Native and Educated

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Every time a Native American graduates from a university, community college or vocational school, they become the living embodiment of what it means to reclaim a narrative. For so long Native students were shut out of academic environments where they could tell their own stories and promote their thriving traditions. 

When it comes to being Native American and educated, the dominate narrative is they can’t succeed in a westernized education system. United States Census data supports this notion by showing that while more than 65% of American high school students go to college, just 19% of Native students continue their education after high school. In an age where education is an important cornerstone for self-sufficiency and quality of life, only 13% of tribal citizens age 25 and older hold a college degree. 

That narrative is being reclaimed and rewritten by present day Indigenous scholars who are actively working to decolonize education pathways, not just for themselves but for generations to come. On the evening of July 28, thirty-one such proud Tulalip scholars were celebrated for their commitment to higher education and, in the process, breaking the often-cited stereotype that Natives don’t succeed on the college level. 

“You’ve all put in so much hard work and countless hours of studying to earn your degrees. We are so proud of you for choosing to better yourself, your family and your future through education,” said Tulalip Chairwoman Teri Gobin during the higher education graduation dinner. “As a Tribe, we know we need to be better at utilizing your brilliant minds and supports our college graduates. As we continue to grow our business operations and evolve as a tribal government, we want you to feel welcome to build a career with us.”

It was a powerful moment as the words washed over the graduates as they sat with their support system of family and friends in the Tulalip Resort’s orca ballroom. Hopefully many of the graduates will consider finding their place within Tulalip’s enterprise that every year expands larger than both casinos and the Administration Building. 

For some of the graduates, they are already working diligently on carving out a role on their traditional homelands. Homegrown product Adiya Jones attended Quil Ceda elementary, Totem middle school and Heritage high school before venturing off to Skagit Valley College to earn her degree. While attending college, she began working for Tulalip’s Youth Services with a mission to show the youth that they can succeed on and off the reservation. 

“I think it’s so important to surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed and motivate you to continue growing into your best self,” said Adiya. “I was fortunate to have those kinds of people in my life and now I want to be that person for others. With the right support system, our kids can dream bigger and brighter. My advice to my fellow graduates is to consider working for your people. The best thing about the Tulalip Tribes is they’re very welcoming to their own people and the higher practices are set up for us to succeed and allow us to transition to other departments in order to find what we’re passionate about.”

The class of 2021 higher education grads included 9 Associate’s degrees, 8 Bachelor’s degrees, and 3 Master’s degrees. Six vocational diplomas, 4 high school diplomas, and a GED recipient rounded out the 31 Tulalip honorees. 

Native graduate stories are as complex and diverse as the students themselves. It’s often a longer, tougher road for Tulalip adults pursuing their education, which is all the more reason to celebrate their accomplishments. Such is the case with 42-year-old Santana Sheldon-Thompson who managed to balance her family life with multiple kids, working a fulltime job, and going back to school to fulfill an educational dream.

“To be truthful, I was a little embarrassed at my age receiving my Associate’s degree. Then I realized everyone has their own path,” shared Santana, now a Columbia College graduate, who was embraced by both her teenage daughters before taking the stage. “My path was to raise my two girls, give them my full attention and pause on my education. My advice to both my daughters is it’s never too late to go back to school and you’re never too old to learn new things. My grandpa Francy once told me, ‘You never stop learning’, and those words are always in my heart.”

The importance of recapturing the story about Natives and education requires telling it anew with bold new characters and captivating subplots. Unquestionably, it will take a new generation of Native storytellers who have the cultural knowledge and digital knowhow to film, photograph, and document history as it unfolds on reservations across Native America.

Tulalip tribal member Chalet Alexander shares in the mission to recapture the story of her people and armed with a Master’s degree from Seattle Film Institute, she intends to do just that. For her incredible work to date and courage shown to overcome severe mental illness enroute to her degree, Chalet was chosen as the student speaker and wrapped in a 8th Generations blanket.

“It’s so difficult being a Native American and telling the story. It’s difficult being a woman and telling the story. What drives me is knowing how difficult it is and yet choosing to overcome all of it by saying ‘I’m important. My people are important. And our stories are worth telling’,” said Chalet. She hopes to continue her educational journey first, with her goal toward a one-of-a-kind experiment media Ph.D. offered by Western Washington University. “Ten years from now I will be telling stories in a unique, ever-changing way that will evolve as our technology continuously improves.”

Tulalip Higher Education staff are eager to help new and returning students find their path to academic success. They can assist with FAFSA applications and finding scholarship opportunities, as well as simply reviewing the Tribe’s current policies regarding paying for college. For those tribal members who are empowered to help reclaim the narrative, please contact Higher Education at (360) 716-4888 or email highered@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov 

Family Wellness Court, strengthening and reuniting families

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Nearly five months ago, The Tulalip Tribal Justice Department introduced a new program for Tulalip parents who are struggling with an addiction. It’s a structured plan for the parent who is ready to kick their habit and regain custody of their children for good. 

Tulalip Family Wellness Court is, in many ways, modeled after the success of the Healing to Wellness Court, only the new program is voluntary-based, without the criminal, mandated-court element. And in addition to helping tribal members get clean and maintain a healthy and sober lifestyle, the Family Wellness Court focuses primarily on one goal, reunifying parents with their children in an effective, timely and responsible manner. 

“We’re one of the first in the nation to be doing this as a tribe because we want our people to be healthy, happy and successful,” said Melissa Johnson, Family Wellness Court Coordinator. “We want people to understand it’s different than the standard dependency proceedings that parents involved with beda?chelh go through. With more frequent review hearings in the drug court model, they get a chance to show their progress in real-time. 

“They tend to get their kids back faster in this type of program because of the intensive case management and the added support. We are still new and maybe people don’t know about us yet, but the program is 100% voluntary. They have to have an open dependency with beda?chelh. And if they want to work on getting their kids back, they can benefit from our team approach.”

That team approach is a big aspect of the Family Wellness Court. The team consists of multiple professionals including Tribal courthouse officials, attorneys, beda?chelh representatives, counselors and recovery specialists. The idea is that with everybody meeting regularly and on the same page, the client will stay in-compliance and will make positive progress in maintaining their sobriety if they know exactly what their team expects from them.

Kelly Prayerwarrior, Family Recovery Support Specialist, explained her role as one of those team members in the Family Wellness Court system, “I’m a parent advocate, I help the parent if they need help finding resources for school or housing, maybe visitation with their kids, or whatever they need to help move them forward so they can get their kids back. I think the Family Wellness Court is really exciting. I like the wrap-around services that we offer. We definitely have a system that’s built for success. If the people come in and really work the system, they will see success.”  

As a member of the team themselves, the clients will receive a personalized game-plan to reunification and their success depends on what they put into the program. If they give it their all and follow the plan to a T, clients will more than likely have their kids back much sooner than they would with the standard custody process. 

“It’s an alternative to the current dependency proceedings,” said Melissa. “I think there is an advantage to the team approach, recognizing the successes, strengths and any issues that may arise in real time, other than waiting. Because with the current dependency proceedings, months can go by between hearings. I think with Family Wellness Court, the courtroom becomes a therapeutic environment. You see that relationship with the judge and the team, it’s not adversarial at all. It’s so much different from when you go to court and everything seems scary. The judge comes off the podium and sits with us.” 

Judge Michelle Demmert presides over each case and builds a strong connection with the clients. She previously mentioned that the Family Wellness Court model is important to the tribal community and that the program is special to her personally. As a recovering addict, Judge Demmert has seen both sides of the coin, and she often goes out of her way to let the client know she understands how hard recovery can be, making her support and encouragement that much more authentic to the parent throughout the hearings. 

“To me, personally, I’m 33 years in recovery,” expressed Judge Demmert.  “I think it’s really important for people to know that about me so that they don’t think I’m judging them like I’ve never been in their situation, when most likely I have. I want them to know that there’s hope, that I believe in them and that I love them.”

So far, the Family Wellness Court has helped multiple parents begin the reunification process. In the very first court hearing, Judge Demmert explained that the clients should expect setbacks and that it’s important to learn from any relapses that may occur.

Melissa explained that up to this point, though there are many clients who are ‘super-compliant’, there are those parents who aren’t in-compliance but she believes that in time, the program will prove to work for them as well.

She stated, “Even the people who aren’t 100% in-compliance, I see them still showing up every week, and that is progress. Just showing up is progress and realizing that we’re still here for them no matter what. We’re all working together, working toward the goal of reunification and for the kids to stay home, to stay out of the system and to stop that cycle. We can help strengthen families and get families reunited faster. All the parents want their kids back, but sometimes it seems so far out of reach. We try to help people with that and bring that support.”

The Family Wellness Court is currently taking on new clients. If you, or anybody you know is ready for a new approach to sobriety and reunification, and are ready and willing to take on the intensive, but evidence-based, model in order to regain custody, please contact Melissa at (360) 716-4764.

National Night Out 2021

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

With a scenic view of Tulalip Bay on a hazy August evening, Tulalip families and the local community gathered to celebrate National Night Out. Showing support for the Tulalip Police Department in a good way, laughter filled the air for the duration of the two-hour event as the people enjoyed good company and created memories with the local police force. 

For the past 38 years, National Night Out has helped strengthen the relationships between law enforcement agencies and their respective communities all around the country. This year, approximately 100 Tulalip citizens of all ages participated in the summertime event while getting to know those officers who vowed to protect and serve the tribal community. 

Said Tulalip Chief of Police, Chris Sutter, “I am so happy to see the community come out and support National Night Out. This is an event that occurs across the country on the first Tuesday of August each year. To have all the other Tribal departments and the Tulalip Bay Fire Department here to provide information and do some community outreach is really great. Of course, as a police department, we are all about building a positive relationship with the community and enhancing the trust and opening lines of communication.”

Said Tulalip Chief of Police, Chris Sutter, “I am so happy to see the community come out and support National Night Out. This is an event that occurs across the country on the first Tuesday of August each year. To have all the other Tribal departments and the Tulalip Bay Fire Department here to provide information and do some community outreach is really great. Of course, as a police department, we are all about building a positive relationship with the community and enhancing the trust and opening lines of communication.”

Multiple Tribal departments were in attendance, including the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy, TERO, Family Haven, the Legacy of Healing and the Child Advocacy Center, Behavioral Health, Higher Education, Problem Gambling, the Tulalip Bay Fire Department, TOCLA, Youth & Enrichment of the Tulalip Education Division, and the Tulalip ODMAP program, all providing resources and information about each of their programs. 

“We’re here to support the community and the police department,” stated Robin Johnson, Problem Gambling Counselor and Chemical Dependency Professional. “We have information on the Problem Gambling program and offer educational material for chemical dependency and also for the healing lodge. This event is important for us because we need to get that information out to the community and let them know that we have resources and opportunities and that we’re here if they need us. And plus, there’s always lots of fun giveaways.”

The cookout event was especially exciting for the kids, who collected swag from all of the departments, received Junior Police Officer sticker badges, tried-on tactical gear and handcuffs, and got an up-close look at the TPD squad cars, all while spending some time with their local heroes in blue.

“It’s a beautiful community event,” expressed Marysville School District Instructor, Diane Tillman. “I am a teacher and I thought it would be nice to come out, show support and see some of my students having fun and enjoying time with their families and the police department. I’m really appreciative of National Night Out because it’s good for the police to have a positive influence on the kids.” 

The people left the gathering with filled tummies and swag bags, as well as a better idea of who those TPD officers are behind and beyond the badge. National Night Out continues to be a fun and positive community-building event, helping establish personal and individual connections between the Tulalip Police Department and the Tulalip public.

And as Chief Sutter put it, “This is a great night just to come together and be friends and get to know each other.” 

Benefits of your GED

Submitted by Jeanne Steffener, Higher Ed

Have you been thinking about taking that leap and getting your GED? Well the back to school season is the perfect time for you to either begin or continue your GED journey. There are benefits in earning your GED. The overwhelming majority of employers in this country require a high school diploma. A GED diploma is accepted by employers, i.e., like a high school diploma. 

The GED testing service introduced a new version of the test in 2014. Format changes occurred in the 2019 update, with no changes to the tested content. With a goal of aligning the tests with the new Common Core curricula, most states adopted the College and Career-Ready Standards Act – 2019. The Common Core standards places more weight on writing and content analysis. The test was originally developed back in 1942 for U.S. military personnel. The GED test gave an alternative option for those who had not completed their high school diploma.
  The current test shifted test taking from pencil and paper to computer format. Instead of five (5) sections, the test series was reduced to four (4) sections that evaluates students’ reasoning capabilities through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science and Social Studies. The Language Arts and Social Studies sections have been absorbed into the essay section and includes writing assignments in each area. The test is not necessarily more difficult, but it quizzes different skills.  

So why are you taking the test and how is it going to help you in the future? A major tenent of the test requires students to show their critical thinking skills through writing that is convincing. So why is this important? Because employers want their new employees to have the ability to think critically. Critical thinking is that ability to analyze and evaluate a problem arriving at a fact-based solution. “The skills that we need, in order, to be able to think critically are varied and include observation, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, explanation, problem solving, and decision making. Specifically, we need to be able to: Think about a topic or issue in an
objective and critical way.”1

Receiving your GED, opens many doors for you. Now, you can continue with your education at an accredited trade school, college, or university. In addition, having a GED paves the way for you to establish higher educational goals for your life.

You might have noticed when searching for a job that most employers are requiring at least a high school diploma or GED to apply for a job at their company. Studies have shown that persons with a GED diploma will earn about $400,000 more during their lifetime. This is a HUGE incentive.

Knowing that you were able to reach the goal gives you a giant boost to your self-esteem. With this piece of paper, your whole world opens, and new opportunities present themselves, all because you decided to get YOUR GED. This is a new chapter in your life, and it is going to be amazing because you made the effort to study and persevere, while reaching for the brass ring. Earning a GED is a generational investment. Educated parents generally want their children to become educated.

So, if you want education to become your family’s tradition, please contact Higher ED. The Higher ED Team is ready to assist you on your educational journey. You can either call us at 360-716-4888 or email us at highered@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov for more information.

           “The Skills We Need for Critical Thinking”. Read more at: https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/critical-thinking.html

Charlene Paul Williams

March 15, 1943 – July 29, 2021

Born March 15 1943 in Tulalip Washington to Harold and Charlotte Paul. Went on her wonderful journey July 29, 2021

She had a wonderful gift of making everyone happy in her long beautiful life.

Worked many years at Mink farm, Everett Post Office, Bingo kitchen, Smelting, fishing, Cooking ‘mama Buffalo for smokehouse and events and most amazing bread maker. She loved traveling, holidays, flower gardens with all her family. Riding on the boat with her son Lance. Life long boyfriend/friend ex hubby soul mate- “jerk” Arley Williams. Her connection with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed great great grandchildren kept her every day sunny She is proceeded in death by her parents Harold & Charlotte Paul, Amaya Williams, Jonny ‘Bam’Oj Cavanaugh, younger brother, Sisters Janice (Gilbert Sr) Moses, Clarice (Alvin Sr.) Moses, and special dog-Daisy May She travels ahead of Life Partner-Arley Williams, Daughters Charlotte (Kevin) Williams, Janet (George) Williams, Lance (Cindy) Williams, Gail Williams Very special Grandson Nick Edelman, Rheanna Edelman, Charles Sportsman, Fitzgerald ‘Wyatt Rutledge, William Vernon Hunter, Meleena, Shylescha Craig, Shawna (Teddy), Brett, Christopher Williams, Sharrissa Enick, Benny, Tahnee & Jeremy Hammons, Stahawnee, Julene, Casey Williams many grand children, great grand children Cousins and family in our community

A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Tulalip Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.

Michael Curtis Enick

January 22, 1963 – July 25, 2021

Mike was born, on Jan. 22, 1963 in Everett WA. He was a loving caring father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching sports but loved baseball, he like to travel to stick games, and being an auntie slayer. He had fun going to the casinos, he also enjoyed going out to eat, and pulling canoe. He worked at the Bingo Hall, Fish Hatchery, Boom City, AAA, TDS, QCV Maintenance 

He leaves behind children: Michael (Crystal) Monger, Christopher (Heidi) Enick, Dakota (Darla) Monger, David Enick, Andrew Enick Siblings: G. John Enick Jr., Gene Enick, Lynne & John Salem, Harold (Law) Enick, Howie Enick. Aunties and Uncles: Phyllis Enick, Georgina Enick, Connie White, Franny Ike, Darrell Enoch, William Williams Jr. Irene Daniels Grandchildren: Larnell, Martel, Emily, Champ, Albert, Keiden, Keira, Ily, Alisyanna, Kayleena He enters in to heaven with Siblings: Clifford Enick, Darrel Enick, and Delores Moses, Parents: Louie & Maryanne Moses, Gerald Enick Sr. Grandparents: William Williams Sr. Ramona Clara Williams Nephews Johnny Enick, & Toby Enick Aunty Pat Williams-Sheldon.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held Monday, Aug. 2, 2021 at 9:00 AM at the Tulalip Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.

Angie Teresa Moses

October 25, 1968 – July 22, 2021

Angie Teresa Moses was born October 25, 1968 and went to be with the lord July 22, 2021. Angie was born to her Father and Mother Victor H. Moses SR & Esther E. Moses.

Angie was a member of the Tulalip Smokehouse and was baptized Catholic as a child. She loved knitting, Dancing to her favorite music, karaoke, swimming at the rivers, camping in the mountains with her family, baking her Mother’s famous rolls, and especially loved spending time with her Children & Grandchildren. Angie was a beautiful woman who was well loved and brought joy to those around her. Most of all she had a contagious laugh.

Angie is survived by her children Anthony (Skyla) Henry, Jasmin Henry, and Nathan Moses. Brothers Kelly R. Moses SR, Shane Moses SR, and Special sister in law Marcella Moses. Grandchildren Isaiah, Kracyn, Louella, Josephine, Anthony Henry Jr, and Ameyna Dupris. Special Cousins Stephanie Mc Manis, and Numerous Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Family, and Friends.

Angie is proceeded in Death by her Mother and Father Victor H. Moses SR and Esther E. Moses. Brothers Victor H. Moses JR, Mark, Kim, and Raymond Moses. Grandparents William Grenier SR, Lillian Grenier, Walter Moses SR, and Marya Moses. Sister in law Denise “Neecie “ Moses, and Special Nephew Kelly C. Moses Jr.

A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Tulalip Gym with burial following at Mission Beach Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.

Mary Ellen Tom

August 18, 1951 – July 18, 2021

Mary Ellen Tom was born on August 18, 1951 to Joseph Jimicum and Mary Jane Moses.
She passed away on July 18, 2021. Mary Ellen loved to play Bingo and go to the casino. When she was younger she fished with her dad and siblings later on fishing with her husband, she loved picking berries, clam digging, canning and making jam, family favorites were her famous Blackberry pies and homemade bread. Camping with her kids and grandkids was always a great time. she worked in the kitchen at the Tulalip Bingo.
Mary Ellen loved her family her children and grandchildren meant the world to her.

She is survived by her children Christina (James) Julie (Ron), Joe (Rayenell) and Wendy (Val) numerous Grandchildren and great grandchildren, Sister Ruby and Brothers Albert and Joe.
She was preceded in Death by her Husband Ron Tom, grandparents, Parents, Sisters Mary Jane and Wendy, nieces Hope and Katie, grandsons Andrew and Joshua, Granddaughter Maxine.

A celebration of her life will be held Friday, July 23, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Tulalip Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.