Looking for a change of scene? Trying to find a place that the whole family can enjoy? Visit the Tulalip Tribes’ Hibulb [pronounced “Hee-Bolb”] Cultural Center & Natural History Preserve in Tulalip.

On Wednesday, August 9, my colleague, Carolyn Petersen, and I had the pleasure of meeting staff from the Hibulb Cultural Center & Natural History Preserve and being treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of their curation facility, which is responsible for managing historic Tribal artifacts and burials that are discovered throughout Puget Sound. We also were introduced to the Center Director, Hank Gobin, who has stated in the online publication Tulalip Tribes: Cultural History Powers Today’s Progress, “We are looking to become a resource for government and the private sector, to promote proper archeological surveys and analysis before construction and to assist in properly managing discoveries to minimize the costly and disrespectful incidents that have occurred in recent years.” This is reflected in the state-of-the-art curation facility where artifacts are lovingly treated to bring the past back to life and a museum where visitors can be informed by the past. There is also a natural history preserve where anyone can be inspired and reconnect with nature.

The Center is celebrating its first anniversary next weekend, and is offering a variety of programs and events, with something for everyone. Admission will be free during this special weekend. Events will include:

Saturday, August 18:

• 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Beading demonstration by Richard Muir, Jr.;
• 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Organic vegetable gardening, gardening with families, and cooking with television personality, Cisco Morris;
• 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Pacific Northwest Drawing workshop with Steve Madison;
• 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. – Movie screening of “Smoke Signals” with Tracy Rector.

Sunday, August 19:

• 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Lecture and book signing by Billy Frank, Jr., Nisqually tribal activist and subject of the latest publication from the Legacy Project of the Office of the Secretary of State, Where the Salmon Run: The Life and Legacy of Billy Frank Jr., by Trova Heffernan. Note: Copies of this book are for sale in the Hibulb Cultural Center’s gift shop;
• 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. – Storytelling by Kelly Moses and Ray Moses;
• 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Chainsaw carving by Cy Williams and Tim Williams;
• 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Coast Salish painting by James Madison;
• 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Play by Red Eagle Soaring Youth Theatre.

It is so easy to forget how connected we all are to our natural environment, how it nourishes our bodies, spirits, and minds. Remember and reconnect by visiting the Hibulb Cultural Center & Natural History Preserve.

Where: 6410 23^rd Avenue NE, Tulalip, WA
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.; closed Mondays
Anniversary Celebration Weekend Hours: Friday, August 17 – Sunday, August 19, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.;
First Thursday of every month: Free – and open until 8:00 p.m.!
Free guided tours are available every Wednesday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

For additional information, call 360.716.2600, e-mail [email protected], or visit HibulbCulturalCenter.org.