Tulalip Data Services - About Us

In March 2000, a unique partnership was created to implement a technology strategy for the Tulalip Tribes. This partnership included dedicated representatives of the University of Washington at Bothell, Everett Community College, and the Tulalip Tribes of Washington.

This project was conceived by Tribal leaders to close the technology gap between the Tribes and the surrounding communities; it was initially called the Tulalip Technology Leap (TTL). The ultimate goal of this initiative was to bring economic diversity to the Reservation. By creating a "technology engine," the Tribes would be able to generate high-skilled, well paying jobs, and train tribal members to fill them.

By the fourth year of its existence, TTL had put in place the bulk of the networking infrastructure that is needed for the Tribal government and businesses to carry out their daily functions effectively and productively. Further, the acceptance of and reliance on technology on the Reservation had increased perceptibly.

Given TTL's accomplishments in closing the "digital divide" on the Reservation, and its new focus on providing computing services to Tulalip departments, it was decided that Technology Leap was no longer an appropriate name. The Board of Directors decided to rename this department "Tulalip Data Services" (TDS).

Once network infrastructure and support services were in place, Tulalip Data Services launched our long-term strategy to deploy critical technology applications that directly benefit the Tulalip Tribes.

Now in the ninth year, TDS continues to support and expand Tribal needs as detailed in the 2009 capital projects list. (See Action Steps)

We believe that the appropriate and selective use of technology enhances the ability to respond to many of the educational, community, cultural preservation, business development and governmental needs of the Tulalip Tribes.

We also believe that the key to successful implementation of technology is to truly understand the end—users' needs. Only then, by providing the appropriate technical solutions, can we effectively help users to reach their goals.

Utilize the latest in computing and telecommunication technologies—as cost effectively as possible—to address cultural, business, educational, communications, and technical infrastructure needs on the Reservation as determined by Tribal leadership.

Provide technical education and on-the-job training for Tribal members and employees.

Expand existing network and telecommunications infrastructure.

Implement an integrated database architecture system that provides valid, reliable, and useful data within a secure environment.

Use technology to enhance Tribal communications where appropriate.

Foster managed growth in business and economic development.

Enhance educational opportunities for Tribal families.

Preserve the cultural heritage of the Tulalip Tribes.

Build a technology infrastructure to be managed and owned by the Tulalip Tribes.

Provide technical support in a timely, friendly, and professional manner.