TULALIP – The first thing we do when we get up is give thanks, and the last thing we do at night is give thanks.
That was just one of many Thanksgiving themes speakers mentioned as Quil Ceda Elementary School students gave thanks to their community Nov. 25 with Tulalip Day.
Cultural director Chelsea Craig said the assembly was student led as the young drummers and singers selected the songs and dances that come from various families.
“The school is a melting pot, but when we’re here we are all one,” she said.
A number of people spoke at the event, and their messages were perfect for Thanksgiving.
•Being high-class has nothing to do with wealth, but the way you treat other people.
•Tell people they matter and make them feel good about themselves.
•Be thankful for young people who will step up and lead their families and tribe.
•Give lots of hugs to your grandma and grandpa, mom and dad, aunts and uncles, everyone this Thanksgiving.
•Even if they are far away we still love and think of each other even when we’re not together.
In that same theme, tribal Chairman Mel Sheldon said, “Tell your best friend you love them, and even if they’re not your best friend.”
Craig said the singers and drummers are as young as kindergarten and as old as fifth grade. “The leaders just naturally happen,” she said.
She’s also excited that non-indian students are building drums at home with their families. “They bring their drums in their backpacks to school,” she said.
Craig said she was glad to see so many families there. It hasn’t always been that way.
“We’re trying to make sure the community feels welcome here,” she said.
Craig explained to the hundreds in attendance that many elders and adults in the community didn’t get to celebrate their Native American culture the way students now can at Quil Ceda.
“We were not allowed to be indian,” Craig said.
First-year Principal Cory Taylor said he enjoyed the assembly.
“We have a unique opportunity here that the students get to celebrate their culture,” he said. “It’s a rich heritage.”
