MIDDLETOWN — The Lake County Tribal Leaders Council met at Twin Pines Casino on Wednesday May 16, hosted by Middletown Rancheria
Big Valley”s Tribal Chair Valentino Jack confirmed he had just sealed an agreement with Promoter Rob Stimmel to hold Boardstock at Big Valley Rancheria. (See related story on this page.)
Both Jack and Stimmel have guaranteed that the concert event will be alcohol-free.
Jack said his talks with Sheriff Rod Mitchell had indicated a zero tolerance for alcoholic beverages at Boardstock. He further announced that the Clearlake Queen would soon be docked at the Konocti Vista marina.
Jack also said the first of a drug awareness program to be held at the Big Valley gym on June 6 at 7 p.m. The 45-minute programs, for youth and their parents, are to be coordinated with the County Sheriff”s task force.
Big Valley Secretary Charmaine Mankiller was named as the contact for reservations, so food can be ordered.
Jack then expressed his concern and focus on young tribal members, “Drugs are killing us,” he said forcefully. “I tell them that they don”t need to be part of a gang.”
Other leaders indicated their concerns as well, particularly during the summer months when young people have little to do. Middletown Tribal Chair Jose Simon III and Secretary Angie Galupe listed some of the activities that they had structured for the youth of Middletown Rancheria, including trips to big-league athletic events.
Ray Brown, tribal chair from Elem, asked for an update on the planned IHS treatment center in Nice, its delay and or reassignment to Trinity Anza. His concern was that there weren”t enough Northern California tribes represented.
Connie Reitman-Solas, executive director of Inter-Tribal Council of California, Sacramento, shared materials and made a presentation that included distribution of the California Water Plan (update) Framework for Action.
Item 13 of the framework states that “Department of Water Resources and other state agencies must invite, encourage, and assist tribal government representatives to participate in statewide, regional, and local water planning processes and to access state funding for water projects.”
With one accord the tribal leaders indicated their concern for definition and protection of their Lake County water rights, and their willingness to participate in planning discussions and/or negotiations for water projects and levels. Tracy Avila, tribal chair from Robinson Rancheria, suggested that the Environmental Protection Agency also be included in any water plans or discussions.
Solas advanced the need for the tribes to set the agenda of self-sufficiency and and reciprocal support, perhaps setting up their own water authority; she used as an example establishing the mechanisms and companies like water suppliers for tribes to buy from one another and create a positive economic circle.
She reiterated the agreements that BIA and organizations responsible for tribal health were supposed to provide potable water in any case. She indicated that certain East Coast gaming tribes had money available to fund projects if the plans were solid.
The discussion of self-sufficiency moved to adequate housing, and again, the need for tribes to set an agenda that reflects that priority. “Lake County alone needs at least 800 units just to get people home,” said Solas.
The group discussed potential for establishing a training and building center based on the skills of the Hoopa construction facility that is known for its home construction. Similarly, the 638 Roads Inventory and survey might generate training and employment for tribal work crews. The council agreed that a Web site where tribes might share information was something that was needed; Thomas Brown, attending from TANF, volunteered his agency”s until the council could set up its own.
“We will make mistakes,” they agreed, “but we must go forward.” Their June meeting will be hosted by Big Valley Rancheria at the Konocti Vista conference room.
Leaders from six tribes were in attendance: Big Valley Rancheria; Elem Indian Colony; Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians; Robinson Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians; Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians; Pomo of Upper Lake/Habematolel.
This was the fourth roundtable for this council and one order of business was to set a regular meeting date on the third Wednesday of each month.
