Current AffairsNOTE: Due to the extensive nature of the information presented on this website, loading time may be increased for those who are using lower-speed internet connections. Images have been reduced to thumbnails to enable faster page loading. The mouse-pointer may be held over a thumbnail image (without clicking) to view a larger version of the image, along with a brief description. WEBSITE UPDATE: Updated Information Now Available in "Archives" Section The California Valley Miwok Tribe's "Timeline of Administrative Events" has been updated to the end of March, 2009. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Tribal Office Contact Information Updated 04/14/09 - The Tribal Office business line, fax line and mailing address have been updated. Please review the updated information listed in the "Services" and "Tribal Government" sections of this website and adjust any previous records accordingly. Thank you! CVMT Concludes Successful Food DistributionThe California Valley Miwok Tribe located at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton, CA 95212 (as listed in the federal register) conducted this month’s food distribution on Tuesday, August 10th between the hours of 1:00-2:30 pm. This was a special distribution as most recipients were able to stay over helping one another to load vehicles and to visit bringing each other up-to-date on current cultural and social activities of interest in the Native American community. All attendees were told of the new programs that the Tribe is currently unable to provide but should soon be able to initiate that will be beneficial not only to Native Americans, but their surrounding communities as well. Attendees were in agreement of the importance of the new proposed programs and continue to be hopeful that the Tribe will soon be able to provide the expanded assistance. One of the benefits of the food assistance program currently being offered by the California Valley Miwok Tribe is the partnership the Tribe has with the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge which brings bottled water to our monthly distributions. Additionally, other benefits from this relationship is the furtherance of knowledge shared monthly by this group of Native Veterans assistance in other areas, and of activities & cultural events that are of importance in the Native American community. There are many pictures this month, but so many more that if we were to print all, they would over-burden this site, as the mood was so festive. Remember to run your mouse over pictures listed for the accompanying information. The California Valley Miwok Tribe would like to personally thank the Tule River Tribal Food Distribution Program & staff for networking with us in providing this humanitarian program to needy families. We thank the families that continue to make this program successful and many thanks to the individuals whom pick up allotments for delivery to families in current need of transportation. Special thanks to the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge whom provide additional services to the community through us that enhances our service above similar programs. California Valley Miwok Tribe Attends Government ConsultationsThe California Valley Miwok Tribe located at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton, CA 95212 (as listed in the federal register). The California Valley Miwok Tribe sent its Chairperson, Silvia Burley and Vice Chairperson, Anjelica Paulk to Sacramento, CA on July 29th, 2010 to attend two federal government-to-government consultation meetings, in which it had earlier been invited to attend. The Tribe was also accompanied by attorney Richard Armstrong of Rosette & Associates, PC, whom attended in the interests of their many California tribal clients, including, the California Valley Miwok Tribe. The first meeting was for the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). This was a regional government-to-government consultation meeting that was on this occasion held at Thunder Valley. NIGC is conducting a series of consultation meetings throughout the United States, and although the California Valley Miwok Tribe is a non-gaming tribe, it sent representation to better understand if anything would be discussed that may impact a Custom and Tradition non-gaming tribe. The second meeting was for consultation on a previous document that was sent to all federally recognized tribes within California requesting recommendations on whom the tribes felt was most qualified to fill the position of BIA Pacific Regional Director. The BIA is asking recognized tribes and their representatives to give comments and address concerns over whom the tribes are hopeful that will eventually fill this very important position. The meeting was hosted by the Department of the Interior/BIA and moderated by Michael R. Smith, Deputy Bureau Director, Field Operations. Newly appointed BIA Director, Michael S. Black was scheduled to participate but was unable to attend. This consultation with Indian tribes was to better gauge the support for the various candidates and the BIA stated that the tribes opinions would be taken into consideration in deciding the appointment. There are twelve Regional Directors nationally, which Mr. Smith has oversight and recently these directors have been given more authority (making the placement of the right individual all the more important to the California tribes). Chairperson Burley asked on behalf of the tribes for a copy of the newly expanded authorities of Regional Directors. Mr. Smith stated he would get copies out to the tribes. Mr. Smith then explained the process of the selection. The vacancy was created when Mr. Dale Morris stepped down and is only temporarily being filled. Tribes spoke of whom they supported. The California Valley Miwok Tribe and the Yurok Tribe both gave their support for candidate Kevin Bearquiver. Chairperson Burley asked Mr. Smith of Assistant Secretary Larry EchoHawk’s involvement in the process. Mr. Smith alluded to the fact that a candidate with the highest number of supporters may be given more consideration. California Association of Tribal Governments (CATG) Executive Director, Willie Macklin asked that the DOI/BIA give full support to whom-ever fills the position and give them the authority to do whatever the job requires. Mr. Macklin also stated for the record, as of the 2008 census survey, there are 750,000 American Indians residing within California. Mr. Smith also directed attendees to the BIA website and the DM 1-30 Department manual Delegation of Authority. Chairperson Burley also asked, "What is the timeline before a new Pacific Regional Director is appointed?". Mr. Smith answered, “By the third week of August, at the latest”. The floor was then opened for comments and concerns on this consultation and other issues. July USDA Food Distribution @ California Valley Miwok Tribal OfficesThe California Valley Miwok Tribe located at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton, CA 95212 (as listed in the Federal Register) held this month's distribution on July 6th 2010, between the hours of 1:00 - 2:30pm. We thank Ronald Buckman of the Tule River Food Distribution staff for his timely update that allowed the Tribe to notify all recipients as to the distributions date change due to the July 4th holiday weekend. This distribution found the weather to be hot and was felt by all present. Sadly, we saw some recipients attend for the last time, but hope the best for them with their recent good fortune. The program helped them through their hard times and they expressed their gratitude. However, for everyone whom leaves there are always others in need and we saw some new faces whom were happy to find a program such as this even existed. The program is as always a continuing success and the Tule River Tribal Food Distribution staff have made implementing this program an enjoyable experience for the California Valley Miwok Tribe working closely with us to serve the needs of our local Native American community. California Valley Miwok Tribe Meets With CaltransThe California Valley Miwok Tribe located at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton, CA 95212 (as listed in the Federal Register) met on Monday the 28th of June, 2010 to address what to do in connection with an official report on file concerning an indigenous site. This meeting was the continuation of an ongoing government-to-government relationship that is ever strengthening between Caltrans and the California Valley Miwok Tribe. Invited guests included Ms. Gloria Grimes, Chairperson of the Calaveras Band of Mi-Wuk Indians and Ms. Debra Grimes, Secretary of the Calaveras Band of Mi-Wuk Indians. Ms. Debra Grimes is the Cultural Resource Specialist for her Tribe (the “state recognized” Calaveras Band of Mi-Wuk Indians) and she is the Cultural Preservation Director for the “federally recognized” California Valley Miwok Tribe. At the meeting Ms. Debra Grimes acted in her official capacity as the Cultural Preservation Director to represent both Tribes in attendance. CVMT Chairperson Silvia Burley started the meeting by reading aloud an introduction that was enlightening and profound, followed by a speech (by Debra Grimes) of reverence and explanation, speaking in great detail as to the cultural and site specific sensitivities, followed by self introductions from all whom attended. Issues were then discussed on the existing site report in question and Caltrans acknowledged the individuals whose commitment has kept the integrity of information and work performed with merit. Recommendations for further research and the acquiring of project related funding by the Tribes were topics that were discussed. It was agreed by the Tribes and Caltrans to work closely together to do in depth discovery and preservation to better understand sites of concern. In this village specific site, the report on file was discussed in its entirety even including journals by non-natives in their first encounters with the Indigenous Peoples of the village. Points of fact and lineal descendancy to persons still living that exist in the written report were discussed. Caltrans fielded many questions, most of the answers came from Sr. Environmental Planner, Mary Oliva and AEP (Archeologist) Raymond Benson. Also on hand to give in-depth answers when asked was Ethnographer/Contractor Shelly Davis-King. Much discussion ensued following the differences and the little bit of space allowed here does not do justice to the lengthy and at times complex moments during the consultation/discussion but in the end, the goal of the meeting was attained by all parties. It was agreed upon to keep the existing report intact because it best provides the pertinent information that is of importance to all and to add further in-depth explanation in the report in areas that Caltrans deemed could cause confusion at some point in the site’s future. At this time, the California Valley Miwok Tribe would like to give thanks to Shelly Davis-King of Davis King Associates for being the originator of the official report of record in which we concur, Ms. Debra Grimes CVMT’s Cultural Preservation Director, Calaveras Band of Mi-Wuk Indians Chairperson Gloria Grimes and to Caltrans District 10 for the strengthening of the government-to-government relationship that meetings such as this create. California Valley Miwok Receives Surprise VisitThe California Valley Miwok Tribe, (located at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton, CA 95212) during a Tri-Miwok Consortium gathering, was visited by longtime friend of the consortium, Susan Rudolph of the Pascua Yaqui. Ms. Rudolph, a recent graduate of the California State University, Sacramento, CA Native American Studies Program (which had held their Graduation Ceremony on May 23, 2010 and presented Susan with her certification) stopped by to discuss subject matter of mutual concern with the Tri-Miwok Consortium, and to speak of her future hopes now that her studies have been completed. Ms. Rudolph, of indigenous descent has much to offer the Native American community now that her studies have concluded and the Tri-Miwok Consortium is honored to have her as a friend. Congratulations to Ms. Rudolph on her educational achievement, it is an inspiration within the Native American community. June USDA Food Distribution @ California Valley Miwok Tribal OfficesThe California Valley Miwok Tribe located at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton, CA 95212, held this month’s installment of its food distribution program on June 7th, 2010 between 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. The Tribe is mindful that being able to deliver this program to needy families in these harsh economic times is a necessity, for so many depend upon it. A few new recipients were added this month and appreciative that the Tribe is able to offer such assistance via the USDA and the Tule River Food Distribution Program. The California Valley Miwok Tribal Chairperson, Silvia Burley implores anyone whom may qualify for this program to contact the Tribe to request an application. As in previous distributions, the Tribe, with written permission, will for a limited time, store distributions until recipients can acquire transportation. The Tribe is hopeful that in the future, it will be able to deliver directly to recipients in which travel is a hardship. At this time, the Tribe would like to thank the United States Department of Agriculture, the Tule River Tribe and its Food Distribution Staff, and also the members of the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge for their support and the bottled water they provide which enhances the distributions. May USDA Food Distribution @ California Valley Miwok Tribal OfficesThe California Valley Miwok Tribe (located at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton, California 95212) held this month’s installment of its USDA Food Distribution on May 10th, 2010 between 1:00 – 2:30 pm. The food, which is provided through the USDA Program and delivered to the Tribe from the Tule River Tribal Food Distribution Department, is a blessing for all of the needy families that the Tribe currently serves. The Tribe, chaired by Silvia Burley, invites anyone whom is interested to phone the Tribal Offices at (209) 931-4567 or email at office@cvmt.net to receive information on how to acquire a food distribution recipient application. This month's distribution met with very harsh weather being so late in the year, most applicants were able to attend but those whom could not and have signed a permission slip know that their food is currently being stored by the Tribe for their convenience. The Tribe again thanks the USDA, the Tule River Tribe and their food distribution staff. Also special thanks to the President of the United States Barack Obama for the Indigenous stimulus that helped the Tule River Tribe to keep services current. E.P.A. Specialist Gilbert Pasqua Visits CVMTThe California Valley Miwok Tribe (located at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton, CA 95212) received a courtesy visit from Gilbert Pasqua of the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday, May 3rd, 2010. Mr. Pasqua is an Environmental Protection Specialist with the E.P.A. in which he specifically works within the Tribal Programs Office. The E.P.A. and the Tribe are currently trying to better coordinate interacting together to address the current environmental problems that exist within the Tribe’s aboriginal boundaries. Mr. Pasqua brought the Tribe up to date on many current issues and updated the Tribe on important upcoming meetings that will be held in 2010. The Tribe had many concerns at the meeting that Mr. Pasqua was able to address. The Tribe would like to thank Mr. Pasqua for the visit as he had to make time in his busy schedule and for his personal commitment in strengthening and expanding upon the governmental-to-government relationship that exists between the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Valley Miwok Tribe. CVMT Cultural Preservation Department Takes to the Field in San Joaquin CountyThe California Valley Miwok Tribe - located at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton, CA 95212 - sent (Assistant Director/Senior Native Consultant Adam Lewis, Senior Native Consultant David Rummerfield and Senior Native Consultant Harold Rummerfield) representatives from the Tribe's Cultural Preservation Department (assisted by Tiger Paulk, Tribal Consultant) to various sites located in San Joaquin County on Thursday, 4/15/2010. A couple of sites of a more immediate concern are addressed here. The Tribe was made aware by a local concerned citizen of a major construction project still in the early stages being performed at a county school location. Normally the type of site location would never be disclosed except that in this case the rumors have already abounded about finds and disturbances by individuals without the proper credentials or training to legitimately make such claims. Upon further investigation at the site, and in-depth discussions with officials from the school, the contractor and his engineers, no findings were made. School District personnel, contractors, engineers and other parties involved were very cordial and accommodating, helping the Tribe to address all immediate concerns at the site and agreed to work with the Tribe through to the completion of the project if any cultural disturbances become an issue in the future. At this time, an extensive investigation of the grounds showed no desecrations or disturbances and again, we thank the local officials and the contractor for their utmost professionalism in handling our concerns. A few other areas in the county “undisclosed” were also looked at where it looks like there is impending future development. On one such site, building material is already waiting to be used, ultimately causing much ground disturbance and the cultural preservation department is already in the process of making contact with project officials with hopes that the same professionalism is shown towards their concerns at this site, as was the case at the school project. CVMT Hosts April 2010 USDA Food DistributionThe California Valley Miwok Tribe (located at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton California 95212) held this month’s installment of its USDA Food Distribution Program on April 5th, 2010 at 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Because of the recent fluctuations in the local weather patterns, many participants were not able to attend, but upon written permission by recipients, the distributions were stored within the Tribal facility until such time as the recipients were able to safely travel. There is much promise that more services will be available soon to all members of the Tri-Miwok Consortium and the local Native American community due to recent good fortune bestowed upon the Tribe that will affect “in a positive way” the Tribe’s daily operations. Sadly though, the Tribe also wants to extend their condolences to all family members whom recently lost and elder. We mourn with you on their passing and will miss them also. At this time, the California Valley Miwok Tribe would like to thank all those whom continually show their appreciation to the Tribe for making this program available, and to the USDA and the Tule River Tribe for the deliveries; and to Tule River Food Distribution staff members Ronald Buckman and Patricia Solas for working so closely with the Tribe. CVMT Cultural Preservation Dept. Meets with Caltrans Dist. 10The California Valley Miwok Tribe (located at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton, California 95212) hosted a Government-to-Government Consultation meeting between Caltrans District 10 Director Ross Chittenden accompanied by his staff and the Tribal Cultural Preservation Director, Debra Grimes and personnel of the Cultural Preservation Department. This meeting was another installment of what will be a continuing series of meetings designed to further the strengthening of commitments and communication between Caltrans Dist. 10 and the California Valley Miwok Tribe located at 10601 Escondido Pl. Stockton. Ms. Debra Grimes the Cultural Preservation Director of the California Valley Miwok Tribe and of the Calaveras Band of Mi-Wuk Indians discussed specific projects that Caltrans had previously completed, and current projects that involve both tribes. Ms. Grimes was accompanied by the Calaveras Band of Mi-Wuk Indians Tribal Chairperson, Gloria J. Grimes and various tribal members aside from her cultural preservation staff. The meeting commenced with the California Valley Miwok Tribal Chairperson Silvia Burley bringing forth a talking pipe and explaining its purpose before stating what the Tribe wanted to accomplish and asking for introductions from all attendees. Caltrans District 10 Director Ross Chittenden than followed with an in-depth explanation of the intent by his department and himself to improve upon and strengthen the working relationship between Caltrans and the tribes, of networking more closely, at having the tribal involvement at earlier stages to avoid problems in the later stages of projects. Mary Oliva also spoke of this new era of an improved partnership, of bringing up to date any deficiencies in project information regarding current and future project sites, working more closely with the tribes cultural preservation department now and in the future. Kathleen McClaflin Caltrans District Native American Liaison contributed information explaining what her position and duties are at Caltrans District 10. Ms McClaflin is a regular attendee at these meetings and has helped much in improving the communication between Caltrans District 10 and the Tribal Cultural Preservation Department. Also in attendance for Caltrans were Ms. Tina Biorn Native American Studies Branch Chief, and Ms. Jill Hupp Section 106 Coordinator both from the Sacramento office. They also explained their positions and duties. At times throughout the meeting their expertise proved invaluable when subject matter was discussed that was in their areas of expertise. In the Meeting, Ms. Grimes went into a very in-depth discussion about project specifics for many sites speaking from experience about her concerns of the many deficiencies in previous and current projects, questioning specific previous actions taken that were either out of compliance or in which correspondence was lacking. There was also in-depth discussion on site monitoring and of site safety mutually working with Caltrans to address these issues on current and future projects as they now exist or as new concerns arise. Caltrans District 10 Director Ross Chittenden addressed all concerns and discussed better inter-office communication within Caltrans. To have all departments up to date on current information regarding active projects, of all information being correct in nature before forwarding to other involved entities, county, state and federal. Mr. Chittenden also reiterated District 10’s commitment to work more cohesively with the tribes in the future. At the end of the meeting, all agreed to improve communication, documentation and of strengthening the working relationship between Caltrans and the tribes to stay on schedule on existing projects and not to impede future projects that are currently being planned. All parties mutually agreed with Mr. Chittenden on this commitment and the meeting ended in a good and positive way. The tribes’ relationship with Caltrans District 10 is a work in progress that is continually showing improvement, and for this, the California Valley Miwok Tribe, the Calaveras Band of Mi-Wuk Indians, the Cultural Preservation Department and its Director Ms. Debra Grimes would like to thank the new Caltrans District 10 Director Mr. Ross Chittenden and all of the employees in the Stockton, Fresno, and Sacramento Offices that he has involved in this endeavor. Chairperson Visits the White HouseCVMT Government-to-Government Meet & Greet Roundtable MeetingOn March 30th, 2010, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, the California Valley Miwok Tribe (located at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton, CA 95212) held a Government-to-Government Meet & Greet Roundtable Meeting. The purpose of this roundtable meeting is for the California Valley Miwok Tribe to meet the County Planning Directors; County Council of Governments (COGS) Executive Directors; Planning & Community Department Directors; Historical Landmark Advisory Committees, Caltrans Dist. Directors/Native Liaison/Environmental Planner; Native American Heritage Commission Acting Executive Secretary; County Public Communications Mangers; Stanislaus National Forest Service Forest Supervisor; Archaeologist, Central Sierra Resource Conservation & Development Project Coordinator and the US Army Corps of Engineer’s Liaisons and Project Managers, and other federal and state agencies and departments. CVMT initiated its first meeting in a series of proposed government-to-government “Roundtable” meetings that it will now conduct to better communicate with all government agencies it currently works with or will in the near future. These meetings are being held to improve communication and better the interaction between the Tribe and city, county, state and federal government agencies and the subsidiary corporations and agencies that work for them. The California Valley Miwok Tribe’s cultural preservation department also attended the first in a series of projected meetings because so much of what the Tribe is trying to do is to also address cultural concerns in its aboriginal territory. These meetings are a constructive way in which the Tribe is trying to reach out to more personalize the existing relationships that it now has and that it will have in the future. Those attending received a brief history “documented” on the Tribe and got a viewing of the Tribe’s wall of accomplishments on display. This shows the Tribe’s interaction with all branches of government including, “President of the United States Barack Obama”. There were two meetings conducted on this day to address issues of mutual concern and to enhance current and future working relationships. The first meeting was attended by Timothy J. Mc Sorley, PE., Executive Director of the Calaveras Council of Governments and Kathy Strain, Heritage USDA Forest Service - Resource and Tribal Relations Program Manager, Stanislaus National Forest. There was much previous unknown information that was shared, and a better understanding in which to build a stronger working relationship was felt by all as the meeting concluded. The second meeting was attended by Mr. Ross Chittenden, the new Caltrans District 10 Director and Kathleen McClaflin, the Caltrans District 10 Native American Liaison. This meeting saw further discussion from subject matter previously discussed at the March 4th, 2010 meeting and was a prelude to a meeting to be held on April 5th, 2010. This meeting went very well and the Tribe looks forward to a great working relationship with Caltrans District 10 built on mutual respect. Also in attendance at the meetings held on this day were the California Valley Miwok Tribal Chairperson Silvia Burley, California Valley Miwok Tribal Consultant Tiger Paulk, California Valley Miwok Tribal Cultural Preservation Department Director Ms. Debra Grimes and her staff Assistant Director of Cultural Preservation/CRS Sr. Native Consultant Adam Lewis; Senior Native Consultant David Rummerfield and Senior Native Consultant Harold Rummerfield. The Tribe wishes to thank all those whom attended. Ms. Elouise Brown Gives Presentation at California Valley Miwok Tribal Offices
03/19/2010 - CVMT TRIBAL OFFICES, TRIBAL LAND, STOCKTON, CA - There was an attempt by a power company to build a power plant on her reservation in close proximity to her people with existing evidence that it would be detrimental to the health and well being of those in the surrounding area. Knowing that the locals would benefit little if at all (in any way) from the project, that the local sacred lands would be defiled, and that future health concerns could devastate the local population, Elouise took it upon herself to stand strong for her people. From protecting the land locally to walking the halls of the New Mexico State Capitol until a decisive and humanitarian vote was given in her favor to stop the project, she has remained diligent in her endeavor for her people and her land, the amount of space we have here cannot do justice to all that she has endured and accomplished. We were happy to host this event at the Tribal Offices and encourage all Indigenous Peoples to follow Ms. Brown’s example of protecting their people, lands, and culture so that their Indigenous Peoples will still exist and continue to contribute and enrich the diversity of this great country for generations to come. The California Valley Miwok Tribe would like to thank Ms. Elouise Brown and the attendance of representatives from the Miwok Consortium member Tribes and other Tribal Peoples whom attended. California Valley Miwok Tribe Hosts March 2010 USDA Food Distribution03/04/2010 - CVMT TRIBAL OFFICES, TRIBAL LAND, STOCKTON, CA - California Valley Miwok Tribe Meets with Caltrans District 10 Representatives03/04/2010 - CVMT TRIBAL OFFICES, TRIBAL LAND, STOCKTON, CA - The meeting was scheduled to be able to better address mutual concerns and to build a better understanding on how to work more cohesively in the future. Existing projects and strengthening of the tribes’ involvement in future projects were the main topics of discussion. Everyone whom attended contributed greatly and much was accomplished. The Tribe is grateful that Caltrans District 10 is working to strengthen its relationship with the Tribes that reside within its district, and is prioritizing that endeavor with meetings such as this. The Tribe looks forward to working more closely with Caltrans in 2010 with the better understanding that meetings such as this have helped to create. We would like to thank all those (whom attended) for their time and expertise and to Caltrans for initiating this event. Correspondence From President Barack Obama to the CVMT Chairperson Silvia Burley
03/04/2010 - CVMT TRIBAL OFFICES, TRIBAL LAND, STOCKTON, CA - Local Native American Selected for High Post at Veterans Administration
The California Valley Miwok Tribe - located at 10601 Escondido place Stockton, Ca. 95212 - was invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of a friend of the tribe and the Native American community, Mr. Pedro “Pete” Molina, to the position of Assistant Secretary of Native American Veterans Affairs. The swearing in ceremony took place on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010, at the California Department of Veterans Affairs, 1227 “O” Street, Sacramento, California 95814. The tribe was honored to witness this special occasion along with friends and other members of the Tri-Miwok Consortium. This is the highest position ever held by a Native American making this an historical moment. We feel that Mr. Molina will have much success in whatever endeavors he takes on in this new appointment for he is truly a driven and dedicated individual. For more information on “Pete” please check the pdf file accompanying this story for a short biography. Also below please read a heartfelt contribution to this story submitted to the tribe by the members of the local Native American Veterans Lodge in San Joaquin County. We as Native American Veterans do invoke the divine guidance of the Great Spirit to secure our rights and benefits, and to gain recognition of all traditional laws. As veterans of the San Joaquin County Lodge we like to foster the continued loyalty and alliance of respect for and the forthrightness to defend the constitution and the flag of the United States. We are established to promote, educating all American Natives without regard to degree to their veteran’s rights. This is our cree and part of the “Constitution” to abide. We are proud people, standing together before history to witness one of our own, a brother of (the Yaqui Nation) during an historic event for this nation. Having a voice for all our people to be in place, having opportunities for outreach programming, commitments and program values, this being so important it will be a challenge. The veterans of our area are proud to know Mr. Pedro “Pete” Molina for which we have the utmost confidence in him to represent the needs of all our veterans. I personally have known Mr. Molina for several years and his commitment and leadership to the community of veterans and to all native peoples, is truly a special act of service to his country. We ask the Creator to guide and strengthen our brother, and to keep him safe. We look forward to his guidance and vision for all our vets and his future successes in meeting their needs. /s/ San Joaquin Lodge Veterans At this time the California Valley Miwok Tribe would like to congratulate Mr. Molina and wish him all the success in the future. The tribe would also like to thank the San Joaquin Native Veterans Lodge Commander, Richard “Windfeathers” Muniz for his input and contribution in making this article possible. California Valley Miwok Tribe Hosts February 2010 USDA Food DistributionThe California Valley Miwok Tribe had another successful installment of the USDA food distribution to all eligible participants currently receiving this service through the Tribe. The California Valley Miwok Tribe located at 10601 Escondido Pl., Stockton, CA 95212, its Tribal Council, Members and Chairperson Silvia Burley are grateful for the positive responses by all that benefit, and their gratitude for the receiving of these services. The Tribe hopes to expand on this and other services this year, and due to ever-changing events that are having a positive affect how the tribe will be able to address additional concerns from its recognized membership, its Tri-Miwok partnership and the local Indian Community, it now feels it will be able to. In this latest installment not all recipients were on hand to receive their allotments, so the Tribe held their distributions and as of the writing of this article, all commodities have reached their prospective families. We, with the power in our Indian Communities need to work further in our communities to enrich, empower, strengthen and protect our Native American people and their identities. We thank all those whom stay involved with us in this endeavor. We also thank the Tule River Tribe and the USDA for allowing us to make this program available. Also a special thank you to President of the United States Barack Obama for the indigenous stimulus funding that has allowed the Tule River Food Distribution staff to upgrade antiquated equipment so that there shall be no foreseeable equipment failures in the future that would disrupt the continuing delivery of these services. First Distribution of the New YearThe California Valley Miwok Tribe held its first food distribution of the new year at its tribal offices, located at 10601 Escondido Place, Stockton, CA 95212. These are indeed troubled times for all Americans and especially American Indians. The California Valley Miwok Tribe understands this and is currently trying to acquire alternate programs to replace conventional ones that at this time are unavailable to the Tribe to help not only the Tri-Miwok Consortium members but the local Native American community. This first installment of the new year's food distribution has made the Tribe aware of the many other deficiencies that need to be addressed. So in this coming year, the Tribe shall continue to network to bring to the Native peoples affected, additional services as the Tribe is able to acquire them. At this time, the California Valley Miwok Tribe would like to thank the entire food distribution staff of Tule River Tribe for working so closely with our tribal government in continuing to make this vital service available. | |
