I’ve gotten 2 checks for a total of $9,200…this is the best decision I made in a long time This extra cash has changed my life in so many ways and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Website Design by Blaser Consulting marking a major milestone in the casino-wide expansion renovation project that began in January 2024 and will feature a new North Bar with an outdoor plaza and other amenities construction efforts will shift to focus on an extensive renovation throughout the casino including striking new design elements highlighting the Tulalip Tribes’ culture and traditions Innovative concepts representing the dynamics of the Salish Sea and coastal shorelines will be featured in design themes highlighted by a rich palate of colors and the use of natural materials Please fill out the form to send a message to the CDC Gaming Reports team you can send an email to the address on the footer of each page Tulalip Resort Casino will unveil the first phase of its ambitious expansion this July adding 70,250 square feet to its gaming footprint the property has been preparing for a dramatic transformation that will boost its overall gaming area to 270,250 square feet and introduce more than 400 new slot machines alongside enlarged table-game sections Central to the new wing is the “North Bar,” a full-service lounge that opens onto a landscaped outdoor plaza complete with heated seating and a covered smoking area Guests will also notice two striking new entry points—one facing the Tulalip Amphitheatre and Premium Outlets and the other adjacent to the DraftKings Sportsbook—designed to streamline foot traffic and enhance the resort’s street-front presence construction crews will immediately shift focus inward nearly every interior surface will be refreshed: carpets wall treatments and lighting will all be replaced to reflect the Tulalip Tribes’ rich heritage and the coastal beauty of Puget Sound natural wood accents and ocean-inspired color schemes will guide the design creating a cohesive blend of luxury and local culture our goal was to honor our people’s traditions while elevating the guest experience,” said Marci Fryberg President and COO of Tulalip Gaming Organization “With phase one opening in July and phase two to follow we’re bringing the Salish Sea’s spirit and our cultural heritage to life in a way our members and visitors will appreciate for years to come.”   Please note that some links to federal government websites may be broken due to new presidential executive orders Contact: DOH Communications OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Tulalip Tribe made history by signing the first data sharing agreement of its kind in our state The agreement promotes Tribal Data Sovereignty which refers to the inherent right for Tribes to have access to data to best serve their communities this means their Tribe will have greater access to and ownership of their public health data and Tulalip Board of Directors celebrate the formalization of the data sharing agreement at the Tulalip Administration building Data governance is critical for Tribal Public Health DOH collects many types of public health data from sources such as laboratories that test for diseases Collecting this data and delivering accurate information is critical to protecting people’s health Tribes and local health jurisdictions use this data to alert their local communities to a variety of emerging health threats This data sharing agreement provides the Tribe with more direct governance Tulalip Tribe will gain access to several DOH data systems over time prioritized according to the Tribe’s needs The first being the Washington Disease Reporting System where providers and labs report diseases and notifiable conditions such as COVID-19 The data sharing agreement is flexible enough to allow for additional access to datasets as the Tribe’s needs evolve This data sharing agreement opens new opportunities for Tulalip to lead outbreak investigations affecting Tribal members better assess the well-being of their community to develop health priorities the agreement includes details of how Tulalip’s data is being used with the Tribe’s consent Looking to the future of Tribal Data Sovereignty in Washington “For years paternalism towards Indigenous people has locked tribes out of information gathered from us and about us We appreciate the Data Sovereignty Principles developed through the Governor’s Indian Health Commission and the American Indian Health Commission Transparency and informed consent are vital to collaboration Tribes have an inherent right to own data about us and determine how the data is collected This formal agreement is a wonderful first step towards a respectful relationship that will benefit both public health agencies and the well-being of tribal communities,” Tulalip Chairwoman Teri Gobin said Achieving a formal data sharing agreement between Tulalip and DOH is the culmination of hard work “Tulalip and DOH celebrate this milestone together while recognizing that much work remains This data sharing agreement represents a further expression of the state’s commitment to its government-to-government relationship with Tribes and reinforces the belief that Tribes must have access and ownership of their public health data to protect their communities,” said Kristin Peterson DOH and Tulalip completed the consultation in accordance with Chapter 43.376 RCW, the Washington State Centennial Accord of 1989, and DOH Consultation and Collaboration Procedure. DOH extends its gratitude and recognition to the Tulalip Board of Directors and the DOH Office of Tribal Public Health and Relations directed by Candice Wilson The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and follow us on X (formerly Twitter). Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection.  Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Medium Instagram YouTube Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases Sign up for Updates From DOH Facebook LinkedIn Medium Instagram Twitter YouTube Sign up for updates from DOH Privacy Policy  |  Alternate Format Requests  |  Notice of Nondiscrimination The top-to-bottom renovations of nearly every surface of the casino are scheduled for completion in late 2026 The July 2025 expansion adds to Tulalip Resort Casino’s Vegas-style gaming excitement with more than 400 new slot machines bringing the total to over 2,600 throughout the property full-service “North Bar” will feature outdoor plaza seating with an adjacent outdoor smoking area A new north entrance faces the Tulalip Amphitheatre and Seattle Premium Outlets while the new east entrance is adjacent to the DraftKings Sportsbook There are new restrooms coupled with extensive updates to existing restrooms throughout the project “The scale of this project is representative of our deep commitment to providing a premium experience for our guests far into the future,” said Marci Fryberg President/COO of Tulalip Gaming Organization “We are ever mindful of minimizing disruptions and are pleased by the excitement our guests have shown for this project We know the entire effort will certainly be worth the wait and can’t wait to show off the new space.” Other recent developments throughout the casino include the re-opening of the 4,000 sq updates at award-winning Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill Restaurant and Blackfish bar — It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Tulalip The "Lights and Ice" display went up on Saturday at the Tulalip Amphitheater Quil Ceda Village presented on Saturday the Tulalip Lights and Ice a free-to-enter holiday event located at the Tulalip Amphitheatre featuring an ice-skating rink with real ice holiday light display with over 7.8 million lights and fun activities for the whole family now through Jan KOMO News got a look at the lights from the ground and the air during the first ever lighting ceremony on Saturday to kick off the fun Guests and dogs on a leash are welcome to roam around Tulalip Amphitheatre and enjoy the holiday light display for free Families can also say hello and take a selfie with Mr For more information on 'Lights and Ice' visit them online or on social media The opening ceremony for the 2024 convention of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement was under the direction of various kumu hula or master teachers of hula from the island CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement This is the second time CNHA is hosting its convention on the U.S mainland and the first time it will be held on federally recognized tribal land The event, hosted by the Tulalip Tribes, is scheduled Oct. 7-9 and is expected to attract approximately 2,000 attendees. Registration for the event is now open with early bird registration before May 1 for CNHA members and nonmembers The gathering brings together Native Hawaiians and community members to discuss critical issues and strengthen connections within the lāhui a member-based nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the cultural and community development of Native Hawaiians “As more Native Hawaiians build their lives beyond Hawai‘i it is vital that we continue to foster community and advocate for issues that matter to our people,” Kūhiō Lewis “Following the success of our first Western Regional Native Hawaiian Convention in Las Vegas we are very excited to bring the convention to Tulalip where we can continue this important work and deepen relationships with ‘ohana and Indigenous relatives in the Pacific Northwest and across the continent.” More Native Hawaiians live outside Hawai‘i than in the islands The shift highlights why gatherings on the mainland provide important opportunities for connection and collective action to uplift Native Hawaiians wherever they live The first Western Regional Native Hawaiian Convention drew nearly 2,000 attendees from across the continental U.S underscoring the need for regional gatherings that keep Native Hawaiians connected The 2025 convention offers a platform to discuss key issues and celebrate Hawaiian culture in the Pacific Northwest Email notifications are only sent once a day Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: The Tulalip Tribes have struck an agreement with the Washington State Department of Health that gives the Tribe more access and control over their health data the Tulalip Tribes received information from the health department The new data sharing agreement allows the Tribe to access the information themselves and pull or analyze whatever they need a legislative policy analyst with the Tulalip Tribes said the access will eventually help guide resources to provide better care for health conditions And the health providers will be able to say let's add more to this or this or this because we're understanding these trends now'," Hammons said Hammons said that access also gives the Tribe real-time information to stay on top of disease outbreaks “We – in real-time – need more information,” she said “So working with the state on this will help us identify how to keep our communities safe and to work with other communities the Tulalip Tribes will gain access to several state data systems over time The Tribe will first be able to access the Washington Disease Reporting System which receives information from providers and labs on diseases and conditions like COVID-19 If the Tribe later want access to more systems the data sharing agreement is flexible and allows for that The agreement promotes tribal data sovereignty which refers to a tribe's right to govern information about its members It gives the Tribe a say on how that information is stored collected and used by the state health department “If we are wanting to publish a report that utilizes Tulalip Tribe data or if we're doing analysis on data that clearly relates to Tulalip Tribe we would inform them of this activity before we proceeded," said Kristin Peterson chief of policy for the state health department Peterson said the agreement also outlines a process if the Tulalip Tribes deny permission to share certain information “If we get into that situation where we feel strongly for public health reasons we need to share data and there’s a disagreement around that decision with a tribe then we would enter consultation,” she said “And hopefully -- through conversation -- better understand the reason and if there’s any compromise or a way to address what we’re trying to accomplish.” The agreement is the first of its kind in Washington and state health officials hope other tribes will enter similar agreements - It’s not very often that we start off the show talking NBA Luka and the 3-seed Lakers have been eliminated from the playoffs and it’s worth talking about The matchup against the 6th seeded Timberwolves wasn’t a good one for LA :30- Mariners Morning After- The Mariners bats came alive in the 7th inning as they put up 6 runs on the way to a 9-3 win over the Angels and their 7th series win in a row :45- Is it too early to look ahead to the 2026 Draft There’s a strange thing happening with this next draft two of the expected best players in CFB- Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith Sponsored ContentSponsored ContentSports Radio 93.3 KJR PodcastsSee AllChuck and Buck The Tulalip Resort Casino in Washington has reopened its high-limit slots room as part of its ongoing expansion and renovation which also includes upgrades at multiple dining venues addition is underway with an anticipated completion in late 2025 for the expansion and late 2026 for all major renovations throughout the property high-limit slots room features 73 machines with 22 themes titles include Triple Fortune Dragon Rising New titles include the anticipated release of Triple Fortune Dragon Unleashed Players Addition The high-limit slots room’s reopening joins renovation activity at the Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill Restaurant and Friday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM Upgrades continue at the Blackfish Bar and the Journeys East To-Go counter and bar through the end of 2024 the casino’s expansion and renovation will feature additional gaming offerings and amenities The project will also highlight the Tulalip Tribe’s culture and traditions through design concepts representing the dynamics of the Salish Sea New architectural features and visuals will feature a rich palate of colors and the use of natural materials woven into the design themes “The upgraded high-limit slots room is representative of our team-wide focus to provide guests with gaming variety and player-friendly comforts,” said Marci Fryberg “The major renovation and expansion project is reflective of our ongoing commitment to remain the region’s favorite destination as a premier gaming and shopping experience in Washington State.” Working with the internal project team and division leaders Swinerton Construction is the building contractor and Rice Fergus Miller is the architectural firm for the project The agreement furthers the Tulalip Tribe's access and ownership over its public health data The Washington State Department of Health and Tulalip Tribe this week signed a data-sharing agreement promoting Tribal Data Sovereignty — the first of its kind in the state the data agreement promotes “the inherent right for tribes to have access to data to best serve their communities.”  the signed agreement allows it to have greater access and ownership over tribal public-health data "Tulalip and DOH celebrate this milestone together while recognizing that much work remains," said Kristin Peterson "This data-sharing agreement represents a further expression of the state’s commitment to its government-to-government relationship with tribes and reinforces the belief that tribes must have access and ownership of their public health data to protect their communities."  The DOH currently collects an assortment of public-health data from sources such as laboratories that test for diseases Local health jurisdictions and tribes use this data to inform their communities on emerging threats to community health Tulalip Tribe will gain access to multiple DOH data systems prioritized depending on the tribe’s needs The first it will gain access to is the Washington Disease Reporting system which allows providers and labs to report diseases and conditions such as COVID-19 The release also outlined that the data-sharing agreement allows for new opportunities for Tulalip to conduct outbreak investigations better assess their community with the goal of developing health priorities paternalism towards Indigenous people has locked tribes out of information gathered from us and about us," Tulalip Chairwoman Teri Gobin said in the release "We appreciate the Data Sovereignty Principles developed through the Governor’s Indian Health Commission and the American Indian Health Commission This formal agreement is a wonderful first step towards a respectful relationship that will benefit both public health agencies and the well-being of tribal communities."  Get more details on the data agreement here. JAKE AND SPIKE Tulalip Christmas lights is bigger than ever BY BILL KACZARABA “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world everything is softer and more beautiful.” If that’s true the new and improved Tulalip Christmas lights display embodies the holiday spirit in the Pacific Northwest The Tulalip Lights, located at 10400 34th Avenue Northeast, also have an ice-skating rink and appearances by Santa. Tickets for one-hour skating sessions (with skate rentals included) are $15 for adults and $12 for children (12 years old and under) and can be purchased at the rink or in advance. Teresa Meece, Operations Director for Quil Ceda Village that runs the display told “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio the lights start going up on September 9 “There is an army of people this year,” she said Weekend event digest: Santa Con and more fun holiday-themed events “We just wanted to bring joy to everybody,” Meece said “And that’s why we brought the lights for the community there are ponds and trees lit up everywhere the trees there are mature,” she said MyNorthwest Crime: Replica of famous ‘Christmas Story’ leg lamp stolen from WA store That is where she said visitors will find food vendors “We have 17 tribal food vendors there Hawaiian food to Mexican food to pancakes,” Meece shared “Tulalip Ice,” is a 40’x 80′ outdoor ice rink at the Tulalip Amphitheatre surrounded by a display of more than 1.3 million lights. The rink will be open to the public. Tickets for one-hour skating sessions (with skate rentals included) are $15 for adults and $12 for children (12 years old and under) and can be purchased at the rink or in advance. “We start talking about next year as soon as we turn on the lights,” Meece said Bill Kaczaraba is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here. Follow Bill on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email him here A public boat launch on the lower Snoqualmie River that’s provided access to the upper Snohomish and its popular coho and pink salmon fisheries for decades may be acquired by the Tulalip Tribes in the near future a move that will leave anglers anxious about continued use of the site High Bridge which sits just off Crescent Lake Road south of Monroe is currently owned by the Washington Department of Corrections and has been managed as a state water access site by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and its forerunner since 1954 was unable to be acted on this year due to “administrative delays” at WDFW that involved consultation with area tribes and neighboring landowners officials at the agency’s North Sound Region office in Mill Creek were informed that the Tulalip Tribes were proceeding with acquiring High Bridge the transfer is currently under consideration by the tribal council and afterwards it will be reviewed by DOC and the state Attorney General’s Office for final approval when rumors of a sale came to this reporter’s attention “DOC is in the process of transferring the property but we are not at liberty to discuss the transfer until it is complete.” DOC spokesman Chris Wright reiterated that this afternoon Snohomish County Assessor records today value the parcel at $10,700 the Snohomish County Commission granted the old Department of Game a special use permit there “for the purpose of parking fishermen’s cars and launching boats and access to the park area.” At some point the land shifted hands from the county to DOC with whom WDFW has had a subsequent access agreement Fast forward to the 2000s and the Tulalip Tribes have since acquired several adjacent DOC properties informally known as the Prison Farm and which once hosted public duck hunting but are now home to Qualco Energy which uses cow poop to generate electricity Qualco and its Anglicized spelling Tualco are Lushootseed for “meeting place of two rivers,” the Snoqualmie and nearby Skykomish Perhaps still stinging from lost fishing access on the Skokomish and a failed bid to put a new single-lane concrete ramp in at Point No Point WDFW states that it is “disappointed” not to be able to acquire High Bridge from DOC but says it has begun talks with the Tulalips to preserve public fishing and boating access there which includes Outdoor Emporium in Seattle and Sportco in Fife “The High Bridge ramp is a very important access point that the recreational fishing community uses during the fall salmon season,” Miller said “My hope is that the recreational fishing and boating community can partner with the tribe to ensure access remains open With the majority of the coho opportunity occurring in the upper Snohomish losing access to that ramp would be a major blow to anglers who have already seen dramatic fishing reductions due to the need to meet conservation objectives in the Snohomish Basin.” primarily in the Snoqualmie but also the Skykomish High Bridge is unique because it provides those in smaller lower powered boats access to the upper Snohomish salmon fishery which remains open through Halloween this season Other nearby WDFW ramps include the rough Tualco put-in 2.5 miles up the Skykomish and the better Lewis Street launch 4 miles upstream at Monroe both better suited to drift boats if one is continuing down to the Snohomish and the city of Snohomish’s new ramp 8 miles downstream from the confluence at the Pilchuck which is good for larger sleds that can push through the head of tidewater at Douglas Bar to Crabb Bar and the waters above and below Highway 522 WDFW says that in the event the Tulalip Tribes decide against acquiring High Bridge it is still interested in the parcel for public access so I’ve been watching this situation on the banks of the lower Snoqualmie anxiously Here’s to a win that works the whole way around WA – Tulalip Resort Casino continues to hit construction milestones in the expansion and renovation underway at the property with an anticipated completion in late 2025 for the expansion and late 2026 for all major renovations Construction is progressing on the 70,250 sq addition on the north side of the existing 200,000 sq With additional gaming opportunities and amenities the expansion will highlight the Tulalip Tribe’s culture and traditions through innovative design concepts representing the dynamics of the Salish Sea a rich palate of colors and the use of natural material will be woven into the design themes Recently completed milestones include extensive updates to the north marking the completion of all the project’s restroom renovations the casino’s high-limit slot room is also undergoing a makeover with many of the machines temporarily relocated near the VIP lounge and north entrance Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill Restaurant will be temporarily closed starting Wednesday September 25, for updates to enhance the dining experience and will reopen Friday Dining will be available nearby at Tula Bene Pastaria + Chophouse during the closure The Blackfish bar will be closed starting Thursday Bar service will be available at the Tula Bene Pastaria + Chophouse bar The Tula Bene bar will be open on Wednesday evenings with a limited Blackfish menu beginning Wednesday The Journeys East To-Go counter and bar will be closed September 23-24 renovation will commence for these two stations with a temporary to-go podium located next to the restaurant entrance A satellite bar with limited drink options will be available nearby There may be additional intermittent short-term closures for safety reasons Tulalip Resort Casino has been a favorite regional destination for a premier gaming entertainment and shopping experience in Washington State,” said Marci Fryberg “The expansion and renovation will allow us to continue to set new standards in delivering the gaming excitement as a sdu’hubs Honorary Tulalip tribal member We honor Father Sky who gives direction to water spirit that we may use respectfully….through all that attempts to gain grounds our families fished and harvested foods provided never forgetting to leave a basket of our foods and goods for a love offering…There are many rivers and tributaries this land sought by the Port of Everett will hurt the many humans living off our lands This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Tulalip Resort Casino has earned recognition as a Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Award winner one of six Seattle area properties on this year’s list The 67th annual awards program features the world’s most luxurious hotels restaurants and spas chosen on an independent global rating system Tulalip Resort Casino is the sole resort casino property in the Pacific Northwest to receive this designation The award description noted “Tulalip Resort Casino’s grand scale is evident from the moment you drive past its massive orca whale fountain near the main entrance … massive though it may be the guest experience is intimate at the Washington resort Whether you’re being personally escorted through the quiet dim chambers of the T Spa or relaxing away the weekend in one of the five specialty suites… you’ll feel as though you are the resort’s most important guest.” we take great pride in the accolades we receive within our industry,” said Tracy Goolsby along with other premier properties in our region We are thrilled to be included on the Forbes Travel Guide list and look forward to showcasing our property and customer service to all of our visitors and guests.” Tulalip Resort Casino is currently undergoing dramatic expansion and a major renovation with an anticipated completion later this year addition will feature expanded gaming opportunities and amenities and will highlight the Tulalip Tribes’ culture and traditions LIFESTYLE 5:30 PM | Updated: Dec 6 The largest display of holiday lights can be found outside the Tulalip Casino in Marysville It’s a sight to behold — the biggest display of Christmas lights in Washington state is right off Interstate 5 Six million lights brighten the landscape at the Tulalip Casino next to the outlet mall in Marysville The “Tulalip Lights” display is twice as large as it was last year This display at the Tulalip Casino of over six million lights is the largest in the state. pic.twitter.com/HbLD3KYzeU — MyNorthwest (@Mynorthwest) November 27, 2023 and it became an instant favorite with visitors,” said Kevin Jones “It is bigger and even more spectacular this year and we encourage folks to add this tradition to their ‘must do’ experiences this holiday season.” The display also features an outdoor skating rink “Tulalip Lights” is located along I-5 and accessible at westbound exits 200 or 202 The event is presented by Quil Ceda Village and viewing all the lighting displays is free to the public “Tulalip Ice,” is a 40’x 80’ outdoor ice rink at the Tulalip Amphitheatre surrounded by a display of more than 1.3 million lights. Presented by Blue Line Sports and Entertainment, the rink will be open to the public. Tickets for one-hour skating sessions (with skate rentals included) are $15 for adults and $12 for children (12 years old and under) and can be purchased at the rink or in advance. More family-friendly activities will be happening throughout the season at the Tulalip Amphitheatre as part of the “Tulalip Lights & Ice” festivities Claus,” “the Grinch” and “Buddy the Elf,” an open-air holiday market featuring a variety of food vendors This is part of a series of stories about holiday lights and activities that MyNorthwest will publish throughout December Monte holds Letter of Intent signing ceremony for seven of its student-athletes Also: Aberdeen falls to T-Birds; Elma sweeps Hoquiam; Pe Ell-Willapa Valley routs Raymond-South Bend Also: Hoquiam a man down in one-goal loss to Rochester Already have an account? Log in here The Tulalip Resort Casino Amphitheatre recently announced the first two acts that will appear at its upcoming summer concert series: rapper Ludacris and funk icons Kool & The Gang. Find out more about the series, which is celebrating 20 years in 2025, here The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is hosting from March 13-29 the SoundWave Festival, which will showcase several forms of international music and dance. See the full lineup here find out how a Kirkland contestant fared on an episode of 'Wheel of Fortune' this week downtown Bellevue debuts its first head spa The latest highlight in Tulalip Resort Casino’s ongoing expansion and renovation includes the reopening of the property’s high-limit slots room and upgrades at multiple dining venues addition is well underway with an anticipated completion in late 2025 for the expansion and late 2026 for all major renovations throughout the property new titles and a new bar with five bartop slots New titles include the highly anticipated release of Triple Fortune Dragon Unleashed Players Addition WA – Tulalip Resort Casino has been recognized as ‘Best Casino’ and ‘Best Hotel’ in The Daily Herald’s “Best of Snohomish County” Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024 casino was recognized with those honors in 2023 as well The Daily Herald accepted nominations from readers who then made their winning selections known through multiple rounds of voting Tulalip Resort Casino is now undergoing a dramatic expansion and major renovation addition will feature expanded gaming opportunities and amenities and will highlight the Tulalip Tribes’ culture and traditions “We continue to build on a foundation of excellence and quality and this recognition is a reflection of our mission,” said Marci Fryberg “We are gratified by the response from our loyal guests in surrounding communities.” an 18-year-old graduating from Heritage High School in Marysville deepened her connection to her Tulalip Tribes community over the last four years She plans to follow in her parents’ footsteps and become an educator who can pass on her tribe’s culture and history to a younger generation The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted both my community and personal high school journey disrupting my education and fostering resilience in the face of profound challenges The Class of 2024 is a class like no other meeting their teachers and classmates for the first time on a computer screen. Seattle Times asked some of the region’s graduating seniors to reflect on the last four years You can read more of their essays here. Kamaya Craig: 2024 grad, Tulalip Tribes member gives thanks to mom, culture for resilience Lily Fredericks: 2024 grad goes from timid freshman to confident dancer, advocate Adwaya Bage: 2024 grad sought father’s approval, but found his own path Becca Bryan: 2024 grad thrived, grew to know herself during pandemic Hiyab Negash: 2024 grad thanks role models, while becoming one herself The pandemic disrupted our traditional way of life The Reservation places a strong emphasis on generational ties and ceremonial gatherings But social distancing and restrictions on large gatherings forced us to adapt quickly to new ways of interacting with one another This sadly reminded us of a time when my people were not allowed to practice our culture in this country The Tulalip Reservation is home to more than 100 elders There was great fear of losing them because the virus brought up past fears about deadly illnesses spread by colonial settlers We lost a high number of tribal members at the start of the pandemic and we were unable to support them in the hospital and give them appropriate funeral ceremonies that the Tulalip people practice and cherish communally the pandemic took away my ability to see my grandparents Grandparents are our first parents in my culture and it still brings me great sadness remembering holidays without them I was 15 and learning from a computer screen The anxiety and loneliness caused from wearing masks didn’t help I am not sure how my educational journey would have continued Being at a predominantly white school for the first time (I was looking for a secondary education that better met my needs) I felt astonished by some of the perspectives on the seriousness of COVID Trump idolization and the George Floyd tragedy I found it difficult to center my care and focus on the tragedy happening to my tribe it’s actually what helped make me stronger and gain the courage to transfer to a school based on the homelands of my people I will be attending Evergreen State College — a school I selected for its Indigenous ways of teaching I believe I persevered over the last four years because I practiced the growth mindset my mother instilled in me I also intentionally stayed devoted to my culture I have learned that whatever life throws at me Stay secure and make sure you have the best reading experience possible by upgrading your browser Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis, a member of the Tulalip Tribes, disappeared in 2020 without a trace. On the FBI website today below several photos of a woman with dark hair and a resolute expression “Mary was traveling to a friend’s house and never arrived.” Her family believes she was taken against her will they still have no idea what happened to her noting that it was extremely difficult to gather such data from the 71 cities a French American investigative journalist whose work focuses on social justice (her latest film Melissa,” brought attention to a woman facing the death penalty) said she wished she could tell the stories of “all the women who disappeared.” But she chose this story because she was familiar with the Tulalip Tribes (having previously worked with Parker on a project more than a decade ago) and she found something enormously moving in Johnson-Davis’ story which was one of long struggle: As a child Johnson-Davis was removed from her family and placed in foster care Returning as an adult to the Tulalip Reservation “There were so many unknowns about Mary — we had to do a lot of investigation,” said Parker that’s the case when families are broken apart and other relatives don’t know much information about the children that were taken by the government.” She and Van Tassel searched for “relatives anyone who knew anything about Mary,” ultimately focusing on the missing woman’s three sisters who had been looking tirelessly for her for years with little help from law enforcement by Mary’s spirit — by “paying attention to Mary’s energy that was left around us We had to pay attention to maybe her direction Van Tassel said she was particularly interested in the link between the cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and what happened in the schools — “putting the two together “I do believe that when you have unsolved issues in the past The film, completed some months ago, notes at the end that there has been no official U.S. government apology for the damage caused by the boarding schools. That changed a few weeks ago, when President Joe Biden issued an apology calling the era of the schools “a blot on American history” and “a sin on our soul.” Parker who’s now the CEO of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition was among those personally asking for that apology “It’s never too late to apologize,” she said and we had a long discussion about the boarding school era he was just angry that we could have a society that behaves so horribly toward Native children and families.” Having the president acknowledge that pain and make an apology Now available on multiple digital platforms “Missing from Fire Trail Road” is still making the rounds of film festivals and screenings including a special local screening for the Tulalip Tribes held on Nov Parker is hopeful that the screening “really sparked some interest in folks who want to do something,” and that perhaps it might bring about some new leads in the case Many of Johnson-Davis’ family members attended that screening and And both filmmakers are hopeful that the documentary might help effect change “I think this is really the right moment,” Van Tassel said “Society has changed so much in recent years — we all of a sudden understand where victims come from I think this is the right moment for people to really acknowledge that there is one population in the U.S that we have really not dealt with their past trauma.” that the film helps solve the mystery of what happened to Johnson-Davis to give her loved ones some resolution and peace She also hopes it will bring a realization that it’s time to “take a pause start to honor the Indigenous culture that surrounds us and pay deep respect for those who are still with us tried to devastate a people — “but we’re still here The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times Stay secure and make sure you have the best reading experience possible by upgrading your browser!