04/18/12 – CVMT TRIBAL OFFICES, TRIBAL LAND, STOCKTON, CA
The California Valley Miwok Tribe - located at 10601 N. Escondido PL, Stockton, CA (As listed in the Bureau of Indian Affairs BIA/DOI Spring 2011 Tribal Leaders Directory), a federally recognized tribe eligible to receive and distribute services from the federal government – on Wednesday, April 18th, 2012, held a consultation meeting with Ms. Melissa DuMond, Southwest Regional Manager/Environmental Protection Specialist, Office of Passenger and Freight Programs and Ms. Colleen Vaughn, Environmental Protection Specialist, Office of Passenger and Freight Programs. Both are employees of the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, Washington, DC. Also in attendance was Ms. Sarah Allred, Senior Planner/Cultural Resources with the California High Speed Rail Authority, Sacramento, CA.

The purpose of the meeting was to have a face-to-face consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA). The FRA and CHSRA are in the process of finalizing the joint Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the Merced to Fresno section of the California High-Speed Train system. As part of the on-going government-to-government consultation on the HST system (and as outlined in the Programmatic Agreement among the Federal Railroad Administration, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the California State Historic Preservation Officer and the California High-Speed Rail Authority Regarding Compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as it pertains to the California High-Speed Train Project (PA) that was executed in June 2011), the FRA invited the California Valley Miwok Tribe to participate as a consulting party in the development of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for treatment of historic properties, as well as the review of the Finding of Effect (FOE) document that has been drafted for the Merced to Fresno section of the HST System.

The Tribe would like to thank Ms. Melissa DuMond, FRA, Ms Colleen Vaughn, FRA, and Ms. Allred, CHSRA, for the in-depth knowledge shared at the government-to-government consultation meeting. The Tribe would also like to give a sincere thank you to Ms. Heather M. Bell, Admin. Assistant II-Aspen of D.C., Inc., Office of the Railroad Policy and Development, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington DC.

04/16/12 – CVMT TRIBAL OFFICES, TRIBAL LAND, STOCKTON, CA
The California Valley Miwok Tribe - located at 10601 N. Escondido PL, Stockton, CA (As listed in the Bureau of Indian Affairs BIA/DOI Spring 2011 Tribal Leaders Directory), a federally recognized tribe eligible to receive and distribute services from the federal government - on Monday, April 16th, received this month's food distribution ahead of schedule due to a special undertaking and commitment by the Tule River Food Distribution Department to fulfill this month's delivery to CVMT's disenfranchised tribal members and those in dire need whom we service.

With the need of this month's delivery being so great and recipients scheduled for this month's delivery being in limited numbers, allowed this distribution to be serviced by the Tule River Food Distribution staff truck. The Food Distribution Department of the Tule River Tribe undertook this endeavor, knowing that the Tribe currently being denied any of its other rightly resources, is temporarily unable to address any unforeseen shortfalls that would negatively impact those whom depend upon it for assistance. All previously scheduled deliveries are set to begin again by next week and have only been delayed due to personal illness within the department.

At this time, the California Valley Miwok tribal members and recipients of this tribal program would like to thank the Tule River Tribe, the Tule River Food Distribution staff and specifically its director, Mr. Richard McDarment and staff members Patricia and Jesus Solas for this very concerned act in addressing the dire needs of this tribe's members and those whom we service.

04/11/12 – CVMT TRIBAL OFFICES, TRIBAL LAND, STOCKTON, CA
The California Valley Miwok Tribe - located at 10601 N. Escondido PL, Stockton, CA (As listed in the Bureau of Indian Affairs BIA/DOI Spring 2011 Tribal Leaders Directory), a federally recognized tribe eligible to receive and distribute services from the federal government - on Wednesday, April 11th, 2012, held a consultation with Mr. Kerry R. Colvin, Ph. D., M.Ed., Contractor/Transportation Engineer/Marketing Specialist and his assistant Mr. Justin Simpson of VRPA Technologies, Inc. Also in attendance on behalf of CalTrans District 10 was Ms. Maria Rodriguez.

The purpose of the meeting was to address the current designated truck routes for the various size truck and trailer combinations that have to navigate the local roadways, of the need to have adequate signage to educate long haulers and locals alike as to where the routes are and to update other accesses as needed for their use in our growing communities so that those we depend on for delivery of our commercial goods can interact safely with the general public on our local roadways and stay within compliance.

Mr. Kerry R. Colvin and his assistant Mr. Justin Simpson gave the Tribe a very thorough explanation of what the current deficiencies are and of the current endeavor in which to address them. In the upper left hand corner of the story in pdf form is the presentation pamphlet. You may download if you see a need in your community and your wish to be an active participant in this subject matter.

The Tribe would like to extend their thanks to Mr. Kerry R. Colvin Ph.D., M.Ed., and Mr. Justin Simpson for their presentation at the tribal offices and to Ms. Maria Rodriguez, CalTrans District 10 for her participation.

04/01/12 – CVMT TRIBAL OFFICES, TRIBAL LAND, STOCKTON, CA
The California Valley Miwok Tribe - located at 10601 N. Escondido PL, Stockton, CA (As listed in the Bureau of Indian Affairs BIA/DOI Spring 2011 Tribal Leaders Directory), a federally recognized tribe eligible to receive and distribute services from the federal government - on Sunday, April 1st, 2012, received a surprise visit from a dear friend and ardent supporter of the California Valley Miwok Tribe, Mr. Aries Rivers Yumul. Mr. Yumul is currently the chairman of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Native American Student Alliance.

Mr. Yumul was instrumental in initiating for the Tribe the full support of the undergraduate student body throughout the entire State University system in California. He, along with fellow concerned UCSD faculty/students Joseph Ramirez, Matt Vu and Ernest Ciballos, came to this tribe's aid in one of its darkest hours in defense of justice and tribal sovereignty, making many aware of the Tribe's plight. Mr. Yumul, traveling through this area recently with traveling companion Ms. Olushade Unger (whom herself is also very active in local causes and is a community organizer), decided to stop by for a surprise visit and to be updated on the very different direction in which the Tribe's destiny has taken.

The justice that the Tribe has received during the current administration will never be taken for granted by its members, for there was once a time of such injustice and purposeful misrepresentation of the facts, that no one could have foreseen that an administration would have such strong leadership and be staffed by people of such high moral fiber and a clear understanding of the definition of federal Indian law, that they would right all of the previous wrongs and misconceptions wrought against this tribe; but before this time, in the Tribe's darkest hours, there stood Mr. Aries Rivers Yumul at our side and we are proud to call him friend.

03/13/12 – CVMT TRIBAL OFFICES, TRIBAL LAND, STOCKTON, CA
The California Valley Miwok Tribe - located at 10601 N. Escondido PL, Stockton, CA (As listed in the Bureau of Indian Affairs BIA/DOI Spring 2011 Tribal Leaders Directory), a federally recognized tribe eligible to receive and distribute services from the federal government - on Tuesday, March 13th, 2012, held its monthly food distribution. The Tribe continues to be grateful to the United States Department of Agriculture for the honoring of their contractual agreements in assisting the Tribe to help the less fortunate and to meet their families' nutritional needs, thus allowing us to be of service to our local and Native American communities, all the while having to face continuing multiple hardships being forced upon the Tribe by various state and federal agencies; despite the full vindication of the Tribe's position in a final agency action, re-affirmation of that action, various court procedures and the exposure of fraud and conspiracy in the depositions of both Chadd Everone, Yakima Dixie and California Gambling Control Commission officials.

It was even apparent to those attending and is on videotape that Sheppard-Mullin litigators at one point were attempting to coerce their client to perjure himself to compromise earlier testimony that was damaging to their position. The wheels of justice grind slowly and those whom try to thwart justice usually get ground up as is the case here, so the Tribe continues to weather this storm also, for they now know because of the continuing exposure of these individuals and their associate's nefarious actions and the constant revelation of new facts in this saga, that the Tribe is soon to have a bright and sunny tomorrow.

02/17/12 – CVMT TRIBAL OFFICES, TRIBAL LAND, STOCKTON, CA
The California Valley Miwok Tribe - located at 10601 N. Escondido PL, Stockton, CA (As listed in the Bureau of Indian Affairs BIA/DOI Spring 2011 Tribal Leaders Directory), a federally recognized tribe eligible to receive and distribute services from the federal government - on Friday, February 17th, 2012, held its tribal food distribution between the hours of 10:00 – 11:30, servicing all whom came and storing allotments upon request for those whom had made prior arrangements with the Tribe. The Tribe is grateful that despite a lack by some to fulfill their contractual fiduciary agreements with the Tribe, that the United States Department of Agriculture continues to honor its commitment, allowing the food distribution department of the Tule River Tribe to assist CVMT in addressing the nutritional needs of all those in the Native American community, that out of necessity, have to heavily rely upon this program.

There was much to discuss at this distribution and members, recipients and San Joaquin Native veterans alike were both elated that Yakima Dixie, in sworn testimony, finally admitted that he in fact had resigned as Chairman in 1999, and amused that in his sworn testimony, Chadd Everone/Ludwig had been exposed as a fraudulent casino prospector whom has misled all that have come into contact with him about his title, his objectives and level of education (not actually having a Ph.D as he represents); due to the expert questioning tactics of tribal attorney Manuel Corrales, Esq., whom is relentless in his quest for the truth. The only thing that dismayed those attending was not knowing how long this saga may be allowed to continue by the inaction of federal authorities, impacting current and shelving future programs that are sorely needed in the Native American community. Also note below, the local Native American Veterans association that works with the Tribe on the food distribution program, has been very busy recently and posted below are just a few highlights of the many activities that they have been involved in, in their absense.


02/18/12 – The San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge has had the opportunity to share the vision of the "Quilts of Valor" initiated by the "Women of the Oakland Indian Center". It is their endeavor to make the quilts to honor our veterans whom have served this great nation in the past and presently and those whom recieved lifelong disabilities while in service of their country. Their quilts serve as a comfort and a rememberence to the veterans whom have proudly served this great nation. We as the indigenous Veterans of the Lodge have received and presented these quilts to veterans, some whom are recognized as Elders in the Native American community. We have taken time at Pow Wows and at veterans events this year to present these quilts and accompanying this story are just a few pictures of the veterans that we have so honored. Veterans like Bobby Grito, an Elder of the Navajo Nation, Mike Trujillo, a member of our Veterans Lodge, and Elder Robert "Bob" Auger of the Cree Nation, Wabesca, Alberta Canada.

Ms. Billie Springs has led this effort and has been our point of contact in receiving the quilts and it was she whom organized the quilts-making for our veterans from the Oakland Indian Center in Oakland, CA. She also, along with the many women from the Oakland Indian Center, has taken the time to create each quilt, personalizing it to the recipient for whom it is intended. They have gone to the Palo Alto Veterans Center, located in Palo Alto, CA and the Livermore Veterans Hospital in Livermore, CA, presenting them to our honored and distinguished veterans. We want to thank Ms. Billie Springs and all of the women of the Oakland Indian Center for these precious gifted offerings. Our Veterans are proud to have a quilt gifted to them by these women and are grateful for being honored for the time they spent in the service of their country. As commander of the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge, we lodge members want to say again thanks to those whom have given from their hearts, this gifted offering has meant more than can be expressed here in mere words to the veterans whom have been blessed with recieving a quilt. It is such an honor that we, as the spirit warriors, have also gifted in return to Ms.Billie Springs and the Women of the Oakland Indian Center, the "Native Americans Killed In Action" (NAKIA) flag to them to represent the heartfelt sorrow and sense of loss we all feel in honoring those whom have given the last full measure and made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives in defense of the citizens of this great nation.

Mr. Richard Hall (whom is represented in the accompanying picture file to this story) has commanded his own honor guard in Oakdale, CA, for many years and has now decided to pass along the torch, represented in the ceremonial bugle of revelry. As Commander of the Native American Color Guard of the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge, we accepted the bugle, in part, to continue to serve as the last post, "The call of duty", of veterans in their passing. The bugler continues to stand in honor to sound the following; the commendation after the body of a solider has been laid to rest thus called "Reveille", serving military personnel in service to his or her country. Mr. Hall, a Viet Nam Veteran himself, also has his own story. His dog tags were lost during the Viet Nam war, found 43 years later and then given back to him. History in itself, his story can be found in the Oakdale Reader, "Pieces of History" article, dated August 18, 2004. Mr. Richard Hall is a man of much distinction and honor and has served with great distinction alongside his brother and sister veterans alike. He told me that he felt a kinship that we as an honor color guard who walked the path like him, as bretheran soldiers like him, that we were the ones to carry on as he has. I feel that we were so blessed by his gesture of giving and in the trust that he had now placed upon us, we shall continue to serve our community in honor of Mr. Richard Hall. Thank you Richard Hall and May God Bless you for your gift. "We leave no one behind", "Warfighters serving Warfighters of today".

Sincerely,

Commander of the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge
Richard Windfeathers Muniz USN CVA 61 US S Ranger
(Co-authored by the California Valley Miwok Tribe)

01/17/12 – CVMT TRIBAL OFFICES, TRIBAL LAND, STOCKTON, CA
The California Valley Miwok Tribe - located at 10601 N. Escondido PL, Stockton, CA (As listed in the Bureau of Indian Affairs BIA/DOI Spring 2011 Tribal Leaders Directory), a federally recognized tribe eligible to receive and distribute services from the federal government - on Tuesday, January 17th, 2012, initiated the new year's first installment of its tribally operated food distribution program. The Tribe had endured many hardships and much adversity in the previous year and now looks forward to being able to better address the needs of its members and the surrounding Native American community in the near future.

This month's distribution saw much colder weather, making it difficult for many to attend, so the Tribe stored many allotments for those with transportation issues, but what made this distribution special was the return of Tule River Food Distribution staffer and good friend of the Tribe, Ms. Patricia Solas. Ms. Solas, months prior, had received injuries due to a job–related accident and had been greatly missed in her absence. The Tribe was very happy to have her back and in good health.