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Tulalip, From My Heart: An Autobiographical Account of a Reservation Community
In Tulalip, from My Heart , Harriette Shelton Dover describes her life on the Tulalip Reservation and recounts the myriad problems tribes faced after resettlement. Born in 1904, Dover grew up hearing the elders of her tribe tell of the hardships involved in moving from their villages to the reservation on Tulalip inadequate food and water, harsh economic conditions, and religious persecution outlawing potlatch houses and other ceremonial practices.
Dover herself spent ten traumatic months every year in an Indian boarding school, an experience that developed her political consciousness and keen sense of justice. The first Indian woman to serve on the Tulalip board of directors, Dover describes her experiences in her own personal, often fierce style, revealing her tribe’s powerful ties and enduring loyalty to land now occupied by others.
Dover herself spent ten traumatic months every year in an Indian boarding school, an experience that developed her political consciousness and keen sense of justice. The first Indian woman to serve on the Tulalip board of directors, Dover describes her experiences in her own personal, often fierce style, revealing her tribe’s powerful ties and enduring loyalty to land now occupied by others.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published August 26, 2013
40 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 18, 2015
Although this wasn't an ideal choice for book club, I'm super glad I read this memoir! I looked forward to the first-hand account of this Native American woman (born the same year as my grandfather), right here where I grew up! Although she was born in the 20th century, her accounts span from the 1855 Point Elliot Treaty to the 1980s, when she wrote the book. The book is written in an oral style - I had to imagine her talking to me, rather than a narrative - and is arranged topically more than chronologically. She 'circles' a topic, often repeating her memories or referring to them the second time around. In the preface, editor Darleen Fitzpatrick states about the narrative style,"What seems like right or wrong may actually be an ethnocentric reaction to a text." I had to keep this in mind throughout the book.
I was stunned by what the Puget Sound tribes endured during white settlement...separation from their families, militant Indian Boarding School, constant hunger, lack of federal communication about the reservation, job discrimination random shootings. The federal government went from outlawing Indian gatherings and music/ceremonies to actively encouraging them in a breathtaking, belated 180 degree turn. Hunger and unemployment were huge issues until recently - probably the 80s - when the Tulalip tribe casinos and businesses began to flourish.
This book told a bigger story than the one I was familiar with, thanks to the author's devotion to telling it.
I was stunned by what the Puget Sound tribes endured during white settlement...separation from their families, militant Indian Boarding School, constant hunger, lack of federal communication about the reservation, job discrimination random shootings. The federal government went from outlawing Indian gatherings and music/ceremonies to actively encouraging them in a breathtaking, belated 180 degree turn. Hunger and unemployment were huge issues until recently - probably the 80s - when the Tulalip tribe casinos and businesses began to flourish.
This book told a bigger story than the one I was familiar with, thanks to the author's devotion to telling it.
June 21, 2020
This is an important book to read, especially at these turbulent tines in our country. Racism played a major part in Harriette's life.
Earlier in one of my updates I posted 3 numbers, and suggested to remember those numbers, and now I will explain why they are significant...... I post them so one can get their mind around the vastness of the number of Native Americans who lost their lives.
21,846, 507 current population Sao Paolo
21,671,908 current population Mexico City
22,ooo,000 Native Americans killed by "The White Man" either through war, or by small pox, measles, tuberculosis, and child abuse.
When the White Man came to the North American continent, the Native tribes were numerous from coast to coast, lived on the land, held their beliefs as sacred, and believed that they were one with the land. Then White Man took away their land, their beliefs, their languages, and their children.
Should you decide to read this book, it is IMPERATIVE that you read Darlene Fitzpatrick's introduction, as lengthy as it is, the introduction provides major insight into how and why Harriette's narrative was not edited differently.
Harriette's story opened my eyes, and my heart, to the awful treatment that all Native American tribes suffered, reading this at the time of the death of George Floyd, only made the story more poignant.
Children were taken from the families and placed in "Christian" schools, however, the treatment that they received was anything but "Christian", I am sure that in today's world, these folks would suffer greatly at the hands of lawmakers and the public. Their abuse of children, filthy living conditions, beatings for speaking their tribal language, lack of proper food, clothing and living conditions in the boarding schools, giving up their sacred beliefs all for the sake of becoming Christians. What Would Jesus Think? Their treatment of the children sickened me greatly, and brought shame to me, and tears to my eyes frequently throughout Harriette's retelling of her life. They were denied quality medical care when ill, most frequently if a child did not return to the "Christian" school after the summer months, it meant that the child had probably died from tuberculosis, as did Harriette's sister.
Even as late as the mid 1970's the treatment they received by the "White man" was "why don't you go back where you belong?" Well, they did belong where they were - it was the "White man" who should have gone back to where he belonged.
Harriette's family hid many artifacts from the authorities, they could have received harsh penalties. for having them. Just think, it was considered against the law to own your own family treasures! Thankfully due to Harriette's family, the Hibulb Cultural Center in Marysville, WA has a treasure trove of these priceless and irreplaceable items.
Earlier in one of my updates I posted 3 numbers, and suggested to remember those numbers, and now I will explain why they are significant...... I post them so one can get their mind around the vastness of the number of Native Americans who lost their lives.
21,846, 507 current population Sao Paolo
21,671,908 current population Mexico City
22,ooo,000 Native Americans killed by "The White Man" either through war, or by small pox, measles, tuberculosis, and child abuse.
When the White Man came to the North American continent, the Native tribes were numerous from coast to coast, lived on the land, held their beliefs as sacred, and believed that they were one with the land. Then White Man took away their land, their beliefs, their languages, and their children.
Should you decide to read this book, it is IMPERATIVE that you read Darlene Fitzpatrick's introduction, as lengthy as it is, the introduction provides major insight into how and why Harriette's narrative was not edited differently.
Harriette's story opened my eyes, and my heart, to the awful treatment that all Native American tribes suffered, reading this at the time of the death of George Floyd, only made the story more poignant.
Children were taken from the families and placed in "Christian" schools, however, the treatment that they received was anything but "Christian", I am sure that in today's world, these folks would suffer greatly at the hands of lawmakers and the public. Their abuse of children, filthy living conditions, beatings for speaking their tribal language, lack of proper food, clothing and living conditions in the boarding schools, giving up their sacred beliefs all for the sake of becoming Christians. What Would Jesus Think? Their treatment of the children sickened me greatly, and brought shame to me, and tears to my eyes frequently throughout Harriette's retelling of her life. They were denied quality medical care when ill, most frequently if a child did not return to the "Christian" school after the summer months, it meant that the child had probably died from tuberculosis, as did Harriette's sister.
Even as late as the mid 1970's the treatment they received by the "White man" was "why don't you go back where you belong?" Well, they did belong where they were - it was the "White man" who should have gone back to where he belonged.
Harriette's family hid many artifacts from the authorities, they could have received harsh penalties. for having them. Just think, it was considered against the law to own your own family treasures! Thankfully due to Harriette's family, the Hibulb Cultural Center in Marysville, WA has a treasure trove of these priceless and irreplaceable items.
August 13, 2019
I really loved this book. It had a lot of heart and humanity. It left a powerful impact on me, especially as someone who grew up in Washington. That being said, it's hard not to focus on a bit of the negatives. This was an oral retelling of someone's life organized by topic, not year. While it gave a genuine feel to the book, it was more confusing than not. The repetition of stories is natural when you converse with someone, but on paper if feels exhausting and tired. And the lack of a timeline made it hard to understand the actual events that took place. I didn't grow up in the community so there was a lot of learning on the job. But it was hard to learn about events, traditions, and cultural differences, while not really knowing what year they happened or the significance of the order. I respect what the author and the editor were trying to do, but there's a reason so many different mediums exist.
December 23, 2023
I am grateful to have found this, and grateful that Harriette told her story.
I'd add a specific CW for the chapter centered on her experience at an Indian boarding school; even with her beloved dad regularly present it was abusive.
I hope a Lushootseed speaker is someday able to record an audiobook for this, currently it's only available in paperback and ebook versions (I confirmed this via a librarian who did a little hunting on it).
I'd add a specific CW for the chapter centered on her experience at an Indian boarding school; even with her beloved dad regularly present it was abusive.
I hope a Lushootseed speaker is someday able to record an audiobook for this, currently it's only available in paperback and ebook versions (I confirmed this via a librarian who did a little hunting on it).
April 27, 2018
Native American history has always facinated me. never have I read it from this point of view, yet I have heard it from neighbors I had growing up. the struggles these communities have gone through and continue to go through are highlighted in amazing ways here. my only issue is that there is much repetition of the exact same phrases and I feel as if I have lost my place despite simply reading on.
October 22, 2024
jesus christ
April 6, 2014
I grew up in Everett, Washington, about 2 miles as the crow flies from the Tulalip Indian Reservation. This was during the 1950's and 1960's when the Indian people living at Tulalip were probably at one of lowest points in their history and the future was looking even bleaker. Unemployment was high and poverty and sickness was common. Most white people, myself included, looked down upon the Indians and had little understanding of their culture and history; or the events that led to their current situation.
Through the words of Ms. Dover, the reader learns about the early history of the Natives at Tulalip and what it was like to grow up and live at Tulalip during her lifetime (1904-1991). If you have studied the history of other Indian Tribes, the story will be very familiar. They were forcibly relocated to the reservation, stripped of their language and religion, and discriminated against off the reservation while seeking employment opportunities. They were lied to and taken advantage of. It is no wonder their situation had deteriorated so badly by mid-20th century.
As the author states, the Indians were neither lazy or stupid. It took them a while, but through shrewd business dealings and wise use of their resources, they are now on a firm financial footing. Needed educational and health services are provided to tribal members as are employment opportunities. I am glad I have lived long enough to see the turn around.
Through the words of Ms. Dover, the reader learns about the early history of the Natives at Tulalip and what it was like to grow up and live at Tulalip during her lifetime (1904-1991). If you have studied the history of other Indian Tribes, the story will be very familiar. They were forcibly relocated to the reservation, stripped of their language and religion, and discriminated against off the reservation while seeking employment opportunities. They were lied to and taken advantage of. It is no wonder their situation had deteriorated so badly by mid-20th century.
As the author states, the Indians were neither lazy or stupid. It took them a while, but through shrewd business dealings and wise use of their resources, they are now on a firm financial footing. Needed educational and health services are provided to tribal members as are employment opportunities. I am glad I have lived long enough to see the turn around.
January 3, 2023
I originally heard of this book when I was taking my AIS classes at UW from Charlotte Cote. We had to read an excerpt from when Harriet was forced to go to a residential school. The chapter had stuck with my so much and I knew I had to finish the book, so I emailed Professor Cote and she kindly gave me the book title.
The story of how this book actually came to be written is really touching, and I enjoyed the narrative like structure and how it felt like you were listening to a story from a grandma, where it rambles deliciously on and sometimes repeats itself but you remember everything and when things are referenced later you remember them from earlier in the story…it’s hard to explain! It really just feels like you are listening to a story being told in a very candid, slow way.
I think that it is truly of the upmost importance to read books written by and about the Indigenous people from where you live. It is really hard, and it is really sad, but I think it is a really good, albeit tiny, start at honoring the people and the land that were here long before we were. I think often about a guest speaker we had, Ken Workman, who answered a question about land acknowledgments. Someone had asked about them because they were like, I don’t know, it seems kind of performative to just say these land acknowledgments but not DO anything, like donate or learn etc. He said (while of course it is wonderful to donate/learn/etc) that land acknowledgments ARE important because at least, in his opinion/his people, the act of respectfully acknowledging the people who came before you and the people this land belonged to and meaning it does matter to them. He said that talking about it and just the fact of knowing who’s land you are on and who had been on that ancestral land since time immemorial is actually very important and does truly matter. He also emphasized the importance of the intention behind it (he told another story that made this make so much sense) where they want people to WANT to respect the Indigenous land and Indigenous wishes, not be forced to, but to in your heart want to. So I think about that when I decide to read books like this or watch the films for my class or just continue learning at all, because these little things and the intentions behind them do matter.
The abuse and suffering that the Indigenous people faced and continue to face hurts my heart so much and truly boggles my brain that people thought/think it is okay to put people through injustices like that. It’s also always so important to remember that this wasn’t long ago at all, and that the generational trauma is so real, and you are a disgusting human being if you make any sort of degrading remark towards their community because after everything they have been put through, I think their resilience is the most commendable thing in the world.
Several times Harriet mentioned how her grandparents and parents would be telling stories and reference the time where a great fog surrounded the earth, referencing time immemorial, and repeatedly said “We have always been here.” For some reason that really stuck with me.
The story of how this book actually came to be written is really touching, and I enjoyed the narrative like structure and how it felt like you were listening to a story from a grandma, where it rambles deliciously on and sometimes repeats itself but you remember everything and when things are referenced later you remember them from earlier in the story…it’s hard to explain! It really just feels like you are listening to a story being told in a very candid, slow way.
I think that it is truly of the upmost importance to read books written by and about the Indigenous people from where you live. It is really hard, and it is really sad, but I think it is a really good, albeit tiny, start at honoring the people and the land that were here long before we were. I think often about a guest speaker we had, Ken Workman, who answered a question about land acknowledgments. Someone had asked about them because they were like, I don’t know, it seems kind of performative to just say these land acknowledgments but not DO anything, like donate or learn etc. He said (while of course it is wonderful to donate/learn/etc) that land acknowledgments ARE important because at least, in his opinion/his people, the act of respectfully acknowledging the people who came before you and the people this land belonged to and meaning it does matter to them. He said that talking about it and just the fact of knowing who’s land you are on and who had been on that ancestral land since time immemorial is actually very important and does truly matter. He also emphasized the importance of the intention behind it (he told another story that made this make so much sense) where they want people to WANT to respect the Indigenous land and Indigenous wishes, not be forced to, but to in your heart want to. So I think about that when I decide to read books like this or watch the films for my class or just continue learning at all, because these little things and the intentions behind them do matter.
The abuse and suffering that the Indigenous people faced and continue to face hurts my heart so much and truly boggles my brain that people thought/think it is okay to put people through injustices like that. It’s also always so important to remember that this wasn’t long ago at all, and that the generational trauma is so real, and you are a disgusting human being if you make any sort of degrading remark towards their community because after everything they have been put through, I think their resilience is the most commendable thing in the world.
Several times Harriet mentioned how her grandparents and parents would be telling stories and reference the time where a great fog surrounded the earth, referencing time immemorial, and repeatedly said “We have always been here.” For some reason that really stuck with me.
January 14, 2024
I wanted to read this book because it is set in northwest Washington state, where I live. I have read a number of books, both fiction and non-fiction which cover various eras of the colonization of North America by White people, and the genocide and interment of the Native Americans. While most of the stories are horrific, none of them felt as personal as this book.
Part of the reason, as is explained in the introduction, is that the author narrated most if not all of it orally. It is frequently the case, when oral histories of native people are “edited” and published, they are cleaned up, sanitized and arranged in a neat chronological order. Dover insisted that her story be produced as she told it. This gives it a unique flavor. At first it can be a bit irritating. Her speaking style, includes frequent repetition of phrases like, “you might say…” But after awhile, I felt somewhat mesmerized, as if I was hearing rather than reading the story.
Then there is the story itself, set in an area I am familiar with, and which I drive through frequently. Dover was born in 1904 (coincidentally the same year as my grandmother) and lived until 1991, but she tells the stories of her parents and other family members that she heard growing up. The first part of the story focuses on Treaty Time, 1855 when the Indians (Dover prefers this term) were cornered into signing the Treaty of Point Elliot. This required them to move onto the Tulalip Reservation. In exchange they were promised a number of things, including medical care and education.
Dover describes her experience of attending the reservation boarding school ten months out of the year for ten years. She really draws you into the experience from the mind of a seven-year old, being punished for speaking her people’s language, nearly starved, and beaten frequently. And indoctrinated into Catholicism.
Later sections of the book describe the Indians’ attempts to claim what was promised to them in the treaty, to organize themselves (when meeting in groups was forbidden) and to find ways to fit in to the White world.
I ended up having a deeper understanding of what it meant, what it still means, to be a Native American in this country.
Part of the reason, as is explained in the introduction, is that the author narrated most if not all of it orally. It is frequently the case, when oral histories of native people are “edited” and published, they are cleaned up, sanitized and arranged in a neat chronological order. Dover insisted that her story be produced as she told it. This gives it a unique flavor. At first it can be a bit irritating. Her speaking style, includes frequent repetition of phrases like, “you might say…” But after awhile, I felt somewhat mesmerized, as if I was hearing rather than reading the story.
Then there is the story itself, set in an area I am familiar with, and which I drive through frequently. Dover was born in 1904 (coincidentally the same year as my grandmother) and lived until 1991, but she tells the stories of her parents and other family members that she heard growing up. The first part of the story focuses on Treaty Time, 1855 when the Indians (Dover prefers this term) were cornered into signing the Treaty of Point Elliot. This required them to move onto the Tulalip Reservation. In exchange they were promised a number of things, including medical care and education.
Dover describes her experience of attending the reservation boarding school ten months out of the year for ten years. She really draws you into the experience from the mind of a seven-year old, being punished for speaking her people’s language, nearly starved, and beaten frequently. And indoctrinated into Catholicism.
Later sections of the book describe the Indians’ attempts to claim what was promised to them in the treaty, to organize themselves (when meeting in groups was forbidden) and to find ways to fit in to the White world.
I ended up having a deeper understanding of what it meant, what it still means, to be a Native American in this country.
June 5, 2020
I read this aloud to the kids as part of our Pacific NW History class. It was interesting getting the perspective of this local native, as she had a lot to say and didn't want their rich history to be forgotten. Her narrative style wasn't my favorite (she repeated herself and certain phrases a lot, the chapters could meander quite a bit because they were topical more than chronological), but when I read the introduction by her editor, I saw that it was narrated very intentionally so you could really get a sense of who Harriette was, how she spoke, and the editor chose not to edit or polish out her personality, which I can understand. We learned a lot about the treaty of 1855 and what Indians really thought about those events and what happened afterward (reservations, loss of culture, loss of work and food), as well as an extensive account of the Indian boarding school she was forced to attend, plus her own personal life and political contributions.
May 29, 2023
I learned a lot reading this book. Harriette Shelton Dover shares her memories and the memories of her grandparents, parents, family and friends, of what it was like for Native Americans in the Northwest to lose their culture and the struggle to remember traditions to revive their culture and keep their way of life. If you have an option to listen to the audio instead of reading, I think it would have been really great hearing a voice because it is written in the voice style of how Native Americans speak to tell their story. I got tired of reading in a style that was unfamiliar. But was caught up in the story every time I picked it back up.
I am grateful to Harriette for her bravery in going back to school as an older woman and telling her story. Her story and her words brought me so much more understanding. I pray that her words continue create healing and positive changes as we all continue to move forward together. I want to be a part of that process and movement.
I am grateful to Harriette for her bravery in going back to school as an older woman and telling her story. Her story and her words brought me so much more understanding. I pray that her words continue create healing and positive changes as we all continue to move forward together. I want to be a part of that process and movement.
December 9, 2024
These are oral histories taken from a Snohomish elder about her life and the life of her people from around the Mukilteo/Point Elliot Treaty of 1855, through Indian Boarding School days, thru the 1900's in an around the Seattle area.
Her oral style is quite meandering, often recursive, and very distanced from the pain and sorrow that she and her people lived through.
Very informative, but not something to read straight through, and if you're not a fan of socio-anthropology you might not like the nature of the reading, it isn't a story so much as slices of life tied together by the simple thread of Harriette's life.
Her oral style is quite meandering, often recursive, and very distanced from the pain and sorrow that she and her people lived through.
Very informative, but not something to read straight through, and if you're not a fan of socio-anthropology you might not like the nature of the reading, it isn't a story so much as slices of life tied together by the simple thread of Harriette's life.
February 28, 2020
4.5 stars. The best and worst thing about this book is that it’s a transcript of someone talking. It’s amazing to read it like your ‘listening’, and you really get to know Harriett. The problem with that is there are things that are often repeated so close together.
As a whole, this was a an important read for me. To really hear someone’s challenges growing up in a reservation that is 30 minutes from where I live. It’s tragic and beautiful the spirit of a group of people whose culture persists despite all that was done by my own ancestors to crush it.
As a whole, this was a an important read for me. To really hear someone’s challenges growing up in a reservation that is 30 minutes from where I live. It’s tragic and beautiful the spirit of a group of people whose culture persists despite all that was done by my own ancestors to crush it.
July 26, 2021
This book helped me to understand some true Indian history. They really struggled and were mistreated.
Bad enough that we took their land, we also wanted them to erase their cultural customs. Treaty promises were ignored.
Bad enough that we took their land, we also wanted them to erase their cultural customs. Treaty promises were ignored.
December 18, 2023
It's super unedited and basically just harriette talking to you for the entirety of the book. So it is super rambly but also really endears harriette to you. Also super cool to learn the history of all these places around Seattle. I wish harriette was my grandma
May 24, 2022
Interesting read
Not an easy read, mainly because of the set up. We learn a lot from Mrs. Dover's life, and it wasn't easy. I'm happy to have had a chance to read it.
Not an easy read, mainly because of the set up. We learn a lot from Mrs. Dover's life, and it wasn't easy. I'm happy to have had a chance to read it.
January 21, 2025
A charming read, a first-hand account, an important addition to local history.
November 24, 2025
A beautiful book about a wonderful woman overcoming and creating a beautiful life for her people.
December 12, 2013
Harriette Shelton Dover lived from 1904 to 1996, almost all of that time as a Tulalip Indian on the Tulalip reservation on Puget Sound north of Seattle. This book, in her words but edited and footnoted by anthropologist Darleen Fitzpatrick, describes reservation life during a period of major transition for the Tulalip people in the 20th century. From living in an isolated environment, three hours from Marysville by horse and buggy on windy dirt roads, where everyone spoke only the Snohomish language, through 10 years at the Tulalip boarding school, to Everett high school, the beginnings o the Tulalip tribal government, building of the longhouse, reinstitution of the First Salmon Ceremony and revival of the native language, we learn a lot about what brought the Tulalip people to where they are today. The most fascinating part for me was Harriette's description of the 1855 treaty negotiations with the United States, which she heard about orally (in the Snohomish language) from her grandparents and their peers who were there. Anyone who wants to try to understand Puget Sound tribes from their own perspective ahould read this book. It should be of interest to others as well -- anyone who is open to a different view of history.
February 5, 2021
Normally I won't write a review for books that I read, but I will for this one. I've read Harriette Shelton Dover's account now twice, both times for academic purposes. However, that does not negate the fact that this book is incredible. I've always enjoyed indigenous authors who are able to carry over their indigenous epistemologies into their writings. When I read this text I feel like Harriette is there with me telling me her story the same way she told Darleen Fitzpatrick years ago.
This book is a piece of literature that tells the story of Harriette and the Tulalip Tribe, primarily from the 1900s-1970s. As someone who grew up in Washington and drives past the Tulalip reservation quite often it was important for me to understand this point in their history, it's most often the time period mainline history doesn't speak on. I would highly suggest this book if you are someone interested in indigenous history, or if you're not because it speaks to a lot of Washington state's history as well.
This book is a piece of literature that tells the story of Harriette and the Tulalip Tribe, primarily from the 1900s-1970s. As someone who grew up in Washington and drives past the Tulalip reservation quite often it was important for me to understand this point in their history, it's most often the time period mainline history doesn't speak on. I would highly suggest this book if you are someone interested in indigenous history, or if you're not because it speaks to a lot of Washington state's history as well.
September 27, 2023
I'm loving this book, but am not reading it quickly. I like to sit with a chapter and think about it before moving on. So many quotable statements. So many poignant memories, so many sad but fascinating truths.
It's a pognant and informative story of how indigenous people's lives changed in the 20th century by a woman who experienced most of it.
I love Harriette's opinionated voice, and could almost hear her tell me the story.
It's a pognant and informative story of how indigenous people's lives changed in the 20th century by a woman who experienced most of it.
I love Harriette's opinionated voice, and could almost hear her tell me the story.
Read
December 11, 2023Offered so much insight into the past century of life for the Tulalip Tribe. Used it partially as research for a series of articles regarding disenrollemnt and MMIWP. Great to have the broader context
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews