Oct 30, 2014 - Tulalip Tribes Calls for Healing & Unity

Tulalip Tribes statement on recovery from Marysville Pilchuck school shooting

Tulalip Tribes
Francesca Hillery, Public Affairs Officer
Cell: (360) 913.2646
Email: fhillery@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Press Releases

October 29, 2014

As we grieve our losses and pray for the recovery of the injured, the Tulalip Tribes continue to work with our neighbors in the Marysville community in continued unity.

The tragic event at Marysville Pilchuck is a test of the unity and partnership between the Tulalip and Marysville communities, which is essential especially for the education of our children. Schools in the Marysville School District have received threats. While some have been directed at Native children, we are concerned for the safety of all of the children. Many of our kids are fearful to return to school, and some parents are reluctant to send them.

The Tulalip Tribes denounce the horrific actions of Jaylen Fryberg, who took the lives of two of his classmates and grievously injured three others. All of the young people he attacked were his friends, and two were his cousins. Parents and children alike are struggling to understand what caused him to act in such a manner. Even though we may never know why, there can be no justification for taking the lives of others. These were the acts of an individual, not a family, not a tribe.

As our communities continue to come together to deal with this tragic event, our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the families of Zoe Galasso and Gia Soriano.

We continue to pray for the recovery of Andrew Fryberg, Nate Hatch, and Shaylee Chuckulnaskit and their families.

It is our custom to come together in times of grief. The tribe holds up our people who are struggling through times of loss. We are supporting the family of Jaylen Fryberg in their time of loss, but that does not mean we condone his actions.

We are grateful for the outpouring of support we are receiving from our neighbors, other tribes and organizations, and from around the world. Your thoughts and prayers have held us up in this difficult time.