Tulalip Hawks play against the Lummi Blackhawks, December 114th.
Tulalip Heritage Hawks went toe to toe against the Lummi Blackhawks during a home game for the Hawks on December 14th. During the heated exchange of points scored and rebounds it looked like the Hawks would end the night with an amazing win, until Blackhawks made a last minute drive to score in the last four seconds of the game and connected with the hoop to take the win with a final game score of 62-64.
The first quarter ended in a tie for both teams scoring 14 points. Hawks took a three-point lead going into the third quarter where the Blackhawks make a return with a two-point lead and continued into the fourth quarter, ending with a three-point lead over Hawks 15.
Keanu Hamilton led the Hawks with 19 points scored, Payton Comenote 13, Dontae Jones 12, Shawn Sanchey 7, Brandon Jones 6, and Robert Miles 5.
Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks tested their skills against the Lummi Blackhawks on December 14th in a home game and left the court with their fifth straight win of the season with a final game score of 56-23.
Tulalip Tribal members, William McLean III, Tisha McLean, and Angela Davis show their support at the Walk Against Tobacco and Drugs.
Article and photos by Jeannie Briones
TULALIP, Washington – Tulalip Tribal members and community members joined together on December 19th for a walk to honor loved ones lost to tobacco and drug-related illness and to support the many efforts taking place to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, and raise awareness of the health impacts of using drugs.
The first annual “Walk Against Tobacco and Drugs, ” organized by Tulalip Tribal member Tisha McLean and friends, began at the Tulalip Longhouse and spanned almost 2 miles, finishing at the Northwest Indian College Tulalip site. Despite the cold and rain, people showed their support, sending the message that they care about each other and share in the common goal of saying no to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
“I am walking, in part, for my son who is an addict. He has the same problem as a lot of tribal members. I am a spiritual person and our ancestors are walking with us and they’re thankful that somebody’s paying attention to the problem we have. It doesn’t have to be leaders; it has to be our community, our kids that are here today. Tobacco is the leading killer, it tops alcohol and drugs,” said Tulalip Tribal Board Member, Marlin Fryberg.
“It’s truly an epidemic. We all care so much for everybody in our community and want to help everyone,” echoed Tulalip Tribal Board Member, Mark Hatch.
Halfway through the walk, community members where greeted by the Tulalip Police Department, who rallied together to show their support, offering warm beverages.
Wrapping up the event at Northwest Indian College, participants took in a visual display, created by Tulalip police officers, outlining the dangers of addiction. Community members also enjoyed a light lunch, while sharing stories of family members and friends who are addicted to drugs, and the affects this has on their loved ones.
“I have dealt with it my entire life. My parents were addicts, my dad got better, but my mom is still an addict. And I have siblings that followed in their footsteps,” said Tisha, who went on to say that tribal members need to take the first step in wanting help and that people such as herself want to help them embrace a healthy lifestyle and say “no” to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use.
Tulalip Bay Fire Department recently held their annual Santa Run/Food Drive. Off-duty firefighters come together and volunteer their time to escort Santa around the district, spreading holiday cheer and collecting food for the local food bank. This year was a success as we gathered over 600 pounds of non-perishable food items. We would like to thank our community for the continued support we receive each and every year during this event.
Tulalip Fire Fighters with Santa
Credits: Eric Berwick photographs, fire dist. 15 photographer, Peter Spawn
Tulalip Tribal member Charlotte Jones has steady work, thanks to the tribe’s Job Placement Program.
Article and photo by Jeannie Briones
TULALIP, Washington – Many Native Americans who reside on the Tulalip reservation live below the poverty level. While homelessness and unemployment are still common on the reservation, help can be found at the Tulalip 477 Department, where staff is working to enhance the lives of tribal members, and increase employment opportunities.
477 is an employment, education, training and welfare program for federally recognized tribes to address economic and workforce needs in their communities. According to Tulalip’s 477 mission statement, they are seeking to empower unemployed and underemployed community tribal members; to provide a one-stop for support services; job coaching and like skill workshops that will uplift; and bring tribal members to a level of success.
Incorporating federal resources from the Department of the Interior, the Department of Labor and Health and Human Services into a comprehensive employment, education and training program, staff is working to increase tribal member’s success in the job market and gain independence, not only for them, but also for future generations. Other benefits to this support service may include financial assistance for work-related items like gas vouchers, car repair, tools and clothes.
The Tribal Job Placement Program, available through the 477 Department, offers assistance to help tribal members gain the skills for full-time employment and overcome the obstacles that may be holding them back. Some of these obstacles include the lack of a driver’s license, high school diploma or GED. In this program, case managers work closely with participants, offering positive reinforcement and creating plans for obtaining their goals and overcoming their barriers.
“We take them in and assess them to see what their barriers are. Let’s say their barriers include not having a GED. We create a plan with them and write up expectations in their plan, and they will be required to go to GED classes. If they can work, we will network with other tribal entities or departments,” explained Shirley “Dodie” Jones, Adult Service Grants Coordinator Supervisor.
Case managers offer additional support by attending their client’s interviews to help smooth the hiring process and ease their interview jitters.
Once participants are placed in a job, their wages are paid through the Job Placement Program, while they work to fulfill their goals and complete their obligations. Once these obligations are met, applicants may either remain in their current employment position or use their newly gained skills to apply elsewhere.
One success story comes from Charlotte Jones, who for the past three months has been working for Social Services through the Job Placement Program.
“When I came here [to the program], I felt like I had so many things I had to complete and I felt like I was never going to be done with my obstacles. I found someone here to listen and help, and not judge me. I have someone that stands behind me to make sure I am treated fairly,” said Charlotte. “If I didn’t get on the program, I don’t know where I would be. Everything I am doing is to get my life back on track.”
The Tulalip 477 Program is currently undergoing some changes. More training classes will offered, such as cash handling, computer training and work ethics, so participants can gain a better insight of what to expect in the workforce.
Depending on the applicant’s situation and qualifications, case managers may also outsource trainings that are offered at the Goodwill, Volunteers of America, Salvation Army and other outside services.
“We try to find job placement if we think they are ready. We will work to their schedule because we really want to get people placed in jobs,” said Shirley. “If they don’t get a livable wage job, they’re going back to poverty, and what do people do if they can’t pay their bills or buy food for their kids? Most of the time they start drinking or doing drugs.”
For more information, or to find out if you qualify for the 477 programs, email Shirley “Dodie” Jones at sjones@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.
Submitted by Monica Brown, Tulalip Tribes Communications Department
December 17, 2012
Dear Marysville School District families,
Words cannot express how saddened we all are over the series of events that unfolded at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. Our hearts go out to all those directly affected by this tragic and senseless shooting. As educators and parents we are especially saddened that most of the victims were vulnerable, innocent children. As our students hear of these events that may understandably feel anxious and frightened. The same feelings will most likely be experienced by parents and school staff as well. We are all affected and feeling less safe as a result.
Although we hope that it will never be necessary, we want you to know that our school district has a comprehensive student safety plan and we practice drills for lockdown, fire and other issues on a regular basis in our schools. We work with the Marysville and Tulalip Police and Fire Departments and the Snohomish County Sherriff’s Department as a part of our continuing effort to keep our children safe.
The following suggestions may be helpful to parents in assisting their children during this time:
Turn off or monitor the television. Endless news programs are likely to heighten anxiety, and young children cannot distinguish between images on television and their personal reality.
Maintain a normal routine.
Speak simply and honestly. Tell the truth using words the child can understand.
Remain calm and reassuring. Children take their cues from their parents and other caring adults around them.
Be a good listener and observer. Pay attention to changes in behavior.
Coming together and supporting each other is important at a time like this to help us get through our feelings of disbelief, fear and grief – and to help out children feel safe again. Every school has a counselor available to help your child should they need support.
Additional resources for parents and families are available on the following web sites:
Quil Ceda Elementary 4th grade students sing at the Annual Winter Program, held at the Heritage High School.
Article and photo by Jeannie Briones
The sounds of Christmas filled the air on December 19th as the students of Quil Ceda Elementary School presented their annual Christmas program. Due to the abundance of community members that regularly attend the event, this year’s program was held in the gymnasium at Tulalip Heritage High School. And with over 400 students, parents, and friends in attendance this year, the space was much needed.
The students put on a festive evening of holiday music, with selections presented by each grade level in the school, while family members took photos and videos of the little stars.
Native American Liaison, Eliza Davis enjoys having the community gathered for the winter program to show their support and love for the kids. Family and friends enjoyed songs, “Candle for Remembering,” which was belted out the fifth graders.
“I really enjoy singing for family and elders,” said Tribal member, Jasmin Mclean, a 5th grade student at the Quil Ceda Elementary School.
“It gets better every year. The spirit and the variety; it’s different every year and it’s not the same traditional Christmas songs,” said proud parent Krista Haley, supporting her daughter at the winter program.
Following the show, refreshments were served and attendees even got their photos taken with Santa, a perfect ending to a wonderful night of holiday magic.
The Hibulb Cultural Center hosted “The Greens of the Earth” holiday wreath making day on Wednesday, December 19th. From 9am to 3:30pm people were invited to come and make holiday wreaths with fresh picked cedar boughs, salal, ferns, twigs and pinecones and decorate with items such as bows, presents and ornaments. Attendees arrived eager to make their own holiday arrangment and enjoyed refreshments of cider, fireweed tea, cookies, fruit, cheese and crackers.
For information about this event contact:
Veronica (Roni) Leahy, Diabetes Care and Prevention Program (360) 716-2635
Inez Bill Ce um ton not, Cultrual Resources (360) 716-2638
Article by Monica Brown and Photos by Francesca Hillery, Public Affairs
Nearly 2500 concerned citizens gathered Dec 13th at Seattle’s convention center for the last Coal meeting in order hear others thoughts and ideas and voice their own opinions about the coal train proposal. Tulalip Chairman Mel Sheldon was one of many that were able to speak to the crowds.
“The Tulalip Tribes support job creation. We are one of the largest employers in our area,” Sheldon said. “But we will not tolerate anything that poses threats to our cultural resources, our health and our treaty rights to fish, hunt and gather. The tribes and local, state and federal governments have worked hard to improve the environment, but it won’t mean much if we find coal dust in fragile waters of the Salish Sea.”
The proposal is to transport tons of coal by railway, eighteen trains a mile and a half each, from the Powder River Basin of Montana and Wyoming through our backyard to Cherry Point for tanker shipment to Asia. Cherry Point, a sacred site for our neighbor tribe the Lummi nation, have vehemently stated their position against the Cherry Point proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal which would be detrimental to the current ecosystem at Cherry Point which harbors not only a fragile herring population but also a sacred burial site of the Lummi nation.
“Never will Tulalip support the degradation of our ancestral burial grounds as would in this project. Whether they be here at Tulalip, or on Lummi burial grounds at Cherry Point, we stand in solidarity with our Coast Salish relatives in our solemn responsibility to our ancestors and to our sacred lands” Stated Mel Sheldon
The proposed coal exports to china would mean millions of dollars in revenue and new jobs that would be available for years to come. The negative impacts on the environment from the use of coal outweigh the positives with the damage mining causes to its place of origin, the dust that comes off seeps into everything from water to our lungs and the burning of coal emits CO2 which depletes the ozone layer.
Mel Sheldon finished with, “From whitecap to whitecap, or the peaks of the Cascade Mountains to the Salish Sea, it is our responsibility to our ancestors, our elders, and to future generations to protect and preserve the air, water, fish and other resources that we depend on.”
Recently, tribal members from the Northern Cheyenne Reservation along with the National Wildlife Federation and conservation groups have started protesting the coal mining in the Powder River Basin stressing that the mining is destroying the habitat and polluting the Otter River which connects to the Tongue River and Yellowstone River.
The US is the second largest coal producer, producing and estimated 1004 million tons in the year 2011, with Wyoming being the top coal producing state, mining 438.5 million tons (mt) in the year 2011. China is the largest coal importing and coal producing country, importing an estimated 190mt and producing 3471mt in the year 2011.
Thousands of comments from residents of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana addressing their concerns of the coal trains environmental impact can be viewed here,
Too often people think only of children & families during Christmas. News media is replete with tearjerking stories about what kids are doing without for the holidays and the public is shamed into digging deeper into their pockets for kids less fortunate. You see the US Marine Corps beating the drwn with their “Toys for Tots,” which fails to distribute their toys to smaller community-based organizations that help the children in various communities of color in Seattle-King County.
“It’s disgraceful that during this holiday season many people in our so-called great country have completely forgotten about the courageous men and women who have served in the military and fought for our basic freedoms,” said Camille Monzon-Richards, executive director emerita. “At the Seattle Indian Center we call these men & women The Forgotten Warriors because they are largely ignored and are thrown under the bus because they don’t fit the paradigm that makes fer a touchy-feely little Christmas story,” continued Monzon-Richards.
Americans have forgotten the tremendous sacrifice made by these veterans from the Korean War, VietNam War, the first & second Gulf Wars and Afghanistan. The veterans have come home to a wretched economy with too-few job opportunities and a disillusionment with society. Many have been marginalized and are forced to live a hand-to mouth existence, or are homeless. Some are amputees and have difficulty securing wheelchairs; many are suffering from the after effects of Agent Orange in Viet Nam. The Seattle Indian Center helps these veterans every day.
The Seattle Indian Center is hosting an American Indian/Alaska Native “thank-you” to all veterans on Friday, December 21, 2012 from 12 noon to 3 pm. The tribute will take place at the Seattle Indian Center, 611 Twelfth Avenue South, Ste. 300, Seattle, WA. 98144. Phone number is 206.329.8700. The S.LC. welcomes all veterans to the event. They do not have to be American Indian or Alaska Native.
The S.l.e. will have a traditional welcome ceremony for the veterans to be followed by a dinner and distribution of gifts to acknowledge a grateful “thank-you” to the service these men and women have rendered to our country. Attendance at the gift-giving portion will require a DD214 or other proof of eligibility.
Counselors will be available to assist with referrals as needed for housing, employment, education and other emergency services.
For those who care to donate new unused socks, caps, gloves or other new warm clothing for the event are asked to call the Seattle Indian Center at 206.329.8700, 9 to 4 pm.
