My name is Melissa (BONI) Young, I’m enrolled Tulalip (Snohomish). I am also Shoshone (Fort Hall, ID), Eastern ShoShone (Windriver, WY), Quileute (LuPush, WA) and Mexican (Alamos, Old Mexico). I have an Indian name that was given to me by my mom’s family, it’s Boni (say it just how its spelled) and what it means is “Mouse”. Because I would take my time at everything lol (as I was told Haha…). I have learned to move a little faster. But now…. I have a Little girl of my own. My older sister and my mom have told me that she acts just like me lol!
My Mother is Evangelina McGill (Alverez) my grandparents were Sally and Rudolph Alvarez. My Great Grandparents were Effie (Pogree) (Ft. Washakie) and Ben Perry (Ft. Washakie) also Barney Alvarez (old Mexico) and Margaret Tendore (Fort Hall).
My father was Albert “SLICK” Young. I have four Sisters and one brother. Numerus nephew and nieces that I love dearly.
My Grandparents were Loretta (Young-Hudson) and Phillip Contraro. My great grand Parents were Elva Jones-Howeallte (She was sisters with Marya Moses) Albert Young and Vern Black (LuPush, WA). So, my last name comes from my Great Grandpa Albert Young, everyone called him Al, my grandma Loretta Young-Hudson-Contraro wanted at least two of her boys to have the Young last name to carry on my great grandpas last name. My three sisters and brother carry the Young last name.
I have been working with kids for well over 10 years, in all ages (New born to Teenagers). I have tried many different jobs and went to school for many other things. Trying to find where I belong. But when Tulalip Heritage started teaching Lushootseed at the school, ever since then I have always wanted to learn one of my language’s. I have three language’s: Lushootseed (Tulalip), Shoshone (fort hall) and Spanish. So, I’m starting with one language and hopefully down the road I can learn more about my other language’s.

Melissa Young
Lushootseed Teacher Assistant
myoung @ tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
(360) 716-4477