Tulalip News

Tulalip Tribal Council swears in new leadership: Newly elected chairman Herman Williams Sr. wastes no time establishing his plans

Newly Elected Chairman of the Tulalip Tribes, Herman Williams, accepting his place on council. *Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News*

By Andrew Gobin, Tulalip News

The Tulalip Tribal Council swore in three members on Saturday, April 5 at the Tulalip Administration board room, welcoming newly elected Les Parks and Herman Williams Sr., and returning Councilman Glen Gobin. Parks and Williams have both served on the council in prior years, which may have contributed to their winning of two seats, and the appointment of Williams as Chair and the election of Parks as Vice Chair. Glen Gobin was elected as Treasurer.

Chairman Williams spoke directly, so not to waste time, mapping out his plans for changing the direction of the Tulalip Tribes, urging for tradition and culture to be the foundation of our community, once more.

Herman Williams Sr. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News — Herman Williams Sr. *Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News*

He said, “If we continue as we are, neglecting our culture and traditional ways, the man from Washington D.C. will come here and there will be no Tulalips. Without culture, Tulalip is gone.”

Williams spoke briefly about returning to the old ways of leadership, mentioning the influence of past leaders over his life and leadership.

“All these ones here behind me,” he said, motioning to the photos of all the past councilmembers, “I walked with them all in my lifetime. I may be the only one [on the council] who has had that privilege.”

The Tulalip people are a big concern as well for the new Chairman. He briefly mentioned the social dysfunction a substance abuse that plagues the Tulalip people today.

“We have our people, and we have our strength. But we have to walk together, once more. We have a lot of children born into this life of ours that have been caught in this web of drugs and alcohol. I’m gonna get this community together to take care of that. You women, you are the givers of life. But I understand that some of you are bringing children into this world that are going to have a tough time. I can’t allow that any longer. We will have to march down that road together if we want to heal,” he said.

Les Parks accepts his seat on the Tulalip Tribal Council, also honoring Herman Williams Sr. as the Chair. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip news — Les Parks accepts his seat on the Tulalip Tribal Council, also honoring Herman Williams Sr. as the Chair. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News

Les Parks, elected Vice Chair for the Tulalip Tribal Council, spoke, thanking the people for their support. He praised Chairman Williams for his leadership and experience, stating how honored he was to serve with him, and the rest of the council.

Glen Gobin, elected Treasurer, echoed Parks’ sentiments, honoring Williams for his past leadership and his status as the elder councilman. Gobin, who was re-elected for a fourth consecutive term, welcomed Williams and Parks back to the council after years of absence.

Gobin accepts re-election and welcomes Williams and Parks to the Tulalip Tribal Council, acknowledging Williams as the Elder on the council. Upon the announcement of the election results, Gobin nominated Williams for the Chairman,who took the position unchallenged. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News — Gobin accepts re-election and welcomes Williams and Parks to the Tulalip Tribal Council, acknowledging Williams as the Elder on the council. Upon the announcement of the election results, Gobin nominated Williams for the Chairman,who took the position unchallenged. *Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News*

Andrew Gobin is a reporter with the See-Yaht-Sub, a publication of the Tulalip Tribes Communications Department.
Email: agobin@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Phone: (360) 716.4188

Spokane County commission opposes casino

Apr 09 2014 Associated Press

SPOKANE, Wash. –

The Spokane County commissioners are asking the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs to take another look at possible negative impacts of a proposed Indian casino near Fairchild Air Force Base.

In a recent letter to the BIA, commissioners say new information has surfaced indicating that an “accident potential zone” could be extended into the area where the Spokane Tribe wants to build its resort.

The Spokane Tribe says the casino would create jobs for tribal members and attract more businesses to Airway Heights, where the proposed project would be built.

The Spokesman-Review says the tribe’s application is before the Office of Indian Gaming, which has not indicated when it might issue a ruling.

If approved by the federal government, the casino would also require approval by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.

© 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Tulalip family hosts Italian foreign exchange student

Article by Andrew Gobin, Tulalip News

Bernard and Sandra Duplessis and their family have been hosting exchange students for the past two years. It’s an experience that they would like to see grow on the reservation. The opportunity to see the world and experience another culture, or host a student and share your culture with them, both are ways to open yourself up to the world and appreciate your own culture.

Tommaso Vaccari and his hosts, the Duplessis Family, on their Alaskan cruise. Left to right: Tommaso, Bernard Jr., Dallas, Bernard Sr., Joan, and Sandra. *Photo provided by the Duplessis Family*

Meet Tommaso Vaccari, a 17 year old Italian exchange student from Genoa, currently attending Getchell High School. He is very outgoing and independent.

“I arrived in August of last year, and will be here for about ten months,” he said.

He lives with Bernard and Sandra Duplessis, their son, Bernard Jr., their daughter, Dallas, and Bernard’s mother, Joan. When Tommaso arrived, he spoke very little English. After learning from his host family, and from school, he speaks so well you wouldn’t know he is new to it. The way he speaks is not what you would expect either. Idioms are more pronounced, his tone changes as he uses phrases that he is more familiar with. Although you may not realize it about yourself, you probably do these same things. You really notice with Tommaso, though, as the colloquialisms of pop culture have manifested in his English, picking up slang from his peers.

The largest culture shock for Tommaso is reservation life.

“I had no idea what a reservation was,” he said, “but my father has always been intrigued by the Indians. He rides horses with a man in Genoa, who lived with Indians for some time. They go out riding together and my father learns about Indians that way. This is totally different. Here is so much different than in town.

“In September I was fishing with my host brother, and there were some [Indian] people that did not like that. They said that if you weren’t Indian you couldn’t fish. And then there were other people [non Indians] that were mad about that. Then the police came and told everyone to leave. And they told me that I could not be there. But I was with my host brother, and I had to explain to the police.”

The Duplessis family will be sad to see him go in June, when the exchange program ends.

“We consider him part of the family. He plays with our son, Bernard, and really has become a part of our lives. We talk to his family as well. They sent us a box of gifts. On Tommaso’s mother’s birthday, we arranged to send her flowers. She was thrilled. We feel like we have a family around the world in Italy too,” said Sandra.

She continued to talk about her son Bernard Jr., and how Tommaso helps him with his medical condition. Bernard is a hemophiliac and requires daily injections.

Tommaso said, “Coming here, living with these people, and helping my host brother Bernard, I want to become a doctor. I had always considered it, but coming here, I know it is what I want.”

Tommaso comes from a family of innovators and entrepreneurs. For him, his interests have always been on other fields.

Bernard and Sandra really would like to see programs like this grow. They hope that Tulalip students will be inspired to travel to other countries for schooling, to experience some of the rich cultures of the world, and hopefully to find the richness in our own culture.

If you see Tommaso out in the community, be sure to stop and get to know him a bit.

Andrew Gobin is a reporter with the See-Yaht-Sub, a publication of the Tulalip Tribes Communications Department.
Email: agobin@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Phone: (360) 716.4188

President Obama To Visit Oso Landslide Site

File photo of cleanup at the site of the Oso landslide site on April 3, 2014.Washington National Guard — File photo of cleanup at the site of the Oso landslide site on April 3, 2014.
Washington National Guard

By Chris Lehman, NW News Network

President Barack Obama is expected to visit the site of the deadly landslide in Snohomish County, Wash., later this month.

The scheduled April 22 visit would be exactly one month after the disaster struck. It’s a rare visit to the region for the President, not counting political fundraisers.

Presidents often travel to the sites of natural disasters to comfort victims and encourage first responders. It’s a tradition that dates back to at least the 1960s. At that time, Lyndon Johnson famously toured the aftermath of Hurricane Betsy in Louisiana. Historians called that trip to the swing state both a humanitarian and a political gesture.

Obama declared the Oso landslide a federal disaster area. But until now, his only public comments came during his trip in Europe last month.

“I would just ask all Americans to send their thoughts and prayers to Washington state and the community of Oso and the family and friends of those who continue to be missing,” President Obama said on March 25.

The Washington Governor’s office says the President will visit families and recovery workers during his visit to the site of the landslide.

Obama last visited Washington state last November. He attended two closed-door fundraisers for Congressional candidates. He also visited the Northwest during the 2012 presidential campaign.

Tulalip Resort hosts Chance McKinney Benefit Concert: Together raising more than $16k for Oso relief effort

By Andrew Gobin, Tulalip news

Tulalip – Almost two weeks after a landslide devastated the Oso community, support for the persistent relief effort remains strong and unwavering. The Tulalip Resort Casino and country music star Chance McKinney hosted a benefit concert raising more than $16,000.

Chance McKinney. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News — Chance McKinney. *Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News*

“We are charging $20 for admission, 100% of which goes to the Oso relief effort. Specifically we are donating to the Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation and Union Bank,” said Shane Warbus, Food & Beverage Operations Manager for the Tulalip Resort.

McKinney, who was exceedingly humble about the show, expressed his shock and sympathies for the Oso community.

“Who am I to throw a benefit for people in need? That is a scary notion. And what if no one shows up? But it’s the cause. And $20 admission, that’s what national headliners charge, I’m not that guy. This is all for the cause,” he said.

Ron Stubbs, a comic and hypnotist who opened the show, said, “You people that came and paid $20, donating your time and money for those victims in Oso, you guys rock.”

Ron Stubbs’ volunteer named Adam. He thought the most beautiful woman he ever saw was under this wig, and he was about to show her his moves. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News — Ron Stubbs’ volunteer named Adam. He thought the most beautiful woman he ever saw was under this wig, and he was about to show her his moves. *Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News*

The show started with Stubbs at 8:00 p.m., with McKinney going on at 9:30 p.m., and people continued to line up to get in until midnight, still paying for admission.

McKinney said, “We received donations from New York, Tennessee, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and many other states. Essentially, people bought tickets to a show they will never see. All for the cause.”

The show came together quickly after McKinney approached Tulalip with the idea for a benefit, motivated by his close connection with the area.

“Watching the news of Oso versus living here so close to it every day, it’s different,” said McKinney. “My first CD was cut in Darrington, for six months I drove through that area. I know where those houses were. But I can’t imagine living so close to this, where your brother’s girlfriend had a baby that was killed there, or where your mother and father died.” he said. He still lives in the area part time.

The barefoot country music star Chance McKinney really bringing the show close to home. Chance's first album was cut at a studio in Darington, near the Oso community. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News — The barefoot country music star Chance McKinney really bringing the show close to home. Chance’s first album was cut at a studio in Darington, near the Oso community. *Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News*

Aside from a few in-house costs, there was no money spent on the event. Advertising and other promotional information was donated for the event.

“We didn’t want one dollar of this event to be lost to expenses. Everything was handled pro bono by the Tulalip Resort. Everything came together, and we were able to pull this off in a week,” McKinney said.

“I am proud to announce that this event in the Cabaret was well attended and well executed. We had a goal to get $8 – $10K, through the efforts of the team, we had hit that by 11:00 p.m.,” Warbus added, noting that it truly was the audience that was driving the charitable efforts. “Guests were throwing money on stage, Chance was getting money while he played. He would announce where the guest was from while he was accepting the donation, the crowd loved it. After the event was over there was still more money coming in, guests were still giving on the way out.”

McKinney started a ‘dollar dance’ with people dumping money into buckets as they were passed around. Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News — McKinney started a ‘dollar dance’ with people dumping money into buckets as they were passed around. *Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News*

Andrew Gobin is a reporter with the See-Yaht-Sub, a publication of the Tulalip Tribes Communications Department.
Email: agobin@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Phone: (360) 716.4188

Tulalip mother pleads guilty to murder, mistreatment

Family photoNineteen-month-old Chantel Craig died Oct. 8, 2012. Her mother has pleaded guilty to a murder charge. — Family photo
Nineteen-month-old Chantel Craig died Oct. 8, 2012. Her mother has pleaded guilty to a murder charge.

By Chris Winters, The Herald

SEATTLE — A Tulalip woman charged with killing one daughter and neglecting another pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to one count of murder and another of criminal mistreatment.

Christina Carlson, 37, will likely receive eight to 13 years in prison when she is sentenced. That’s scheduled for July.

Had she been found guilty at trial, Carlson could have received a life sentence.

Carlson previously pleaded not guilty to the charges and was scheduled for a pre-trial hearing later this month.

Some of Carlson’s family members left the courtroom in tears as assistant U.S. attorney Tate London described the condition that Carlson’s daughters were found in.

Carlson showed no emotion and only answered “yes” when Magistrate Judge James Donohue asked whether she understood the charges and the plea agreement.

She was charged with second-degree murder in the death of her 19-month-old daughter, Chantel Craig. The toddler and her older sister, 3, were all but abandoned in a car on the Tulalip Indian Reservation in October 2012.

The toddlers were buckled in their car seats for hours. They had sores all over their bodies and were covered in feces, lice and maggots. Investigators believe they likely had gone days without food or water.

Chantel wasn’t breathing when paramedics reached her. An autopsy determined that she suffered from severe malnutrition. Her sister was treated for dehydration and skin sores from prolonged exposure to feces and urine.

The investigation into Chantel’s death includes more than 3,000 pages of reports and numerous video and audio files.

Prosecutors allege that Carlson withheld basic necessities of life from her children. In the hours before Chantel died, Carlson allegedly was sending text messages, attempting to buy drugs, court papers said. Witnesses reported seeing Carlson smoking heroin days earlier in the car while the girls were in the back seat.

Tests conducted on the older girl’s hair showed evidence that the child had been exposed to opiates.

Carlson and the girls had for months been the focus of on-again, off-again searches by state and tribal child welfare workers. Their grandmother called Child Protective Services in December 2011 with concerns that the girls were being neglected.

Carlson had lost custody of at least three other children because of her drug use and neglect, court papers said.

In a terrible coincidence, state social workers closed the investigation hours before Chantel died. They hadn’t been able to find her or Carlson. The woman and her daughters had for weeks been living in her car down a dirt road on the reservation.

Carlson is scheduled to be sentenced July 21.

Developer To Preserve Ancient Tequesta Village In Heart Of Miami

img_2518_wide-0a14a42b8393a1e89c7a9959afb3580fe51c5b31-s4-c85 — A series of postholes sit on a site that some call a major archeological find, once home to a Tequesta village. A developer wants to build on the site, but agreed to preserve the village.
Greg Allen/NPR

by Greg Allen

April 08, 2014 NPR.org

In downtown Miami, amidst the office buildings, shops and high-rise condos, visitors will soon be able to see a site historians are calling Miami’s birthplace.

The spot where the Miami River meets Biscayne Bay used to be home to the Tequesta tribe, which is where Spanish explorers who first arrived in Florida in the early 1500s encountered them. Today, that spot is the heart of downtown Miami.

A developer began making plans last year to build on one of the last pieces of undeveloped land there. When the company called in archaeologist Bob Carr to first conduct a survey, he found what may be the oldest prehistoric town in the eastern United States.

When the topsoil was cleared away, Carr found a series of postholes bored into the limestone bedrock. The postholes form the outline of six circular structures: buildings that once were part of a major Tequesta village.

“The Tequesta were the native people of southeastern Florida,” Carr says. “They were certainly here when the Europeans arrived. They probably encountered Ponce de León, who apparently did land somewhere near the Miami River.”

The discovery of the village was a major archaeological find, one that rivals the discovery of a related site 15 years ago on the other side of the Miami River. Development there uncovered a much larger ceremonial site dubbed the Miami Circle. Preservationists raised money to save it, but little has been done since then to improve that site or interpret it for visitors.

The developer of the new site, MDM Development Group, recently reached an agreement with historic preservationists that will preserve the village and also interpret some of the most important elements.

MDM plans to build a retail, hotel and office complex on the site but as part of the agreement, the building’s lobby has been redesigned. It will now include a museum gallery with glass walls and flooring to showcase some of the Tequesta circles for visitors.

Architect and preservationist Richard Heisenbottle says that visitors will “be able to see the circle and the archaeological dig through a glass floor. And, at that same time, there will be a video that explains the history of the site.”

A second Tequesta circle will also be visible from the sidewalk and showcased in an area planned for a restaurant in another part of the complex.

Most of the rest of the prehistoric Tequesta village will be preserved under the building and accessible to researchers and archaeologists through a crawlspace.

It’s not all preservationists hoped for, but it is pretty close. Along with the Tequesta village, the site also contains elements from its later uses, when it was a military fort and then Miami’s first resort hotel. Those layers of history will also be preserved and explained to visitors.

“It does explain very clearly to everyone as we look at this, ‘This is where Miami came from,’ ” Heisenbottle says. “Miami’s earliest days are right there.”

Along with a movie theater and restaurants, the complex will now also have a history museum and interactive displays for visitors.

“If you go through Europe and you see how they’ve been able to marry the relationships between commerce and history, that’s what is proposed here,” says Eugene Stearns, who represents the developer.

Miami is one of America’s youngest cities, just a little more than a century old. This new archaeological find is a reminder that Florida is also home to some of the oldest settlements in North America.

“This will give you the opportunity to see both sides of the story, that we’re one of the oldest human habitation sites and we’re the youngest major metropolitan area,” says historian Arva Moore Parks.

Parks is hopeful that the planned museum and Tequesta village display could help bring new attention and money to the city’s other important prehistoric site — the Miami Circle

Don Hatch Youth Center open to spring break activities for Tulalip youth

The ribbon was cut on April 7, 2014, by Tulalip Tribes General Manager Sheryl Fryberg and former Tulalip Board member Don Hatch Jr., which the center is named after, to mark the official opening of the new center that will provide youth, 13-17 years old, a positive environment to hang out in. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News — The ribbon was cut on April 7, 2014, by Tulalip Tribes General Manager Sheryl Fryberg and former Tulalip Board member Don Hatch Jr., which the center is named after, to mark the official opening of the new center that will provide youth, 13-17 years old, a positive environment to hang out in.
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

by Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

TULALIP, WA. – Tulalip youth, 13 to 17 years old, now have a building to call their own with the opening of the Tulalip Don Hatch Youth Center.

A ribbon cutting ceremony held on Monday, April 7, coincided with the first day of spring break for Tulalip youth, and marks the official opening of the center that was designed with this age group in mind.

Amenities in the center include a new basketball court, game room, work out room, and large commons area for studying or visiting.

For questions about the Don Hatch Youth Center, please contact Tulalip Youth Services at 360-716-4909.

Brandi N. Montreuil: 360-913-5402; bmontreuil@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

Tulalip Don Hatch Youth Center opening ceremony from Brandi Montreuil on Vimeo.

Above the new basketball court in the Don Hatch Youth Center gym hangs the former basketball middle court emblem which previously used to be where the new youth center sits. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News — Above the new basketball court in the Don Hatch Youth Center gym hangs the former basketball middle court emblem which previously used to be where the new youth center sits.
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

The new Don Hatch Youth Center's gym still displays on the walls cutouts of the former basketball court flooring that new center's basketball court replaced. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News — The new Don Hatch Youth Center’s gym still displays on the walls cutouts of the former basketball court flooring that new center’s basketball court replaced.
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

The Don Hatch Youth Center will be available to Tulalip youth, 13-17 years old. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News — The Don Hatch Youth Center will be available to Tulalip youth, 13-17 years old.
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

The Don Hatch Youth Center ribbon cutting ceremony, held on April 7, 2014, included a packed day of fun activities for Tulalip youth, including a visit from the Bubble Man, Garry Golightly. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News — The Don Hatch Youth Center ribbon cutting ceremony, held on April 7, 2014, included a packed day of fun activities for Tulalip youth, including a visit from the Bubble Man, Garry Golightly.
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

Tribal jam session raises over $3400 for Oso mudslide victims

Natosha Gobin, left, Tribal jam session creator and organizer, welcomes attendees to the event which raised $3,486 to aid victims and rescue crews of the Oso mudslide. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News — Natosha Gobin, left, Tribal jam session creator and organizer, welcomes attendees to the event which raised $3,486 to aid victims and rescue crews of the Oso mudslide.
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

by Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

TULALIP, WA – “Two weeks ago, I think most of us, like 9/11, will remember exactly the moment where we were when we found out there was a slide in Oso,” said Travis Hots, Fire Chief for the Snohomish County Fire District 21, to attendees at the Tulalip Jam Session Oso Fundraiser on Friday, April 4, that raised over $3,400 for the victims and rescue crews of the Oso Mudslide.

“At first we just thought it was just another slide like the one that occurred in Mukilteo on Camano Island. We didn’t fully understand the magnitude of the disaster at first,” Hots went onto say.

Travis Hots, Snohomish County Fire District 21 Fire Chief is wrapped in a Pendleton blanket ,signifying warm and protection, during the Tulalip Oso Jam Session Fundraiser held on April 4, 2014. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News — Travis Hots, Snohomish County Fire District 21 Fire Chief is wrapped in a Pendleton blanket ,signifying warm and protection, during the Tulalip Oso Jam Session Fundraiser held on April 4, 2014.
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

On March 22, 2014, a portion of an unstable hill collapsed, sending mud and debris across the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River, destroying the Steelhead Haven neighborhood and covering an area of 1 square mile including a section of Highway 530, cutting off the town of Darrington. As a result of the mudslide, 33 people were confirmed dead with 12 missing or unaccounted for, as of April 7. The mudslide is considered the deadliest single landslide event in U.S. history.

Hundreds of medical aid, search-and-rescue responders and volunteers sprang into action to help with rescue efforts. This included responders from the Tulalip community, such as a Tulalip tribal member spouse with the Snohomish County Swift Water Rescue, and responders from Tulalip Bay Fire Station.

To help ease the burden of rescue relief expenses, the Tulalip community organized the jam session to raise money.

Tribal jam sessions are gatherings born out of the Coast Salish Canoe Journeys, where coastal tribes come together to share songs with one another. A charity jam session, like the one held to raise money for the victims and rescue workers of the Oso mudslide, incorporate traditional potlatching values, which include giving to those in need, praying together and sharing as a community.

The event, attended by nearly 200 people, includeding surrounding Coast Salish tribes, raised $3,486 to be donated to four organizations. The Snohomish County Swift Water Rescue will receive $870. Another $870 will be donated to Snohomish County Fire District 22, one of the stations that Fire Chief Travis Hots is stationed at to lead rescue efforts. Cascade Valley Hospital Victims Fund will receive $870 and $870 will be donated to animal rescue and shelters.

“The Oso mudslide is a tragedy that is not only close to our home, but we had tribal members grow up in the area, some still have homes close to the site of the mudslide,” said Natosha Gobin, event creator and organizer. Since it is a custom of our people to stand up for our warriors and protect them for their work, we invited Travis to attend our fundraiser, so we could wrap him with a Pendleton for protection and thank him for his work.”

The event, comprised of 10 core organizers and 25 volunteers, raised donations through concession stands selling food, water, and raffle tickets. Local Tulalip artists Jonny Dill and Sam Davis donated original art, along Essential Earth Organic Salon and Tulalip Resort Casino, who donated product packages for the raffle.

“We decided to go with a suggested donation at the door, concession stand, bake sale and raffle. Since this event was a community effort, we asked for donations of paper goods for the food and drinks. Those who stepped up to cook, donated items to cook spaghetti, hamburger soup, Frybread and a variety of desserts. There was a sense of unity, love and healing in the building that night. I felt truly blessed to have so many great team members who helped make an idea turn into a successful event for our neighbors in the Oso area,” said Gobin.

“It was no surprise to see that the Tulalip Tribes were the first entities to make a large contribution and for that I am very grateful,” said Hots before the jam session. “I want to express that gratitude on behalf of the fire fighters because those dollars are going to good use, thank you. I would also like to thank each of you for inviting myself, my wife and kids, and for accepting us into your community tonight, it is truly an honor and I say thank you.”

Brandi N. Montreuil: 360-913-5402; bmontreuil@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

Event honors role of Native Americans in war

Times Daily
Posted: Tuesday, April 8, 2014 1:00 am

By Bobby Bozeman, Staff Writer

War history and the American South often lead to thoughts of gray and blue uniforms and the brother versus brother imagery of the Civil War.

Native Americans representing a variety of tribes will provide educational insight into their participation in the War of 1812 during a three-day event at Natchez Trace Parkway. Photo: Times Daily — Native Americans representing a variety of tribes will provide educational insight into their participation in the War of 1812 during a three-day event at Natchez Trace Parkway. *Photo: Times Daily*

But war in the South was more than just Confederates fighting Union forces. The British Empire also fought United States forces in the South in the War of 1812. Those skirmishes often involved Native American tribes.

Susanne Hamlin, executive director of Colbert County Tourism, said the role of Native Americans in the War of 1812 will be commemorated Thursday through Saturday at Colbert Ferry Park on the Natchez Trace Parkway, north of Cherokee.

The Trace was one of the key supply lines during fighting in the South.

“We’re really excited about it,” Hamlin said. “It’s the bicentennial of the Natchez Trace Parkway, which started last year.”

Hamlin said about 1,000 students will take part in the living history events Thursday and Friday. The event will be open to the public Saturday.

“There will be stations where everyone who attends will be able to see the various American Indian tribes,” Hamlin said. “They will be portraying the chieftans and telling how they worked with or against Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812.”

Hamlin said the event will be a learning opportunity for adults and students who didn’t realize Alabama had an involvement in the War of 1812.

“Most people don’t realize that since we weren’t a state, we had much involvement,” she said. “Andrew Jackson traveled down the Trace where American Indians were located.”

On Saturday, vendors will display and sell handmade arts and crafts from that period. Food vendors will be on hand, with several serving traditional period food.

At 7 p.m. Friday, a banquet will feature representatives of the Chickasaw, Cherokee, Creek and Choctaw nations at the Round House at the Tuscumbia Depot in Tuscumbia.

Tickets to the banquet are $20 and available at Colbert County Tourism office and Cold Water Books, both in Tuscumbia, and the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism office in Florence.

“This is the first time we’ve had an opportunity to do this on a site as close as possible to where it would have happened,” Hamlin said.

Bobby Bozeman can be reached at 256-740-5722 or bobby.bozeman@TimesDaily.com. Follow on Twitter@TD_ BobbyBozeman.

Want to Go?

What: Native Americans Role in War of 1812 commemoration

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: Colbert Ferry on the Natchez Trace Parkway, mile marker 327.3.

Cost: Free

Details: 256-383-0783 or colbertcountytourism.com