Indigenous Peoples Day: Together We Rise, Resist, Reclaim

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

For the seventh consecutive year, the greater-Seattle area and its thousands of Native citizens will proudly celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Replacing the former misbegotten holiday dedicated to a slave trader and lost Italian navigator, the commemorative day to honor the past, present and future of Indigenous cultures takes place annually on the second Monday in October.

“People ask, ‘Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day and why not American Indian Day or Native American Day?’ It’s only appropriate that we honor the legacy of work that’s been done,” explained Matt Remle, Lakota activist and local educator. His efforts, along with many other dedicated Native advocates, were instrumental in getting a proclamation voted on by the Seattle City Council and signed into law by then-mayor Ed Murray in 2013. 

“It’s not only honoring legacy, but when we say ‘Indigenous peoples,’ it’s referring to more than just the tribes of the colonized United States,” Remle continued. “We’re talking about all Indigenous peoples who’ve been impacted by settler colonialism around the world.”

Since its inception into the Puget Sound region, the Indigenous Peoples’ Day movement has spread to over 120 cities and been embraced by at least 10 state governments. Even some universities and a handful of public school districts have indoctrinated the holiday to celebrate global Indigenous cultures. 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day reimagines Columbus Day and changes a celebration of colonialism into an opportunity to reveal historical truths about the genocide and oppression of America’s original inhabitants, to organize against current injustices, and to celebrate Indigenous resistance.

Like so many things in 2020, this year’s celebration is forced to adapt to a social environment that doesn’t risk anyone’s health or wellbeing. It’ll be all virtual, all the time with prerecorded performances and heartfelt messages shared on Monday, October 12. To view the itinerary, receive updates and view the live videos come Indigenous Peoples’ Day, click on the following link – https://www.facebook.com/events/417245289650927/

We now reflect on more glorious days, when Native people and their allies from around the Pacific Northwest gathered on Coast Salish land to be seen and heard in celebration of reclaiming the narrative and repurposing a national holiday in our own image, all the while showcasing the beauty of Indigenous resistance.

Six years’ worth of Indigenous Peoples’ Days have brought about countless memories made. There’s been marches through the streets of Seattle, tears of joy shed between strangers, untold friendships made, and so much traditional knowledge shared at Daybreak Star cultural center. Most of all, this year’s seventh anniversary marks seven years of our younger generation not being forced to celebrate Columbus. 

“It’s been beautiful to see so many Indigenous people come together and be filled with so much joy,” shared 21-year-old Ayanna Fuentes, a member of Indigenous Sisters Resistance. “Our younger generation is growing up not knowing what Columbus Day is, and that’s an amazing thing.”

During the very first anniversary of Seattle’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day proclamation, renowned activist and two-time Green Party vice-presidential candidate Winona LaDuke (Ojibwe) delivered a passionate keynote address.

“It is so liberating for me to be here and celebrate with you all in just how awesome it is be Indigenous,” beamed LaDuke in front of her Native brothers and sisters. “You know, it’s always perplexed me how someone can name something as large as a mountain or sea or an entire day after something as small as a human.

“It changes how people view things when everything is named after all these white guys,” she continued. “We are just beginning. There is a lot of work ahead in the renaming and recovering and restoration of our homelands. In doing so we remember our ancestors. In doing this we honor all those before us, all those here, and all those yet to come. And we reaffirm our place here as a people who remember, as a people who do not suffer from historic amnesia.”

The Tulalip Youth Council attended last year’s celebrations at Daybreak Star where they joined an energetic lineup of Native performers. The young culture bearers shared their Tulalip culture with hundreds who packed the traditional space. Tulalip voices rang out, as did their bellowing drums, during their two song performance. 

“We are here to celebrate the amazing resiliency of Indigenous peoples,” said Matt Remle three years ago while serving as evening co-emcee. “Despite the Euro colonizers greatest efforts at mass genocide, disposition, slavery, and assimilation, we as Native peoples are still here. Native communities continue to fight to protect the land, air, and waters. We continue to live traditional roles and responsibilities, which have been passed down from our origins as a peoples since the beginning of creation. We continue to sing our songs, relearn our languages and express ourselves through our dances and cultures. If this isn’t worth celebrating, I don’t know what is.”

A plethora of states, cities, counties, community groups, schools, and other institutions will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 12. They do so with activities, storytelling and lesson plans that raise awareness for the rich history, culture, and traditions of America’s Indigenous peoples. Because we are still here. And we are thriving.

Tulalip to celebrate Halloween

By Kim Kalliber, Tulalip News

For kids and adults alike, Halloween is a favorite holiday. And this year it lands on a Saturday, with a full moon. But also, a pandemic. The end-of-year holiday celebrations may seem bleak this year, but there are ways to have fun and be safe. 

Tulalip tribal member Malory Simpson and her team of volunteers are continuing to work hard to bring Trunk or Treat to the Tulalip community. Happening at 1:00 p.m. on October 31 at the Tulalip admin building parking lot, the group is determined to not let a fave holiday go uncelebrated. There are costumes to be worn and candy to be had! 

“Although the event will look different this year, I believe our community looks forward to not only volunteering, but also allowing children to participate,” said Malory. “I think it’s good for the kids to see some type of normalcy, while we practice safe measures.” 

“We haven’t had any events that have enabled us to bring the community together safely, and this will hopefully allow our people to reconnect with one another, added tribal member Natosha Gobin, “We all have been going through our own struggles during the pandemic, often times feeling like our kids are going without their normal interactions. Through hosting this gathering we will remind our community of the strength we share by showing up to serve: Together We’re Better!”

  Trunk or Treat will still feature plenty of good Halloween fun with buckets of candy handed out at the entrance. And although party goers need to remain in their cars, they can drive slowly through to view the festive décor and wave to their friends, and any roaming ghosts, princesses, superheroes and more.  

“I am not sure how many parents will allow their kids to go out and trick or treat so this will give them something to do to replace that safely,” added Malory. 

To help out with the event, Malory and crew are accepting donations of pre-filled candy bags. They request that folks please wear a mask and gloves while preparing candy bags, as they are working to ensure the safest possible environment for the community. 

Another necessity is Halloween buckets. These can be found at Wal-Mart for one dollar each. 

And of course, cash donations are always helpful as well. If you can volunteer in any way, please contact Malory at 360.716.4722. Have a fun and safe Halloween. 

Community Health COVID kits

By Kim Kalliber, Tulalip News

Being prepared is key in any health crisis. It’s especially important during a nationwide pandemic like COVID 19. With cases on the rise again at Tulalip, staff at Community Health, in partnership with Emergency Management, have prepared wellness kits for those testing positive with the virus.

According to Morgan Peterson, Community Health Nurse, 70 kits have been assembled and are available. “These are a starter kit to help promote health and wellness. Family or friends can pick them up at the Community Health building. We also will deliver the kits the persons home.”

“These kits are for all Native families residing on the reservation and receive care at the health clinic,” said Morgan. “We will provide these kits to Tribal families that have tested positive outside of the Tulalip Health Clinic.”

These kits include many essential items such as: 

  • Hand soap
  • Sanitizer
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • 20 masks 
  • 20 pairs of gloves
  • Teas
  • EmergenC
  • Pulse oximeter
  • Thermometer
  • Booklet to track and monitor symptoms 
  • An info card on how to use the items and who to call if you need help

There is a limit of one COVID care kit per household and three kits have been given out so far. Clinic staff are asking those picking up kits to please call first, and staff will bring the kit to your car. 

“Community Health nurses and nurses of the Health Clinic are here to answer any questions or concerns so don’t hesitate to call,” added Morgan.

The Clinic is offering COVID testing to any patient of the clinic. You must be or become registered to receive COVID testing. 

For more information, please contact the Tulalip Health Clinic at 360-716-5662 or visit tulaliphealthsystem.com. 

Tonya Renee Sheldon

January 24, 1954 – October 6, 2020

Toni Renee Sheldon passed on October 6, 2020. Toni was born January 24, 1954 in Everett, WA to her late mother Nola Heminger (Sisseton) and her late father Melvin R Sheldon, Sr. (Tulalip Tribes). She joins her brother Michael Sheldon, father Stan W. Fox, grandmother Theresa Sheldon and grandfather Robert W. Sheldon of Tulalip and her grandmother Cora Heminger, her aunties Rose Lewis and Gwen Hatch.

She is survived by her daughters Terra (David) Perrin, Theresa Sheldon, Shawnee Sheldon (Jeff Monsegur), Heidi Follestad (Chris Enick) and Courtney (Anthony) Jefferson Grandchildren Justine Sheldon, Alexis, Emily, Kailani, Adrian, Klayton, Kayleena, Jaidin, Isabelle, Lilly, Mason, Ma’Kylah, Kaidence, Madison, Amenya, and Baby Buffalo (Anthony Jr). Her brother Melvin R. Sheldon Jr, sisters Tina (Jim) Dillon & Nola Two Feathers and niece Alicia (Clayton) Horne and aunt Marlene Peterson.


She graduated from Burlington High School in 1972. She attended the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in New Mexico. Graduated from Skagit Valley College with her Nursing Degree. She worked in Oncology at Skagit Valley Hospital. In early 90’s she became a social worker for Indian Child Welfare for Tulalip Tribes, volunteered on the Sea-Yaht-Sub Committee, and was the only female to pull canoe for Tulalip in the 1989 Paddle to Seattle. Last decade was spent being an amazing grandma to her grandchildren. We thank all the caretakers who gave our mother her independence. She will be greatly missed.


Toni Sheldon’s graveside service will be at Mission Beach Cemetery, Tulalip, WA on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 11:00 AM. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.

The art of soap making with Amoreena Anderson

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

“Everybody sees soap as this magical thing, and it is kind of magical,” said Tulalip tribal member, Amoreena Anderson. “It cleanses your pores and takes away all the dirt and bacteria off your body, binds it to a molecule and washes it away.”

At a young age, Amoreena found her passion while on shopping trips with her mom in Mount Vernon. Little did she know of all the lives she would positively affect when she was drawn to a section of a local food co-op where they sold handcrafted soap, and her teenage, curious mind began to wonder how soap is made.

“My mom used to take me to the Skagit Valley Food Co-Op and they would have all these handcrafted soaps, I was always interested in knowing how they were made,” she said. “My mom told me she made soap before and I would probably learn when I got older. From that moment on, I was completely into it.”

She spent the next few years researching how to craft soap. If the co-op visits were the prelude to her journey in soap making, the first chapter took place in 2012 when she began experimenting and created her first product, which was a big hit amongst her family and co-workers.

She stated, “I have carpal tunnel and was always typing as a data entry clerk, so I started making shea butter body whip, basically whipped shea butter that I would add essential oils and vitamin E. My friend used to trade me massages for the body butter, it was for her child who had a skin condition. I believe all the high-end essential oils are wonderful, they reap all the benefits that you could use and I really wanted to know more.” 

Amoreena explained that after receiving positive reviews about the body butter and learning more about essential oils, she was ready for the next challenge. Purchasing her first home in 2013, she now had the necessary space to fully immerse herself into her passion project.

“I had a typical first timer experience as I started perfecting my methods and recipes. They have soap calculators online that are very helpful in helping you get the right consistency. Cleansing and moisturizing are the two most important factors. Depending on your skin type, you can modify each batch to meet your specific needs. And then there’s also the oil properties; soy bean, coconut, shea butter, a lot of exotic oils that all have different properties. Pretty soon I had a lot of people who wanted to buy soap from me, so I start selling soap. But, I wanted to do more.”

“I had a typical first timer experience as I started perfecting my methods and recipes. They have soap calculators online that are very helpful in helping you get the right consistency. Cleansing and moisturizing are the two most important factors. Depending on your skin type, you can modify each batch to meet your specific needs. And then there’s also the oil properties; soy bean, coconut, shea butter, a lot of exotic oils that all have different properties. Pretty soon I had a lot of people who wanted to buy soap from me, so I start selling soap. But, I wanted to do more.”

Growing up Tulalip, she learned about the traditional lifeways of her people and knew a great deal about harvesting and the medicinal properties that plants contain. She wanted to expand her knowledge on the subject of herbalism even more to incorporate different plants and herbs into her soaps, salves, candles, bath bombs, and lotions to help people with their everyday ailments. She enrolled in an herbalist course to get a better understanding of the healing abilities that various plants offer. 

“I took a class to learn different ways I could incorporate a holistic approach, to help people heal their skin issues and symptoms because a lot of herbalism can treat those symptoms,” said Amoreena. “Depending on the plant you’re using, some of these plants are adaptogenic and they alleviate and eliminate symptoms completely. I really feel like I’m doing my best work, sharing my passion for my work in general to give to my community. Whether it be information or product, it’s very empowering and uplifting and I like to not only give to them, but ask them if they would like to make soap with me, if they want to go harvesting with me, or if they want to sit in and watch.”

Amoreena’s soap making journey was off to a great start. In fact, if her story was a biopic on the silver screen, the next few years would play out like a montage as her business, known officially as Coast Salish Soaps, took off. Not only was she selling soap to multiple families within the Tulalip community, her products were being shipped nationwide and could even be found for sale in other countries such as Canada, Italy, Japan, Germany and England. The quality of her products was spoken of highly by her clientele who provided testimonials and side-by-side before and after pictures to back up their reviews.

A major component to her success is the fact the she shares her knowledge with her consumers. When people approach her with different skin issues they wish to address, she not provides them with a product that works, she explains why it will work, what to expect and how the issue may have arisen in the first place.  

“I really do care,” expressed Amoreena. “I have sensitive skin. My kids have sensitive skin. A lot of it stems from the food you eat. Your liver is basically your body’s second brain, and your skin is the largest organ on your body. Your skin is considered to be your second liver. Everything your liver doesn’t process out, comes through the skin and you end up having skin eruptions; eczema, cirrhosis, endocrine diseases are linked to the liver and heavy metal. There are so many people who suffer from skin flare ups like dry skin, rashes and they don’t know where it comes from.”

She continues, “When you go all natural with handcrafted soaps like I make, sometimes you go through a detoxing process for your skin and it’s weird for the first two weeks, but then you’re all good. A lot of people say soap irritates their skin and think what is sold over the counter is soap, when it’s not actually soap, it’s chemicals. People like it because it doesn’t leave soap scum, one of the complaints that happens regularly with handmade soaps. But then they’ll notice their skin is a lot drier, itchier, and tight-feeling, and that’s because their using surfactants versus soap. With what corporate America gives the public to use, small-business-handcrafted-soap-makers are really valuable people inside their communities, to bring that knowledge back to people. It’s empowering for a lot of people to take back control on what they use on their bodies.”

All great success stories are not complete without trials and tribulations, and Coast Salish Soaps are currently weathering a momentary hiatus brought forth in the form of an injury when Amoreena took a spill and broke both of her wrists. Although she hasn’t been in business for about a year, she still receives requests on the regular. When she has the necessary helping hands from her kiddos and plenty of notice in advance, Amoreena will occasionally concoct a batch of soaps to donate for local memorials and funerals in the Tulalip community. 

  “I usually have a feeling of gratitude when I do my work. When I’m called upon to make soap for memorials, or funerals for our give away practices, I always try to oblige. An important part of our culture, in the potlatch system, is our giveaways.”

Amoreena wants her loyal customers and interested parties to know that her love and passion for soap making hasn’t faltered through trying times, and that she plans on elevating her brand once she is back to 100% and healed from her injury. And although she constantly works with Native plants of this region, such as Devils Club, and has even rendered bear fat to use in her products, she wants to incorporate more traditional teachings and medicine into soaps and creations. 

“One of my favorites to make is the emulsified sugar scrub because you’re in total and complete control of how moisturizing or cleansing it is, and how silky it’s going to turn out and how much lather it will have. My healing butter infused with plant medicine is another favorite. Soap is my favorite, that’s a given because that’s the base of my business. I like to make lotions and heavy creams upon request. Liquid soap is most definitely up there, people really like the liquid soap. My son’s out fishing and he’ll come home and it will take the fish smell right out of his skin. Any stinky smell, it’s just gone, don’t have to re-wash your hands from anything potent smelling. It’s really good for your skin too, it doesn’t leave it over dried.”

To stay updated on the latest news about Amoreena and Coast Salish Soaps, please join the Coast Salish Soaps group on Facebook and be sure to give their business page a like as well. Amoreena may not be selling products at this time, but she is always willing to share the knowledge she has attained over the years with those who are inquiring. 

She expressed, “My goal with my business is to empower the people, to give back to the community. It’s important that we uplift each other and share our knowledge to keep our Tribe and our community empowered. You’d be amazed at what a bag of liquid soap, that’s full of essential oils, can do for somebody’s mental health just by that ritual of showering and inhaling the essential oils in the steam.”

Did you know?

  • Devils club salve is a sacred plant native to the United States, Canada and Alaska regions. They like to grow in areas that have a lot of moisture. A little bit can go a long way. It’s an anti-flammatory and it has multiple uses beyond herbalism that are sacred and spiritual. The plant itself will smoothen out kinked muscles, it will alleviate the pain and bring circulation in. 
  • Magnesium is a mineral that our bodies need, it’s something that our body doesn’t reproduce on its own so you need to get it from food sources or topically. Magnesium does hundreds of positive things for your body; it relaxes your heart, it relaxes all of your muscles so you can get proper blood flow to damaged tissue, it alleviates leg cramps, it works with nerve damage like neuropathy that diabetics can get, it helps immensely with headaches and can be a very powerful pain reliever.

Hibulb Cultural Center accepting submissions for November 7th Film Festival

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

The film festival lives on! With each year that passed since the Hibulb Cultural Center (HCC) first announced the Film Festival, more and more participants found community by bonding with other likeminded creatives at the yearly Fall time event. Each year the film festival culture grows stronger as Indigenous filmmakers, actors, and storytellers showcase their art to the public. The festival is open to all who work in film, whether you live locally or a few states or continents away, everyone is encouraged to take part in the festival and several filmmakers, scorers and screenplay writers from around the world submit their works each year. 

“The film festivals began at Hibulb to celebrate films and filmmaking, and to highlight Coast Salish communities as well as communities around the world and the values that we share,” explains Lena Jones, HCC Education Curator and Film Festival Organizer. “There is always an international element to our festivals that remind us of the beauty of the world.”

In years past, the event typically occurs throughout the course of an entire day and movie lovers are treated to multiple screenings in both the HCC classrooms and longhouse. The participants who submit their films provide an introduction before the film plays and afterwards, they explain in detail the intricacies of each scene and answer any questions from the audience, allowing the creatives to fully engage about all the specifics that go into making a film. 

Lena expressed, “We believe it is important to celebrate Indigenous filmmakers and actors because they carry our voice and perspective into the world, a perspective that is much needed during these times. They provide role models for our younger generation with their strong, healing messages. They uplift their communities. We know there is so much talent in our communities and so much knowledge to draw from in our heritage.”

With local events throughout the nation being pushed-back or canceled completely due to the coronavirus, it is refreshing and exciting to see the continuation of the film festival, especially since last year’s event drew many spectators and submissions. And although the HCC is open to the public, with many safety measures and practices in place, they are taking an extra-cautious approach to this year’s festival because of the infectious disease and are proceeding with the event digitally. 

“The show must go on,” said Lena. “This year the festival will be virtual. We will livestream the film awards and lifetime achievement awards on our Hibulb Cultural Center Facebook page at noon on November 7, and we will post links of the films for folks to view. An audience award will be given this year on the film selected by the audience as the overall best film.”

Over the past eight years, the festival has welcomed several genres of films such as music videos about rez love, fantasy films, documentaries about local tribes and their people. Local cinephiles are often treated to a look into tribal lifeways when films regarding sovereignty, treaty rights, harvesting, and art are shared during the festival. 

Some films feature songs and on-screen interactions that are spoken and sang in the filmmaker’s Native language, such as fan favorite films by Tulalip Filmmaker, David Spencer Sr., Waiting for Blackberries and I Am Frog in which the film’s dialogues are spoken entirely in Lushootseed.

“The films are diverse. Each year we pick a theme for the festival,” said Lena.  “This year is ‘Past, Present, and Future’. Our judges, Swinomish tribal elder and filmmaker Robin Carneen, filmmaker Mike Van Luvan, and chef and film consultant Brit Reed all bring unique and inspiring perspectives to our film festival. We’re honored for their help and expertise. 

“We accept all films. In the past we’ve received historical and biographical documentaries, animations, romance, fantasies, thriller films, action films, comedies, music films, experimental films, and sci-fi films.”

So far, the HCC has received five film submissions including, Bittersweet Life as We Know It by Julie Antony, Nobody Cares by Tim Fraser-Granados, Salish Cedar Canoes by Costa Boutsikaris, The Battle of Blythe by Robert Lundahl, and The Vision, Death, and Ghost of Isaac Ebey by Jefferson Elliot. The Film Festival will continue accepting submissions throughout the month of October as they gear-upfor  the 8th Annual Hibulb Cultural Center Film live on Facebook, November 7th. 

“It is important for the festival to continue,” Lena stated. “There’s so much history, heritage, diversity, and beauty in our communities. Our cultures and values are medicine to our communities. This is one way to keep spreading the wisdom and highlighting the ideals of our ancestors. We would be happy to receive more entries for our festival. The entry form can be found on our Hibulb Cultural Center website, Film Festival 2020, https://www.hibulbculturalcenter.org/Events/Film-Festival-2020/. Then e-mail me the form along with a link to your film. My e-mail address is lejones@hibulbculturalcenter.org.”