Tulalip News

Suicide, anxiety and depression

By Kim H. Newland, Tulalip News

Young children are told not to fear the monsters under their beds and many families hang Native American dream-catchers to capture the dark spirits that haunt their children’s sleep. According to Lakota legend, the first dream-catcher was crafted as a lesson by Iktomi, a trickster and shape shifting spirit who had taken the form of a spider. Using a hoop made of willow, the spider wove his web as a filter that allowed good thoughts to pass through while trapping the evil forces determined to cause harm. Placed above the sleeping area, the dream-catcher served to reassure the child that their good dreams would travel down the feathers to reach them as they slept while the bad dreams and spirits would get caught up in the web and vanish when touched by the morning light.

Tragically, for those suffering from anxiety, depression and suicidal hopelessness, the demons that haunt them are rarely vanquished with the daylight, leaving their loved ones desperate to reach them with a message of reassurance and comfort.

When it comes to communication, Kay Feather, a licensed mental health counselor at the Behavioral Health and Family Services Center advocates for what she calls the “cup of hot cocoa” approach. Sometimes simply being present and “listening with your heart” can make a big difference. “Go for a drive, share a cup of cocoa, step-in and share your concern,” Feather suggests. A gentle, nurturing approach can serve as an effective place to begin a conversation. Even a “presence-filled silence” can serve to validate feelings and offer the “respect of the moment.”

Family and community traditions are the very foundation of holiday celebrations and sometimes serve as a painful reminder of loss and grief, especially for young tribal members who share an enduring connection to their ancestors and larger extended families. While the holidays can be a time for heavy reflection, they also offer an opportunity to positively connect with friends and family to check-in on their emotional well-being.

Being mindful and watching for warning signs of depression or suicidal ideation can help save a life and serve to help weave a web of safety and security for those struggling with the monsters under the bed and the monsters inside their heads.

Suicide warning signs from The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves.
Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun.
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
Talking about being a burden to others.
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
Sleeping too little or too much.
Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
Displaying extreme mood swings.

For more information on depression and suicide contact Tulalip Tribes Behavioral Health Family Services at (360) 716-4400 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255. For emergency intervention, dial 911.

Lady Hawks open season in dominant fashion, win 64-22

by Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Coming off a very forgettable 2-18 season last year, the Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks came into the season with a renewed sense of purpose: returning back to their winning ways and making a run at the District 1B title. The team was revamped in the off season as key additions Adiya Jones, Aliya Jones, Keryn Parks and Desirae Williams joined the team. Coming back from last year is Michelle Iukes, Myrna Redleaf, Cyena Fryberg and Kaenishia Herrera. This year’s team has all the components necessary for a winning season and a deep playoff push.

Starting off the season, the Lady Hawks hosted the Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks C-team at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium on Wednesday, December 2. It was obvious from the get go that the Tomahawks C-team, a team of all freshman, didn’t have the experience to deal with a player the likes of Lady Hawks forward/center Adiya Jones. Coming off a year in which she led La Connor High School to the state playoffs and earned All-State First Team honors, Adiya took full advantage of the mismatches she had on offense.

The Lady Hawks came out firing on all cylinders as they quickly took an 18-2 1^st quarter lead, a lead they never relinquished. It was impressive to watch Lady Hawks guard Myrna Redleaf hound the ball-handlers of MP all game long. Her on the ball defense made it very difficult for the MP players to pass the ball or even attempt a shot. Nothing came easy for MP, as the Lady Hawks kept active on defensive, jumping the passing lanes and contesting all shot attempts.

In the 2^nd quarter, the Lady Hawks continued to dominate the game on both sides of the ball, taking a 36-9 lead into halftime.

In the 3^rd quarter, Keryn Parks and Aliya Jones both forced multiple turnovers which led to easy layups for their team. Adiya continued to have her way in the paint both offensively and defensively, to the tune of 34 points through 3 quarters and only a handful of shot attempts for MP coming near the rim.

Going into the 4^th quarter, the Lady Hawks led 60-17 and gave coach Bubba Fryberg the perfect opportunity to give his bench and role players quality minutes to build up their on-court experience. This time is critical for the long-term success of the Lady Hawks, especially in close games where every player, every play is crucial to earning a W.

When the buzzer sounded signaling end of game, the Lady Hawks had won 64-22.

“It feels really good to be playing my final season of high school ball back at home, for Heritage,” said Adiya following the lopsided victory. “Being able to play with my sister is huge as well. We’re so familiar with each other’s game that it makes it easier to run our offense. There are some areas as a team we’ll look to improve on in practice, but it should all come together soon.”

7th Annual Taste of Tulalip: Celebrating food, wine and tradition

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News; photos courtesy Maria Capili Photography

The Tulalip Resort and Casino (TRC) routinely displays all the reasons why it has earned the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award every year since 2009. Day and night the TRC staff are hard at work, dedicated to providing excellent customer service. As a Four Diamond Award winner, the TRC consistently delivers a luxurious experience, complete with a high level of service, amenities, and impressive surroundings. But, there is one event, held one weekend of the year where the TRC transforms itself from much, much more than the casino we often think of it as. In fact, this event has little to do with slot machines or table games at all.

The event is the annual Taste of Tulalip, Washington State’s coveted culinary festival of the year. More of a food and wine experience than an event, the two-day Taste of Tulalip showcases gourmet food and an assortment of fine wine hand-selected by Tulalip’s top-notch culinary team, led by Executive Chef Perry Mascitti and award-winning Sommelier Tommy Thompson. This year, the Taste of Tulalip celebrated its seventh anniversary over the weekend of November 13.

On Friday evening, Four-hundred and fifty guests filled the Orca Ballroom for the Taste of Tulalip’s 7^th Annual Celebration Dinner. The theme of this year’s dinner was “La Famiglia”, which is Italian for “the family”. In sticking with the theme, the Orca Ballroom was completely decked out in Italian backdrops, tapestry, fountains, and even live performance art. If the visuals weren’t enough to have you thinking you were in little Italy, then the live musicians, from an opera singer to a mandolin player, definitely did the trick.

The evening’s inspiration came from the love of Italian grandmothers everywhere who have a special passion for cooking amazing food every day for their families. In tribute, Tulalip chefs recreated many of their beloved recipes, paired with a global offering of rare, top wines.

Tulalip traditions were also highlighted throughout the evening. Tulalip artists continue to use traditional tools and techniques, while also using computer graphics, power tools, laser cuts and more to bring both traditional and innovative forms of Coast Salish art to the 21^st century. That’s why Tulalip artist Mike Gobin was chosen to design this year’s Taste of Tulalip logo. The logo he created was etched and printed onto wine glasses, dinner plates, and various marketing materials.

“The Taste of Tulalip logo was inspired by my father, Thomas J. Gobin, and my twin sister, Marilyn R. Lewis (Gobin),” says Mike of his unique, Coast Salish design. “The salmon represents the people of the Tulalip Tribes, “People of the Salmon’. My father’s Indian name means, ‘Man soars with Eagles’, and my sister’s Indian name means, ‘Aunty to all’. So the eagle represents my father and the hummingbird represents my sister. The eagle is hugging the hummingbird, so, with my father and sister gone now, this design represents my father meeting my sister in heaven and giving her a big hug. I’ve entitled this design, “A Father’s Heavenly Embrace”. I miss both of them a great deal.”

Within the Tulalip community, giving has often been an expectation of individuals as a means of sharing and survival. As Tulalip has grown economically and prospered from several business ventures, the tribes’ charitable donation program has continued to grow in kind and gives to nonprofits around the region. On this night, Snohomish-based veteran’s organization Heartbeat – Serving Wounded Warriors received two checks for $10,000 each. Heartbeat provides emergency assistance, therapeutic services, support groups, and morale-building programs for wounded service members and their families in Washington State.

“It’s critical that we serve those who gave up so much for our freedoms,” Tulalip Chairman Mel Sheldon said. “I was a Vietnam veteran, and if programs like this had been around back then, it would have changed everything. This is truly healing medicine.”

Friday evening’s celebration dinner was followed up with Saturday’s gourmet food and wine extravaganza, as more than 2,000 guests came from all over the region to attend wine seminars, cooking demonstrations and, of course, the Grand Taste. Attendees savored flavors of exceptional food and wine pairings from around the globe as they sauntered about lavish food stations by TRC award-winning chefs, countless winery samples from Washington, Oregon and California, craft beer selections, and even two separate lounges featuring their own hand-picked pours.

The only way to adequately describe the Grant Taste is to share photos, which as they say, are worth a thousand words. And if your mouth doesn’t water, then you’re not looking hard enough. The food was utterly fantastic, as every dish was prepared to wow the taste buds. Add in the wine selection, which encompasses the entire spectrum from once in a lifetime to perfect for a normal Tuesday, and we have a creative and fun atmosphere, free of snobbery and pretentiousness.

The two-day Taste of Tulalip is the annual opportunity for the Tulalip Resort Casino to drop the casino part and flex its culinary muscles as the Tulalip Resort, proving itself as a true destination in the Pacific Northwest’s food and dining scene. Both Friday and Saturday’s events sell-out every year, so be on the lookout for information regarding next year’s Taste of Tulalip at www.tasteoftulalip.com

Tulalip Family Services Family Night, Dec 15

1st Ever Beef Jerky Outlet Opens in Pacific Northwest

Store opens in Tulalip, bringing jerky back to its Native American Roots

December 2, 2015 Tulalip, Washington – The first Beef Jerky Outlet franchise in the Pacific Northwest celebrates its grand opening December 12 on tribal grounds in Tulalip, Washington. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Seattle Union Gospel Mission, a local charity that helps the homeless.

This local Beef Jerky Outlet specializes in more than 200 jerky varieties and sizes, including specialty meats like kangaroo, alligator, venison and elk with exotic flavors ranging from Moonshine to Cajun. Sales of beef jerky jumped 46 percent from 2009-2015, as locals and people throughout the country devour the tasty, cured dried meat snack with a vengeance.

“Beef jerky is the latest food craze with Americans craving high protein, low fat snacks,” says Tom Miller, owner of the new Tulalip Beef Jerky Outlet, one of 45 franchises throughout the country. “We can’t wait to provide people in our community with a unique selection of this popular snack. Plus we’re opening the store on tribal land, where the American Indians and pioneers in the 1800s first smoked, dried and cured beef. We’re bringing jerky back to its roots and our store is a celebration of its heritage.”

Miller spent his career as an executive in the technology industry. He’s thrilled to be the first to bring the Beef Jerky Outlet to the Pacific Northwest.

“We do a lot of wine tasting here in this area and I can see how beef jerky tastings will be a lot of fun and generate excitement for the store,” he says. “We also sell seasoning and rubs for jerky and we expect that will be a big hit with those who make their own jerky.”

Grand Opening Celebration!

Come out to sample a variety of jerky flavors at the ribbon cutting at our local Beef Jerky Outlet at 8825 34th Ave NE, Tulalip, Washington Saturday, December 12 at 10 AM.
One lucky customer will walk away with a $100 gift basket full of jerky. Other giveaways will be handed out all weekend long.
Mel Sheldon, Chairman of the Tulalip Indian tribe will be the honored guest at the ribbon cutting
10 percent of all sales Saturday go to the Union Gospel Mission, a local charity that helps the homeless. This after Seattle’s mayor declared states of emergency in Seattle and King Counties to help combat the area’s homeless epidemic.
We will also collect bags of jerky for troops. Beef Jerky is the number 1 snack choice of the military
Talk to the local Beef Jerky Outlet owner and customers as they try out these new jerky flavors in the brand new store.

History of Beef Jerky:

The word jerky has its origins in the native languages of South America. In the 1800s, the term “jerky” quickly spread across the new world to describe the process of smoking, drying and curing beef. American Indians, cowboys and pioneers made and embraced jerky as an easily transportable and long lasting food source. Jerky has traditionally been the No. 1 favorite snack of the military, and for years, NASA has sent it up to our astronauts in space.

Today, jerky is selling like crazy with the general population because of America’s demand for lightweight, high protein foods. Jerky is lean, high in protein and nutritional value and low in calories, carbohydrates and fat (jerky is only 3 percent fat).

• IRI, a Chicago based market research firm, reports sales of jerky jumped 46 percent from 2009-2015, catapulting it to a $1.24 billion industry.

• Jerky is in the beef snack category – the fastest growing segment of the snack food industry (Convenience Store Decisions, Nov. 2012).

• Our nation’s health craze is fueling the jerky revolution as runners, weightlifters, hikers and weekend warriors eat it before, during and after exercise.

• Jerky is a popular snack for folks on the trendy Paleo diet, which urges consumers to eat foods from their hunter/gatherer ancestors.

• Jerky is catching on for women too, because the cured, low fat snack provides an energy boost without spoiling the diet. A study at Penn State University found physically active women ages 18–45 consider jerky as more convenient and satisfying than tortilla chips.

• Chefs are now incorporating jerky into their gourmet dishes. You can find jerky on the menus of high end restaurants in Four Seasons hotels and others throughout the country.

About the Beef Jerky Outlet:

The Beef Jerky Outlet is the world’s first national beef jerky franchise that has grown to six founder-owned stores, 46 opened franchise stores, and dozens of more locations opening in the next 18 months across the U.S. The Beef Jerky Outlet specializes in more than 200 jerky varieties and sizes including kangaroo, alligator, venison and elk with exotic flavors ranging from Moonshine to Cajun. The dried, smoked meat has traditionally been the No. 1 favorite snack of the military, and for years, NASA sent jerky up to the astronauts in space. Today, jerky is selling like crazy with the general population because of America’s demand for low fat, low calorie foods that are high in protein. IRI, a Chicago based market research firm, reports sales of jerky jumped 46 percent from 2009-2015, catapulting it to a $1.24 billion industry. For more information, please visit www.independencejerky.com.

December 9, 2015 syəcəb

Click on the link below to download the December 9, 2015 syəcəb

December 9, 2015 syəcəb

Tulalip student-athletes at Archbishop Murphy

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

There are four Tulalip tribal members who enjoyed a notable winning streak this fall as members of the Archbishop Murphy High School football team, known as the Wildcats. High school junior Jesus Echevarria, senior Darion Joseph, and sophomore Martin Napeahi Jr. are student-athletes who play for the Wildcats, while Martin Napeahi Sr. mans the sidelines as an assistant coach.

Archbishop Murphy, a Catholic college preparatory school located in Everett, went undefeated in their regular season and came into the Washington State 2A semi-final game, played on Saturday, November 28, a perfect (12-0). Needing just one more win to make it to the state championship game, the Wildcats would take on the top-ranked Tumwater Thunderbirds, who were also undefeated on the season.

The Wildcats were primed to take home the victory after managing to hold off the Thunderbirds for the majority of the game. With less than two minutes remaining in the game, the Wildcats held a 21-17 lead and only needed to run out the clock to secure the W. Unfortunately, Tumwater refused to concede the game and forced a game changing fumble, which ultimately led to a Thunderbird touchdown and a stunning victory. The late game turn of events was undoubtedly shocking for the once undefeated Wildcats, but with a talented team of young players, the Archbishop Murphy football program will look to build on this season’s success and return for another title run next season.

Tulalip text information line for closures and emergencies

Tulalip now has an emergency Text line to get the most important information without having Internet, tribal email or when the tribal phone line cannot be updated.

How does it work?

Text STORM to 30644

Opt in to Emergency Group by following prompts

We will not share your cell phone number with anyone, this service is for everyone! You will get some automated responses for Tribal Government Closures, Road Closures or other relevant information. You can also text questions back and we will do our best to reply with timely responses.

Please take the time to text STORM right now to 30644 so that you have it saved in your phone. Do it today and save yourself panic in the future.

Please refer to the map for alternate driving routes

Using sports to inspire lifelong fitness

fitness-1 — Throughout the 3-Day fitness camp, Tulalip youth had conversations about how to properly workout and take care of their bodies, and learned the importance of a good warmup that includes stretching to avoid injury.
Photo/Micheal Rios

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Dietreich Rios, Suquamish tribal member and owner/operator of Dietreich Fitness in Orlando, Florida, hosted a Native youth basketball camp and fitness clinic at the Donald Hatch Jr. gymnasium, November 23-25. The 3-day health expo was all about health and fitness, while promoting a tobacco-free lifestyle.

““I’ve trained a lot of athletes, from professional basketball players to body builders, but my passion is motivating and helping our Native peoples stay healthy and strong individuals,” says Dietreich while in the midst of a stretching routine he does before day one of the basketball clinic. “Over the past couple years I’ve become more involved in not only the fitness community, but in Native American health across the nation.

“I try my best to reach and help inspire, motivate, and teach as many people as I can. I preach fitness and basketball since that’s what I grew up doing; playing basketball was all I did as a kid then as I got older I got heavily into fitness. I try to integrate the two whenever I can.”

Dietreich Rios, a Suquamish tribal member and owner/operator of Dietreich Fitness in Orlando, Florida.Photo/Micheal Rios — Dietreich Rios, a Suquamish tribal member and owner/operator of Dietreich Fitness in Orlando, Florida.
Photo/Micheal Rios

Dietreich grew up in the greater Seattle area before moving to Florida to pursue dreams of opening his own fitness center. He has become a renowned personal trainer and basketball skills coach to many high school hoopers, D-1 college athletes, and has even added the likes of Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis (an NBA player) to his clientele.

We’ve all witnessed how the health and fitness movement has grown immensely over the past several years. Currently, there are no shortage of gyms and workout areas in Marysville, and it wasn’t too long ago that the Tulalip Teen Center and Tulalip Bay Crossfit opened their doors to our reservation based community.

“Getting Natives to keep their minds and bodies healthy through fitness, exercise, and sports is a big movement right now. We’ve always had basketball, rez ball you know, but from what I’ve been seeing there is more of an emphasis on overall fitness and health within tribal communities,” explains Dietreich. “Our people are getting inspired from seeing the Nike N7 movement and by seeing famous athletes like WNBA all-star Shoni Schimmel. More Native youth are seeing people who look like them have success on the professional level, especially young girls who look up to Shoni and her sister Jude, they are motivated play basketball.”

Preaching and advocating for a healthy lifestyle that includes being active through exercise and sports is nothing new for Native Americans. Natives have always been known for their athletic ability, but in the last couple generations the numbers say that athletic skill isn’t being utilized like it once was. Obesity, diabetes, and heavy alcohol/drug use have been running rampant through our communities, making it harder and harder to find the well-conditioned Native athlete above the age of 30.

Whatever the reason may be, tribal departments and communities nationwide have ramped up their focus on engaging Native youth to stay active through sports and fitness. Get them started when they are young and the hope is they’ll continue to maintain that healthy lifestyle and be a role model to others later in their life.

“The movement is definitely growing. Through my travels I’ve seen more community fitness centers and youth athletic centers being built on reservations,” reflects Dietreich. “Now there’s a big emphasis to have a gym, to have places for our people to work out and stay fit, and to have departments getting our young ones involved in sports and fitness.”

The Tulalip Tribes Youth Services Department has been monumental in creating activities, services, and teaching fitness based curriculum to our youth. Since opening the Tulalip Teen Center, the Youth Services Department has been steadfast in reaching out and bringing motivational speakers, fitness experts, and Native celebs to engage with our youth.

Shortly after we hosted the Gary Payton Basketball Camp, Youth Services, with the help of DeShawn Joseph, learned of Dietreich and his assortment of fitness skills he uses to motivate and energize Native youth. Within the past year Dietreich has taught fitness and basketball camps on the Jamestown S’Klallam Reservation and within the Navajo Nation. He is also preparing to do some fitness camps up north for a few First Nations tribes in Canada.

Throughout the 3-Day fitness camp, Tulalip youth had conversations about how to properly workout and take care of their bodies, learned the importance of a good warmup that includes stretching as to avoid injury, and covered tobacco prevention.

“Tobacco prevention is an interesting topic to me because it should be a no brainer for all athletes, but still there are so many young athletes who choose to smoke,” asserts Dietreich. “If you are going to play sports, then you shouldn’t smoke tobacco because it’s detrimental to what you’re trying to do.”

The exercises the kids enjoyed most during the camp were undoubtedly those that called for dribbling or shooting a basketball. They were all able to participate in a multitude of basic and semi-advanced basketball skill building exercises. Each exercise is something Dietreich hopes the kids will continue to make part of their fitness routine.

Following the fitness camp, Dietreich took to Facebook to thank the Tulalip community. “In the spirit of being thankful, I want to thank the Tulalip Tribes for hosting me this week while I put on this youth basketball and fitness clinic. I had a great group of kids! Hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did.”