Billy Frank Jr. stands on top of a culvert in 2008. Photo/Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
U.S. 9th District Court of Appeals rules in favor of the tribes in culvert case
By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
A culvert is a tunnel carrying a stream or open drain under a road or railroad. Currently, there are hundreds of culverts in the state of Washington that are in need of repairs. This issue has been an on-going problem for the tribes of Washington State for a large amount of time. The reason this is an issue for northwest Native Americans is because the blocked culverts are preventing salmon from swimming into spawning areas and from swimming back to the ocean, thus diminishing the salmon runs in Washington.
The original case began over 15 years ago; in 2001 the 21 federally recognized tribes of Washington filed a complaint against Washington State in the U.S. District Court regarding the damaged culverts. In 2007 the court ruled that building the culverts put the state in violation of the treaties the state signed with the tribes, and in 2013 the court made it a requirement for the Department of Transportation to replace the culverts with more efficient and salmon friendly culverts. The court gave Washington 17 years to replace the culverts making this the second victory for the tribes regarding this issue.
Washington State found this ruling a bit harsh and filed an appeal stating that the ruling was too expensive. The estimate given by The Department of Transportation was around $1.9 billion for the replacement of approximately 800 estimated culverts over the next 17 years. The court did find these estimations to be over-calculated for both the cost as well as the number of culverts that need to be replaced.
Washington agrees that blocked culverts are one reason why salmon runs are on the decline. The state corrected 23 culverts since the ruling in 2013, and looks to fix several more before the year ends. However, the state did file the appeal claiming that the treaties did not require the state to restore the salmon habitat, there is no minimum requirement of salmon for the tribes, and that the project is too time consuming and expensive. The states appeal was heard in October of 2015.
On Monday June 27, 2016 the U.S. 9th District Court of Appeals ruled yet again in favor of the tribes. The state can still file for a rehearing and petition for the U.S. Supreme Court. Washington State attorneys are currently reviewing the case and deciding whether or not they would like to proceed with a rehearing,
Once the culverts are replaced they will open over 1,000 miles of streams for salmon to pass through. Tribal leaders are looking to Washington for a sit-down to create a co-management plan that is financially realistic as well as time efficient. The decision is definitely a sign of progress for the recovery of the salmon habitat. However, many believe that there is still much work to be done, citing the culverts as just one of many problems. John Sledd, the primary attorney for the tribes believes that this is a major step in the right direction.
“Treaty fishing rights mean nothing without fish to catch, and you can’t have fish if they can’t get to their habitat to reproduce. The Court of Appeals made it absolutely clear – the treaties promised the tribes more than the right to set their nets and bring them up empty. They promised enough fish to meet the people’s needs. This decision is a big step to fulfilling that promise. It’s a great decision for the tribes, the fish, and everyone who values wild salmon.”
By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News ; Photos courtesy of Ross Fenton
Over the weekend of June 17, the Tulalip Tribes membership was once again afforded the opportunity to participate in the cultural upbringings of our ancestors; specifically by journeying into the woodlands and using traditional methods of pulling, gathering, and harvesting cedar.
“Tulalip Natural Resources Department (NRD) always works as a premier team annually to coordinate this culturally significant opportunity,” says Ross Fenton of the Tulalip Tribes Forestry Program. “The Tulalip Natural Resource’s Timber, Fish, and Wildlife Program (TFW) generally arranges a cedar site for the upcoming season by utilizing existing relationships with off-reservation landowners.
“This year, and in years past the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was very cooperative in providing a good quality cedar and land access that favors children, elders, and all the types of vehicles as well.”
Our Tulalip NRD education and outreach coordinator plays a key role in providing all the contact personnel information as well as any other special requests that the landowner may have to Tulalip Forestry staff and others involved. Tulalip Forestry staff then reviews the site boundaries and any other special requests from the DNR/landowner (i.e. no cedar pulling within stream buffers, etc.) in order to provide guidance to the tribal membership before and during the cedar bark harvest event. Leading large caravans of tribal members to the site, obtaining access through locked gates, and securing gates after the event are some of the roles that Forestry performs.
Tulalip Forestry staff also assists the membership by helping pull and/or separate inner bark, carrying bark up steep inclines for elders, and has also donating bark to tribal members who were not able to attend, if their time allows.
As Ross puts it, “the main goal and function of Forestry staff is primary oversight and logistical planning of this season’s event to ensure successful cedar procurement for many future Tulalip generation to follow.”
During the cedar pulling event’s first day, tribal members braved some seriously wet weather to harvest a staple commodity of their ancestors. On the second day, those who returned were joined by even more tribal members and were rewarded with beautiful weather and pristine conditions for cedar pulling.
“There were three generations of family members pulling cedar bark together on the second day,” adds Ross. “It was a great experience to witness old traditions and teachings being shared.”
“If you want to understand electricity, get yourself a seat anywhere Rhonda Ross performs!” – NightLife Exchange
Singer-Songwriter, Rhonda Ross is an African Diasporic Woman of the World. Bilingual in French and English (and raising her son to be fluent in four languages), Rhonda knows how to communicate with audiences around the world. Her original music lives in the gap between Jazz, Neo-soul, Funk and Gospel. Her lyrics live in the pause between life’s most important questions and their answers. Rhonda is one of the rare artists today using her music to examine the society she lives in – from racism to sexism to homophobia to the need for self-love and spirituality, Rhonda’s songs look through all of it and ask “In the midst of THIS, how can I still live the best life possible?
Rhonda has great power on stage and her refreshingly personal and moving performances set her apart from other vocalists of her era. Rhonda’s music flows straight from her essence and her bright spirit uplifts everyone in the room. With a crown of natural hair, Rhonda graces the stage with the gravitas and glamour of a modern-day queen. As the only child of Diana Ross and Motown Founder Berry Gordy, it has become evident that Rhonda not only has the talent, but the significance to carry on her parents’ legacy, all the while establishing her own unique musical destination.*
Through Rhonda’s individual and creative expression, the legendary Ross influence continues to live on and expand. While gearing up for the long-awaited release of her newest CD, expected to launch in July, Rhonda is currently touring the U.S. with her mom. The Tulalip Amphitheatre was fortunate enough to book the talents of Rhonda Ross as part of the Tulalip Resort Casino’s summer concert series. Rhonda will be sharing the stage with her mother Diana Ross on Saturday, July 2 in front of a sell-out crowd of faithful fans.
Rhonda took some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for the Tulalip News readers:
Where does this interview find you today?
RR: I’m in my Harlem apartment. It’s a gorgeous new summer day and there’s a breeze blowing in the window! So wonderful! Reminds me of my song Summer Day; ‘Walking out of a deep freeze. My heart is healing and I finally feel at ease. The sun is breaking through the trees. Like the first summer day in the park. Like the first summer day in the park”. Ha!
How has your spring/summer tour shaped up thus far? What has been the highlight of the tour?
RR: Our summer tour hasn’t officially started yet. The first day is Friday June 24 in Aspen and I can’t wait! Touring as part of my mother’s show is a very new occurrence and it provides me with not only wonderful opportunities to share my music and message with audiences across the country, but also it affords my mother and me special family time. So I can’t wait!
When did you know you wanted to be a performer in the music industry? How did that decision come about?
RR: I have known all my life that I wanted to be a performing artist. Perhaps it is in my DNA or perhaps it’s because it’s what I witnessed, but I have been singing all my life, all the way through high school and college. It was during my last couple years of Brown University that I joined a jazz quartet and started performing professionally. I never looked back.
When you are backstage preparing to perform what motivates you? Any superstitious rituals a part of your preparation?
RR: I like to quiet myself, align with the Spirit of God. The Spirt of Truth. I remind myself that none of this is about me. I am just a vessel for that energy and I relinquish to it and prepare to be danced and sung by it. It’s so fun. I feel beyond blessed to have that opportunity night after night.
Who were some of your biggest role models that you looked up to in the beginning of your career?
RR: Of course my parents, my mother and my father. They are trail-blazers. They believed in themselves when no one else did. They were single-focused. They stuck to their values and kept their eyes on the prize. They have work ethic like I have never seen before and I believe it’s because they love what they do. They both created careers that they enjoy so much, they don’t need to take vacations away from them! Even from a young girl, I knew I wanted to create a career that was organic and authentic to who I am so that it lifts me up, not burdens me, so that I can pursue it, joyfully, for the rest of my life.
Photo courtesy of John Lappen
You will be performing at the Tulalip Amphitheatre on Saturday, July 2 opening for you mom. Can you tell us what audiences can expect from this performance?
RR:My mother’s show is a high-energy, feel good 90 minutes. All the songs that people love from the Motown days through her film career, and her hits from the 80s, 90s and 2000s. People will be on their feet for the entire time!
And my part of the show begins in the evening. I’m a singer-songwriter and I write songs that help me to live. They are about life, how to navigate it, and how to digest so much of what we see around us. I like to say that my music is for “Grown Folk”, adults. There is meaning and there are messages. That said, it’s also fun. I got a grooving band behind me and we have a ball! All told, it’s a fun, meaningful night.
Think you will find time to play some slot machines or table games at the Tulalip Resort Casino while you’re in town?
RR: I’m not much of a gambler, but I do love to explore. I will definitely be walking around seeing all the new things there is to see and experience.
Who would you love to collaborate with musically that you haven’t yet had the opportunity to do so?
RR: Oh my! There are so many. I’d love to work with Jill Scott, Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu! Right now I (like the rest of the country) am completely obsessed with Hamilton: The Musical. Lin-Manuel Miranda is one of our geniuses. It would be incredible to collaborate with him one day.
What is the most outrageous fan interaction you’ve ever had?
RR: My mother’s and my fans are the best! The most loyal! Truly! When we go “on tour” they go “on tour” too. It’s remarkable! And truthfully, I have learned so much from them, they really know how to enjoy their lives. They pursue the things that bring them joy. It’s fantastic! Nothing is too outrageous if it brings joy into our lives. In this day and age, we need all the joy we can get.
Who is currently in your music playlist? Any artists or genres we would be surprised to find there?
RR: Like I just wrote I am obsessed with the Hamilton Soundtrack. I listen to it (from beginning to end) almost every day (I was just listening before I started this interview). I think people would be surprised to know how much I like musical theater, but it’s because I am a storyteller at heart, a poet. I am really turned on by smart lyrics.
What’s on tap next for you? What are you most excited about?
RR: My new CD should be out in July and that has got me really excited. Been working on it about a year and I’m really proud of how it’s turned out. So stay tuned for that. It will be everywhere; iTunes, Spotify, you name it. Of course, I’ll be selling (and signing) it after my shows!
Fireworks could be heard from the I-5 freeway on a cloudy Monday afternoon as vendors at Boom City were seen putting the finishing touches on their spray-paint graffiti decorated stands on June 20, 2016. Boom City, located in the lot behind the Tulalip Resort and Casino, officially opened June 17, and vendors are gearing up for another busy fireworks season.
Boom City offers a designated area where visitors can enjoy fireworks that are banned on off-reservation land. This area, located on the north end of Boom City, came in handy last year for firework enthusiasts who live in the nearby community of Marysville, which recently issued a citywide ban on fireworks. The ban went into effect during the summer of 2015. Marysville residents are currently only permitted to light legal fireworks on Independence Day from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
As always Tulalip wants to ensure that safety is the primary priority this season, and the promotion of safety is evidenced throughout the busy weeks leading up to the Fourth of July. Vendors are exceptionally knowledgeable of their products, often taking the time to explain how to safely light their fireworks, and the reason they are knowledgeable is experience.
Tulalip has hosted Boom City for decades and many stands that are currently selling fireworks have been located at Boom City for years. This season there are 122 total stands that expect to sell to thousands of buyers. And based off of the success of Boom City throughout the years, vendors can expect a demanding but profitable fireworks season. Fireworks aren’t the only item available for purchase at the thriving northwest pyrotechnics capital; Boom City also hosts arts and craft vendors as well as food vendors. And a variety of eateries at the entry of Boom City include traditional Native American dishes, BBQ dishes, espresso and shaved ice.
The Tulalip Police Department routinely checks-in on Boom City throughout each day. Security is also on hand to ensure safety for both vendors and fireworks lovers alike. For community members looking to participate in the summer celebrations, Boom City is open for business daily from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. through July 4.
Renewable/clean energy is defined as energy gathered from resources that are naturally replenished and include: solar, wind, rain, tides, waves, biomass, radiant energy and geothermal heat. Renewable energy is collected in four (4) important areas: electricity generation, air and water heating/cooling, transportation, and rural (off-grid) energy services.
Renewable energy provides big benefits for our climate, our health and our economy in these forms:
Minimal or no global warming emission
Improved public health and environmental quality
Inexhaustible energy supply
Jobs and other economic benefits
Stable energy prices
A more reliable and resilient energy system
Renewable energy already supports thousands of jobs in the United States and globally. With the increasing use of renewable energy, the potential for enormous job creation will be available as we wean ourselves off of fossil fuel technologies. Job creation in the wind energy industry is employing full-time-equivalent employees in a variety of occupations including manufacturing, project development, construction, turbine installation, operations, maintenance, transportation, logistics, financial, legal, and consulting services. There are over 500 factories in the United States manufacturing parts for wind turbines. The solar industry employs approximately 100,000 people in either full or part-time jobs, in solar manufacturing, installation, and sales and marketing positions. Renewable energies have morphed to include these other technological areas, hydro energy, ocean energy, and bio energy which employ even more workers.
In addition to creating new jobs, increasing our use of renewable energy offers other important economic development benefits. Local governments collect property and income taxes from renewable energy project owners. This revenue supports public services that are vital to the community. Many of these projects are located in rural areas where jobs are sorely needed. Owners of the lands where wind projects are located receive lease payments for power line easements or road right-away. Another possibility of payment maybe earning royalties based on the project’s annual revenues. Other ways that farmers can generate supplemental income is through renewable energy production by producing feedstock for biomass power facilities.
Clean energy careers involve occupations created by energy conservation, alternative energy development, pollution reduction and recycling. A number of colleges and universities now offer specializations and degree programs in various clean energy resource areas. Community colleges can be a great resource for certificates and 2-year degrees offering clean energy credentials. One of the best resources for information on renewable/clean energy education and careers can be found at the U.S. Department of Energy’s website. Check out this information at http://energy.gov/eere/education/colleges-and-universities.
Are you interested in getting in on the ground floor of the renewable energy tipping point? Just pick up your phone and contact the Higher Education Department for more information. You can either call us at 360-716-4888 or email us at highered@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.
