7/31/08

Cultural center to document tribal history

by Beckye Randall

A home for precious tribal artifacts is under construction on 52 acres near the entrance to the Tulalip Reservation, at 23rd St. NE just south of Marine Drive.

A 10,000-square-foot curation facility was recently completed at the site to support artifact restoration and exhibit development. The Hibulb Cultural Center is planned to open to the public in April 2009, followed by restoration construction of the Natural History Preserve beginning in early 2010.

The curation facility features a climate-controlled environment for laboratories and storage areas designed to collect, restore and store artifacts of significance to the Tulalip Tribes. The facility will also receive and handle historic human remains returned to the Tribes for proper burial.

“The Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve will be a source of pride for our community and the adjacent cities of Everett and Marysville,” said tribal chairman Mel Sheldon. “Through the center and its programs, we will strive to honor native traditions, culture and art, and foster cross-cultural education and exchange.”

Research has shown that 60 percent of the 13,000 daily visitors to Tulalip would appreciate the option of a native cultural experience, Sheldon added.

The cultural center will showcase the culture, language and history of the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish and other tribes that were signers of the landmark 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott, according to Sheldon. The facility will include a traditional longhouse structure, exhibit space and classrooms.

The natural history preserve will incorporate a small salmon-bearing stream, tidal slough and stream mouth, and an estuary wetland complex, as well as stands of mature cedar, fir and hemlock trees. Quilceda Creek borders the preserve, providing an unobstructed salmon passage from the estuary into an upstream spawning and rearing habitat.

Cost for the cultural center and preserve is estimated at $19 million. The Tulalip Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has been formed to assist with fundraising efforts to supplement the Tribes’ investment in the facility.

To donate items of tribal significance to the curation center, contact Hank Gobin, Tribal Cultural Resource Manager, at (360) 716-2636.