During the morning of May 10, tribal council officially broke ground on what will soon be emergency transitional living units for Tulalip’s membership. Located across the street from Tulalip Bay fire department, this will be the first of several planned sites intended to prevent homelessness. This first site will consist of five units that will be fully furnished, including a kitchenette and washer and dryer. The living space is small (240 square feet) and meant for emergency purposes and short term living only.
“I’m so appreciative of the work that has been done to get us ready for today. These transition units will be a blessing for our community,” stated C.O.O. Wendy Fryberg. “We recognize that our people sometimes have transition requirements, and homelessness should not be a concern for our members who have find themselves in such challenging circumstances.
“Clients who stay in one of these units will be connected with a Case Worker to assist them in obtaining additional resources to help with obtaining permanent long term living accommodations,” she added. “The goal is for the Case Worker to provide information, support and wrap around services for clients to work through the processes in place to obtain services, such as getting on lists for housing, finding funding, applying for jobs, etc.”
In addition to providing a sense of stability for families who will use the transitional units as a stepping stone to independent living, each unit will provide essential comforts like water and sewer utilities, electricity, the ability to have cable and a Wi-Fi connection.
Rent will be $300 per month to cover the water, sewer and PUD bills. There will be more information coming out about the policy, eligibility, and application process for Tulalip membership interested in temporarily residing in one of these transitional units.
By contrast, the Tulalip Tribes homeless shelter utilizes shared utilities, including a shared kitchen area. Many of the region’s tiny home villages that have become more and more common, also lack running water and cooking facilities.
“This is our first project of this type. Yes, we have the homeless shelter, but these units have their own bathroom and kitchenette,” explained Vice-Chairman Glen Gobin. “These transitional units will provide a foundation for tribal members to build upon and carry on in a good way. We pray this will be a success for individuals and families who find themselves in such circumstances. This project is intended to assist and help them build a good positive foundation and move forward in that good way. It’s always about our future and the steps we take for the next generation.”
Immediately after the ground breaking ceremony, Tulalip’s committed construction team eagerly got to work on what is sure to be a game changer for those of most need in our community.
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News; photos courtesy of Paula Cortez
“We stand here today to honor our fallen brothers and sisters in law enforcement,” said Sgt. H.G. Whapeles of the Spokane Sheriff’s Office. “To honor their commitment, and to pay homage to the sacrifice they readily gave for the safety of their community and their partners. We proudly swear to them to strive as law enforcement community, to pick up the torch that these brave men and women have passed off to us, to make our communities safe, and to set in place the training needed so no more names needlessly end up on these sacred stones. We gather here today so that we will remember them, so that their legacy will be kept alive in the hearts of the men and women who serve and risk their lives every day.”
On the morning of May 4, law enforcement officers from multiple departments across Washington State convened outside of the Public Safety building in the city of Spokane. The bright Spring day brought some much-needed healing and closure to families, as well as fellow officers, as they gathered to remember their loved ones who fell in the line of duty over the past year.
For 33 years, the Spokane Police Department has organized a special ceremony, with the exception of 2020 due to the worldwide pandemic, in remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while fulfilling their vow to protect and serve their respective communities. This year, eighteen brave individuals and two K-9 officers were honored and recognized for not only dedicating their lives to the badge, but also for the heroes they were while off-duty, to their family and community members alike.
Among the eighteen law officials honored at this year’s ceremony was Tulalip tribal member and police officer, Charlie Cortez. Beloved by the people in his community, the news of his disappearance broke the hearts of those he held dearest and shocked the masses, as people from around the Nation followed the story closely each day, hoping and praying for any positive word.
“Our family is honored to have our son recognized for his great sacrifice for his community,” shared Charlie’s mother, Paula Cortez. “The law enforcement world out there seems to know what to do to make sure the survivors of officers are uplifted. We have this deep debt of gratitude for the efforts that they’ve been working on to keep his memory alive.”
In order to safely gather, due to the continued presence of COVID-19, there was a limited number of guests invited to the ceremony. However, the two-hour event was livestreamed over Facebook for those who wished to watch but could not attend, and then later posted to YouTube so family members can revisit and watch the honorable and special occasion whenever they please.
“We were actually informed by the Chief of Police that the Spokane Police Department was honoring Charlie,” said Paula. “We got up early, we went to the memorial wall. Everyone who made the trip was mom and dad, grandma, auntie, cousins, nieces and nephew, his brother, his children Dominic and Peyton, Tawnya and her husband, the Chief of Police and most of the Fish and Wildlife team from the Tulalip Police Department.”
The ceremony began with the presentation of colors, followed by a vocal performance of the National Anthem. To further honor the fallen officers, beautifully arranged wreaths were placed on a large granite wall, over the newly-etched names of all eighteen officers and the two K-9 officers, while the somber sound of bagpipes filled the air.
After a number of heartfelt words and prayers were shared by special guest speakers, each fallen officer was commemorated by the Chief of their departments as they read the officer’s eulogy aloud, before a member of the family officially unveiled their loved one’s name on the wall. As Chief Sutter memorialized Charlie, noting his love for hunting, fishing and digging for geoduck, Paula, along with Charlie’s children and his father Alan, held a flag up-high that featured Charlie’s photo, the TPD seal, the Tulalip Tribes killer whale emblem and a soaring eagle, while they also wore similar-designed t-shirts that read ‘Our Fallen Hero’.
“When we read his name, we really felt like the organization that put this honoring on – they are like an extended family to us. They really do care about the sacrifice our son made while serving his community,” mama Paula expressed. “When the bagpipes were playing ‘Amazing Grace’ – that song always brings tears to my eyes. I think the main thing was the honor guards were so professional in the way they presented the whole thing, it was beautiful and honorable to be able to witness that for my son.”
Charlie’s name and legacy will live throughout the Tulalip community for generations to come. And with this recent honoring, fellow officers who gather at the remembrance wall in Spokane will also know the young Tulalip officer’s name as well as everything he stood for, including upholding the law, protecting his tribes treaty rights and of course his everlasting love for his family, people and community.
As the event came to a close, the honor guard, which consisted of officers from various departments state-wide, performed a ceremonial bell-service which often replaces the 21-gun salute at memorial services for police officers. Upon leaving, the guests were encouraged to visit the ‘Beyond the Call of Duty’ trailer, which is a truck that will travel around the country to raise awareness and honor those officers whose lives were lost in the line of duty.
The memorial ceremony in Spokane was just the first of many as Charlie’s family has been informed his name will be etched into several remembrance walls in the upcoming months, to ensure his memory lives on. Charlie’s name will be displayed not only in Spokane, but also in Olympia and Washington D.C.
“It still hurts the family,” Paula expressed. “We have to look at our waters in a different way now. But I think all the different organizations and foundations are honored to be of service to the families and are dedicated to uplifting our son’s name and his memory. It helped to have the Tulalip Police Department by our side, they were very supportive. We definitely made a mark over there. The Spokane news also mentioned Charlie’s name in their publication because we traveled so far to get there. We will plan times to go over there and to the other memorial walls once the COVID-19 pandemic goes away. It’s an honor for us to be able to witness the ceremonies that they work so hard at putting together for the families.”
It’s been nearly six months since the Tulalip Fish & Wildlife officer went missing at sea and the search for Charlie continues while his family, community and fellow law enforcement officers and agencies find ways to celebrate his life, times and legacy as a Tulalip man, father, son, uncle and cousin. Upcoming events include a visit from the ‘Beyond the Call of Duty’ trailer on May 29, a day after Charlie’s birthday. The truck, a motorcycle club and a TPD escort will journey from the Tulalip Justice Center to the Tulalip Marina at 9:30 a.m. where a mid-morning b-day celebration and BBQ will take place in his memory.
Charlie’s name will also be spoken in remembrance at a number of Virtual Roll Calls, including a virtual candlelight vigil that will be held May 13, at 5:00 p.m. at www.lawmemorial.org
Thank you for keeping Charlie’s family and the Tulalip Police Department in your prayers. As always, please send any potential evidence, information or your own informal searches to us by texting 360-926-5059, or emailing bringofficercortezhome@gmail.com, or leaving a voicemail at (909) 294-6356.
Tulalip Elder Karen Fryberg sat outside on her deck on a warm spring afternoon with a smile on her face, giving all of her attention to two young men, JJ and Messiah, who introduced themselves to her, as well as informed her of their family lineage and their favorite pastime, which happened to be football for both of the kiddos. The boys, led by Tulalip Youth and Family Enrichment Manager Josh Fryberg, then offered Karen, now joined by husband Cy, a traditional song, sending the family strength during the COVID-19 era.
Pre-pandemic, the Tulalip Tribal elders received routine lawn care courtesy of the Tribe. However, since the Tribal government’s initial shut-down, and subsequently a limited amount of people now on staff, a number of services have been postponed until further notice. In fact, the only remaining grounds that are tended by the Tribe are tribal government properties and the cemeteries.
Months passed by as grass blades and pesky weeds continued to grow longer and sharper at the homes of many local seniors. For the majority of 2020, the elders were constantly encouraged to stay home and indoors, in order to best protect the well-being of present-day Tulalip wisdom keepers. The Tulalip Youth and Family Enrichment program saw an opportunity in the overgrowth, a chance to strengthen the bond between the youth and elders of the Tribe, by means of good-old-fashioned hard work.
“We are teaching our youth how to properly use a lawn mower, how to put gas in it, how to put oil in it, how to safely run one so that they can provide that service for their families,” said Youth and Family Enrichment Manager, Josh Fryberg. “The ultimate goal is to encourage all of us to do as much as we can for our elders in our community. What really inspired us to create this program is to rebuild the connection with our youth, staff and elders of the Tulalip Tribes and also provide cultural songs and send strength to our elders.”
Josh stated that the Tulalip Youth Council, along with the Youth Council Advisor Marc Robinson, are partners in the new program, and the future leaders often lend a helping hand with the lawn care services. Karen and Cy’s home was the third property they have visited since the start of the program, previously providing services for Annette Napeahi and Annie and Johanna Moses.
“I didn’t put my name in but they said they were running around the rez to see which elders needed it, and our yard must’ve looked like needed it bad,” said Karen before bursting into a fit of laughter. “And it did need it, bad! It’s really been neglected. I think that it’s good for the youth to realize how much work our seniors can’t do and how much help we do need. It’s nice that they recognize that we need this type of service. We don’t even own a lawnmower. It’s neat to meet the young people who want to do this for us. It would be nice to have even more kids coming by so we can learn about them and who they are.”
The Youth and Family Enrichment team intends to offer the once-a-week lawn care service to Tulalip elders throughout the summer months. If you would like to nominate an elder who is need of lawn care assistance, please e-mail RBennett@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Josh expressed, “this is a program we created to build that togetherness, unity, culture and to take care of some yard work at the same time. Our goal is to provide some interaction time between the youth and elders to gain that knowledge that is needed, and to rebuild that bridge. The best way for parents to get their kids involved is to send them down to the youth center. If they are not signed-up, we have membership forms at the front desk. We require masks and do temp-checks. Come on down, we have a lot more programs for our youth to take part-in.”
Although it was a dark and cloudy day that threatened rain at any moment, smiles shined bright on the afternoon of April 30. While music played over a large sound system, a group of approximately 100 Tulalip citizens socialized, danced, and munched on delicious salty and sweet kettle corn outside of the Don ‘Penoke’ Hatch Teen Center, eagerly waiting for the main event to begin.
“Normally, we couldn’t come to an event like this because Jared isn’t good with lots of people and loud noises,” emotionally expressed Tulalip mother, Kristie Fryberg. “But because this is for him, it’s awesome. It feels really good. My family, we’re all excited to come out and do this. I just know the more we talk about it, the more it’s going to be better for him when he becomes an adult and we can’t be here for him.”
Every April, communities around the country focus their efforts on a shared goal of raising awareness and providing support to individuals who have been diagnosed with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopment disorder that reportedly affects 25 million people globally and impacts each person in a different manner. The disorder is known largely to present a challenge in the early childhood development phase of life, particularly when it comes to communication and sensory sensitivity.
Several programs answered the call when the Youth and Family Enrichment Manager, Josh Fryberg, began planning the end-of-the-month celebration including, the Tulalip Boys and Girls Club, Jared’s Corner, the Tulalip Police Department, the Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Leah’s Dream Foundation.
“When you have a child and they are diagnosed with autism or any disability, you feel alone,” said Founder of Leah’s Dream Foundation, Deanna Sheldon, as Leah happily found amusement in a bubble wand. “With something like this, where you see the community coming together for a greater good to create awareness, it’s really fantastic and an honorable feeling. With autism or any disability, there’s isn’t any one thing. Any child can look neurotypical but with autism there’s so many hidden layers; some children may not talk, some children may have sensory issues or whatnot. This is a great way for Leah’s Dream to embrace our community and raise awareness and show people we are all not the same.”
Leah’s Dream Foundation was established in 2015 by Deanna and family when her daughter was diagnosed with autism. The funds raised by the non-profit goes directly towards resources, sensory items and toys, parties, gifts and activity packages for local children and young adults living with autism and special needs. The foundation also awards grants to the Marysville School District to help autistic students succeed in school, by ensuring they are afforded adequate curriculums, programs, tools and supplies during their educational journey.
Joyous laughter erupted across the youth center’s campus as the group enjoyed each other’s company. Turquoise event t-shirts were thrown over everyday attire to proudly display the garment’s messaging that read, ‘Fighting for Autism’.
The event was chiefly organized by the Tulalip Youth and Family Enrichment program, who called upon their community, local organizations and a handful of departments from the Tribe to present a fun-filled day to not only raise awareness, but more importantly, to celebrate the unique, loving individuals living with autism within the community, who continue to teach us in more ways than we know on a daily basis.
Upon seeing the turn-out for the afternoon gathering, Tulalip Youth and Family Enrichment Activity Specialist, Anthony Mclean shared, “It’s really heartwarming to get so much support and to raise awareness for a good thing. This is a good gathering for us to be together and see everyone’s faces. It’s nice to have all the departments come together as one, just to show the Tribe we can work together on something positive.”
Masked-up, signs in-hand and led by a TPD escort, the participants took a step for the cause, walking from the youth center to the Katherine ‘Molly’ Hatch Senior Center, where the collective stopped to offer a traditional song to the elders. In a moving moment, the elders shared knowledgeable and encouraging words in return to the group, thanking them for the song and spending some time.
After exchanging good-byes, the people made their way back to the teen center to enjoy the rest of the afternoon together. Upon return, a special ‘happy birthday’ solo-dance-performance was dedicated to Tyler Fryberg, who thoroughly enjoyed the moves of his friend, Kai Holmes, as he got down in front of the brand new kettle corn truck, while the popcorn chef himself added some background vocals to Kai’s dance recital.
“This was all Josh Fryberg,” said the Founder of Jared’s Corner, Jared Parks. “He’s the one who reached out to me about the Autism Walk. I told him I’d come out and donate about 400-800 free bags of kettle corn, because that’s what we want to do is give back to the community and raise more awareness for autism.”
In case you didn’t know the origin of Jared’s Corner, Jared Parks and Kristie Fryberg began the kettle corn business in honor of their 7-year-old son, who shares the same name as his father. Kristie is often quick to admit that her son’s autistic diagnosis changed her entire family’s perspective on life, ultimately bringing everybody closer together to rally behind and support Jared throughout his journey.
“That’s why we created this, to give back in this way,” Kristie shared. “This is exactly what we talked about when starting it, to have days at the Tribe where we can give away free popcorn, have the kids gather, and to give back to those people who spend time with our children and are helping them, the therapists and the teachers.”
Over a few short months, Jared’s Corner has grown from a small popcorn stand to a full-blown food truck where the Parks family can whip-up, bag-up and hand-out large quantities of their kettle corn, which comes in a variety of flavors. A portion of all their proceeds are donated to a number of pro-autism programs and foundations to continue raising awareness.
“We want to let the people know we really appreciate their support,” said Jared. “Even if it’s just five bucks here and there, it’s created this – a bigger trailer. It’s created the ‘Autism Awareness Mobile’ and I’m going to be everywhere, Microsoft, T-Mobile. I’m going to be crossing boundaries and representing Tulalip in a good way.”
Prior to this year’s walk, Jared Sr. shared a few words about his son exclaiming, “I don’t call it a disability, my son has a superpower!”
The collaborative walking event was the perfect way to cap-off Autism Awareness Month, as well as a great opportunity to set-off a chain of upcoming summer events geared toward inclusion, raising awareness and supporting our loved ones living with autism. Tulalip Youth and Family Enrichment intends on hosting events every-other-week alternating between field days and gym days, Leah’s Dream Foundation will hold their annual Golf Tournament fundraiser on July 17 this year, and the Parks family has plans of expansion, raising awareness one kettle corn order at a time.
“It felt good just walking together, coming together to raise awareness for autism and for our kids with disabilities,” said Josh. “I think for a lot of us, it felt really good seeing a lot of our youth we haven’t seen in a while. It was a sense of unity, coming together in a safe and friendly way. With COVID going on, everyone was masked-up, we had our temp-readers in the front when everyone came in. The words I’d like to share is just continue to be yourself. Continue to do the best that you can do. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. For us, as adults, let’s help as much as we can and let’s continue to raise awareness and provide as much as we can for our youth and community members. We’re here for you, we love you and if you need anything please let us know. It’s going to take every one of us to make that difference.”
By Ryan Miller, Director Treaty Rights and Government Affairs
Last week, Rick Santorum said, “candidly, there isn’t much Native American Culture in American culture.” He is not just speaking from a place of ignorance but privilege and ignoring critical truths of the foundation on which America was built. The interactions between native people and Western European culture helped shape the United States into the country it is today.
When Benjamin Franklin met with Canassatego, an Onondaga leader, Canassatego presented him with a single arrow. Ben Franklin looked at him puzzled, so Canassatego took the arrow back from him and broke it over his knee. He then handed Franklin six arrows, and Franklin was still confused. Canassatego took the arrows back and attempted to break them over his knee but with no success. In this way, he was relaying to Franklin the importance of unity. The six arrows represented the six tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy. The idea of a powerful central government with smaller regional governments was borrowed from the Iroquois system. Franklin would bring this important lesson with him when he met with other continental leaders to discuss the future governance of the United States.
In the U.S.’s infancy, their sovereignty and status as a country were called into question by nearly every established nation on the planet. In response to this and growing concern over their control in their country, several President’s and their appointees began making more and more treaties with Native tribes. Because treaties are an agreement between sovereigns, the United States hoped that this would help establish their place as a sovereign on the world stage, and it worked.
These are just two examples of the many instances in which tribal culture is woven into the essential parts of American culture. There are countless others, farming and hunting techniques, ecological protection and conservation, art, food, sports such as canoeing, lacrosse (also from the Iroquois), and tug-of-war. The names of many important places are taken from Native names for those places.
Native Americans have served in the armed forces at a higher rate per capita than any other ethnic group. The effort of Dine code talkers gave American forces an invaluable advantage over axis forces which helped protect American lives and ultimately delivered victory.
Since time immemorial, the indigenous people who have called this place home have given much and suffered greatly for America to be the country that it is today. We have helped shape it much more than Rick Santorum ever could. Tribes deserve respect and acknowledgment of our contributions. We are strong and resilient. We have survived over 500 years of attacks and stand here today, proclaiming our sovereignty, protecting and providing for our people, and contributing to a better America and a better world.
