TULALIP — Tribal families are hurting.
Someone plundered the Mission Beach Cemetery, the place where Tulalip tribal members bury their dead. Somebody vandalized more than a dozen grave sites late Friday or early Saturday, Tulalip Chairman Mel Sheldon said.
“We are abhorred and distraught that such vandalism would occur at our cemetery,” he said. “The families whose plots have been damaged have a deep sense of hurt.”
Tribal elders learned about the damage Saturday morning when they found several grave markers damaged or overturned, Sheldon said.
Tulalip police are actively investigating the incident, Cmdr. Mike Catlett said. A vehicle or vehicles also may have been involved.
Tribal members found skid marks by the damaged graves, Sheldon said.
Disturbing an American Indian cemetery is a serious crime. Whoever did this may be charged with a felony, Catlett said.
Tribal police are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading whoever is responsible.
A trail of damage and debris allowed tribal members to trace where vandals went. It didn’t help them understand why.
“It’s where our loved ones are. It is a sacred area to us,” Sheldon said.
The vandalism left Tulalips in shock and disbelief. One tribal member cried and cried when she heard the news, he said.
“We want it to be a place of serenity… a safe place to be,” Sheldon said. “Now somebody has invaded a very special place. We want to restore that sense of tranquility as soon as we can.”
Sheldon hopes whoever is responsible will realize the kind of damage they have done and own up to their actions.
Meanwhile, workers have put many grave markers back in place and cleaned up the area. Some stones will have to be fixed or replaced, Sheldon said. This may cost the tribes up to $10,000.
No amount of money can buy that sense of safety and tranquility Tulalips lost this weekend. It will be a while before those wounds heal, Sheldon said.
“Like in any community, where our loved ones rest is a special place,” he said.
Generations of local tribal leaders, veterans and historic figures rest at the cemetery, local historian David Dilgard said.
“It’s one of the oldest cemeteries anywhere around here,” he said. “I’m really shocked to hear this.”
Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.
Seen anything?
Tulalip Tribes are offering $1,000 reward for information that can help catch the vandals. Call Tulalip police at 360-716-4608.
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