Please the following link to download the September 21, 2024 issue of the syəcəb
Weaving culture through dolls
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
The tradition of doll-making dates back as far as 2.5 million years to 10,000 B.C. Dolls have played a pivotal role in nearly every Indigenous culture, teaching children how to navigate the world by modeling adult behavior and offering a miniature glimpse into life’s complexities. These tiny figures have long served as powerful guides for the next generation.
On Saturday, September 14, Tulalip tribal member Melissa Gobin held a doll-making class at the Hibulb Cultural Center, featuring yarn and cedar regalia. Over 20 people attended the event, with a mix of adults and kids. Each person could pick out a couple of balls of yarn to start. The overall process was easy to learn, and all who created a doll could finish before the end of class.
Anchorage, Alaska residents Shannon Hawkins and her son Evan the Crow, were first-time doll makers that joined that class. Shannon shared, “We had fun, and I’m happy we could learn a new skill.” When asked about his creation, Evan excitedly described his doll, saying, “I made a ninja with a sword on his back.”
Melissa Gobin shared her experience and knowledge of doll-making, crediting tribal member Virginia Jones for teaching her many of the techniques. “I learned a lot of how to do this from Virginia,” Melissa explained, adding that they made the dolls more tribal by incorporating cedar paddles and headbands.
When asked how making these dolls contributes to cultural healing, Melissa thoughtfully explained, “I think making these dolls allows you to work with your hands and be creative. Plus, you’re thinking of tools our ancestors used, like the paddle and cedar, to help make clothes.” She emphasized the value of coming together as a community: “Getting together and talking about our past and future helps with healing.”
Reflecting on the event, Melissa said, “I think the event went well. I like how everyone puts their spin on how they create the doll.” She noted the joy the activity brought adults and children, adding, “I think the adults had just as much fun as the kids. The kids gravitate towards the dolls because they are easy to make.”
Upcoming workshops at Hibulb will feature cedar basket weaving and twill wool headband weaving. In addition, a cedar carving class will be held weekly in October, providing further opportunities for hands-on learning and cultural connection. For more information, visit hibulbculturalcenter.org.
Lushootseed 101 now in session
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
During the lunch hour on September 16, close to a dozen community members gathered at the Lushootseed department library to embark on a language revitalization journey that will take place over the next several months.
Two large dry erase whiteboards, that would soon be filled with the 40 unique characters that make up the northern Lushootseed alphabet, were set behind the class instructor, Natosha Gobin. And once she had the attention of the classroom, she officially kicked off Lushootseed 101 with a welcome statement and a brief introduction of herself, her lineage, and family, which were all spoken in traditional Lushootseed.
Switching from her ancestral language to English, Natosha shared, “This was the (Tulalip Elementary) library when I went to school here. I also went to Marysville Middle School, Marysville Junior High School, and Marysville Pilchuck. And through all of those experiences, we didn’t have the opportunities to learn the language, to be able to honor our heritage, practice our cultural ways, and see all the cultural events that we see taking place today. It feels really good for us to be in this moment right now, where we can make sure that those opportunities we didn’t receive when we were younger are there for our kids, grandkids, and the next generations.”
Lushootseed 101, 102, and 103 follows a curriculum that was originally intended to equip potential language warriors with a strong foundation before stepping into a teacher’s assistant position with the Tribe. Natosha explained that the college level courses focus on grammar and sentence formula, and participants will learn phrases, greetings, personal introductions, names of places, and a traditional story. Students who enroll in the class through the Northwest Indian College are able to obtain 5 credits per course upon successful completion.
This year, two NWIC students elected to enroll in Lushootseed 101. Sitting at the front of the classroom, with bright smiles and open notebooks, were Tulalip tribal members, Mahayla and Odessa Flores.
Said Mahayla, “I’m looking forward to learning Lushootseed because I never really got the chance to learn my culture growing up. When I heard that I could learn the language (through NWIC), I thought this is it, I can finally learn more. I immediately took the opportunity. I literally dropped another class so I could take this one because it means a lot to me. For the longest time I didn’t know I had a mother language. When I figured that out, I was like, I need to learn it. And even though I might struggle, I’m committed to learning.”
Some years back, after gaining an interest from the Tulalip community and the Tribe’s employees, the Lushootseed department opened the class to auditors, who are able to participate throughout the course and receive a certificate at the end, in lieu of college credits.
When asked about her decision to join Lushootseed 101 this fall, class auditor and Tribal member, Joyia Kinlicheeney, said, “It was time. I think learning the language is going to be really cool. I’m intimidated by the sounds and the dialect, but I’m excited to go home and be able to talk to my grandkids, because they already get to learn it at the elementary and TELA. It’s going to be so cool to be able to chat with them.”
Natosha shared that the duty to pass on the language through the courses fell upon numerous language warriors over the years, including Michelle Myles, Becky Posey, Toby Langen, Sarah Miller, and herself.
After years of teaching Lushootseed at Heritage High and MPHS, this is her second stint as a college course instructor. And Natosha is implementing a new way of learning by livestreaming each of her lectures on the Tulalip Lushootseed YouTube page.
“With livestreaming and having the class recorded, we want to make sure we are doing our best to support the needs of our participants,” stated Natosha. “We don’t ever want people to feel like – if one day you had a hard time grasping the content, don’t let that be the day to break you. We will provide any type of support. If you missed a day or two, or if you’re home sick, maybe you want to have it playing in the background so you can hear it, which is better than trying to have someone recap it to you in a couple minutes. And you’ll also have the recorded version as well, if you want to watch it again.”
Throughout the years, the reach of the Lushootseed department has extended not only to the college level, but they are also making a big impact at the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy and in classrooms across the entire Marysville School District. Today, the language is accessible at most grade levels. As the youth continue to build upon that foundation year after year, they can step into the college courses well-prepared and ready to help progress the revitalization movement that much further.
In regard to how they will be exploring the language throughout the course, Natosha shared with the class, “It’s important to remind ourselves that our language was an oral language. We’re learning through written form, but the way our ancestors held on to our language since time immemorial was through speaking it. And they passed it down through speaking it. So eventually, we’ll get to a point where we’ll need to let go of some of those English influences and make sure that we start producing as close to what our ancestors provided for us. There’s a lot of different sounds than the English language. It makes the English language seem boring because we have sounds where you need to use the back of your throat; some harsh sounds, clicking sounds, we use the term guttural. There’s a lot of unique sounds that are a part of our language and as we build our ability to speak it and hear it, then comes the point where we need to fine tune it.”
Natosha shared how her love for the language developed while volunteering at the annual summer Lushootseed Camp for Tribal youth. After accepting a position with the Lushootseed department 24 years ago, she confidently stated that her love for the language has never wavered over the course of time.
If you are interested in taking the Lushootseed 101 course, it is not too late. Natosha is inviting you to join the class this year, whether in person or online. The classes are held daily, Monday through Thursday, at 12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. You can just pop in or hop on YouTube, but if you would like to give Natosha a courtesy heads up, you can shoot her an e-mail at NGobin@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov or you can leave a message at her desk phone, 360-716-4499.
* Following a brief 24-hour editing period, the video recording of the livestream will be posted on the YouTube page.
Our traditional foods are powerful
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
The sharing of a meal may be the simplest, yet most effective, aspect of promoting community. That could explain why Tulalip prioritizes hosting so many annual events and holiday celebrations, all either beginning with or ending with a meal. It’s the act of sharing a meal with dozens, hundreds or even thousands of fellow Tulalip community members that cultivates the shared sense of identity that is routinely projected out to the rest of the world.
But what if that shared sense of identity could be taken to new level by incorporating traditional foods into those meals? What if ancestral connections to land, air, and sea were strengthened simply by establishing a space for traditional foods into your diet? What if generational, historical, and ongoing systemic traumas could be healed by intentionally eating what are ancestors ate?
HUGE questions, we know, but ones that were at the forefront of the Tribes’ latest Season of Healing installment hosted at the Gathering Hall on September 16. Labeled ‘Our traditional foods are powerful’, an estimated 130 gathered in community to share a taste bud expanding meal crafted with an assortment of traditional foods and locally sourced, unfiltered love.
“We served roasted bison and chicken with some traditional seasonings, a bison meatball soup, mac salad and green salad with native ingredients sprinkled in, sweetgrass frybread with homemade huckleberry jam, elderberry and sweetgrass lemonade, and a fireweed and blackberry low sugar juice. Putting all that love into every bite,” detailed Indigenous educator Linzie Crofoot (Tlingit).
Linzie and her fellow Naa káani Native Program member Martin Napeahi (Tulalip) helped prepare a meal that brought their local community out in droves. More than that, the meal was a means of introducing certain traditional foods to those who never had them before and reminding others just how delicious traditional foods can be.
Community members of all ages were witnessed filling their bellies through savory bites and insatiable mouthfuls of scrumptious deliciousness. Ample nutrition was received by the body while the spirit was replenished with ancestral medicine.
“What is the power of traditional food? And why do we need it? We could discuss the diabetes and heart disease rampant in our community. The lower life expectancy and whole host of other ailments, chronic diseases, and opioid crisis our people disproportionately affect by. But that kind of discussion just doesn’t feel right because we’ve all heard that data, over and over again,” said Linzie from the Season of Healing podium. “More than that, we can feel the data. We can feel it in our hearts, in our families, and in our community.
“Being shown more data on a flyer or some presentation isn’t going to inspire change. And that’s what we need to see most in our community, systemic change in our community health. This starts with the people, with us, with individuals like you and me choosing to change the way we eat and choosing to reconnect to our traditional ways through food,” she continued.
The Ted Talk style portion of the evening featured Linzie, Martin, elder Monie Ordonia and board of director Hazen Shopbell sharing their personal journeys grounding themselves in culture via food, medicine, Treaty Right protected practices (hunting, fishing, gathering, harvesting). They offered all kinds of advice for those looking to become part of the change our community so desperately needs.
“The truth is we have generations of trauma and it will take generations to heal,” declared Linzie. “My prayers are for you to become the foundation for inspirational change in your family. It has to start somewhere, so why can’t it be you? You have the power to be the one who changes the story for your kids and their kids’ kids.
“I know the thought of eating traditional foods can seem overwhelming and for some they don’t even know where to begin,” she added. “The idea of reconnecting with our traditional foods seems very big and we seem very small compared to the past. So start small. One ingredient once a week. Learn about one plant and how you can use incorporate it in your cooking. You don’t have to know everything right away. Start with one, just one. Then add another one. Until its normalized. That’s how we, as individuals and as a community, make the change to embrace our traditional foods for the inherent power they have. Our ancestors did. So can we.”
If you want to be part of the change and incorporate traditional foods into your weekly routine there is an easily accessible resource to help. Our Plant Relatives is a year-round guide to gathering and processing Native plant foods and medicines from around the Salish Sea area. This guide is meant to serve as a place for getting started with learning and becoming familiar with gathering foods and medicines throughout the seasons. Best of all, it was created by Linzie and her former student Tayna Greene (Tulalip) and available for free.
To access Our Plant Relatives and all the harvesting knowledge therein, please visit https://archive.org/details/our-plant-relatives.-lcrofoot.-tgreene/mode/2up
Lady Hawks intent on embracing fun, positive vibes on the court
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
Within the sports realm, winning often takes center stage. Teams work tirelessly to secure victories, dreaming of championships and personal accolades. However, not every season ends in triumph, and for high school athletes in particular, enduring a losing season can feel discouraging.
Despite the challenges, many coaches and sports psychologists emphasize the importance of embracing fun and positivity in the face of adversity. This mindset not only helps athletes cope with tough times but also cultivates personal growth, resilience, and a simple yet effective love for athletics and general exercise that can last well beyond high school.
One key reason for promoting fun during a losing season is the development of resilience. High school is a critical period for shaping emotional and mental strength, and learning to handle failure is a vital life lesson.
According to sports psychologist Dr. Michelle Cleere, “Fun increases your physical and psychological health. It boosts endorphins which decreases stress and improves our tolerance for pain. It increases our relationships, not only with the people you are having fun with but it helps us feel good about all of our relationships. Laughter releases serotonin which reduces stress and is good for memory, sleep, breathing, heart rate, and mood. Fun increases your life span because it’s positive. It also lifts energy levels. When you take the time to relax, to have fun and to enjoy yourself, you are more capable of dealing better with everything else in life.”
Embracing fun, laughter and positive vibes is the on-court strategy of the 2024 Tulalip Heritage volleyball program. With many new players joining the team, several of whom never having played organized volleyball before, the Lady Hawks are intent on having fun and making memories, regardless of score and record.
“It started at our first game of the season at Darrington. Lilly and Aylani were determined that we stay positive and enjoy the little moments worth celebrating, even though we were losing. Their ability to remain positive and upbeat was infectious because it really did infect the whole team,” said Lady Hawks co-captain Raylee Fryberg. “Coming into the season, I was really focused on being the best player I could be. Once the games got going and I saw my teammates being so positive and just having fun, I realized just how much we need to keep that energy going and not be as concerned with individual play.
“We have so many girls that are new to the team and we’re already seeing how much quicker they are gaining confidence in practice and on the court because we’re trying to lift every one up, instead of putting each other down.”
The Lady Hawks embracing fun and moments of excitement was witnessed at their first home game of the season when they hosted Concrete High School, an out of league opponent, at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium.
Despite losing in straight sets by the scores of 8-25, 5-25, and 11-25, the girls were routinely high-fiving, doing their in-game chants, and letting out excitement-filled shrieks when a teammate would score a point in epic fashion. Such a memorable moment occurred late in the third set. Senior player Elizabel Herrera, while on defense, leapt at the net and blocked a Concrete volley. Not only did she score a point for her team, but it was the first block of the match by either team. The Lady Hawks immediately came together as a unit and celebrated Elizabel’s accomplishment.
Maintaining a positive attitude doesn’t just improve morale; it can also lead to better performance. Research shows that when athletes enjoy themselves, they often play with less pressure, allowing them to perform more freely and effectively.
“We’ve implemented a 5-1 system that is built around Raylee’s ability to setup her teammates as our primary setter,” said Lady Hawks head coach Jamie Orth. “We know it’s going to take time and practice for us to settle in as a team with so many new players to the sport. But we are seeing progress and some girls come out of their shell and get more comfortable.
“The better our rotations become, the more they will trust one another, the better our overall results,” continued the head coach. “It’s all part of the process, and I’m just proud that these girls have come together with the understanding that if we keep working hard and staying positive, then we’ll all get better.”
By embracing fun and positivity during throughout the seasons, the Lady Hawks athletes can keep their love for the sport alive and build skills that will serve them long after the final whistle blows.
September 14, 2024 syəcəb
Please the following link to download the September 14, 2024 issue of the syəcəb
Season of Healing: Weaving love back into our lives
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
As fall arrives, the Tulalip community has launched an exciting new project, The Season of Healing. This initiative offers events, including Ted Talk-style lectures, coastal jams, and hands-on crafting workshops, all aimed at fostering healing, connection, and growth. On Monday, September 9, the first talk of the series took place at the Gathering Hall, where tribal members gathered for dinner and an evening of reflection led by several guest speakers.
The event was hosted by Alicia Horne, executive assistant for the National Native American Boarding School Coalition. She was joined by prominent voices in the healing movement, including Tribal Chairwoman Teri Gobin, Deborah Parker, CEO of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, and special guest, Clinical Addiction and Mental Health Therapist Serene Thin Elk from South Dakota. The theme for the evening was “Weaving Love Back into Our Lives,” and the speakers focused on addressing the traumas that often disrupt daily life while emphasizing the importance of self-love and community support.
Parker set the tone for the evening by reflecting on the seasonal transition and how it relates to personal introspection. “You can really feel the summer was carefree, and now you can feel the clouds roll in. The weather is changing. It’s such a special time for us in the Northwest. We start to go into that meditation state as we go into the winter,” she said, highlighting the opportunity for healing and growth during this quieter season.
Gobin addressed the historical traumas deeply rooted in the Tulalip community, specifically the impact of the boarding schools that operated for 75 years. “As a board, we’ve assembled a series of meetings for the next eight Mondays to address multiple concerns and issues. Many of us may not recognize how the Tulalip boarding schools have impacted us as a people. These talks are meant to encourage open, honest dialogue—without judgment—so we can begin to envision what a healthier, safer community looks like.”
Serene Thin Elk, the evening’s guest speaker, brought her expertise in trauma therapy to the conversation. She shared insights on how personal trauma can manifest in everyday life, often leading individuals to downplay their struggles or minimize the pain they’ve endured. “There might be times in someone’s life when they minimize something hard that they just can’t let go of or cannot go through. They make it seem less important,” Serene said. She emphasized that healing from trauma begins with acknowledgment and the belief that one’s strength and resilience will ultimately prevail. “If you ever doubt your power or strength, remember everything will be okay.”
For Serene, the opportunity to speak at Tulalip was motivating. “It means so much to come to another tribe and see how you do things here. It’s very inspiring. I think that sometimes, when we are in our communities, we don’t see our strengths. I see many of the programs and things that your community is doing, and it gives me ideas to bring back to my community,” she noted.
As the evening ended, attendees left with a sense of purpose, carrying the messages of healing and self-love into their lives. This first event set the stage for the Season of Healing series, which will continue to address various aspects of personal and collective trauma over the next eight weeks. The project aims to foster a deeper understanding of how historical pain shapes modern challenges while offering a path toward resilience and renewal.
Tulalip tribal members can watch this event and others on iamtulalip.com.
Headband weaving kicks off Season of Healing
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip Tribes
On Saturday, September 7, Tulalip artist Tillie Jones led a headband-weaving class at the Hibulb Museum, kicking off the Season of Healing. The class attracted seven participants who came together to weave wool headbands, share laughter, and connect through the art of weaving.
Tillie Jones, along with tribal members Michelle Myles and her son Syrille Jones, guided the students through the process. Participants could use a loom, select their wool colors, and begin weaving. As the intricate process unfolded, the room grew focused, with everyone giving their full attention to the detailed work ahead.
Tillie offered some wisdom during the class, emphasizing the deeper connection between the weaver and their creation. “What you put into your weaving becomes a part of it,” she explained. Weaving with intention, whether strength, love, or positive energy, allows those qualities to be embedded in the piece, making the final product more meaningful.
Tillie also shared practical advice, linking the skill of weaving to mathematics. “If you’re good at math, it helps,” she remarked, gesturing toward her son Syrille. “That’s why he’s so good at weaving.” She explained that a strong understanding of math helps weavers plan their patterns and maintain the structure and balance of the weave, ensuring the design comes together as intended.
Syrille also helped instruct the class and expressed his appreciation for the experience. “Weaving is a good stress relief to get your mind off everything around you,” he shared. Reflecting on the creative aspects of the craft, he added, “I like the different patterns people make, learning from the elders, and getting to experiment and make your patterns. It was good teaching, and I heard people laugh and enjoy their time.”
For many, the class was more than just a lesson in weaving; it was an opportunity to reconnect with tradition and find personal healing. Tulalip tribal member Wilma Gloria spoke about the therapeutic aspect of the practice, saying, “It is about keeping your hands busy and learning something new and traditional. I enjoyed the day; I had my ancestors with me, and they gave me strength.”
When asked about the significance of the headband, Wilma explained, “Traditionally, the headband was used to represent the tribe you were from.”
The event provided a creative outlet and offered participants a moment to bond with their heritage and each other. Through the craft of weaving, both tradition and healing were honored in a meaningful way.
The headband-weaving class is just the beginning of a series of workshops promoting healing through traditional crafts. Other weaving courses are being held every Saturday through September, offering participants the chance to learn various skills, connect with their culture, and continue the journey of personal and collective healing.
85 community members celebrate sobriety during 3rd Annual Recovery Campout
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News; photos courtesy of Kali Joseph
“Culture is the answer,” expressed Kali Joseph, Tulalip Resource Center’s Program Coordinator. “It’s what we’ve been doing since time immemorial. There are research studies, like the Healing Power of the Canoe, that I learned when I was in grad school. Basically, the study found that those who participated in a certain cultural activity, it was associated with reduced risk of suicide, depression, or substance use disorder. However, our people have known that it’s the answer since time immemorial, before empirical evidence and research studies existed, we’ve known it in our hearts and in our blood. It’s our medicine.”
On the early morning of August 22, dozens of Tulalip tribal and community members met at the Tribal courthouse to embark on adventure across the Salish Sea. Filled with anticipation and excitement, the people piled into a bus headed toward Anacortes to catch the morning ferry to Lopez Island.
For the third consecutive year, the Tulalip Resource Center organized an event that keeps growing in popularity and celebrates the sobriety of the local recovery community. During a weeklong camping trip, at the third largest island of the San Juans, attendees can participate in numerous group activities, while also taking the time to reflect on their healing journey. Together, they continue to build upon that work with others who are also striving to maintain a clean and sober lifestyle. And furthermore, they are provided the space to learn and converse about why and how they acquired an addiction.
Said Kali, “It’s important because they get to be a part of collective healing and work at reversing the harm that was done to us. In substance abuse disorder there’s a lot of theories and philosophies on why it’s a thing. Is it a personal choice or a moral failing? Is it just because drugs exist and they’re tempting? Is it risky behavior? But really, we know as Native people, with all the trauma and adversity faced in our past, it’s a coping mechanism. It’s something that devastates tribal communities at higher rates than non-Native communities. It feels like we’re reversing some of that harm.”
To back up Kali’s statement, let’s take a look at some local statistics. The Snohomish County Opioid Overdose and Prevention Data and Dashboard reports that there were 188 overdose deaths in our county alone last year. And according to the Washington State Department of Health’s Opioid and Drug Use Data Dashboard, there was a state average of about 30 overdose deaths per 100,000 people in 2022 for all other races and ethnicities. And high above those charted stats, the number for Alaskan Natives/American Indians clocks in at a staggering 120 deaths per 100,000 population – that’s a death rate four times higher than non-Native people statewide.
With that shocking disparity, locally and nationally, it’s easy to get bogged down in those statistics and focus on the damage the opioid epidemic is bringing to our tribal nations and families.This can leave many with a feeling of helplessness and despair when thinking about all the lives lost.
But on the flipside, those stats don’t speak on the resiliency of those individuals who are able to break away from the grasp of addiction. Which is no easy feat. But with the right support system, cultural gatherings, and a desire to understand and overcome their addiction, tribal members are taking back control of their lives, one step at a time.
This is why it’s important to celebrate their achievement of getting clean whenever possible. Because in turn, those success stories help raise awareness about substance abuse disorder and inspires others to break out of that cycle.
Over the years, as the opioid epidemic spread, the Tulalip Tribes has worked to create spaces for their membership to start their journey on the road to recovery. This includes the implementation of the Healing to Wellness Court, the establishment of the Healing Lodge, and a concentrated effort by the Tulalip Police Department to get drugs off the rez.
Additionally, the Recovery Resource Center continues to be a safe space for those struggling with addiction. By hosting events such as Narcan distributions and weekly NA meetings, as well as developing a recovery softball team, people are able to make connections with each other and build community while working toward the same goals.
The annual Recovery Campout is the perfect example of how celebrating those in recovery can inspire others to do the same. And it’s easy to see this taking place in real time by looking at the number of participants each year. At the first campout, there were 35 attendees. That doubled the second year as 72 community members took part in the campout. This year, the attendance rate rose again by 13, bringing the total to 85.
But it doesn’t stop there. The news about the Recovery Campout, and all the good work and fun that is had during the event, reached the ears of several tribes throughout the state. Three other tribes joined Tulalip for the third annual trip to Lopez including Nez Pierce, Port Gamble S’Klallam, and Puyallup. The nations of Makah and Quileute recently began hosting Recovery Campouts of their own within their respective territories. And after making the trip to Lopez this year, the Port Gamble S’Klallam tribe was inspired to host an indoors recovery campout this November.
“I’d like to think we set the precedents for recovery campouts,” shared Kali, half-jokingly. “I was reminded on the campout, by one of our participants who has gone every year, that it’s really what helped her get on the right path. She just had a relapse. She got out of jail and immediately got ready go to the campout. And she always says it’s what helped save her life. It’s moments like that when people keep showing up for each other. And it’s important to show that you can do all kinds of awesome, fun, exciting things in recovery without substances.”
Throughout the week, the campers take part in numerous activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. What makes this trip all the more special for Tribal members is the fact that the location has strong ancestral ties to the Tulalip people.
Long before colonization, the Tribe frequented Lopez Island during the summer months to harvest from both the land and sea, as well as cultivate camas. Today, the island falls under the Tribe’s usual and accustomed areas, and many Tulalip families visit Lopez to exercise their treaty rights and campout beneath the stars, and thus experience summertime like their ancestors before them.
In addition to recreational fun in the sun, there are multiple cultural activities that take place during their stay at the campout. This year, to bring everything full circle, the Recovery Resource Center enlisted members who are currently in recovery to lead workshops such as drum making, medicine pouch making, weaving, and beading.
Kali explained that one of the key aspects of the trip is to get everyone talking, so they can hear other people’s stories and relate it to their own experiences. This helps them work through their addiction and build support within the recovery community. So, every night they spend on the island, they gather together for either NA meetings, talking circles, or wellbriety circles. Traditional songs and prayers are often shared during the meetings around a fire pit.
Campers are encouraged to bring their family members along with them. The kids are afforded the opportunity to not only bond with their parents, but they also get to see their transformation take place in front of their very eyes.
“On the first year I was able to take my youngest daughter, she was just one year old. I just came back from a relapse, the day I had her was the last day that I used,” shared Tribal member, Loris Fryberg. “And then I relapsed the next year and lost all my children. But this year, I got to actually reunite with my children and bring them to the Lopez campout.
“We all had so much fun singing, drumming, circling up. We were really grateful to be engaged in everything and in our culture. It was very uplifting to spread our stories with every single person and to the other tribes, so they know they’re not alone. We’re all doing this one day at a time. And as long as we can share our story with other people who are stuck in addiction, this [recovery movement] is only going to get bigger. For me, I have 14 months clean, and I got my family back together, what more could I ask for?”
After four nights and five days on the island, the recovery community packed up from the Tulalip property surrounding Watmough bay and prepared for the trek back to the reservation. The retreat continues to be something the recovery community looks forward to every year. Next year, the Resource Center is planning on holding the campout during the early months of summer to avoid the rainy and windy days that this year’s participants weathered throughout their stay.
When asked about the ever-growing popularity of the event, and what that says about the local recovery community, Kali stated, “It says that one, the recovery community is growing, more people are recovering. And two, it’s raising awareness and destigmatizing recovery, and people can celebrate it more openly. It is becoming more amplified. This is just a campout where Tulalip community members in recovery, and their loved ones, can camp together and celebrate recovery, and that is so awesome to see.”
Be sure to follow the Tulalip Recovery Community page on Facebook to stay current on any news or events planned by the Recovery Resource Center. You can also reach out to (360) 716-4773 for more information and assistance.
New look Hawks soar in 30-18 win over Concrete
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
In high school sports, a world of change can occur from one season to another. Change, positive change to be exact, is just what Tulalip Heritage athletic director Lonnie Enick is attempting to manifest this year when it comes to the boys’ football program.
“This season is going to be all about growth. Growth by our players and growth by our coaches,” said Lonnie pregame. “We’ve worked so hard all offseason to prepare for this season. And all last week, in practice, we could see just how much that hard work was paying off. Our players and coaches are really seeing each other, they are hearing each other, and most importantly they are believing in each other.
“This team has so much talent. The only thing that can derail them is lack of belief. That’s why its so important for our community to fill this stadium seating every home game. To bring their energy that we know only Tulalip can. That will fuel these boys competitive fire and give them even more confidence knowing how many are rooting for them to succeed.”
Success has been a difficult thing to come by in recent years. Heritage hasn’t had a winning football team since the 2017 squad went 5-2. The program went into a major funk after that, largely due to the student-athletes being unable to keep themselves academically eligible.
Now, in 2024, the winds of change have blown in a fresh crop of Tulalip boys eager to build something worthwhile, to build something successful. After a number of incoming transfers, and even more on their way, plus uber-athletic basketball players looking to test out their physical gifts on grid iron, the Hawks coaching staff expects to have no difficulty fielding a team with depth at every position.
The new-look Hawks played their season-opener on Friday, September 6. Their opponent? The Concrete Lions. The same Concrete team that ran all over the Hawks last year and handed our boys a 24-point loss.
But that was last year. This is a new year with a new team. And this time around Tulalip was the home team, playing under the bright lights and in front of a mass of adoring fans. The Heritage boys were eager to let everyone know this year would be different.
Senior player James Diaz led the charge on both sides of the ball, playing admirably on offense and defense. He rushed for two touchdowns and then came up with a massive 80-yard interception return for a touchdown right before halftime to give Heritage a 24-18 lead.
“Playing DB, I read the tight end split perfectly,” shared James while catching his breath on the sidelines, following the pick 6. “My uncle Dee is always telling me to stay on the tight end’s hip, to not allow separation, and on that play everything went perfectly. I knew the QB was going to pass it to the tight end, I didn’t give any separation, and the pass basically came right to me. I knew right when I caught it that I had a chance to run it back for a touchdown. Hearing the crowd and my teammates yelling in excitement as I ran it back was pretty cool, I can’t lie.”
James went on to add yet another rushing touchdown early in the 4th quarter, his fourth score of the game, that put the home team up 30-18. The Hawks defense descended on any Concrete ball carriers, gang tackling at its finest, and didn’t yield a single point in the 2nd half.
The 30-18 season opening win puts Heritage at 1-0. It’s only one win, but a huge mission statement in the locker room as the team looks to continue to find even more success. For their next game, the Hawks travel to Crescent High School on Saturday, September 14, in a matchup with the Loggers.