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"As we grieve in the wake of this tragedy, the Tulalip Tribes and the City of Marysville stand together, united in sorrow but determined to bring healing to our communities. The strong working relationship we have built over many years has proven critical as we continue to respond to this unimaginable event. Our priority is now on our children and young people."
--Herman Williams Sr., Chairman, Tulalip Tribes
According to the Tulalip Tribes, it is tradition "to raise our hands to applaud and give thanks to those who have given to us." Because Reach Out and Read is blessed to be among the organizations supported by Tulalip Cares, my husband and I had planned to attend a traditional ceremony of appreciation on Tulalip Tribal grounds on October 25th. But on the 24th--a mere 30 hours earlier--a terrible tragedy occurred at Marysville-Pilchuck High School. We assumed that the community would somehow want the event to go on, and we wanted to show our support. But it was with heavy hearts that we drove north, to a community where I attended basketball games when I was in high school.
I am so glad that we went, and what I want to try to share with you may feel unbelievable. But somehow what I came home with on Saturday night more than anything is a sense of hope. Yes, extreme sadness, too. My heart grieves for everyone in the Tulalip-Marysville community. Yet hope was somehow woven together with sorrow throughout the evening. Tribal leadership made a conscious decision to go forward with the event, in great part because it celebrates many organizations that do work that is particularly needed now, when support for families and communities is so critical.
What was so moving to me--was how they changed the event. They removed parts of the celebration to be replaced by heartfelt words spoken by leaders from the tribal community, the Marysville School District, the City of Marysville, and Snohomish County. They all spoke to the longtime, strong, cross-cultural, cross-government, cross-community relationships. They spoke about how this event would not define them, or cause them to break apart. They would remain unified in their efforts to move forward. They said that it was how they move forward together that would define who they are. Then they left to be with their families and community members, and encouraged us to visit with our tablemates. I know I can't begin to convey what was said or how it felt. But it was real. It was powerful. It was humbling. And it gave me hope. This community is strong. This community is caring and compassionate. They will find a path forward, and they will put their children front and center as they do so. They asked for prayers and support, and with that I have no doubt they will lead something powerful forward.
Strong families and strong communities build resilience even in the face of the worst possible circumstances. Early brain science tells us in great detail how positive early experiences can help children develop resilience; and how strong families and communities can mitigate the effects of toxic stress. When we support young children and families--help promote optimal child health and development, and help parents and families have the resources they need to thrive--we are building strong families, and strong communities. Reach Out and Read, and other early childhood programs, are building blocks in that process.
We are grateful for the work of the Reach Out and Read medical providers at the Tulalip Health Clinic and SeaMar Community Health Centers in Marysville. We know they will be supporting parents and children of all ages in critical ways in the days and months ahead. And tonight we know that there will be many parents and children cuddling together with books, saying prayers, and giving thanks. Tulalip and Marysville, we raise our hands in thanks to you for giving us hope. Know that our hearts and prayers go out to you, and to all of your children.
Jill Sells MD and the Reach Out and Read Washington Team
Thank you to the Tulalip Tribes for the gift of this beautiful
piece of art by James Madison, Tulalip Artist
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