serves as ATNI 1st Vice President.
“To be the first Tulalip tribal member to serve on the ATNI executive board since Sebastian Williams is extremely humbling,” he continued. “Organizations like ATNI serve to unify the voices for all Tribes in the area. One collective voice, made up of 50 Tribes in the region, with a common goal is really much stronger than a bunch of individual voices that can be pitted against one another in the political realm. When we speak as one, the powers that be in Olympia, or Washington, D.C. for that matter, are forced to listen to our collective voice.”
Amongst the hefty four-day schedule were several breakout sessions or workshops led by Tulalip tribal members. From government affairs topics and expanding treaty rights to continuing education and passing legislation in pursuit of boarding school justice, Tulalip left an imprint at this year’s conference. Not to mention the number of local Tulalip artists, like Deshawn Joseph and Lance Taylor, who set up as independent vendors to sell their goods and network with leaders throughout Indian County.
“We want our community to realize that domestic violence (DV) has many layers,” said Legacy of Healing (LOH) Victim Advocate, Marisa Chavez. “Typically, people who are victims of domestic violence think that if they call law enforcement it’s because it’s something physical. But usually it starts emotional, then it goes to psychological – financial abuse, threats, and then becomes physical. So, this month, it’s about educating and providing information for people to realize that this is not okay that this is happening.”
A small building located on the corner of Waterworks and Marine Drive, next door to the Tulalip Bay Fire Station, is much more than meets the eye. Standing as a symbol of hope for many fleeing an abusive relationship, the building, which many people pass by on their everyday commute, is the home of the Tulalip Legacy of Healing, a program designed to support and uplift Tulalip tribal members, parents and spouses of Tulalip members, as well as other Natives who live on the reservation, through difficult and challenging times.
Upon entering the building, and meeting with the team’s staff of advocates, many DV victims and survivors begin to see a way out and are able to safely plan to escape their unhealthy partnerships.
A quick Google search will show that the Native American population are at an extremely higher risk for experiencing domestic violence than other races. According to the National Institute of Justice, 84% of Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime as well as 81% of Native men. That same study stated that ‘more than four in five American Indian and Alaskan Native women and men experienced DV in [2016] alone’.
It is important to keep in mind that the statistics from this particular study have been referenced in many publications since it was released, and that this is the most up to date study. Tulalip LOH and Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Director, Jade Carela believes that although these numbers are shocking, they may be much higher. Citing conversations with other advocacy center directors, she gathered that there has been a recent influx of victims since the pandemic first hit. Another reasons these stats may be inaccurate can be credited to underreporting.
Said Jade, “One misconception that we want to make sure to clear up for our community is that a lot of people have been taught that domestic violence equates to physical violence. That’s not what domestic violence is. Domestic violence is many other things. To me it’s important for people to understand that, because I feel there are a lot of people in very unhealthy relationships that crossover into domestic violence and they might not realize that’s the type of relationship they’re in or that there is help when they’re in those type of relationships. A lot of domestic violence isn’t physical, and by the time it gets physical, there’s an end to it because they kill their spouse. Because they don’t recognize it as domestic violence, the victims don’t reach out for help.”
For this reason, it is important to understand what DV is exactly, that way if victims are able to identify that they are in a DV relationship, they can get out before it ever reaches an extreme scenario. Below is list of red flags curated by the LOH that serves as an indicator of an abusive partner.
Wants to get serious right away.
Humiliates you – calls you names or puts you down to break your confidence.
Treats you better when other people are around
Screams at you to intimidate you.
Follows your or calls/texts repeatedly to check up on you.
Pressures you to go along with what they want.
Bullies or tries to humiliate you via text, social media, or e-mail.
Throws, hits, or breaks things to make you afraid.
Gets overly jealous when you spend time with friends or family.
Tags you in posts, even though you have asked them not to.
Insists that you give them your passwords to your voicemail, social media or e-mail accounts.
Physically or sexually assaults you.
Denies their abusive behavior.
Gaslights you.
All their exes are crazy except you.
The LOH extended their list to include red flags that increase your chance for being seriously hurt or even killed.
Uses or threatens to use a gun, knife or other weapon.
Threatens to kill your or themselves if the relationship ends.
Tries to choke or strangle you.
Forces you to have sex or physically assaults you.
Is violently or constantly jealous.
Cassandra Rae, CAC Education Outreach Family Advocate, stated, “Often times part of the abuse is isolating you – cutting you off from family, friends, support systems. Having an advocate who is 100% there for you is such a huge part to finding the strength and the courage to leave an abusive situation. Often times there’s a lot of gaslighting. Part of the abuse can be cutting your self-esteem down – ‘people aren’t going to like you, people aren’t going to believe you, you’re making this up, you’re so emotional – that type of stuff. Sometimes people get so eroded, it’s so hard to have that voice to make that call. But that’s another really important part of the awareness work, to lift people up, to recognize how important and valuable our people are.”
Added Marisa, “Sometimes if an abuser is using kids against their partner they’ll say, ‘if you go to the cops, you’re going to lose the kids.’ That’s a real barrier to why people don’t leave because they’re trying to stay connected to their children. It’s so much more than hitting, it’s asserting power and control over someone, taking their choices away, taking their money away. If you don’t have access to money, or you have to get permission from your spouse, or you’re not allowed to see your family, those are some examples. Multiple texting in a time frame, calling to see where you are, putting trackers on your car, these are all tactics that people will do to control their partner. Those are things that a lot of people don’t recognize, they just think ‘oh he just wants to take care of me and know where I’m at’ – that’s not a healthy relationship.”
Nationwide, communities are taking part in an initiative to raise awareness about DV during the month of October. Over the past several years, both prior to and after the pandemic, the LOH team has been active during DV Awareness Month and held events to provide resources and information to those in the community in need of assistance.
“One of the core focuses with DV Awareness Month is the importance of breaking the silence,” expressed Sydney Gilbert, CAC/LOH Coordinator and Forensic Interviewer. “If people are not talking about and it’s not coming to light, it lives in the shadow. The more we can talk about it, the more we can bring it to attention, the more we can normalize the conversation around it, I think it increases comfort for folks coming forward. It’s pervasive in the community. We know that there’s higher rates of intimate partner violence in communities that have experienced trauma. Another focus we have for this month is addressing that trauma, and not only bringing attention to intimate partner violence but bringing attention on how we can heal from that as a community.”
This year, the LOH is proud to announce that they will be hosting a number of events throughout October, with the goal in mind to open up discussion about what DV is within the community. Below is the list of events that the LOH will hold during the month. An event will be held every Thursday, beginning at 5:30 p.m., in room 162 of the Tulalip Administration Building.
Thursday, 10/6: Resolving Trauma Workshop
Thursday, 10/13: Self-Defense Class (ADULTS ONLY – limited to first 20 people only. E-mail CRae@TulalipTribes-nsn.gov to register)
Thursday, 10/20: Sisters Rising Film Screening (ages 14+)
Tuesday, 10/25: Beading as Healing Class
Cassandra described what the DV Awareness Month events entail, “We’re doing a resolving trauma workshop that’s all about the latest research on trauma, so you can understand how it impacts your life, as well as how understanding your trauma is the first step to healing that trauma. We’re doing a beading as healing class. Connecting with traditional cultural practices are huge resiliency factors, and it’s connecting with your community, having an opportunity where you are beading together, and you can have those conversations. We’re also doing a self-defense class, and a film screening of a film called Sisters Rising.”
Noting that each situation is different, LOH understands that leaving an abusive partnership is extremely difficult and can sometimes involve the court systems. LOH wants to inform the community that if you are in a situation where you do have to go through tribal or state court, they will be there to support you emotionally throughout the entire process. Additionally, LOH is careful not to pass any judgements and allows their clients grace and understanding, because statistically it could take a victim multiple times to leave an abusive relationship.
“Typically, it takes a survivor seven times to leave an abuser,” Marisa explained. “Talking to someone who can work with you, and help you be safe in your household so there’s not another incident, and help you plan to get out safely, that’s something that an advocate you can help with.”
Jade agreed, “Because it does take them so many times to leave, if someone comes to utilize services through us, we know that they might go back. They’re always welcome to the LOH because we know that’s how it works. We don’t want community members to feel bad, or like they are stupid or weak. Those are definitely things that we never think about people because we know that this is the cycle, this is what they go through. And when they leave, it’s also the most dangerous time. It’s a huge risk for them. So, if they can just reach out to start doing some safety planning and talking to one of our advocates privately, they can start preparing and working up to what they need to do.”
The LOH stressed the fact that DV can happen to anybody regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and social status. The team invites you to come out to show support and help raise awareness at the events throughout DV Awareness month. And if you or anybody you know is experiencing an abusive relationship, please do not hesitate to call the LOH at (360) 716-4100 or assistance. And if you are in a crisis or an emergency situation, the LOH provided a list of three additional hotline numbers that you can utilize during your time of need:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Strong Hearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County 425-25-ABUSE (22873)
“This is still happening in our community,” Jade stated. “It’s something that we see happening every single day. If you are experiencing an abusive relationship, the first thing you need to do is call us. By calling us, it doesn’t mean the police need to get involved, it doesn’t even mean you have to work with us. You can just call and say you are interested in talking to an advocate, and you can have a private conversation with an advocate about what you are experiencing. From there, we can offer our services, and it’s important to have that connection so when do become ready to leave, you can come back and see us later on.”
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News; Photos courtesy of Blue Line Bears and Paula Cortez
It has been nearly two years since fallen Tulalip Fish and Wildlife Officer Charlie Cortez was pronounced lost at sea while in the line of duty. His absence is still felt amongst the nation of Tulalip, as his bright smile lit up any room that he stepped in. Countless friends and family members often take the time to honor and remember the man who dedicated his life to protecting and serving his people, ensuring that his memory will live on throughout both the tribal and law enforcement communities for generations to come.
On Friday September 23, a non-profit known as Blue Line Bears paid a visit to the Tulalip reservation to present heartfelt and customized mementos to Charlie’s children, Dominic and Peyton.
According to their official website, “Blue Line Bears is a nonprofit organization with the goal of helping the children of fallen law enforcement officers cope with the devastating loss of a parent. Blue Line Bears is the creation of the 14-year-old daughter of a police officer whose goal is to help the children of fallen officers through the difficult loss of their parent. Children of law enforcement officers grow up realizing that their parent’s life is at risk every day they go to work. Add to that the fact that there is much public ridicule of law enforcement officers, and deaths in the line of duty are sudden, shocking and violent. With all of this in mind, Blue Line Bears will not only provide a lasting keepsake to help keep the officer’s memory alive but will also help their child to see that there are caring individuals who respect and appreciate men and women in uniform. Children of officers killed in the line of duty are oftentimes young, perhaps too young to remember the parent who died. For those children, a bear from Blue Line Bears will provide a tangible reminder that their loved one will always be with them.”
The stuffed teddy bears are designed from the uniforms of the fallen officer and is adorned with the officer’s badges, patches and ranking stripes. In a photo that shows both Peyton and Dominic clutching their new bears closely, you can make out the customizations made in Charlie’s honor including his end of watch date, the Tulalip Police Department patches, as well as a badge that reads Cortez across the center.
The Blue Line Bears hand delivered the teddy bears to Dominic and Peyton at the Tulalip Marina, next to Charlie’s memorial wall and just yards away from the new Charlie Joe Cortez Marina Building, that was recently dedicated in his memory. In the summer of 2021, a motorcycle procession traveled the length of the Tulalip reservation to pay tribute to Charlie in a project called End of Watch – A ride to remember. The organizers of the nationwide project created a custom motorcycle with Charlie’s name, bio, police department and end of watch date, that was driven across the country. The motorcycle was brought out once more to Tulalip for this special occasion, providing the opportunity for Charlie’s loved ones and fellow TPD officers to take a photo alongside the bike during the Blue Line Bears’ gifting ceremony.
Following the special day of honor, Charlie’s mother Paula Cortez said in a Facebook post, “Back in January I was looking through my packets of information from Washington D.C. Police Week. I came across the Blue Line Bears brochure, and I noticed that they make the bears out of the fallen officer’s uniform for the officer’s survivors. I contacted them by e-mail with my inquiry on how to order bears for Charlie’s children. They returned my e-mail right away and they remembered Charlie’s tragic story. They do the bears at no cost for the family. The delivery of the bears was yesterday at the Tulalip Marina. A wonderful addition to the day was a visit from Allison McCarter and the Harley Davidson bike dedicated in honor of Charlie for anyone who wanted to see it. Once again, thank you all for making the day special and honorable, and thank you Jobey Tom Williams for the beautiful closing song and blessings.”
Tawnya Stout, Dominic and Peyton’s mother, shared, “The kiddos love their new bears and will cherish them forever! The kids are loving having a piece of their dad’s uniform to keep with them, in a way that is useful to them. Thank you, Blue Line Bears.”
