My name is Angelica Paquin, and a momma of four beautiful children. I am excited to become a language warrior! I am a Tulalip tribal member, but I was born and raised in Tacoma, WA. My dad, Thomas Edward Paquin (Deceased), was placed in the foster care system as a child and his journey landed him in Tacoma. My grandmother is LaVita Williams (Deceased), and my great grandparents are Edward and Mary Ann Williams (Deceased). I moved to Tulalip in 2017 to meet my extended family. After my dad passed away in 2013, I no longer felt a connection to Tacoma. There was a big hole in my spirit and moving home has helped fill that hole.

I started as a Lushootseed teaching assistant in October of 2021, and I am delighted to become more connected to my community, my culture, and my spirit. I received my associate’s degree from Tacoma Community College in 2016, and all of my research papers were based on why I did not know my language. This is where I uncovered the horrific events that lead up to the boarding schools which stripped our people of our language. From this point forward, I always wanted to know my language. This position has already brought me so much joy and fulfillment, and I cannot wait to see where it takes me.

Angelica Paquin
Lushootseed Teacher Assistant
apaquin @ tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
(360) 716-4508