The shores of Tulalip Bay were alive with action May 17–18 as families, clubs, and communities from across Washington and Canada gathered for the 2025 Tulalip canoe races—part of the seasonal War Canoe Series. This year’s event marked the third race in the circuit, which continues every weekend through the end of August at various Indigenous reservations. From single and double paddler events to the 6- and 11-man races, the competition was as diverse as it was spirited. A special biathlon-style race even had participants sprint around the ball field before paddling a solo canoe through the course.
Saturday opened with wet and blustery conditions that challenged paddlers physically and mentally. By Sunday, however, the skies cleared, offering sunshine and calmer waters that made for smoother racing and a more festive shoreline.
Among those competing was Makaio Mamac from Lummi, who participated in the men’s 6- and 11-man events. “Just getting out,” he said with a laugh when asked about the most challenging part of racing. For Mamac, the sport is less about medals and more about community: “I mostly just do it to be with my people.” He credited running as his main form of training and admitted Saturday’s rainy weather made it tough to get motivated, but still, he went out and raced. “You get to meet many people and go places,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Another pair of competitors, brothers Remus Wyse-Morris and Jacob Seward from Vancouver Island, have been paddling since childhood. “Like generations,” they answered together when asked how long their family has been involved. For 17-year-old Seward, racing is more than a sport: “To me, it means life. It’s about training, learning, and getting better while absorbing teachings from the water.” He described his pre-race routine as one of quiet focus and strategy, gauging wind and currents, and thinking through the course. While Saturday’s waves were rough, the brothers especially enjoyed the unique biathlon-style race. “It was pretty fun!” said Seward, who described riding the waves as a highlight.
Wyse-Morris echoed that sentiment, saying his favorite part was “probably just the biathlon.” When asked what advice he’d give a young person just starting, he responded, “It’s not all about winning; it’s about having a good time with the people you love.”
For teen paddler Kiarra Williams from Swinomish, staying upright in the stormy weather was a memorable experience. “OMG, I got drenched in water on Saturday!” she exclaimed. Despite the splashy start, Williams has been racing for over two years and takes pride in her focus while on the water, especially during tricky turns, which she says are the most challenging part.
Lummi paddler Kylie Bob shared similar feelings about the weekend. “Canoe racing means hanging out with friends and family, meeting new people, and enjoying everyone’s company,” she said. For her, the highlight was making new connections along the beach and between races.
Veteran racer Dr. Lexi Tom, also from Lummi, brought over 30 years of paddling experience to the event. Originally from Miami, Tom said starting the race season at Tulalip was special. “When I arrived Saturday, it was stormy,” she recalled, “but the weather improved significantly by the afternoon.” Her crew came prepared with extra bailers and were relieved the course hadn’t been extended—rough waters can add a layer of difficulty, especially at the season’s start.
Tom co-founded the Marisa Mae Canoe Club with her sisters, repairing an 11-person canoe and welcoming younger paddlers into their group. For her, these races are about more than sport—connection, continuity, and culture. “It keeps the kids engaged with the water,” she emphasized. “It keeps our traditions alive.”
She also noted how meaningful it was to see people from many different nations and families reconnecting on the shoreline after a long winter apart. Many spent the weekend laughing, catching up, and sharing meals, whether racing or watching.
Comedian, writer, and producer Joey Clift discusses the nuances of creating his animated short, Pow!
By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
On Friday, May 16, the Hibulb Cultural Center hosted a special screening of two films highlighting Native storytelling and resilience: Pow! and Remaining Native. The event featured the return of comedian and television writer/producer Joey Clift, a Cowlitz tribal member who grew up on the Tulalip Reservation. This marked the first time Pow!—his animated short—was screened in the community that helped raise him.
Clift, said the film was inspired by his experiences at powwows in Tulalip. “The powwows I went to as a kid were on this reservation,” he shared. “I went to Tulalip Elementary, Tulalip option school, and spent way too many summers blowing stuff up with fireworks from Boom City.”
Pow! follows a young boy who attends a powwow with his family and faces the seemingly simple challenge of trying to find an outlet to charge his Game Boy. He learns profound lessons about family, culture, and connection.
Clift described Pow! as “kind of like a Looney Tunes short,” but noted it was also an effort to bring contemporary Native stories into animated comedy. He broke down the film’s creative use of visual styles, each one representing a different character’s perspective. A retro 16-bit aesthetic, inspired by early video games from the 1980s and 90s, reflects how the main character, Jake, sees the world through his Game Boy’s pixelated, digital lens. A soft watercolor style using gentle brushstrokes and flowing color represents how Jake’s parents view the powwow experience—grounded in tradition, emotion, and community.
For the grandmother’s memories, Clift used ledger art, a style rooted in 19th-century Native storytelling, where images were drawn or painted onto old accounting ledger paper to document tribal history and personal stories. Combining these styles, the film offers a layered, multi-generational visual narrative that bridges the past and present.
Now living in Los Angeles, Clift has spent over 15 years working in television. His credits include Paw Patrol, Looney Tunes, Cocomelon, Molly of Denali, and Spirit Rangers. He’s also written jokes for high-profile celebrities like Tracy Morgan, John Cena, Shrek, and the Jonas Brothers.
He recounted how he originally set out to become a weatherman until college professors pulled him aside and encouraged him to pursue comedy. “That was 15 years ago,” he said. “I didn’t see people like me in those jobs, so I didn’t think I had permission to work in those fields.”
Clift emphasized how representation in media is changing and why that matters. “I’ve talked to Native folks in school who’ve sent me letters saying that because of the shows I’ve worked on, they want to work in TV too,” he said. “That’s my hope with Pow!—to create as much contemporary Native representation as possible so that I can show other Native kids who grew up on the Tulalip Rez, or any rez, that you can grow up laughing, drawing, and make cartoons too.”
Remaining Native, a powerful documentary directed by Paige Bethmann, a Haudenosaunee woman (Mohawk/Oneida), follows Ku Stevens, a 17-year-old Native American long-distance runner from the Yerington Paiute Reservation in Nevada, preparing to attend the University of Oregon. Alongside his athletic dreams, Ku also confronts his family’s painful past—his grandfather is a survivor of the U.S. Indian boarding school system.
Shoshone Matthew Warbonnet (right) from South Dakota expresses gratitude during the Q&A for bringing attention to boarding school issues, stating, “Thank you for sharing the resilience of your people and grandparents.”
Ku attended the screening and participated in a Q&A afterward, sharing how the experience of making the film and navigating his senior year shaped him. “It was a life-altering year,” he said. When asked about living up to his Paiute name, Kutoven, which means “brings the light to the dark,” he responded, “I don’t think I’m there yet. People tell me that bringing my story to different communities is living up to my name, but I’m always chasing what I will be like ten years from now. We always strive to improve in anything and everything we do.”
The film’s emotional depth resonated with the audience, including Shoshone tribal elder and boarding school survivor, Matthew Warbonnet. “It’s not just then, it’s now,” Warbonnet said during the Q&A. “Thank you for sharing the resilience of your people and grandparents.”
Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills, who also attended the event to support Remaining Native, praised the film as a tribute to survival and legacy. “Ku speaks the truth about our struggles. That’s why he’s my hero,” Mills said. “Truth should never be too severe to learn from.”
Both Pow! and Remaining Native will be featured in the Seattle International Film Festival on May 24. For release dates and upcoming screenings, visit joeyclift.com and remainingnativedocumentary.com.
The courtroom was packed wall to wall on the afternoon of May 15. At the center of the room were close to a dozen Tribal members, their chairs formed in a circle. And a look around the outside of the circle showed about thirty community members beaming with pride and happiness, wiping tears from their eyes, as they gathered to celebrate two individuals for overcoming what some would consider the near-impossible.
Said Wellness Court Interim Manager, Leora Jones, “Both Sierra and Dustin have been a part of the program since I started. To watch them grow in the program and use all the tools that were given to them and be successful in the program so they can be successful outside of the program, it’s been emotional. To watch two people overcome their struggles and barriers, it feels really good.”
“I’m super proud,” added Judge Christine Frausto. “They’ve worked so hard at everything they’ve done, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching them grow. They’ve become such a great support for their peers and for the program and I know they will continue to grow. For them to go through the program and do so well, it totally changed their lives. And it goes to show the strength of the program and that what we do works. They are the proof.”
A Quick Look Back
Back in 2017, the Tulalip Justice Department implemented a new program with the intention of saving lives. At the time, the program was met with some skepticism as there had already been a few failed attempts at drug courts on the reservation in previous years.
Attending one of the very first hearings for the new Healing to Wellness Court model, Tulalip News caught a glimpse at something that would ultimately change the lives of numerous Tribal members over the coming years. As the first few Wellness Court participants took the stand, they each shared some friendly banter with the judge while also giving an update on their lives. The judge then went over their personalized plans to recovery with each participant, discussing goals and setbacks. If they were in compliance, they received an incentive of their choosing. If they strayed from their plans, they were given an opportunity to explain what happened before receiving a sanction, which ranged from a writing assignment to additional jail time.
Though participants and courthouse staff could see the changes in the participants week after week, the community was still unsure how the Healing to Wellness Court would play out. Keep in mind, this was at the beginning of some of the bleakest times in Indian Country, as the death by opioids epidemic reached an all-time high of 72,000 people in 2017. And according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Native American communities were the most affected by this crisis.
The overall perception of the program began to change about a year-and-a-half after its inception, when Tribal member Verle Smith emerged victorious as the very first graduate of the Healing to Wellness Court model. At the time Verle shared, “If it wasn’t for the Wellness Court, I don’t know where I’d be – if I’d even still be here. They gave me the opportunity to experience something that works for my life. I didn’t know which way to turn, so I figured I’d try something different and I’m grateful for it. I want to thank the Wellness Court for it all. I now plan to go through the rest of my life bringing the next person closer to where they’re supposed to be, to where they’re needed.”
Verle kept his word. Throughout the past eight years, more and more Tribal members have found success with the Wellness Court. And one-by-one, the local recovery community has grown exponentially. And to this day, Verle can be spotted at recovery-focused events offering support to others and leading by example.
The Tulalip Recovery Community Grows
Fast forward to present day. Unfortunately, looking at things from a broad scope, not much has changed. Overall, it’s gotten worse as the opioid epidemic continues to be a major issue all across the nation. In 2017, there were about 15 opioid deaths per 100,000 population nationwide. That number jumped significantly, doubling to 31.3 deaths per 100,000 population in 2023. If we narrow that scope to just the American Indian/Alaskan Native community, there were 65 deaths per 100,000 population that same year, as this is the most current statistic by the CDC.
But what the Tulalip Justice Department is showcasing through the Healing to Wellness Court is that there is an upward trend of getting clean and sober locally. In fact, the Healing to Wellness Court has been a beacon of light for addicts looking to make a change. The program has impacted so many lives in a positive manner, that they were recognized on a national level, and held the honor of serving as a national mentor court for outside communities.
In addition to receiving a tailor-made plan to recovery, each participant must also complete a set amount of ‘give-back’ hours in the community. This is culture-focused and is perhaps one of the main reasons why the program has seen much success. The give-back hours help reconnect the people to their heritage and traditional way of life. It also provides an opportunity for them to reacclimate into the community, building bonds with not only fellow Wellness Court attendees, but also with tribal leaders, elders, and families. Wellness Court participants are often seen putting in work at events like Canoe Journey, Salmon Ceremony, and Smokehouse gatherings throughout their time in the program, as well as after successful completion. And every summer, the Recovery Resource Center organizes the Recovery Campout at Lopez Island. The number of participants for that outing has grown year after year, and a majority of those attendees also own a Healing to Wellness Court certificate of achievement of their own.
There are several Tribal departments that assist in the recovery journey for those in the Wellness Court program, including the Tulalip Police Department, the Healing Lodge, Family Haven, Family Services, and the Recovery Resource Center. During this time, many participants are able to find work within the Tribe as well. And with all hands on-deck, as long as the participant remains locked in, they are able to receive their certificates just 18-months after embarking on the red road. Which brings us back to the afternoon of May 15.
The Graduation Ceremony
The graduation kicked off with some words from the inner circle of the Wellness Court. Time after time, the current Wellness Court participants thanked Dustin and Sierra for their support both inside the courthouse and out in the community. Although they were happy to see the latest graduates’ success, the also expressed a bit of sadness to see them leave as they each had become a prominent voice in the program’s weekly talking circle.
Next, Sierra and Dustin’s families, friends, and various counselors and advisors took a moment to reflect on how far each of them have come over the past 18-months, while also commending them on their determination. No matter the amount of obstacles or setbacks, these two worked hard to attain and maintain their sobriety. They have found their true selves again and developed a deep appreciation for the culture and community. And most importantly, they have become a source of inspiration for others within the program.
“When it comes to this program, it’s working because we are working with participants at their level,” shared Leora. “We know they may be met with struggles, but we’re going to be here to help them. We sit down with them as a team. We have a judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, chemical dependency, mental health, we all sit at the table together and see how we can help them move forward. We get to know these people, we get to work with them, help them grow, and help them set long-term goals. Dustin and Sierra have come a long ways, not only in their sobriety but overall growth and they both have plans moving forward.”
Dustin and Sierra were blanketed and received their certificates to an uproar and near-deafening applause as the community celebrated their milestone achievement. With the program now complete, they are both looking to make a fresh start. Their eyes are set on the future as they each plan to reunite with their families. In the next coming months, Dustin will be heading to Yakima and Sierra plans on moving to Alaska.
Before the ceremony ended, both of the graduates shared a few closing remarks with the Wellness Court participants.
Dustin
“It’s been one hell of a journey. I just want to say keep moving forward. It gets better if you don’t put obstacles in front of yourself, “ Dustin Moses.
First of all, I’d like to thank the court system for putting up with me for so long. It feels amazing that I found a program that will actually work for me and help me mentally. Going in and out of the court systems, it was hard, always being on the run.
Finding this program, at first, I didn’t know nothing about it. I was kind of skeptical when they told me about it. I was going to say no and go right back out into the streets after doing my jail time – but I’m glad I didn’t.
And these guys keep telling you, communication is key. It really is. It helped me. At first, I had a few speed bumps in the road in the first stages. Once I actually opened up and started getting vulnerable and asking these guys for help when I needed it, it helped me grow not only in the program but in my recovery. I’m glad to say today I’m celebrating 15 months clean.
It’s all thanks to the support that I got from everyone in here. Not only the court, but my family, friends. It’s been one hell of a journey. I just want to say keep moving forward. It gets better if you don’t put no obstacles in front of yourself.
Sierra
“It’s really hard to take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. Love who you are,” Sierra Boston.
I as well want to thank the program. This is my third try. The first time I came in I felt like I was going to make it seem like a facade and run. I wanted to be here, but I was scared to face the trials and tribulations. The second time I was ashamed of who I was and embarrassed, so I showed up once and I ran again. I actually tried to disappear.
The third time this place, home, has saved my life. This will always be my home. The people and learning what a community is and a tribe, big or small, we’re not meant to be alone. And I really had to face myself to be able to face others in both good and bad times. I will always be hoping and praying that this journey continues for all of us.
It’s really hard to take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. Love who you are.
In traditional times, the ancestors of the Snohomish people would mark the time of the year by the moon. Tulalip culture bearer, Sarah Miller, held a lecture in 2024 that detailed the 13 moons which the people lived by pre-contact. And through this practice, they would know exactly what, when, where, and how to harvest various plants, medicines, and food throughout the course of the year. According to Sarah’s research, we are currently in the pədč̓aʔəb phase, or the time for digging up roots. At this time of year, Tulalip’s ancestors would harvest camas, cattail, nettles, and horsetail. In the summertime the moons cycles included pədstəgʷad , the time of the salmonberries, pədgʷədbixʷ, the time of the blackberries, and pədt̕aqa, the time of the salal berries.
These practices are very much alive, and many Tulalip families still participate in these traditions. Though in modern times, we have the added benefit of keeping track of time by the Gregorian Calendar, Tulalip still plans outings and gatherings based on the season including the Salmon Ceremony and several harvesting ventures. If you live on the reservation, you might notice these events start to pick up during the moon cycle of pədč̓aʔəb. This time of year, the Tribe and families begin to immerse themselves in their ancestral way of life, celebrating their heritage, connecting to those teachings, and flexing their sovereignty through the harvest of salmon, berries, and cedar.
Last fall, the Tribe dubbed the months of September through November as the Season of Healing with many community get togethers focused on the people’s mental health and well-being. Now, as we embark on a fun-filled spring/summer, Tulalip News would like to unofficially mark this time of year as the Season of Gatherings. So be sure to jot these events down on your calendar because you do not want to miss out!
War Canoe Races
Happening this weekend! (5/15-5/18)
If you just received the See-Yaht-Sub in your mailbox and are reading this, head on down to the Bay for a fantastic and thrilling event! Every year, multiple Salish tribes take part in the War Canoe Races. The races are held all season long at different reservations throughout the region. The Tulalip stop on the circuit is a fan favorite and many racers love pulling through the local waters at fierce speeds for a chance at taking home the coveted first place trophy. Designed with swiftness in mind, the war canoes are sleek and narrower than the traditional cedar dugout canoes that most are accustomed to seeing on Canoe Journey. This year there will be single, double, six-man, and eleven-man competitions, as well as a number of races for the youth as well! The war canoe races will occur all day long throughout the entire weekend.
Culture Night
Every Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
Get your craft on at Culture Night! This event will be held at the Gathering Hall over the next few months in anticipation for the 2025 Canoe Journey. The gatherings are focused on creating regalia, including shawls and vests, as well as putting together gifts that the canoe family will distribute to various tribes along the journey. There is also an education component for the little ones, as the Rediscovery Program partnered with the Tulalip Lushootseed department to teach kids words, stories, and songs at each Culture Night gathering.
Canoe Practice
Every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
If you are planning on attending this year’s Paddle to Elwha, the Rediscovery Program invites you to participate in their weekly Canoe Practice gatherings at the Tulalip Marina. Not only does the practice build up your strength and endurance on the canoe, it also provides a chance for you to reconnect with the waters, the three tribal canoes, and your traditional way of life. During each practice, participants practice pulling together as they venture out onto the bay and navigate the ancestral waters together to prepare for long distance travel this summer.
Salmon Ceremony Practice
Every Thursday at 5:00 p.m.
Come on out to the Gathering Hall to learn more about the Salmon Ceremony and its revival that occurred in the seventies. During this time, Tribal leaders and elders pass down traditional knowledge that was nearly lost in the assimilation era. At each practice, attendees rehearse close to a dozen different songs and dances, with an emphasis on precision and execution, in order to welcome the first king salmon to the waters of Tulalip Bay in a proper manner, as well as bless the fisherman for a safe and plentiful harvest this year.
Memorial Day
Monday, 5/26
Every Memorial Day, Tulalip honors their veterans and gold star mothers who have transitioned to the next life. The Tribe holds two services in observation of the national holiday, the first at 10:00 a.m. at the Priest Point Cemetery and the second at 11:00 a.m. at the Mission Beach Cemetery. Both of these gatherings are special to witness as the Tulalip Honor Guard leads the way and pays tribute to those fallen soldiers by performing both a 21-gun salute and a roll call at each cemetery.
Tulalip’s Annual Stick Games Tournament
All Day 5/30 – 6/1
The Tulalip Amphitheater is sure to be hopping during this event! Every year, hundreds of Natives travel to sduhubš territory to take part in a traditional game that has been passed down for generations. The weekend long tourney will feature a grand prize of $25,000 for the first-place team in the main bracket on Saturday, as well as numerous other cash prizes for second, third, and fourth place. There will also be a single elimination three-man tournament on Sunday. Another major highlight of the Stick Games Tournament is the vendors who will be selling the likes of Indian tacos, snow cones, smoked salmon, kettle corn, and Native-designed clothing, blankets, and jewelry.
Salmon Ceremony
Saturday, 6/21
Beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Tulalip Longhouse, the Salmon Ceremony is an important event for Tulalip as its membership gathers to honor big chief yubəč, the king salmon. Since time immemorial, the salmon has provided nourishment for the people of Tulalip and their ancestors. As a sign of respect, the Tribe welcomes the first salmon scout to their shores and offers a number of songs and dances before the people collectively enjoy a salmon meal together. The scout’s remains are sent back to the Salish Sea, so that yubəč can return to its village and tell the salmon people how well he was treated by the community. And in turn, the salmon will continue to run through the local waterways and serve as sustenance for the Tribe throughout the summer.
Boom City
Mid-June
Bing-bap-boom-boom-boom-bop-bam, these type of fireworks will be sold at all the stands! The season of firecrackers, bottle rockets, and roman candles is right around the corner and the Northwest pyrotechnic mecca will officially be open for a two-week period leading up to the Fourth of July. Tulalip entrepreneurs will set up their creative and vibrant stands at the gravel lot located behind the Tulalip Resort Casino. Several food vendors are sure to be stationed at Boom City as well, serving up treats such as Hawaiian shaved ice, frybread, and tacos.
Lushootseed Language Camp
Early/Mid July
Typically occurring during the second and third week of July, the Lushootseed Language Camp helps bring traditional knowledge to the youngins of the Tribe. The camp tends to fill up quick, and is limited to 50 kids per week, so be sure to keep an eye out for the registration announcement. The five-day camp is open to Tribal youth between the ages of five through twelve, and is aimed at teaching the attendees several aspects of the culture including weaving, smudging, beading necklaces, and harvesting local native plants like devil’s club for medicine and ceremonial art. Throughout the entire camp, the new crop of language warriors will be fully immersed in their ancestral language, as well as the Tribe’s traditional stories and songs, through a combination of interactive lessons.
Leah’s Dream Foundation 11th Annual Golf Tournament
Saturday, 7/12
Over the years, this annual golf tournament has grown significantly, helping raise funds for the local special needs community. Leah’s Dream Foundation is a non-profit that was established in 2015 by Tribal member Deanna Sheldon, whose daughter, Leah Stacy, is diagnosed with apraxia. Throughout each year, the non-profit organizes a number of get-togethers for kids and young adults living with autism and disabilities, providing them a safe space to simply be themselves and build friendships through fun activities. The golf tournament, held at the Battle Creek course, is their sole fundraising event and every dollar collected goes towards their events and projects such as karaoke nights, holiday gatherings, and school supplies. Leah looks forward to the annual tournament and is always quick to lend a hand by posting sponsor signs all throughout the 18-hole golf course. To sign up for this year’s tournament, please visit, www.LeahsDream.org for more details.
Spee-Bi-Dah
Saturday, 7/19
Connecting multiple generations, this summertime potlatch celebrates the lifeways of the Tulalip people with a cookout on the beach. Held on a yearly basis, on the water, sands, and pebbles of the spee-bi-dah beach, the gathering provides Tribal members a chance to socialize with friends and family while also harvesting and grubbing on the foods of their ancestral diet, including salmon, clams, and crab. A main attraction of the day is when the community ‘pulls together’ by using the traditional method of seining to capture fresh shellfish for the traditional clambake.
Canoe Journey Landing at Tulalip
Late July, official date TBD
A beloved summertime event, the Canoe Journey is a great way to not only engage in the traditions of our people, but it also serves as a means to pass on those ancestral teachings to the next generation. While en route to this year’s final destination at Lower Elwha, dozens of tribal canoe families will make a pit stop for a night at Tulalip to rest, refuel with traditional foods, and offer a number of their tribe’s songs and dances before returning to the Salish Sea and proceeding on the journey. As mentioned earlier, Tulalip is currently making preparations for this year’s paddle with their weekly Culture Night and Canoe Practice gatherings, so if you’re interested in participating, be sure to check out those events!
Tulalip Health Clinic Annual Health Fair
Friday, 8/15
Promoting overall health and wellness, the Karen I. Fryberg Health Clinic is once again hosting their annual Health Fair gathering in August. During this event, community members can visit a number of informational booths and learn about the importance of prioritizing one’s health while also picking up new tips on how to manage their medical diagnoses and concerns. In addition to helpful resources, the community can also receive free screenings and donate blood. This year’s event will take place at the Tulalip Gathering Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Also, be sure to keep an eye out for the announcements of the dates, times, and locations for the following events:
The Village of Hope and the adjacent Family Shelter, which currently provide housing for 23 families on the Tulalip Reservation, recently installed a solar energy and battery backup system. This project was made possible through a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce designed to support resilient communities. The goal: to ensure that families have access to basic needs like warmth, electricity, and connectivity during power outages.
Power interruptions on the reservation have lasted as long as nine days in the past. During such times, the need for backup solutions became clear. According to Teri Nelson, Tulalip Tribes Executive Director of Housing Services, this project is about more than just alternative energy, it’s about creating a reliable, centralized hub where families can gather during outages.
“When we were first building during the height of COVID, everything was expensive,” Nelson explained. “We looked into installing individual generators, but the cost was too high. Later, when the solar grant opportunity came up, we saw it as a chance to invest in something more sustainable.”
Instead of powering each home, the system is designed to support the Village of Hope’s central community building. This decision was based on both cost and functionality. The building includes a kitchen, food storage, showers, and a space for residents to gather, making it an ideal location for backup power.
Nelson emphasized the importance of having automatic, hands-free power during emergencies. “This system doesn’t require anyone to come flip a switch,” she said. “It turns on automatically when the grid goes down. In the dead of winter, that matters.”
Tulalip Emergency Management and the Tulalip Fire Department were brought in during the planning stages to assess safety concerns, mainly since the battery system includes Tesla technology. Based on their recommendations, the batteries were housed outside in a contained unit to prevent fire hazards from affecting the main structure.
Michiel Zuidweg, Founder of MZ Solar Consulting, explained that the solar panels are spread across multiple rooftops but feed into one centralized battery and distribution point in the community center. “During normal conditions, the system powers the building and sends any excess energy back to the utility,” he said. “That credit can then be used at night or in off-peak seasons.”
In an outage, the system instantly switches to battery power without flickering or interruption. Zuidweg noted that the team tested the system by simulating a power outage. “People didn’t even notice—the transition was seamless. Computers stayed on, TVs kept playing.”
Specific systems were programmed to shut off automatically to extend the battery’s life during outages, like the dryers and some heating circuits. “In the winter, the battery provides about a day of backup power. In the summer, the system can operate autonomously because it generates far more energy and less demand,” he added.
The project is expected to save around $5,500 in electrical costs in its first year. These savings will increase annually as utility rates rise. Although no plans exist to expand this system to the individual cabins on site, the tribe is exploring similar projects for other locations, such as the Tulalip Senior Center and future ADA housing units.
Nelson believes these kinds of systems could benefit more vulnerable members of the community, especially elders who rely on power for medical equipment and warmth. She also reflected on the community’s growing sense of connection. “This isn’t just housing. After two years, these families have become like a family. If the power goes out, they’ll come together, cook, and support each other.”
As solar technology becomes more accessible, the hope is to build resilience and inspire interest in sustainable energy careers. “This is the direction we’re heading—toward cleaner, more self-sufficient solutions,” said Nelson.
Last issue, we detailed in great length how Gathering of Nations, the largest powwow in North America, is a cultural celebration of shared indigenous identity. A thriving hub of triumph showcasing tradition, Gathering calls to thousands of proud culture bearers every year.
Of course, there is a constant emission of celebration vibes as so many journey from across Turtle Island to gather in New Mexico. Together they witness the highest echelon of powwow performances. There are thunderous drum circles that fill the air with song while dancers captivate the imagination with their powerful and elegant motion. From tiny tot to golden age, representatives from across the four directions descend upon Tingley Coliseum to share teachings via song and dance like their forebearers.
From fancy shawl and jingle dress to northern and southern traditional, from grass and Kiowa gourd to the always captivating fancy feather, 2,000+ dancers radiated generations’ worth of resistance to colonial assimilation over the three-day Gathering of Nations held in April.
Beyond center stage and the competitive dancing, Gathering has become a rite of passage for some. A rite that demonstrates commitment to carrying on family tradition and ensuring legacy lives on. Such is the case with Makli BrownEagle (Spokane) who, while representing her fourth powwow crown, was invited to participate in the horse parade. As if that wasn’t cool enough, she was also celebrating her 17th birthday.
“I turned 17 yesterday. There’s no place I’d rather be celebrating than here at Gathering of Nations,” said Makli aka Miss Spokane. “Being here to represent the Spokane crown means so much. I was specifically invited because it’s the first time the Northwest is coordinating the horse parade. All the horses are from the Northwest and all their riders are Northwest powwow royalty. We brought down my great-great-grandpa’s horse regalia, which is well over 100 years old, for the horse I’ll be riding.
“My powwow style is Northern Traditional. It was my mom’s style and her mom’s mom style,” she added. “This is the only life I’ve known. I attended my first powwow four days after being born. I’ve been in powwow outfits and regalia since before I could walk, and I’ve been dancing for as long as I can remember.”
Makli’s mom beamed with pride as her daughter shared her story. “We’re so proud of her and how much she has accomplished on the powwow trail. Anywhere she goes, she proudly represents her family and her tribe.”
The rite of passage could even extend to those a long way away from their traditional homelands, but after hearing the call, found themselves forged by powwow purpose. Enter one 66-year-old Percy Warcloud Edwards (Colville). In 1985, he left Colville for California in pursuit of a better life and more opportunities. He recalls dancing as a small child, but never pursued it until 40 years later.
“I was the CEO of a couple companies. I did pretty good for myself and was able to take care of my parents when they were old and needed care,” reflected Percy. “Everything changed when my older brother had me work with eagle feathers for his regalia. That night I began to dream of dancing with the Old Ones. Something about the eagle and the feathers unlocked something inside of me. Since then, I’ve pursued a passion for dancing and attending as many powwows as I can.”
Percy’s passion led him to making one powwow outfit, then another, then another. He does his own sewing and his own beadwork, which allows him to not just craft his vision for extravagant powwow fits but craft a unique connection with those he dreams of. One such dream was of participating in a buffalo hunt wherein a legendary white buffalo appeared. What does real word Percy do? Craft white buffalo regalia of course.
“I believe in their power and their spirit,” said Percy. “Buffalo were nearly wiped to extinction, like our people during colonization, but they and we persisted. Today, I love visiting with and meeting new people, hearing stories from other reservations and territories. The best part of this whole experience has to be inspiring others that its never too late to learn and embrace the culture.”
Stories like Percy’s may resonate with many who either live far away from their tribe’s traditional homelands or grew up without elders and cultural teachers. The feelings from loss of connection can deter one from seeking out cultural celebrations or attending annual gatherings for fear of being othered. But as Percy eloquently explained, its never too late to learn and embrace culture. Gathering of Nations is a revered space because individuals are free to express their culture however they wish, while being embraced by the collective notion of indigeneity.
For indigenous youth, Gathering also serves as a teaching space. From interacting with other children from across Turtle Island to witnessing and absorbing the full spectrum of powwow performances at the highest level, there is endless opportunity to learn. As they learn, the youth can also teach. In fact, they may be the greatest teacher when it comes to inspiring and motivating others to embrace their traditional roots.
Three-year-old powwow dancer Okhis Homma Begay (Navajo/Choctaw) is proof of concept as he offers a reminder to parents and guardians of young Native children that there is no such thing as too young to participate. Tiny in stature but immense in power, young Okhis carries on the culture and traditions passed down by his father Angelo.
“He’s been dancing long before he could walk,” beamed proud papa Angelo as he watched his son take to the arena floor. “He was around 10 months old when he first started butt scooting and moving his arms around while watching me dance. He’s been to a powwow maybe every weekend since he was born. All that time he was watching and learning and now he dances to a beat all his own.”
It’s often said that the youth are our future, but they are the present, too. The youngest generation is full of leaders who lead in unique ways. Often it may be so unique and so subtle that their offerings may be overlooked and underheard by those not paying special attention. Such is the case with remarkable 11-year-old Tristan Brown (Northern Arapaho).
Tristan was born 24 weeks premature and lives with severe speaking and hearing impairment. However, his disabilities have not prevented him from being immersed in the powwow circuit since the womb. Both his parents are acclaimed dancers and singers who viewed their lifeway as medicine for their son.
Now, Tristan is proving just how able he is on the arena’s dance floor and, most incredibly, within a drum circle. Lack of speech hasn’t stopped Tristan from learning to make a high-pitched audible sound, similar to an eagle’s scream, that comes in handy when he’s performing with his father’s drum circle, The Horses.
“He’s able to hit the highs on our songs. Proving he can sing within a powwow circle like everyone else,” said Tristan’s father, Kenny Brown Sr. “Being born so premature the doctor said he wouldn’t make it past 2 years. He’s 11 now.
“It’s time to bring awareness to kids living with disabilities throughout the world, the United States and all the tribes,” he continued. “Far too many times he’s been mistreated because of his disability because people don’t understand him. We have to be their voice. I have to be my son’s voice. But, you know, sometimes in our life we go through a big struggle. Our son goes through them every day. He teaches us how to be strong and what true strength really is.”
The sentiments expressed above by Kenny, Angelo, Percy and Makli offer just a glimpse into the crucial role Gathering of Nations plays in the lives of so many. From unity and community that transcends tribes and borders to the open sharing of the many nuances of Native American culture, there is an endless supply of inspiration created. That’s not even mentioning the elite level of powwow dance, music, and regalia on constant display to be oohed and awed over.
Gathering of Nations. A hub of triumph. An intersection where the traditional meets the contemporary and showcases that our culture isn’t just alive, it’s evolving, it’s thriving, and it remains as vibrant as the photographs accompanying this article.
“MMIP stands for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, and we need to come together every year and say their names, to keep their spirits alive. They know that we’re here and they’ve been waiting for this event. Because when we say their names, they come.”
– Tulalip member and MMIP mother, LaVerne Jones
It was an emotionally heavy evening at the Tulalip Gathering Hall on National MMIWP Day. Hundreds of Tulalip families and relatives from nearby tribes met to honor the lives lost and those who are still currently missing this May 5. The crisis that continues to impact Native families nationwide is often looked at through a statistical lens for many Americans, but on reservations it is felt a much deeper level.
These individuals are a large part of the fabric of our communities. They are our mothers, fathers, children, cousins, aunties, and uncles. They play an impactful role in our day-to-day lives. They are loved unconditionally by many. And when they are taken from us untimely, the loss of their presence is felt by all. And to make matters worse, their cases rarely receive the justice and time they are due and deserve, leaving families without closure and answers.
The 2025 MMIP event put an extra emphasis on uplifting the families whose loved ones fell victim to this terrible epidemic. In 2023 and 2024, the Tribe put together a similar event to this year’s MMIP Coastal Jam. However, this year’s event was organized by the community and led by local Indigenous activist and tribal member, Sarah Hart.
Prior to May 5 officially becoming a national day of observance for MMIWP victims, Sarah was the first person to bring attention to this epidemic at Tulalip. If you traveled along Marine Drive in the past couple of weeks, you may have noticed red dresses and shirts hanging up throughout the reservation. This has been Sarah’s personal project for the better half of a decade.
As tears welled up in her eyes, Sarah explained, “Losing so many sisters close to me and losing my younger cousin, Kyle Van – there just wasn’t any awareness here at Tulalip and I wanted to bring comfort and healing to start that conversation. I had this vision to start with one or two dresses, and it started to grow from there. I began wanting to hang up more and hit the spots where people were going to see them the most. The second year, Monie [Ordonia] showed up to help me, and she’s been with me ever since. She’s been my right hand, making sure I have support and has been a true treasure to me. It’s to bring awareness and healing more here at home because we don’t talk about it enough.”
After being one of the sole advocates for MMIWP Awareness locally, organizing the MMIP Coastal Jam felt like a natural step of progression for Sarah. She was determined to honor all those affected by the crisis in a good way and really lean into the healing aspect the Tribe’s ancestral songs and dances provide. And she was able to accomplish this by cutting down on the number of speakers and extending the coastal jam.
In previous years, multiple guest speakers and tribal leaders were featured on the agenda and they shared their personal experiences and feelings about MMIWP. To keep things running smooth, the only guest speaker this year was Tribal Chairwoman, Teri Gobin.
Said Teri, “We are excited to have this event tonight so we can remember those who have gone on before us. This is such an important event, and I want to thank the volunteers who started to pull this together and all of our staff members who worked together on this. It’s so important that we remember those who have gone on, we remember their family members who are still suffering, for those who haven’t had closure because they haven’t found their loved ones yet. My heart breaks for each and every one who are going through this. This happens way too often, and we just want to wrap our arms around you with love and show you this community cares about each and every one of you who have a missing or murdered loved one. We want to keep them in our prayers. We always hold out, hoping we will find our loved ones.”
Similarly, at the MMIP events in years past, each of the families of Tulalip MMIP victims were called to the front of the Gathering Hall to share a few words. Unbeknownst to event organizers, many of these families felt put on the spot and had a hard time getting through their allotted time at the podium. This year, after the potluck style dinner, Sarah opened the floor up and invited the families to come and speak and reminisce without pressure. Those who chose to get on the mic included the families of Cecil Lacy Jr., Kyle Van Jones-Tran, Jolene Leanne Flores, Mary Davis Johnson, and Gina Blatchford.
Many tears were shed as the families spoke. But one thing they all expressed was their gratitude for being surrounded by so many people and the love they felt at the Gathering Hall that evening. Once the families spoke, everybody was invited outdoors to light lanterns and send them to the heavens in remembrance of their loved ones. Though there were a few mishaps, and some lanterns caught fire, this was a special and fun way to pay tribute.
Before the coastal jam commenced, attendess had a moment to make medicine bundles of sage and lavender with the Tulalip Youth Council, as well as visit the Legacy of Healing resource tables, and to also write messages to those who are no longer with us on the two MMIWP walls in the halls of the venue.
As the people warmed up their drums and put on their regalia, event MC Chuckie Jones shared a few statistics. He stated, “There were 9,575 entries for missing AI/AN persons, in the FBI National Crime Information Center, filed in 2020. 71% of those cases were people under the age of 21. 43% were females under 18. And 15% of those cases remained active until the end of 2020. Just some numbers to think about, why we’re here tonight – to celebrate and remember those who are missing. This is a national problem, not just a local thing.”
With dancers and singers at the ready, the coastal jam officially kicked off with the powerful MMIW song, composed by Lummi tribal member, Antone George, who was in attendance and led the way.
After the jam was underway and the people were leaving and receiving that good medicine on the floor, Sarah took a moment to reflect on this year’s gathering. She expressed, “No words can describe it. It was absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. I was a little bit worried and wasn’t sure how things were going to come about and turn out, but I knew that I wanted today to be different, more community-driven. I wanted to bring healing and medicine for everybody, and I feel like we did that today, the turnout was amazing.
“This year specifically, I requested that we start a master log of our MMIW and MMIP that will be shared with all tribal entities and could be kept somewhere. There seems to be some kind of miscommunication, so it’s really important for me to get that out to the community. If you’re missing a loved one, if you want to be a part of this, if you want me to add a dress or shirt, or say their name, please reach out to me and e-mail me and I’ll gladly do anything I can to help support our people.”
For more details and info, Sarah can be reached at TulalipSarah@gmail.com.
