Drumbeats of various rhythms and tempos resonated all throughout the Tulalip Amphitheater during the weekend of May 30. Just audible over the dozens of songs and chants being simultaneously performed, guidance came from a pair of giant speakers as event MC, Andre Picard Jr., brought a little organization to the beautiful chaos known as the Tulalip Tribes Annual Stick Games Tournament.
Once a team heard their name called, they packed up their portable chairs and met their opponents on the battlefield, under shade provided by the large tents that were setup at the center of the amphitheater. Placing their chairs directly across from their rivals, the players then brought out all the necessary gameplay items which included their hand drums, large sticks to keep score, and a set of bones.
The sticks and bones are often decked out in Native décor, some hand painted and some beaded with impressive designs. The bones are discreetly distributed amongst the team that is in-play, and a series of songs and hand movements are performed in order to distract the other team from seeing who is in possession of the bones. To win this Indigenous game of legerdemain, the opposing team must correctly guess where exactly the set of bones are located in order to advance in the bracket.
Organized by Carrie Ann Fryberg and family, this is an event that continues to grow year after year, with participants hailing from all throughout the Coast Salish region. In addition to Tulalip, some of the tribes and first nations bands represented at this year’s games included Ahousaht, Cowichan, Skokomish, Tsartlip, Nuu-Chah-Nulth, Lummi, Muckleshoot, Puyallup, Swinomish, and Quinault.
According to the ancestral stories, the games have been passed down throughout each generation. Originally, stick games (a/k/a slahal, lahal, or bone games) was introduced to the people by the local Indigenous animals and wildlife thousands of years ago, as a means to prevent warfare and settle a number of intertribal disputes, such as the rights to hunting and fishing grounds.
The tournament is open to all ages and provides an opportunity for multi-generational families and teams to learn, share, and enjoy the traditional game together. This year featured numerous cash prizes throughout the weekend, and the grand prize of $25,000 was claimed by Talon Tohtsoni’s crew, the first-place team in the main bracket.
Well over 100 teams competed for moola, bragging rights, and drums designed by Cy Fryberg. As always, the games extended late into each night, and the visitors were provided space to set up their tents along the Tulalip Resort Casino parking lot in order to get some rest in between their matches.
Aside from the main attraction of the games, a major highlight of the tournament for observers and players alike is supporting a number of Indigenous-owned businesses. Local artists and chefs set up shop at the amphitheater and sold the likes of Indian tacos, kettle corn, hot dogs, caffeinated beverages, smoked salmon, as well as Native-designed clothing, blankets, and jewelry all weekend long. This included a handful of Tulalip vendors like Josh Fryberg and Family, Jared’s CORN-er, TeePee Creepers, Big House of Doggs, Traveler’s Drinks & Grub To-Go, KKONA cedar jewelry, and Captain Kirk’s Smoked Salmon.
Following this year’s tournament, Andre took to Facebook to share, “This was a very fun weekend! Big thank you to Carrie Ann Fryberg and family for organizing this Stick Games Tournament every year. It is an honor and privilege to MC and to get to speak in front of the beautiful stick game families. Safe travels home to all the stickgamers near and far. See you all soon, love you all!”
“We are proud and excited to celebrate the installation of traditional native artwork on the waterfront of Seattle. We are especially thrilled about the completion of the art project by our treasured Suquamish elder and carver Randi Purser. Her work, that is part of another piece on Bainbridge Island, reflects our ancient presence on the waters between Seattle and the Kitsap Peninsula, named after two of our ancestral leaders.
“We thank the City of Seattle and the Friends of Waterfront Park for their commitment to this project honoring our heritage and traditions and the entire art team for their dedication and creativity.”
Suquamish Chairman Leonard Forsman greets the crowd during the dedication ceremony.
Those words were shared by Suquamish Chairman Leonard Forsman as he joined civic and tribal leaders at an official dedication for a highly-anticipated, publicly-sited art installation that spans multiple blocks along the revamped Seattle waterfront. Flanking the Seattle ferry terminal at Pier 52 are 22 pairs of sculpted Douglas Fir posts and beams representing the skeletal structure of a traditional longhouse.
The eye-catching longhouse installation is intentionally minimalist. With no walls, roof or doors, it serves as a potentially thought-provoking sculptural concept for millions of pedestrians who are embarking or disembarking from one of the terminal’s popular Jumbo Mark II class ferries. That’s not even accounting for all the usual and accustomed tourist foot traffic that routinely floods Seattle’s waterfront.
To Our Teachers spans three Seattle city blocks, from Columbia Street to Spring Street.
The visionary artist behind the installation’s design is Oscar Tuazon. He is known for his use of minimalism and conceptualism in using natural materials to create large scale sculptures in populated urban areas. He’s titled his latest, three-block-long art installation To Our Teachers.
“To Our Teachers is a framework for the future,” explained Oscar, who grew up on the Suquamish Tribe’s Port Madison Reservation. “Welcoming people at the edge of the water, the procession of post and beam frames are the beginning of a structure you can imagine in your mind. Inspired by the living tradition of deqʷaled, the distinctly Coast Salish house post that unites sculpture and architecture, the construction is designed to support the continuous evolution of the artistic culture unique to Seattle.
“Working on this project has profoundly changed how I think about art,” he continued. “The opportunity to work with Randi Purser (Suquamish) and Tyson Simmons and Keith Stevenson (Muckleshoot) and create a structure to showcase their work has really expanded my understanding of what artists are capable of through collaboration. Together we can create spaces for community. This is why I think of To Our Teachers as a structure continuously being built— this is not the final form of the work, it is just the beginning of something bigger than me.”
Seattle is a hub for urban Natives whose roots extend across Washington State reservations and beyond. That spirit of connectedness is represented in this pier enhancing artwork. As Oscar stated, he collaborated with tribal carvers from Suquamish and Muckleshoot. Those carvers created two towering cedar house posts that are seamlessly imbedded into both longhouse entrances. Each house post is filled with deep-rooted significance for not just the artists’ home tribes, but all those urban Natives who call Seattle home.
Tyson Simmons and Keith Stevenson carved the southernmost house post, which they’ve named Honoring Our Warriors. “This warrior figure was inspired by the carvers’ warrior-uncle,” explained the two carvers. “Yet, it represents the valor and sacrifice of all our warriors to secure our land, our salmon, and our native walk of life.
“Our warriors all carried spiritual gifts that cloaked them with strength and protection,” they continued. “Fisher is depicted below the warrior figure to represent our warriors’ myriad powers without disclosing any of their individual powers. We carry the responsibility to remember and tell our stories. The work is guided by our teachings. Our ancestors prayed for us. They didn’t know who we would be, yet they prayed for us.”
Elder Randi Purser carved a house post depicting Chief Seattle as a baby being held by his mother Sholeetsa.
At the northernmost entrance is Suquamish elder Randi Purser’s house post. She’s dubbed hers ʔəslaʔlabəd kʷədi bəḱʷ dadatu, which translates to Looking at All Tomorrows. Drawing inspiration from the city’s namesake, which translates to Looking at All Tomorrows. Drawing inspiration from the city’s namesake, Chief Seattle, she paid homage to not just the legendary chief, but his lifegiving mother as well.
“Sholeetsa was the mother of Chief Seattle. Protected within her loving embrace is her son Chief Seattle as a baby,” described Randi to the crowd who looked upon her carving. “On her dress is a design of the unfolding fern, which represents new life. Above her is the moon surrounded by frog heads. The frogs represent a time of change as they sing the winter away and the spring in. As a whole, this carving represents the people of today standing on the cusp of change.”
What’s on the other side of that cusp of change is subjective to any one of millions of pedestrians who every month will assuredly walk on the Seattle waterfront, pass the ferry terminal, and have an infusion of Coast Salish culture enter their peripheral vision.
However, as the artists involved shared, there is a unified desire that the change be reflective of recognizing the past that got us here and honoring still thriving Coast Salish communities in the collective future we all share. In commissioning this layered piece of public work, Seattle’s Office of the Waterfront understood and shared the artists’ vision.
“As we transform Seattle’s waterfront, it has been important to us that we honor its history and move forward with intention,” said Angela Brady, Office of the Waterfront & Civic Projects Director. “We want visitors to remember that Waterfront Park stands on the lands and shared waters of the Coast Salish Peoples, whose ancestors have resided here since time immemorial. The original inhabitants of the region built structures along the shore. These new artworks honor the important cultural history of the waterfront. I hope they encourage visitors to reflect on how we, as a city and a region, hold space for Indigenous communities, not just in our past but in our future.”
Laurie Lynn Cepa passed away peacefully in her home on the Tulalip Reservation, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Seattle, Washington, Laurie was a proud descendant of the Snohomish, Jamestown S’Klallam, and Lummi peoples.
Laurie was a lifelong learner and a passionate hobbyist. She found joy in knitting, macramé, basket weaving, wool spinning, gold panning, baking, and beadwork. She shared her artistic talents with others, teaching beading to members of the Tulalip community to preserve cherished traditions. Laurie also had an appreciation for the outdoors—she loved boating, fishing, crabbing, and camping. She was intrigued by stories of the past, immersing herself in genealogical research to uncover the histories of her family and friends.
Laurie approached her professional life with warmth and dedication. She worked at Seafirst Bank as a Legal Support Clerk then found success as a Real Estate Broker. Known for her kindness and approachability, she was a favorite administrator for students as Registrar at Ingraham High School, Franklin High School, and the Juvenile Detention Center. She retired as an Administrative Assistant at Quil Ceda Casino.
Laurie had a big heart and a sharp wit. She was loved for her friendly demeanor, openness, humor, and the meaningful conversations she sparked with people. To know Laurie was to know laughter, storytelling, and a respect for culture and community.
Laurie was preceded in death by her parents, Larry Cepa (a member of Tulalip Tribes), and Carol (Shiplet) Cepa. She is survived by her siblings, Dennis Cepa of Tulalip, WA and Lisa Cepa of Everett, WA; uncle Larry Trimm of Duvall, WA; special cousins Sherry and Pete Guzman of Tulalip, WA; Godson, Kyle Sommer of New York, NY; beloved cats Baby, Mister, and Peaches; and a large extended family of cousins and friends. Laurie is laid to rest at the Tulalip Tribes Mission Beach Cemetery.
A celebration of her life will be held, Monday, June 2, 2025 at 10 AM at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.
On Saturday, May 24, the Hidden Gems Weekend Market was buzzing with activity as thousands of visitors poured into Tulalip for the popular community swap meet. The grounds were packed with vendors and shoppers alike, drawn by the promise of one-of-a-kind finds, delicious food, and an atmosphere that felt more like a celebration than a market. From clothing and collectibles to handcrafted goods and hot meals, there was something for everyone.
First-year vendor Jay Mapoy, who traveled from Smokey Point to participate, shared his excitement about joining the market. “It’s been going great, it’s fun and a good experience,” he said. “I am going to try to be out here all summer.” What keeps him coming back isn’t just the business—it’s the surprises. “The finds are great, you never know what you are going to see at the swap meet. Additionally, meeting new people and engaging in meaningful conversations. And the food is delicious, I never have to pack a lunch when I go.”
Visitors like Tulalip tribal member Nicholas Martin echoed the sentiment. “I like to come to the Hidden Gems market and look at all the booths, but most of all I like the food,” he said. “There are a lot of options. I had the birria tacos and they were excellent.” Like many, Martin had to park offsite and walk in due to the high turnout, but he didn’t mind. “It was a lot of people, yeah. It’s been crazy,” he said.
The market’s origins date back to 2011 when Tulalip Tribal Member Les Parks founded it. Initially launched at Boom City, it was a modest venue for community members to sell their goods. “It did well the first year, and the first year was the best year,” Parks said. “But each year after that, the revenue kept declining. And as I was a Board of Director, I didn’t have the time to tend to it.” He eventually decided to shut it down. That’s when his daughter Mackenzie stepped in. “She said, ‘I want it, I’ll take it over.’ I told her, ‘No, Mackenzie, it doesn’t make enough money. It’s a dying business.’ And she said, ‘Not enough money to you is a lot of money to me—let me do it.’”
Mackenzie Parks officially took over the market around 2017 or 2018 and began rebuilding it. “It was a learning process,” she admitted. “I wasn’t doing too well at it for the first couple of years. However, it probably turned around in 2020. It was mostly social media that helped get the word out there about us.” Les added, “Social media advertising is significant nowadays, and that’s where the focus has been.”
What sets the Hidden Gems market apart from other swap meets, Mackenzie believes, is the community. “We have a nice community,” she said. On sunny weekends, that community includes upwards of 250 vendors, and even on rainy days, around 40 to 216 still show up. Despite weather challenges, the market has become a consistent and well-loved destination.
Interestingly, the market’s busiest year came during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We expected the COVID year to be just dead-no customers, no vendors—and it was the opposite,” said Les. “People had nowhere to go, and they wanted to find cheap goods and have fun. This year has been similar. There’s no COVID, but people still don’t want to travel or spend big money, so they’re staying close to home and finding venues like Mackenzie’s.”
Traffic has occasionally caused headaches, but Mackenzie has responded by hiring an independent traffic control team to ease congestion. “There’s about an hour during the weekend day when the traffic gets messed up and people get irritated,” Les acknowledged. “But it’s a short window. For the most part, the membership loves what they see.”
As for plans, the market is currently located at 6410 33rd Ave NE, Tulalip, WA, a site with about 15 acres of space. However, MacKenzie is actively searching for a new 30-acre location to accommodate the growing crowds and minimize traffic concerns. “That gravel parking lot at Boom City just wasn’t working out,” Les explained. “We need more room.”
For Mackenzie, the best part of running the market is the eclectic mix of vendors and the thrill of discovering vintage and antique items. “I love the flea market-type of vendors getting a bunch of antique stuff,” she said. Les, on the other hand, finds joy in watching the visitors. “I love it when the kids come up there, running around with smiles on their faces. That’s what I like to see.”
The Parks family wants the community to know that they are continually adapting to the market to meet the needs of both customers and vendors. “You have to adapt to the circumstances that surround you,” Les said. “Mackenzie is constantly in a mode of adapting, changing, and morphing into what her customers and vendors need. We want the membership to know we’re doing the best we can to bring people to the rez, to spend their money, have a good time, and put Tulalip back on the map in a good way.”
Getting a booth at Hidden Gems is simple—no sign-ups are needed. Spots are first come, first served. Vendor spaces are $50 per day for a full spot (18’x20’) or $25 for a half spot (9’x20’), though half spots are limited. The only requirement to sell is a Tribal business license, and the team makes it easy: paperwork is provided on site, submitted for you, and the cost is covered. Vendors can check in at the silver trailer at the market entrance on Fridays from 12 PM to 5 PM, or after 6 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. The market is open to the public from 9 AM to 6 PM every weekend.
The shores of Tulalip Bay were alive with action May 17–18 as families, clubs, and communities from across Washington and Canada gathered for the 2025 Tulalip canoe races—part of the seasonal War Canoe Series. This year’s event marked the third race in the circuit, which continues every weekend through the end of August at various Indigenous reservations. From single and double paddler events to the 6- and 11-man races, the competition was as diverse as it was spirited. A special biathlon-style race even had participants sprint around the ball field before paddling a solo canoe through the course.
Saturday opened with wet and blustery conditions that challenged paddlers physically and mentally. By Sunday, however, the skies cleared, offering sunshine and calmer waters that made for smoother racing and a more festive shoreline.
Among those competing was Makaio Mamac from Lummi, who participated in the men’s 6- and 11-man events. “Just getting out,” he said with a laugh when asked about the most challenging part of racing. For Mamac, the sport is less about medals and more about community: “I mostly just do it to be with my people.” He credited running as his main form of training and admitted Saturday’s rainy weather made it tough to get motivated, but still, he went out and raced. “You get to meet many people and go places,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Another pair of competitors, brothers Remus Wyse-Morris and Jacob Seward from Vancouver Island, have been paddling since childhood. “Like generations,” they answered together when asked how long their family has been involved. For 17-year-old Seward, racing is more than a sport: “To me, it means life. It’s about training, learning, and getting better while absorbing teachings from the water.” He described his pre-race routine as one of quiet focus and strategy, gauging wind and currents, and thinking through the course. While Saturday’s waves were rough, the brothers especially enjoyed the unique biathlon-style race. “It was pretty fun!” said Seward, who described riding the waves as a highlight.
Wyse-Morris echoed that sentiment, saying his favorite part was “probably just the biathlon.” When asked what advice he’d give a young person just starting, he responded, “It’s not all about winning; it’s about having a good time with the people you love.”
For teen paddler Kiarra Williams from Swinomish, staying upright in the stormy weather was a memorable experience. “OMG, I got drenched in water on Saturday!” she exclaimed. Despite the splashy start, Williams has been racing for over two years and takes pride in her focus while on the water, especially during tricky turns, which she says are the most challenging part.
Lummi paddler Kylie Bob shared similar feelings about the weekend. “Canoe racing means hanging out with friends and family, meeting new people, and enjoying everyone’s company,” she said. For her, the highlight was making new connections along the beach and between races.
Veteran racer Dr. Lexi Tom, also from Lummi, brought over 30 years of paddling experience to the event. Originally from Miami, Tom said starting the race season at Tulalip was special. “When I arrived Saturday, it was stormy,” she recalled, “but the weather improved significantly by the afternoon.” Her crew came prepared with extra bailers and were relieved the course hadn’t been extended—rough waters can add a layer of difficulty, especially at the season’s start.
Tom co-founded the Marisa Mae Canoe Club with her sisters, repairing an 11-person canoe and welcoming younger paddlers into their group. For her, these races are about more than sport—connection, continuity, and culture. “It keeps the kids engaged with the water,” she emphasized. “It keeps our traditions alive.”
She also noted how meaningful it was to see people from many different nations and families reconnecting on the shoreline after a long winter apart. Many spent the weekend laughing, catching up, and sharing meals, whether racing or watching.
Comedian, writer, and producer Joey Clift discusses the nuances of creating his animated short, Pow!
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
On Friday, May 16, the Hibulb Cultural Center hosted a special screening of two films highlighting Native storytelling and resilience: Pow! and Remaining Native. The event featured the return of comedian and television writer/producer Joey Clift, a Cowlitz tribal member who grew up on the Tulalip Reservation. This marked the first time Pow!—his animated short—was screened in the community that helped raise him.
Clift, said the film was inspired by his experiences at powwows in Tulalip. “The powwows I went to as a kid were on this reservation,” he shared. “I went to Tulalip Elementary, Tulalip option school, and spent way too many summers blowing stuff up with fireworks from Boom City.”
Pow! follows a young boy who attends a powwow with his family and faces the seemingly simple challenge of trying to find an outlet to charge his Game Boy. He learns profound lessons about family, culture, and connection.
Clift described Pow! as “kind of like a Looney Tunes short,” but noted it was also an effort to bring contemporary Native stories into animated comedy. He broke down the film’s creative use of visual styles, each one representing a different character’s perspective. A retro 16-bit aesthetic, inspired by early video games from the 1980s and 90s, reflects how the main character, Jake, sees the world through his Game Boy’s pixelated, digital lens. A soft watercolor style using gentle brushstrokes and flowing color represents how Jake’s parents view the powwow experience—grounded in tradition, emotion, and community.
For the grandmother’s memories, Clift used ledger art, a style rooted in 19th-century Native storytelling, where images were drawn or painted onto old accounting ledger paper to document tribal history and personal stories. Combining these styles, the film offers a layered, multi-generational visual narrative that bridges the past and present.
Now living in Los Angeles, Clift has spent over 15 years working in television. His credits include Paw Patrol, Looney Tunes, Cocomelon, Molly of Denali, and Spirit Rangers. He’s also written jokes for high-profile celebrities like Tracy Morgan, John Cena, Shrek, and the Jonas Brothers.
He recounted how he originally set out to become a weatherman until college professors pulled him aside and encouraged him to pursue comedy. “That was 15 years ago,” he said. “I didn’t see people like me in those jobs, so I didn’t think I had permission to work in those fields.”
Clift emphasized how representation in media is changing and why that matters. “I’ve talked to Native folks in school who’ve sent me letters saying that because of the shows I’ve worked on, they want to work in TV too,” he said. “That’s my hope with Pow!—to create as much contemporary Native representation as possible so that I can show other Native kids who grew up on the Tulalip Rez, or any rez, that you can grow up laughing, drawing, and make cartoons too.”
Remaining Native, a powerful documentary directed by Paige Bethmann, a Haudenosaunee woman (Mohawk/Oneida), follows Ku Stevens, a 17-year-old Native American long-distance runner from the Yerington Paiute Reservation in Nevada, preparing to attend the University of Oregon. Alongside his athletic dreams, Ku also confronts his family’s painful past—his grandfather is a survivor of the U.S. Indian boarding school system.
Shoshone Matthew Warbonnet (right) from South Dakota expresses gratitude during the Q&A for bringing attention to boarding school issues, stating, “Thank you for sharing the resilience of your people and grandparents.”
Ku attended the screening and participated in a Q&A afterward, sharing how the experience of making the film and navigating his senior year shaped him. “It was a life-altering year,” he said. When asked about living up to his Paiute name, Kutoven, which means “brings the light to the dark,” he responded, “I don’t think I’m there yet. People tell me that bringing my story to different communities is living up to my name, but I’m always chasing what I will be like ten years from now. We always strive to improve in anything and everything we do.”
The film’s emotional depth resonated with the audience, including Shoshone tribal elder and boarding school survivor, Matthew Warbonnet. “It’s not just then, it’s now,” Warbonnet said during the Q&A. “Thank you for sharing the resilience of your people and grandparents.”
Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills, who also attended the event to support Remaining Native, praised the film as a tribute to survival and legacy. “Ku speaks the truth about our struggles. That’s why he’s my hero,” Mills said. “Truth should never be too severe to learn from.”
Both Pow! and Remaining Native will be featured in the Seattle International Film Festival on May 24. For release dates and upcoming screenings, visit joeyclift.com and remainingnativedocumentary.com.
The courtroom was packed wall to wall on the afternoon of May 15. At the center of the room were close to a dozen Tribal members, their chairs formed in a circle. And a look around the outside of the circle showed about thirty community members beaming with pride and happiness, wiping tears from their eyes, as they gathered to celebrate two individuals for overcoming what some would consider the near-impossible.
Said Wellness Court Interim Manager, Leora Jones, “Both Sierra and Dustin have been a part of the program since I started. To watch them grow in the program and use all the tools that were given to them and be successful in the program so they can be successful outside of the program, it’s been emotional. To watch two people overcome their struggles and barriers, it feels really good.”
“I’m super proud,” added Judge Christine Frausto. “They’ve worked so hard at everything they’ve done, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching them grow. They’ve become such a great support for their peers and for the program and I know they will continue to grow. For them to go through the program and do so well, it totally changed their lives. And it goes to show the strength of the program and that what we do works. They are the proof.”
A Quick Look Back
Back in 2017, the Tulalip Justice Department implemented a new program with the intention of saving lives. At the time, the program was met with some skepticism as there had already been a few failed attempts at drug courts on the reservation in previous years.
Attending one of the very first hearings for the new Healing to Wellness Court model, Tulalip News caught a glimpse at something that would ultimately change the lives of numerous Tribal members over the coming years. As the first few Wellness Court participants took the stand, they each shared some friendly banter with the judge while also giving an update on their lives. The judge then went over their personalized plans to recovery with each participant, discussing goals and setbacks. If they were in compliance, they received an incentive of their choosing. If they strayed from their plans, they were given an opportunity to explain what happened before receiving a sanction, which ranged from a writing assignment to additional jail time.
Though participants and courthouse staff could see the changes in the participants week after week, the community was still unsure how the Healing to Wellness Court would play out. Keep in mind, this was at the beginning of some of the bleakest times in Indian Country, as the death by opioids epidemic reached an all-time high of 72,000 people in 2017. And according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Native American communities were the most affected by this crisis.
The overall perception of the program began to change about a year-and-a-half after its inception, when Tribal member Verle Smith emerged victorious as the very first graduate of the Healing to Wellness Court model. At the time Verle shared, “If it wasn’t for the Wellness Court, I don’t know where I’d be – if I’d even still be here. They gave me the opportunity to experience something that works for my life. I didn’t know which way to turn, so I figured I’d try something different and I’m grateful for it. I want to thank the Wellness Court for it all. I now plan to go through the rest of my life bringing the next person closer to where they’re supposed to be, to where they’re needed.”
Verle kept his word. Throughout the past eight years, more and more Tribal members have found success with the Wellness Court. And one-by-one, the local recovery community has grown exponentially. And to this day, Verle can be spotted at recovery-focused events offering support to others and leading by example.
The Tulalip Recovery Community Grows
Fast forward to present day. Unfortunately, looking at things from a broad scope, not much has changed. Overall, it’s gotten worse as the opioid epidemic continues to be a major issue all across the nation. In 2017, there were about 15 opioid deaths per 100,000 population nationwide. That number jumped significantly, doubling to 31.3 deaths per 100,000 population in 2023. If we narrow that scope to just the American Indian/Alaskan Native community, there were 65 deaths per 100,000 population that same year, as this is the most current statistic by the CDC.
But what the Tulalip Justice Department is showcasing through the Healing to Wellness Court is that there is an upward trend of getting clean and sober locally. In fact, the Healing to Wellness Court has been a beacon of light for addicts looking to make a change. The program has impacted so many lives in a positive manner, that they were recognized on a national level, and held the honor of serving as a national mentor court for outside communities.
In addition to receiving a tailor-made plan to recovery, each participant must also complete a set amount of ‘give-back’ hours in the community. This is culture-focused and is perhaps one of the main reasons why the program has seen much success. The give-back hours help reconnect the people to their heritage and traditional way of life. It also provides an opportunity for them to reacclimate into the community, building bonds with not only fellow Wellness Court attendees, but also with tribal leaders, elders, and families. Wellness Court participants are often seen putting in work at events like Canoe Journey, Salmon Ceremony, and Smokehouse gatherings throughout their time in the program, as well as after successful completion. And every summer, the Recovery Resource Center organizes the Recovery Campout at Lopez Island. The number of participants for that outing has grown year after year, and a majority of those attendees also own a Healing to Wellness Court certificate of achievement of their own.
There are several Tribal departments that assist in the recovery journey for those in the Wellness Court program, including the Tulalip Police Department, the Healing Lodge, Family Haven, Family Services, and the Recovery Resource Center. During this time, many participants are able to find work within the Tribe as well. And with all hands on-deck, as long as the participant remains locked in, they are able to receive their certificates just 18-months after embarking on the red road. Which brings us back to the afternoon of May 15.
The Graduation Ceremony
The graduation kicked off with some words from the inner circle of the Wellness Court. Time after time, the current Wellness Court participants thanked Dustin and Sierra for their support both inside the courthouse and out in the community. Although they were happy to see the latest graduates’ success, the also expressed a bit of sadness to see them leave as they each had become a prominent voice in the program’s weekly talking circle.
Next, Sierra and Dustin’s families, friends, and various counselors and advisors took a moment to reflect on how far each of them have come over the past 18-months, while also commending them on their determination. No matter the amount of obstacles or setbacks, these two worked hard to attain and maintain their sobriety. They have found their true selves again and developed a deep appreciation for the culture and community. And most importantly, they have become a source of inspiration for others within the program.
“When it comes to this program, it’s working because we are working with participants at their level,” shared Leora. “We know they may be met with struggles, but we’re going to be here to help them. We sit down with them as a team. We have a judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, chemical dependency, mental health, we all sit at the table together and see how we can help them move forward. We get to know these people, we get to work with them, help them grow, and help them set long-term goals. Dustin and Sierra have come a long ways, not only in their sobriety but overall growth and they both have plans moving forward.”
Dustin and Sierra were blanketed and received their certificates to an uproar and near-deafening applause as the community celebrated their milestone achievement. With the program now complete, they are both looking to make a fresh start. Their eyes are set on the future as they each plan to reunite with their families. In the next coming months, Dustin will be heading to Yakima and Sierra plans on moving to Alaska.
Before the ceremony ended, both of the graduates shared a few closing remarks with the Wellness Court participants.
Dustin
“It’s been one hell of a journey. I just want to say keep moving forward. It gets better if you don’t put obstacles in front of yourself, “ Dustin Moses.
First of all, I’d like to thank the court system for putting up with me for so long. It feels amazing that I found a program that will actually work for me and help me mentally. Going in and out of the court systems, it was hard, always being on the run.
Finding this program, at first, I didn’t know nothing about it. I was kind of skeptical when they told me about it. I was going to say no and go right back out into the streets after doing my jail time – but I’m glad I didn’t.
And these guys keep telling you, communication is key. It really is. It helped me. At first, I had a few speed bumps in the road in the first stages. Once I actually opened up and started getting vulnerable and asking these guys for help when I needed it, it helped me grow not only in the program but in my recovery. I’m glad to say today I’m celebrating 15 months clean.
It’s all thanks to the support that I got from everyone in here. Not only the court, but my family, friends. It’s been one hell of a journey. I just want to say keep moving forward. It gets better if you don’t put no obstacles in front of yourself.
Sierra
“It’s really hard to take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. Love who you are,” Sierra Boston.
I as well want to thank the program. This is my third try. The first time I came in I felt like I was going to make it seem like a facade and run. I wanted to be here, but I was scared to face the trials and tribulations. The second time I was ashamed of who I was and embarrassed, so I showed up once and I ran again. I actually tried to disappear.
The third time this place, home, has saved my life. This will always be my home. The people and learning what a community is and a tribe, big or small, we’re not meant to be alone. And I really had to face myself to be able to face others in both good and bad times. I will always be hoping and praying that this journey continues for all of us.
It’s really hard to take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. Love who you are.
