Geraldine “Geri” Bill of Tulalip, WA was born to Laura Ella and Isadore Tom Sr, on October 11, 1935. She went to be with the Lord on December 26, 2020.
Geri had a strong spiritual foundation guided by her late father who was a spiritual healer and advisor, Geri enjoyed traveling to stick games and made many friends along the way. She also loved to play Bingo, and she was a big Seahawks fan.
She leaves behind her children Inez Bill, Jolene Bill, Donna Houle (Darrell), Brian Bill (Stephanie), Kristy Bill (Philip, Dec.); sisters Loretta Tom and Sammy Kay(Gerald). She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren;, nieces, nephews and extended family members. She is reunited with her parents Isadore Tom Sr. and Laura Tom; her brothers Isadore Tom Jr, and Alvin Tom; sisters, Loreen Lawrence, Janice Edwards ,Beverly Tom, Nancy Tom, Lucy John and Sandra Tom.
We were not ready for Geri to leave us but God called her away, Geri will be greatly missed by her family and friends, there will not be a funeral due to COVID-19 restrictions, but a gathering will be planned and held at a later date.
RoseAnn Green, 56, of Tulalip went to be with the Lord on December 18, 2020. She was born in Darrington, WA on May 30, 1964. RoseAnn loved to travel and lived many places such as California, New Mexico, Hawaii, Wyoming, although her true home was Darrington and Tulalip Washington.
RoseAnn saw the world as her canvas. She traveled so much that it would be impossible to name all of the places she’d gone. Her favorite trips were to see her daughter Tanya and the grandkids. These took her to Germany, Spain, Colorado, and Idaho! An especially proud moment in her life was when her daughter received her MBA degree. She always boasted that her son Jeff was a gentle, intellectual soul and was always there for her. She was so happy when he found love and married Jennifer. RoseAnn loved watching cooking shows and would make versions of what she saw then deliver them to the lucky recipient. Her dishes and appetizers were always a hit at gatherings, including cooking dishes for Darrington funeral dinners.
RoseAnn loved the Seahawks; she recorded every game. Go Hawks! Her beloved dog Winston was always by her side and ready for a ride. She was a generous person who always found ways to give her time to others, whether it was an event, helping a friend or helping her parents during the pandemic. RoseAnn loved her leadership roles with the Tulalip Tribes. She was highly intelligent, a problem solver and loved organizing. She was athletic and enjoyed softball, cheerleading, and golf! She really enjoyed playing slots at the casinos and loved reading books. RoseAnn did not want the spotlight but she always lit up the room when she walked in. She made friends easily and brought joy wherever she went.
She is survived by her daughter, Tanya Burns; and husband, Elliott, of Arlington; son, Jeffrey Sharp and wife Jennifer, of Tulalip; dad, Neil Green, Sr. and wife Nancy, of Darrington; mom, Eleanor Nielsen and husband Eddie, sister, Linda Aranda and husband Carlton; brothers, Brad Green and Neil Green Jr., all of Tulalip; sister, Nina Reece, of Arlington; sister, Teresa Meece and husband Richard, of Darrington; and the lights of her life her grandchildren, Brooklan and Remi. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and tons of cousins. RoseAnn is reunited in Heaven with her brother, David Hunter; nephew, James Michael Emhoolah; maternal grandparents, Bernice Sheldon Williams and John Miller; paternal grandparents, Roy Green and Maggie Green; and her best friend, Cynthia “Sindy” Kay King. We were not ready for RoseAnn to leave us, but God called her away. RoseAnn will be deeply missed by her family and friends. There will not be a funeral proceeding due to COVID-19 restrictions, but a gathering will be planned and held at a later date. Arrangement entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.
He was a good man. George K. Tsoodle 1. He was born December 24, 1944 to loving parents Dora Autobo & Henry James Tsoodle, in Mountainview Oklahoma. He was a member of the Kiowa tribes of Oklahoma.
He made it to the 7th grade, but began working at the age of 9. His passion for fixing things guided him through multiple careers from moving furniture, Welco lumber co. security at theTulalip casino & ended his career with the Tulalip tribes after working 18 years in July 2020 after retiring he built a pig farm & spent the rest of his days maintaining it at home. He was a spiritual believer. His dedication to the smokehouse helped many lives created many spiritual children. Like Walter Bradley, Rosalie Topaum, and many others he followed Kenneth Moses SR & JR along the coast, to help with their spiritual work. His passion in sports introduced him to his wife Vickie Tsoodle and made him into a very passionate softball coach to his daughters and the fellow girls who played on the their teams. He continued his unlimited support for sports when his grandchildren played basketball, softball or whatever it was they decided to play. Since the beginning he has been an avid Seahawks fan, the original 12th man.
Preceded in death by his mother Dora Autobo and his father Henry James Tsoodle his siblings Hawley Tsoodle vena J. waters Annamae Clawson Russell T. Tsoodle his nephew Joey Brungardt and his grandson Sateshon R. Conway and many loved ones. Survived by his wife Vickie Tsoodle and his daughters Paula Tsoodle Mel Tsoodle Jk Tsoodle Dorthera (Diya) Tsoodle and his grandchildren George Tsoodle 2 Jayson Tsoodle Jessyca Tsoodle Roxanne Conway Jakeb Conway Joann Ancheta Candace Tsoodle Iissaya Ancheta Dora Conway Aarron Tsoodle-Miller Sylus Edwards Berta Conway Dalilah Tsoodle-Jones Zackary Jones Ezekial Tsoodle-Edwards Abrielle Tsoodle-Jones great grandkids Seria Ahlberg Gabrial Tsoodle Kain Tsoodle-Ahlberg Tiana Tsoodle-Ahlberg leviathan Tsoodle-Ahlberg Sahale Conway Sire Conway and his siblings chuck Tsoodle Geneva Brungardt Al Tsoodle Susan perish and numerous Nieces, nephews, friends and family. George and Vickie were married for 48 years sorely be missed by many.
A family committal service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Mission Beach Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.
Kelly Cashmere Moses Jr was born May 25th, 1995 and made his way to the other side December 17th, 2020. Kelly was born to his father and Mother, Kelly R. Moses Sr and Marcella Moses.
Kelly loved long-boarding, writing, drawing, being outdoors, traveling to winter pow wows, and was an inspiring photographer. Growing up Kelly was never seen without his best friend, Brian O’day. Always both together and one was never seen without the other. Kelly had humorous and outgoing nature that made him stand out in a crowd. Kelly always had an endless compassion towards others and a quality that made him compassionate towards animals.
Kelly is survived by his father and mother, Kelly R. Moses Sr. And Marcella Moses, Daughter Evelyn Zephar Moses, Brother Walter Moses and sister-in-law Irene Moses, Sisters Angela Peltier and brother-in-law Timothy Peltier, and Elizabeth Moses and brother-in-law Jason Kaestner. Special friend Jess Moses, Special aunties Carolyn Moses and Millie Russell, special nephew, whom he help raise and name, Mordecai Moses and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kelly is proceeded in death by his grandfather Victor Moses Sr. And Esther Moses, Harvey Russell Sr. and Francis Russell. Uncles, Victor Moses Jr., Mark Moses, Kim Moses, Raymond Moses, Lavelle Russell, and Monty Russell. His best animal companion, “Lucy”.
Graveside service Monday, Dec. 28, 2020 at 10:00 AM, Tulalip Beach Cemetery. Immediate family only and strict COVID-19 restrictions will be in place.
Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.
Tulalip, WA (Dec. 21, 2020) – Readers of Seattle Magazine have picked their favorite places for 2020 – and Tulalip Resort Casino has come out on top once again as the “Best Casino” in the publication’s annual Readers Choice Poll.
It is the second straight year Tulalip Resort Casino earned major kudos from Seattle Magazine readers, who also named their favorite spots for dining, travel destinations and shopping. The survey results appeared in the publication’s November/December issue.
Tulalip Resort Casino has garnered multiple awards and recognition in 2020 from travel organizations, meeting industry professionals, and resort and casino guests.
“We appreciate the recognition by our guests and Seattle Magazine. We strive to provide everyone who visits an exceptional experience, and this award is a testament to our team’s hard work in meeting the high standards we set for ourselves,” said Ken Kettler, Tulalip Gaming Organization COO/President.
Pestilence Dallin Maybee (Northern Arapaho) Materials: Czech gas mask, 13/0 charlotte cut beads, 24k Gold charlotte beads, freshwater pearls, 11/0 beads, ermine skins, satin ribbons, brass bells and thimbles, Swarovski crystals, rooster hackles. Technique: Applique stitch beadwork “[This] floral gas mask depicts one of the many contemporary issues of our modern lives. More than the devastating impact of these diseases upon our peoples, this art narrative is about our resilience and ability to find beauty in all things. I have always been extremely impressed in the beauty found in often simple, utilitarian items. This horrifying juxtaposition of the vulgarity of why gas masks even exist, coupled with the bacteria and viruses that have afflicted us, are visibly laid bare against beautiful beadwork and floral designs of bacteria and cross-sections of viruses. DNA vines weave through a petri dish of growth, with no discernable identification of whose DNA is there. Our DNA appears the same and unfortunately we all wear this mask.”
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News; photos courtesy Cherokee Nation
One of the largest Native American art shows in the nation is currently underway and 100% free to attend online. The 15th annual Cherokee Art Market is where 90 elite all-Native artists and artisans from across the United States – representing 50+ different tribes – come together to display and sell truly amazing jewelry, pottery, paintings, sculptures, and more. Digital visitors will be blown away by the culturally vibrant, hand-made treasures that can make your favorite household room more striking and holiday gift giving even more memorable.
“Art is a powerful reminder of past and present, of grand traditions and daily routines,” said Cherokee Nation Chief, Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Art adapts to adversity. It is a clear note of perseverance in the worst of times and a powerful reminder of that perseverance in the best of times. Many of our ancestors were once forbidden to tell stories in their Native language. Today you carry their voices, and I look around with a sense of wonder at just how far those voices go.”
Originally scheduled for a traditional, in-person market to be held in October, changes were necessary under current conditions in order to bring the market to fruition. Perseverance by both artists and art enthusiasts was called upon to bring a virtual platform together.
“The 2020 virtual art market created a new and unique opportunity for Cherokee Nation to introduce our market to a worldwide audience,” added Chief Hoskin. “We have a responsibility to keep artisans and patrons safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the shift to an online format was the best way to move forward. In this challenging environment, we were able to ensure the most talented Native artists were still able to show their work and find a receptive audience.”
Going virtual for the first time ever expands the possible audience and online engagement, especially for those who live great distances or simply hadn’t been aware that such a market even exists until now. The Cherokee Art Market is currently ‘live’ and is scheduled to end the morning of December 21. It can be reached at visitcherokeenation.com/cherokee-art-market/art-gallery
“This year has been tremendously difficult for artists, with many shows being forced to cancel, so we offered the virtual platform at no cost to help them to show and sell their work safely,” said Deborah Fritts, Cherokee Art Market coordinator. “Not only does their dedication and creativity promote Native culture, it enhances timely and relevant conversations about our past, present and future. We look forward to celebrating their work and hope the public will take time to visit us online.”
Those individuals seeking authentic Native art, created by a wide range of tribal representatives, are encouraged to visit this unique digital marketplace. Even without making a purchase, visitors will be immersed in a bounty of traditional treasure that truly celebrates the diversity of tribal cultures and creativity.
Visit the all virtual Cherokee Art Market now through December 21 at visitcherokeenation.com/cherokee-art-market
Here are a few unique items that highlight the market’s broad range of elite Native artists and their stunning craftsmanship.
Tell Me Turtle Stories Renee Hoover (Cherokee Nation) Materials: Commercial Reed and Dyes. Technique: Cherokee Double Walled – Round Reed “I have woven four story baskets that each contain a clear message; this fifth story basket is designed to be open ended and used by an adult and child to create stories unique to them and their setting. I have woven several turtles within the basket that can become a part of any child’s story. The large turtle on the lid could naturally become a parent/adult with the smaller turtles within the basket and used for whatever roles suit the story. It’s so important for families to create their own stories and this basket could become a starting point.”
Seen By Her Nation Beverly Moran (Standing Rock) Materials: Size 11 Czech Glass Seed Beads, Size 3mm, 6mm, and 8mm Burgundy Swarovski Crystals, Gold plated 6mm & 8mm beads, 1 1/2 inch & 4 inch bone hair pipes, sable minks, brain tanned deer & elk hides, sterling silver findings, canvas and cow hide. Technique: The beaded technique includes both the lane/lazy stitch and applique stitch. All components of the dress are completely handstitched. The dress took over 2 years to complete. “Seen By Her Nation is a unique and one-of-a-kind fully beaded Lakota Woman’s dress inspired by my daughter Andrea Bear King and titled in honor of a wife of our Lakota leader Sitting Bull. This dress is designed and created with the Woman’s Northern Traditional dancer in mind, but is a very beautiful piece of collectable art. Bold motifs of dragonflies, lightning bolts, tipis, turtles, and stars all of which are symbolic of the history and culture of my Lakota relatives are incorporated into this dress. The dress includes a fully beaded yoke, beaded skirt, belt, purse, beaded mink hair ties, strike-a-light bag, knife sheath, a bone choker and woman’s full size breastplate.”
Comanche People’s Homelands Monica Raphael (Grand Traverse) Materials: Birch bark, natural and dyed porcupine quills using various plants, insects and commercial dyes. Vintage, antique and 24k gold size 13 Czech seed beads, antique brass thimbles and hawk bells, size 4mm black fire polished antique glass beads, dyed horse hair and traditionally brain tanned and smoked deer hide. Technique: Woodland Porcupine Quillwork using natural and dyed quills embroidery on to birch bark.Leader of the Buffalo Joshua Adams (Easter Band of Cherokee Indians) Materials: Butternut Wood, Buffalo horn and Fur Technique: Woodcarving “My interpretation of the lead dance mask for the Cherokee buffalo dance or forest buffalo dance. The dance is reserved for mornings and nights before hunts. The Buffalo dance was not restrictive or private and was open for all to participate publicly. Despite the disappearance of the forest buffalo from the smokies centuries ago, the dance, like the Cherokee, has persisted through time.”MMIW: Remember Our Sisters Eugene Tapahe (Navajo) Location: Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming Materials: Archival Watercolor Paper Technique: Lithograph Photograph Print “Art heals. The Jingle Dress Project is my dream to take the healing power of the Ojibwe jingle dress and dance to the land, to travel and capture a series of images to document the spiritual places where our ancestors once walked. My goal is to unite and give hope to the world through art, dance and culture to help us heal during the COVID-19 pandemic and these uncertain times.”Biskinik (top right) Deana Ward (Choctaw Nation) Materials: Cut Glass Beads, Sterling Silver Findings, Brain-tanned Buckskin Technique: Picot, daisy, whipped, embroidery, bead weaving, right angle weave stitching “The Biskinik is a sacred bird to the Choctaws. The English name is the yellow-bellied sapsucker. Our tribal newspaper is named after this bird because it is a bringer of ‘good news’.” Red Star Yonavea Hawkins (Caddo) Materials: Buckskin, size 11 cut beads, thread, and sinew Technique: Half -stitch (similar to an overlay stitch)One Nation Ashley Roberts Kahsaklawee (Cherokee Nation) Materials: Glass beads, leather, wool, vintage sign Technique: Loom beadwork tapestry warps sewn and leather along top ridge sewn to wool and attached to vintage sign. Leather backing. Loom piece is free from tack down and can be viewed from front and back.
“I’m so thankful that all these people came out for my grandson today,” tearfully expressed Sandra Grenier. “He is so loved. I very much appreciate it.”
On the twenty-fifth day into the search for fallen Tulalip Police Officer Charlie Cortez, the Tulalip community held a special honoring parade in his remembrance. Thin Blue Line flags waved in the air, attached to hundreds of vehicles ranging from sports cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks, vans, police squad cars, fire trucks and ORVs, extending from the Tulalip Youth Center to Marine Drive.
Tulalip hero Charlie Cortez, a father, son, cousin, motocross rider, protector and exerciser of treaty rights, and man of the Tulalip people dedicated his life to serving his community. Weeks after the announcement that the Fish & Wildlife officer presumably died in the line of duty, the Tulalip Police Department and a multitude of volunteers continue to scour the Salish waters in hopes to recover and return the 29-year-old officer home after he went missing at sea on the night of November 17.
“I want to express my heartfelt condolences and thoughts and prayers for the entire Cortez family and all who loved and knew Charlie. It’s such a tragic loss for our community and for our police department and of course for his family and loved ones,” said Tulalip Chief of Police, Chris Sutter.
For generations, Indigenous families have relied on the strength of their tribe to both get through and understand trying times. Tribal communities often ban together to hold gatherings and ceremonies as well as raise funds for grieving families, providing medicine in the form of song, dance, stories, hot food and presence. Unable to host such a gathering due to COVID-19 restrictions, Torry and Christina Parker organized the parade to bring a bit of healing to the family.
At 3:00 p.m. on December 12, dozens of police vehicles hailing from departments all across the state, signaled the start of the parade when their sirens began to flash and wail simultaneously. As each vehicle made their way down Totem Beach Road, they displayed posters, signs, and décor in honor of Charlie. Some of the more moving posters were carried by Tulalip tribal youth with messages such as, “I love you” and “I’m riding for my hero Charlie Cortez”.
Teri Nelson, Charlie’s aunt, emotionally shared, “We’re beyond grateful for everybody in the community, for their love and support.”
An overwhelming surprise to many, the parade’s caravan consisted of at least two-hundred vehicles and lasted for over 30 minutes as Charlie’s colleagues, friends, family and fellow hunters and motocross riders joined-in to pay their respects. Charlie’s family watched the entire moving display of community from the Tulalip Marina, waving as each car passed by. Prior to the parade, the family asked participants to wrap their vehicles in holiday fashion as this was Charlie’s favorite time of year, celebrating not only Christmas but his mother’s, brother’s and son’s birthday each December.
“Just to see everyone put that time aside today and come together in a safe way for Charlie, and make it fun and decorate their cars, it was powerful,” said Charlie’s first-cousin Kayla Scheiber. “Starting with all the police officers making their sirens go off, and the fire trucks after them, then all the Harley’s and cars, it was really meaningful and I know my family appreciates it a lot, as well as Charlie in spirit.”
In addition to paying tribute to Charlie’s life, the tribe is also using the parade as an opportunity to let the people know that recovery efforts will continue until Charlie is brought home, welcoming any volunteers to the cause.
“It was a great show of love and support,” said Chief Sutter. “Thanks to our entire community for all that they’re doing and continue to do in our search and recovery efforts. It was inspiring to see all the law enforcement agencies, fish and wildlife agencies, fire departments and numerous organizations, groups and families who came out to show their support and love for the entire Cortez family and in honor of our beloved officer Charlie.”
If you have any information in relation to the search for Officer Cortez, please contact (360) 926-5059 or email BringOfficerCortezHome@gmail.com
“I’m glad that we took this time to honor Charlie,” Kayla expressed. “We needed this as Native people, it’s really important for us. And the fact that Charlie is still missing – I believe this is something that will help him get found at some point. I know that coming together in this way is healing and will help bring him home.”
Submitted by Morgan Peterson, Tulalip Community Health Nurse
Mental health is just as important as physical health. During these difficult times of a pandemic, it’s more important than ever to include self-care in our daily lives. At Tulalip Community Health, we want to provide support to youth that are home on quarantine. We hope these items can help pass the time while at home. We all must do our part to stop the spread of COVID and stay home if exposed to COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19.
Q. What is a Youth Care Kit?
A. A youth care kit is put together with the specific interests of youth in mind. They have various items from Legos and dolls to cooking kits, art activities, and journals.
Q. Who is eligible to receive a youth kit?
A. Youth kits are available to households in isolation/quarantine due to having a family member in the home testing positive for COVID-19.
Q. What ages do these kits include?
A. The items are for children 3-18
Q. How can I receive one of these Youth Care Kits?
A. There are a couple of ways to receive a care kit:
When someone is notified of a positive COVID-19 test result, please let the caller know there are children in the home and the ages.
Call Community Health (360) 716-5662 and request a youth care kit. Please leave a message with your name and good number, and someone will call you back.
Call Tiffany Robinson from the Community Health Transportation Department (360) 722-1635
Each year the Tulalip Education Division honors students at the Annual Graduation Banquet. This year, we did not get the normal banquet and opportunity to honor all of our seniors who worked so hard to finish the last of their high school career during a pandemic.
At the end each school year we give an opportunity for students to apply for Tulalip Senior Boy & Girl of the Year and also just recently, the Indian Education Parent Committee Student of the Year. With delays and organizing during a pandemic, we are happy to close the year out with the official winner’s announcement.
2020 Tulalip Senior Girl of the Year: Chelsea Orr
Chelsea graduated from Lakewood High School with a 3.95 GPA. Chelsea excelled academically, took on several leadership roles and was a star athlete. Chelsea is attending Washington State University, studying Human Development and plans to become a Pediatric Occupational Therapist.
2020 Tulalip Senior Boy of the Year: Tal “TJ” Severn
Tal graduated from Marysville Pilchuck High School with a 3.87 GPA. Tal was a 4-year Honor Roll student, while taking A.P. and college level courses. He was a start athlete and spent time supporting his community. Tal is attending Washington State University and plans to major in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences so that he can return to Tulalip and work for Natural Resources.
2020 Indian Education Parent Committee student of the year: Marisa Joseph
Marisa graduated from Marysville Pilchuck High School with a 3.97 GPA while taking A.P. courses. Marisa excelled academically and also contributed to her Tulalip Community. Marisa served on the Tulalip Youth Council with a strong focus on suicide prevention. Marisa is currently attending Dartmouth College and plans to double major in Government and Native American students to eventually become a Tribal Lawyer.
Congratulations to our three students of the year. You are outstanding role models for our community and we look forward to watching your journey of growth, determination and success.
We hope that all of our graduates are doing well and working towards their life goals. Obstacles are inevitable, but possibilities are endless. Honor your roots and never give up. The Tulalip Education Division, Leaders and Community are cheering for you all.
