Documentary crew to visit Tulalip

A French film crew plans to visit the Tulalip Indian Reservation next week to work on a short documentary and conduct interviews regarding the reauthorization efforts there for the Violence Against Women Act.

Tulalip officials last year, including vice chairwoman Deborah Parker, were among those fighting to expand the act to include more tribal provisions. It ultimately didn't happen. They plan to try again.

Herald columnist Julie Muhlstein wrote a story about Parker's work last May.

The documentary crew with "Canal+" is expected in town Wednesday, tribal spokeswoman Francesca Hillery said. A private ceremony also is planned on the reservation next week as part of a national day of recognition for efforts to reauthorize the anti-violence law.

"What we will be doing essentially is sending up a prayer for all native women," Hillery said.

For more information about the law and what's happening nationally, read this Associated Press story from Tuesday.