Source: Everett Museum of History
Harriett Dover was a Tulalip Native American, and endured boarding school to return to Everett for High School and the Tulalip community as a leader.
A few Excerpts:
“Born in Tulalip, Washington in 1904, Harriette grew up during a challenging time for Native Americans and women. Her father was the last hereditary Chief of the Snohomish Tribe and was very prominent in the community as well as the surrounding cities. Her mother was born just two years after tht eisning of the Point Elliott Treaty of 1855 which designated the reservations. From a young age, her family instilled in her the values of the Coast Salish Tribes; always be kind, s[peak the truth and be respectful. Although her family always kept the cultural fires burning, they also taught her the importance of a good education. With a good education and passion for her culture, Harriette was able to be of help to the Tulalip Tribes in the coming years. ”
“Once Harriette moved back to the reservation, she was the first woman to sit on the Board of Directors and paved the way for Tulalip to become what it is today. Harriette was responsible for bringing back ceremonies, traditional songs and the language of the Snohomish people. She was also credited with being the driving force to bring a school to the reservation to better serve Tulalip students.”
“Although she was living in Tulalip, Harriette remained active in the Everett community. She was a member of the Everett chapter of the Zonta Club which still operates today and fights for the equality of women in the workplace. She recalls being the only Native American woman in the club but fondly remembers how receptive the other members were to learn about her culture and the struggles she faced as a Native American woman.”