EVERETT – Instructor Randy Sibley showed Dean Dan how to tape the seams between sections of wallboard and cover them with a smooth, even layer of “mud” on Wednesday.
“Sweet!” exclaimed Dan after poking the tape in and smoothing the drywall compound that workers call mud across the wall.
Michael V. Martina / The Herald
Sibley then showed Dan how to scrub the mud off his tools so it doesn’t harden while the crew takes a lunch break.
Dan, 24, a Swinomish tribal member from Mount Vernon, and more than a dozen other American Indians turn out every Wednesday with other volunteers to donate their time and labor building one of five Habitat for Humanity homes in a three-story building on Hoyt Avenue. The one they’re working on is handicapped-accessible.
They’re part of a program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the Tulalip Tribes to train American Indians in the construction trades. The program is accredited for 24 credits through Edmonds Community College.
Over the years, the intense, hands-on, 16-week program has taught not only construction trades but also restaurant work, gaming and other skills. The program changes every few years, said Maureen Hoban, project director for the Tulalip Tribes.
“The single biggest problem we have is finding affordable, buildable sites,” said Cliff Benson, Habitat for Humanity’s volunteer program manager.
In addition to the Tulalip program volunteers, church groups, Navy personnel, business groups and others volunteer on the condominium project, he said.
“It’s exciting,” said student Darlene Sam, 39, an Upper Skagit tribal member from Sedro-Woolley. “I learn something every day – more than one thing. We have a great instructor.”
Sam has two nephews who completed the program and told her how much they enjoyed it. She’s also met a number of other previous students who now have good-paying construction jobs they enjoy, she said.
The class has 25 to 30 students this quarter, four of them women, ranging from about 16 to 43 years old, Sam said. In addition to construction skills, they also study algebra and geometry, first aid and CPR, work on fitness with an exercise and weightlifting program, and learn how to maintain good health through proper nutrition.
“There’s a lot of testing – they push you through it,” Sam said.
Some students already have construction job offers waiting once they complete the program.
“I’ve worked in construction as a laborer,” said Taylor Beam, 31, of Tulalip. “I wanted to learn other skills like flagging, (operating a) forklift. It helps to get better jobs.”
Vernon Cayou, 21, a Swinomish tribal member from La Conner, used to be a commercial fisherman.
“The water can be pretty dangerous,” he said. “This is fun. It’s different skills from anything I’m used to. I like the people that I work with and I’m learning a lot. They strain your brain.
“I’ve always had a mind for a masterpiece. I like building things with my own hands. I take pride in my work. It gives you the tools to survive and provide for yourself and your family,” said Cayou, who has a fiance and a year-old child.
“It’s a great example of students doing projects that benefit the community at large, not just the reservation,” said project director Hoban. “I think it’s a model project.”
Reporter Cathy Logg: 425-339-3437 or logg@heraldnet.com.
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