SEATTLE – Seven boys and girls youth basketball teams from the Tulalip, Lummi and Muckleshoot tribes took part in this year's edition of an annual event on the Seattle University campus, enjoying a basketball tournament, meet-and-greet with Redhawk student-athletes, a campus tour and more.
The event, hosted by Seattle U Athletics and the Indigenous Peoples Institute (IPI) on January 11, allowed for a unique experience for tribal youth in the Pacific Northwest.
"We are grateful for this opportunity and support of our youth," said Marilyn Sheldon of Tulalip Tribes Charitable Contributions. "We are appreciative of all the unique experiences that provided to the Tribal families. I love that they get to see what it is like on campus and really feel at ease walking the corridors. I believe this will better prepare them to make the college decision as the time arrives."
The day began with a greeting from various Redhawk student-athletes and IPI. Tournament play took place in the Redhawk Center and included remarks from Director of Athletics Shaney Fink, Father Pat Twohy, and a pep-talk from Patrick Mulligan of the SU men's basketball staff. Tulalip defeated Muckleshoot in the girls championship game, while Lummi beat Muckleshoot for the boys championship.
"It was beautiful to see so many Native youth coming together for play and competition at the Tulalip Invitational," said Christina Roberts, Director of the Indigenous Peoples Institute and Seattle U Associate Professor. "The passion of the youth and the support of families and communities inspires all of us at Seattle U and in Indigenous Peoples Institute to keep working hard to create opportunities for the next generations of Indigenous youth."
A campus tour was given on the way to dinner at the Seattle U Student Center, where attendees experienced Redhawk Dining alongside student-athletes.
The day's events concluded with a Seattle U men's basketball game – a big 83-50 win over Utah Valley for the Redhawks.
"This has been such a great partnership and I can only hope it continues to grow," said Phillip (JP) Miranda of Tulalip Boys & Girls Club. "My hope is that we can add a few more teams and Tribes to our line up and truly make this a grand tournament. My hands are raised high to express our gratitude and appreciation for everything Seattle University has done for the Tulalip Boys & Girls Club."