From the Tribal Chairman
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1 Hello Tribal Citizens. Here it is November already. 2018 has flown by at record speed. Next month I will write my year-end report, providing a review of the year’s accomplishments regarding our many departments and programs as well as our business, the Graton Resort and Casino. Now I want to take a moment to meditate on the notion of Thanksgiving -- no, not the actual holiday but of giving thanks. Gratitude was once a major aspect of our culture, and we must make sure that as a Tribe -- and as individuals in a Tribe -- we work to be grateful. Being grateful isn’t just a matter of saying “thank you” but of passing forward goodwill and good fortune, and not just to friends and family or at certain times of year, but every chance we get. Let goodwill and gratitude be an integral part of our lived lives. Many of you enjoy the casino and certainly all adults in the Tribe receive per caps because of the success we enjoy largely as a result of the hard work of so many Team Members who work at the casino. When you valet park your car, do you tip the valet who has been parking and retrieving cars for eight hours a shift? Do you tip wait staff in the restaurants? Do you say thank you to the porter emptying ash trays or cleaning the restrooms? Who are you as a citizen of the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria? Are you generous? Thankful? Remember, greed is always food off another’s plate. Lack of gratitude is a cold shoulder to a handshake, a frown to a smile. Let me tell you a story. Forty years ago my brother Pat was dying of leukemia. He spent much of the last nine months of his life in the oncology ward in a San Francisco hospital. In the room next to his was a young woman his age suffering from the same disease. She was a brilliant woman, a graduate of Stanford and Yale, with a bright future in law. My brother was a hard working carpenter. Their lives -- and subsequent career choices -- were different but, as a result of their illness and the long days they shared in the oncology ward, they became good friends. The families -- her family and my family -- became close also. We visited and talked. The mothers took turns looking after their sick children. My mother was working at J.C. Penney’s yet did her best to get to San Francisco every day. She -- all of us -- were so grateful that there was another “mother” at the hospital when we couldn’t be there. I told the young woman’s brother that I was adopted. I told him what I knew at the time, what I was able to glean from my original birth certificate and birth records -- my birth mother’s name and where she was born, and that my birth father was listed as “unknown non-white,” the records further suggesting that he was likely “Mexican” or “Spanish.” Not much more was said about my birth parents. What more could I say? Since my birth mother died 10 days after I was born, I figured I would never be able to trace my family. (Remember, we didn’t have the internet 40 years ago.) The young woman died in September, and my brother died three weeks later the second week of October. The families stayed in touch, but since my family lived in Santa Rosa and the other family in Houston, we clearly didn’t see one another as often. About six months later I got a call from the young woman’s brother. “I found your family for you,” he said. “I wanted to do something for you since you all were so good with my sister.” Fancying himself a pseudo- detective of sorts, he located my birth mother’s aunt in Newport News, Virginia, the city where my mother was born. My great-aunt had been told by her sister, my grandmother, that my mother died as a result of a horseback riding accident (my birth mother was just 17 at the time of her death). Clearly, my grandmother (Continued on page 2) Newsletter of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Volume 15, Number 179 ~ November 2018 Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris From the Tribal Chairman .................................. p. 1 New Staff ............................................................. p. 2 Memorial .............................................................. p. 3 Elder Family Advocate ....................................... p. 4 Fiscal Department .............................................. p. 4 Housing Services ............................................... p. 5 Education Department ....................................... p. 6 Environmental Department ................................ p. 7 TANF .................................................................... p. 8 SCIHP ................................................................... p. 8 Fall Celebration 2018 Photos ............................. p. 9 Announcements and Flyers............................... p. 10 Tribal Meetings and Events in 2018 .................. p. 14 Tribal Calendar.................................................... p. 15 Inside this issue: From the Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris
Transcript of From the Tribal Chairman
1
Hello Tribal Citizens. Here it is November already. 2018 has flown by at record speed. Next month I will write my year-end report, providing a review of the year’s accomplishments regarding our many departments and programs as well as our business, the Graton Resort and Casino. Now I want to take a moment to meditate on the notion of
Thanksgiving -- no, not the actual holiday but of giving thanks. Gratitude
was once a major aspect of our culture, and we must make sure that as a Tribe -- and as individuals in a Tribe -- we work to be grateful. Being grateful isn’t just a matter of saying “thank you” but of passing forward goodwill and good fortune, and not just to friends and family or at certain times of year, but every chance we get. Let goodwill and gratitude be an integral part of our lived lives. Many of you enjoy the casino and certainly all adults in the Tribe receive per caps because of the success we enjoy largely as a result of the hard work of so many Team Members who work at the casino. When you valet park your car, do you tip the valet who has been parking and retrieving cars for eight hours a shift? Do you tip wait staff in the restaurants? Do you say thank you to the porter emptying ash trays or cleaning the restrooms? Who are you as a citizen of the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria? Are you generous? Thankful? Remember, greed is always food off another’s plate. Lack of gratitude is a cold shoulder to a handshake, a frown to a smile.
Let me tell you a story. Forty years ago my brother Pat was dying of
leukemia. He spent much of the last nine months of his life in the oncology ward in a San Francisco hospital. In the room next to his was a young woman his age suffering from the same disease. She was a brilliant
woman, a graduate of Stanford and Yale, with a bright future in law. My brother was a hard working carpenter. Their lives -- and subsequent career choices -- were different but, as a result of their illness and the long days they shared in the oncology ward, they became good friends. The families -- her family and my family -- became close also. We visited and talked. The mothers took turns looking after their sick children. My mother was working at J.C. Penney’s yet did her best to get to San Francisco every day. She -- all of us -- were so grateful that there was another “mother” at the hospital when we couldn’t be there.
I told the young woman’s brother that I was adopted. I told him what I knew at the time, what I was able to glean from my original birth certificate and birth records -- my birth mother’s name and where she was born, and that my birth father was listed as “unknown non-white,” the records further suggesting that he was likely “Mexican” or “Spanish.” Not much more was said about my birth parents. What more could I say? Since my birth mother died 10 days after I was born, I figured I would never be able to trace my family. (Remember, we didn’t have the internet 40 years ago.) The young woman died in September, and my brother died three weeks later the second week of October. The families stayed in touch, but since my family lived in Santa Rosa and the other family in Houston, we clearly didn’t see one another as often.
About six months later I got a call from the young woman’s brother. “I found your family for you,” he said. “I wanted to do something for you since you all were so good with my sister.” Fancying himself a pseudo-detective of sorts, he located my birth mother’s aunt in Newport News, Virginia, the city where my mother was born. My great-aunt had been told by her sister, my grandmother, that my mother died as a result of a horseback riding accident (my birth mother was just 17 at the time of her death). Clearly, my grandmother
(Continued on page 2)
Newsletter of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Volume 15, Number 179 ~ November 2018
Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris
From the Tribal Chairman .................................. p. 1 New Staff ............................................................. p. 2 Memorial .............................................................. p. 3 Elder Family Advocate ....................................... p. 4 Fiscal Department .............................................. p. 4 Housing Services ............................................... p. 5 Education Department ....................................... p. 6
Environmental Department ................................ p. 7 TANF .................................................................... p. 8 SCIHP ................................................................... p. 8 Fall Celebration 2018 Photos ............................. p. 9 Announcements and Flyers ............................... p. 10 Tribal Meetings and Events in 2018 .................. p. 14 Tribal Calendar .................................................... p. 15
Inside this issue:
From the Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris
From the Tribal Chairman continued from page 1
2
I’m very pleased to introduce myself to you. My name is Libby Watanabe and I’m Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimpshian Alaska Native raised in Juneau, Alaska. My husband Clint and I have a twenty-three year old son named Justin. My parents are Gerry Brown and Jim Young, and my late grandparents are
Lena and Judson Brown. I enjoy Native singing and dancing, and spending time weaving cedar and spruce baskets, and wool regalia when possible. I have
devoted my career to working with and supporting tribes in Alaska, California, and Washington. I’m very honored to have been selected to serve as the Executive Director of Governmental Operations. I will strive to carry out the mission and goals of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, so we can work for the social and economic betterment of all citizens, and foster the value of education. I look forward to meeting and interacting with citizens, the Tribal Council, and employees within the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Gunal.cheesh (thank-you).
Libby Watanabe Executive Director (ED)
wanted to hide the truth and now it was out. I contacted my great-aunt in Newport News and she put me in touch with my grandmother, who was surprised -- and not particularly happy -- to hear from me, her grandson. My mother, as it turned out, had a younger brother who I also was able to phone and who I eventually met. Of course I was curious if he had any news about who my father might be. He said my mother pointed to a Mexican stable boy where she kept her horses but that I reminded him of a “Hawaiian-type” guy who he remembered taking notes onto the football field for his sister. He could only remember that the guy’s name was Emilio.
I went immediately to Laguna Beach and found the high school where an “Emilio” played football. In a yearbook I found a picture -- and a full name -- that would turn out to be my father, Emilio Hilario. I found a brother. And after interviewing several people who knew the truth about my mother’s pregnancy, I found all of my father’s family. Most importantly, I found early on my grandfather, Emiliano Hilario, a Filipino immigrant who had managed the kitchen of a fancy restaurant before he retired. On the phone -- my first phone call to him -- he informed me that my father had died only months before. My grandmother who had also, unfortunately for me, passed away earlier kept a photo album that my grandfather showed me when I went to visit him. He had said that my grandmother was “an eskimo.” Looking at the album, I was stunned to see pictures of Indian folks I knew growing up in Santa Rosa. “Grandpa,” I said, “these people, my relatives, they’re not Eskimos, they Indians.” He responded, “Eskimos, Indians, they’re all the same.” I thought immediately that he was confused, mixed up. But he wasn’t. My grandmother’s grandfather was Tom Smith. Tom Smith was actually Tomas Comtechal, his mother a Coast Miwok woman, and his father, “Comtechal,” the son of a Kashaya Pomo woman and an Aleut and Russian father.
So, thanks to my family friend, I indeed found all of my family. Eventually, Tribal elders would call on me to lead the battle to help the Tribe get restored as a federally recognized American Indian Tribe. Today, I
am running unopposed for my fourteenth consecutive term as Tribal Chairman. We are restoring our culture, our aboriginal birthright. We are educating our young, taking care of our elders. We own one of the most lucrative Indian casinos in the country.
But the story isn’t over. Recently, in fact only a couple of months ago, I did
a book reading from my new book, How a Mountain Was Made, at the Sonoma County Museum. As I was signing books after my talk and reading, I looked up and saw a familiar face in the line. “Do you remember me? Do you know who I am?”
I lost track of my friend years ago -- distance and time. My adopted mother Mary Sarris, and my other siblings, had passed away, and I had been busy with my teaching career and the Tribe. But after more than 20 years, I recognized my friend immediately. As it turned out, he moved to Sonoma County, of all places, a little over two years ago. I wondered why he hadn’t contacted me. Later, over dessert that night, he told me: “I wasn’t sure who you would be after all these years -- I mean I read about you all the time in the newspaper.” I couldn’t believe that he might think I would not want to see him -- that I wouldn’t be eternally grateful for his family’s companionship during hard times, and of course for finding my family.
“Well,” he said, “there’s something else, and the reason why I didn’t contact you.”
“What’s that?” I asked. “I have a not-so-good cancer diagnosis. You have
lost so many people. I didn’t want to come back into your life and have you have to lose another one.”
I could hardly contain my emotions. I couldn’t believe what he said. I told him how thankful I was he approached me during the reading, and thankful he told me of his illness. I can be grateful for the time we can spend together now. I can give thanks to the man who was such a good friend, who helped me find my family -- the man, from his own kindness and gratitude, in turn, played a part in the rebirth of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.
Give thanks. It’s the season.
Sacred Sites Committee 6pm
Citizenship Committee 5pm
Housing Committee 5pm
Tribal Council 5pm
Events Planning
Committee 5:30pm
Election Board 5pm
Tribal Garden Committee
6pm
Basketry Class 10am
Veteran's Day Observed Tribal Office closed
◄ ◄ ◄ Tribal Office Closed ► ► ►
GWB Mailed
Citizenship Committee 5pm
Housing Committee 5pm
Elders Health Benefit Program Presentation
10:30am
Tribal Council—2pm General Council—5pm
Per Cap
Mailed
Events Planning
Committee 5:30pm
FIGR Election Day 10 am—2 pm
Tribal Office closed
Election Board 5pm
Children’s Holiday Party 3 pm
Elders Event
1pm
Winter Celebration
12pm
Midterm Election Day Your Vote Counts!!
Schedule of Tribal Council and General Council Meetings and Tribal Citizen Events—2018
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*November Friday, Nov 16: 5:00pm Tribal Council *December Friday, Dec 14: 2:00pm Tribal Council Friday, Dec 14 : 5:00pm General Council Sat., Dec 15: 1:00pm Elders Event *Please note date, time, and/or venue
Tribal Council meetings are held at the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Tribal Office
6400 Redwood Drive, Suite 300 Rohnert Park, CA 94928
707-566-2288
General Council meetings are held at Ballroom D, Graton Resort and Casino
288 Golf Course Dr. West Rohnert Park, CA 94928
707-584-5466
In Loving Memory of Lupe Boyd
REMINDER…. ELECTION DAY IS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2018 10am to 2pm
Tribal Citizens can vote at the Tribal Office,
-or- Tribal Citizens can vote by mail. Joan Vallis, Election Board Chair
Lupe Boyd of Seattle, Washington, passed away on September 4, 2018, at the age of 84 surrounded by her loving family. Lupe was born on December 7,1933, to Benjamin and Louisa Howard in Ukiah, California. She was the youngest of 4 siblings, Renona, Benjamin, and Lloyd. She loved fashion and jazz; Billy Eckstine being one of her favorites. Purple was her favorite color.
In Seattle, Lupe met and married her husband John Boyd, of 56 years. Together they raised five children in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle: Anthony, Tina, Gina, and John Jr. She is preceded in death by her husband John and her daughter Yvette. John was in the Army and the family was stationed at Fort Lawton (Seattle, Washington), Fort Ord (Monterey, California), and in Germany.
Lupe’s passion was raising her children and teaching them self-respect. She also appreciated education and gave her children many books to read such as Don Quixote, books on archaeology of Ancient Rome, Anthropology, as well as Plato. She learned Spanish and some Portuguese because of her love of Bossa Nova.
She was a generous person with a good heart. She loved children, especially babies—she would just beam so brightly whenever she would see children. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren meant everything to her. She will be missed by many, and all of her children feel fortunate to have had her as their mother.
A wife, a mother, a grandma too, This is the legacy we have from you. You taught us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might. A stronger person would be hard to find, And in your heart, you were always kind. You fought for us all in one way or another, Not just as a wife, not just as a mother.
For all of us you gave your best, Now the time has come for you to rest.
2018 Distribution
Schedule
Category 4th Quarter
GWB November 30
Per Capita December 3
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Elders Health Benefit Program 2019 Presentation Much appreciation is extended to all the FIGR elders that were able to complete and return the 2017 “Elder Health Care and Insurance Coverage” survey. From this survey, 178 elders completed the two-page questionnaire. A large majority
of the responses received indicated a positive interest in participating in a FIGR sponsored medical insurance plan: 128 elders reported, “yes”. Interestingly, 121 elders also indicated satisfaction with their current health insurance coverage plan. The 4 elders that did not have any health insurance coverage are under the age of 65. From all the responses received and needs noted on the surveys, your Tribal Council representatives and FIGR staff diligently reviewed responses and needs that elders shared. As a result of the surveys, Tribal Council approved the Elders Health Benefit Program to go into effect on January 1, 2019. On December 14, 2018, all FIGR elders are invited to attend the Elders Health Benefit Program presentation. The presentation will be held at the Graton Resort & Casino. Please call me, your FIGR Elder and Family Services Advocate for more information.
Does Medicare cover the cost of a flu shot? Yes, yearly influenza vaccination is 100% covered
by Medicare, with no deductible or co-pay. So if you get your flu shot from a health provider that accepts Medicare payment, there should be no cost. Stay healthy by contacting your doctor’s office to schedule a quick visit for a flu shot.
Family members and caregivers caring for the elderly also are encouraged to get vaccinated so as to avoid transmitting the flu virus to elders with compromised immune systems.
Dates to Remember:
November 4, 2018: Daylight Savings Time, “fall back” by one hour November 6, 2018: Election Day, remember to vote, your vote counts! November 12, 2018: Veteran’s Day Holiday November 22, 2018: Thanksgiving Holiday December 1, 2018: FIGR Election Day December 14, 2018: Elders Health Benefit Program Presentation December 15, 2018: Elders Event
Elder Family Advocate Diana Murray, Elder and Family Advocate (707) 566-2288, Ext. 135
Diana Murray
2019 General Welfare Benefits and Per Capita Distributions Please note Tribal Council has approved a monthly distribution schedule beginning January 2019 for both General Welfare Benefits (GWB) and Per Capita distributions. GWB will be distributed on the second to last Friday of every month beginning in
January 2019. GWB is applicable to all adult and minor Tribal Citizens. There is no tax on GWB distributions, so you will receive the full amount with no taxes taken out (GWB distributions are not considered income under the federal Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014, 26 USC 139E). Per Capita payments (less taxes) will be distributed on the last Friday of every month starting January 2019.
Both distributions are available for automatic deposit to your bank account instead of by check. If you would like to sign up for automatic deposit or if you have any questions, please contact me, CFO Steve Garwood, at (707) 566-2288, ext.126.
Fiscal Department Steve Garwood, Chief Financial Officer (707) 566-2288, Ext. 126
Steve Garwood
2019 Distribution Schedule
General Welfare Benefits
Per Capita
January 18 January 25
February 15 Febraury 22
March 22 March 29
April 19 April 26
May 24 May 31
June 21 June 28
July 19 July 26
August 23 August 30
September 20 September 26
October 18 October 25
November 22 November 27
December 20 December 27
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Greetings Tribal Citizens. Once again, the holidays and cool weather are upon us. This also means, for those living in California, that the end of the anti-price gouging law enacted by Governor Jerry Brown may be near, as it could be lifted on December 4, 2018. The law was initially put into place following the devastating
wildfires in October 2017, then extended in April 2018, in order to prohibit the raising of costs for essential goods and services, following a declaration of emergency. The law applies to things such as food and drink, gasoline, medical supplies, building materials and hotels.
Most concerning, for those residing in California, is the fact that it also applies to rental housing. Since the wildfires, landlords have been unable to raise prices for their rental properties by more than 10% of the price listed prior to the fires, unless they wanted to face large fines and jail time. This means that a 2-BR rental that was listed or renting for $1,500 per month could not be raised more than $150 while the law was in effect.
Unless Governor Brown decides to extend the law again, as of December 4th, landlords will be able to raise rental costs to any amount they wish, even for current renters, as long as they give the proper notification and are not subject to rent control. This is deeply concerning, especially when one considers the lack of available housing in most areas, as well as the already exorbitant rental costs.
The Housing Services Department has offered tips and advice throughout the last year to renters, and thought that now might be a good time to reiterate some of them:
Review your lease. Be sure that you are abiding by all of the rules, and meeting your obligations as a tenant. It’s best to not put yourself in a position of receiving a notice to vacate due to a lease violation.
Unless there are health and safety concerns in your current rental, now is not the best time to look into moving. If you can, stay where you are until the market changes. There’s no harm in looking at available housing, but don’t make any rash decisions in terms of giving notice, until you have an idea of the costs.
Be sure to communicate with your landlord, both by phone and in writing. If you’re going to be late with the rent, call the landlord right away. If there is an issue that needs the landlord’s attention for repair, call and then follow the conversation up with a letter. Good communication can go a long way to maintain a good tenant/landlord relationship.
For more information, or to answer any questions you might have, please contact the Housing Services Department.
Home Rehabilitation Program The Housing Services Department offers the Home
Rehabilitation Program to assist low-income, Tribal Citizen homeowners in making residential building improvements. The purpose of the program is to assist Native American homeowners by removing and/or repairing defects in substandard housing, and ensuring compliance with health and safety codes. The program gives highest priority to Elders in need of assistance, followed by Disabled Head of Household and families with children, but all qualifying Tribal Citizens are encouraged to apply. If your home is in need of repairs or updating, please contact the Housing Services Department to begin the application process. For more information on how to apply, and what to expect from the Program, please see the following details, as well as the flyer on page 10.
Danielle Salinger
Housing Services Department Ralph Sepulveda, Director (707) 566-2288, Ext. 113 Danielle Salinger, Assistant (707) 566-2288, Ext.114
October 1, 2018, marked the beginning of the 2019 fiscal year for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), however, funding is not immediately available. If you are struggling to pay for your heating and/or cooling costs, or you would like some tips on how to keep your costs down in the meantime, please contact the Housing Services Department.
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2018 Cultural Workshops: Native foods of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo The workshops will be taught by Kathleen Rose Smith, Tribal Elder. She is the author of Enough for All: Foods of My Dry
Creek Pomo and Bodega Miwuk People. For any questions and to RSVP, please contact: Matthew Johnson, Library
Coordinator at (707) 566-2288, ext. 623, or [email protected].
Class 3: New and Old Way Acorn Making
Old way processing and cooking — Sunday, December 9
Class 4: Roasted Peppernuts
Gathering and Processing — Saturday, November 3
Stone Tool Gathering — Sunday, November 18
Greetings Tribal Citizens. I wanted to take time in this article to remind everyone of some important information regarding the FIGR scholarship. Whether you have received the FIGR scholarship in the past, are currently receiving it, or plan to apply, this information can help. First, it is important for you to completely fill out the scholarship application with
legible and accurate information. If we are unable to read your information, this will delay the process. When you provide an official schedule and grades, the following should be clearly legible: Student name, ID number, number of credits/units the student is enrolled in, and the institution name. If you do not have access to a printer and are sending your information via email, you should be sending PDF attachments. If you need assistance in figuring out how to get this information into a PDF file format, please ask your Admissions Department to assist you. As for accuracy, scholarships are mailed directly to your institution and it takes extra time for the Education Department to find out where outside scholarship payments should be sent to your specific institution. If that information is not filled out on your application, your scholarship is not considered complete, and therefore will be delayed.
Secondly, although we do accept late applications, it is important to know that the completed applications received on or before the deadline date will be processed during the time set for scholarship processing. It is important to note that when applications are received after the deadline date, the scholarship processing schedule could be delayed.
Also, when a student enters college/career and
technical school, the institution they attend follows the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Although parents are guaranteed access to student records, once the student becomes an adult, this changes. The same goes for the Tribe. Once a Tribal Citizen is 18 years of age, they are considered an adult and communication changes from the parents to the young adult citizen. This helps to prevent miscommunication between the Tribe and family. Although we do encourage family support, often times those younger citizens may not be communicating the entirety of a situation with their family, which can cause confusion and sometimes anger that is then transferred to the Education Department. We are all here to assist Tribal Citizens on their journey to reaching their educational and career goals. The clearer the communication, the better the team.
Lastly, the Education Department will reach out to students whose applications are incomplete and request the missing information. If you do not provide that information after the second request, your application will not be processed. This means if you send in a scholarship application with missing information, we will not begin the process until we receive that information. So if you are wondering why your scholarship has not been sent to your school, be sure to check your email, voicemail, or whatever you identified on your application as your contact information.
I hope that this information is helpful and if you should have any questions or need clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the Education Department.
Education Department
Patricia Miraz
Patricia Miraz, FIGR Scholarship and Academic/Career Counselor (707) 586-6100, Ext. 628
The Sacred Sites Protection Committee is currently accepting applications for several open positions. If you are
interested in becoming a Sacred Sites Protection Committee member, applications are available at the First Floor
Reception desk, or can be sent by email upon request. The committee meetings are held on the second Monday of
the month at 6:00 pm at the Tribal Office.
Committee Applications can be sent by postal mail or hand-delivered to: 6400 Redwood Drive, Ste. 300 Rohnert
Park, CA 94928 or emailed to [email protected]. For any questions or for further information, please
contact: Lynn Silva, Interim Chief Operations Officer at 707-566-2288, ext. 105.
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Jenna Brager, Tribal Land Manager and Measure M Campaign Manager (707) 566-2288, Ext. 117
Environmental Department
Vote on November 6th – Yes on M, Parks for All! Dear Tribal Citizens, the November 6th election is around the corner! The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria have put a generous amount of resources behind the ballot campaign to support Sonoma County parks and encourage your yes vote on Measure M on November 6th.
Sonoma County Regional Parks has been struggling to keep up with maintenance, improvements, and parks access. Last fall’s fires only exacerbated these challenges. Our Regional Parks system offers us an abundant 56 parks, trails, and beaches here in Sonoma County. These beautiful natural resources attract 5 million visitors a year. Park attendance has risen 38% since 2010, park land has increased by 6,000 acres, and funding simply has not kept pace with growth.
If passed, Measure M funds will maintain our parks, trails, and open spaces. Measure M will help protect water quality, reduce wildfire risk, protect fish and wildlife habitat, and improve park access for all of us. Measure M will also support neighborhood parks in cities.
What exactly is Measure M? It’s a one-eighth cent sales tax on taxable items only (not groceries). That’s equivalent to 12.5 cents on every $100 spent. It will generate $11.5 million every year for parks and parks only. With regular audits and a citizen’s oversight committee, we are assured that every penny will go to our parks – two-thirds to our regional parks, one-third to
our city parks. Measure M requires 2/3 of the vote to pass, so
every vote really does count, including yours. The campaign needs lot of volunteers. If you have a few hours and are inspired to get involved in this important movement, please contact the campaign at 707-303-6210. Many activities are taking place at FIGR offices in Rohnert Park. You can learn more at www.sonomacountyparksforall.org.
Thank you for your support of Yes on Measure M – Parks for All! And thank you for thinking ahead about offering opportunities for future generations to enjoy our parks and open spaces, just as we do now.
Jenna Brager
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Lena Garcia, Youth and Family Case Coordinator (707)586-6100, ext. 635
In December, the Youth and Family Department will be traveling with youth to San Francisco State University for a campus tour. During the tour, the youth will participate in a one-hour walking tour guided by a current San Francisco State University student. During the one hour walking tour, youth will have the opportunity to visit the major academic buildings on San Francisco
State University’s campus. Youth will also have the opportunity to ask the tour guide to share his or her experience as a student of San Francisco State University. Once the walking tour is complete, youth will have the opportunity to meet with a panel of currently enrolled Native American students who attend San Francisco State University. The panel will share their
individual experience at San Francisco State University and afterwards will open up the floor for questions that students may have.
College campus tours allow youth the opportunity to access information on how to pursue future academic goals. Campus tours also allow youth the opportunity to gather information on available majors, programs, clubs, and financial aid that universities may have to offer prospective students. Campus tours provide youth with increased knowledge of how higher educational systems function as well as the resources available to Native American students, which can empower youth to pursue their future academic goals.
If interested in attending or for more information, please contact the Youth and Family Department at 707-586-6100.
Lena Garcia
Tribal TANF of Sonoma and Marin
Diabetes Awareness
SCIHP Health/Wellness Notes Sonoma County Indian Health Project, Inc. Chandra Matthews, RDN, CDE/Healthy Traditions
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November is American Diabetes Month. Here are a few important diabetes statistics:
30.3 million Americans, or 9.4% of the population have diabetes.
23.1 million are diagnosed and 7.2 million have not been diagnosed.
The incidence of diabetes is 2.2 times higher in American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
7.4% of non-Hispanic whites have diabetes while 16% of American Indians/Alaskan Natives have diabetes, which is the highest age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes among all U.S. racial and ethnic groups.
There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 affects approximately 5 % of people with diabetes. Diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert carbohydrates (sugar included) into energy that your body can use. People with type 1 diabetes cannot survive without insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. This is when the body cannot use insulin properly. Type 2 can sometimes be managed with diet and exercise alone. However, many people will require medication in addition to diet and exercise. Medication can be oral medication or insulin or a combination of both. In the past, there were limited options regarding medications and the treatment of diabetes. Today, we have a large menu of medication options. Talk to your health care provider about what medication is best for you.
Regardless of the type of diabetes or the medicine needed, a healthy diet is important in the management
of blood sugar levels. A healthy diet for someone with diabetes is the same for someone without diabetes. The following can help you when planning your daily meals and snacks. 1. Variety. Everyday, include foods from all food
groups. This includes whole grains, lean meats and proteins, fruits and vegetables, low fat and nonfat dairy products, and healthy fats and oils.
2. Make ½ your plate non-starchy vegetables. These include things like tomatoes, broccoli, string beans, carrots, leafy greens, bell peppers, and many more.
3. Choose healthy carbohydrates. Carbohydrates will convert to blood sugar, but some provide better nutrition quality. A few examples include whole grains, beans, fruits, and reduced fat dairy products. Less healthy choices include sweets such as cakes, cookies, candy, and processed foods like chips, and refined grains such as white bread and rice.
4. Limit dietary fat. Fat has twice the amount of calories as protein and carbohydrates, and can make weight control difficult. It is also important to choose healthy fats like olive and canola oil, over shortening and margarine.
5. Limit your intake of salt. Limiting salt intake can help control your blood pressure. Most importantly, avoid the salt shaker including sea salt. Other things to limit include processed foods such as canned soups and processed lunch meats. Spice up your food with onion, garlic, and other herbs.
6. Eat slowly and focus on your food. This will help limit your portions which is important for weight management.
9
Lena Garcia, Youth and Family Case Coordinator (707)586-6100, ext. 635
In December, the Youth and Family Department will be traveling with youth to San Francisco State University for a campus tour. During the tour, the youth will participate in a one-hour walking tour guided by a current San Francisco State University student. During the one hour walking tour, youth will have the opportunity to visit the major academic buildings on San Francisco
State University’s campus. Youth will also have the opportunity to ask the tour guide to share his or her experience as a student of San Francisco State University. Once the walking tour is complete, youth will have the opportunity to meet with a panel of currently enrolled Native American students who attend San Francisco State University. The panel will share their
individual experience at San Francisco State University and afterwards will open up the floor for questions that students may have.
College campus tours allow youth the opportunity to access information on how to pursue future academic goals. Campus tours also allow youth the opportunity to gather information on available majors, programs, clubs, and financial aid that universities may have to offer prospective students. Campus tours provide youth with increased knowledge of how higher educational systems function as well as the resources available to Native American students, which can empower youth to pursue their future academic goals.
If interested in attending or for more information, please contact the Youth and Family Department at 707-586-6100.
Lena Garcia
Tribal TANF of Sonoma and Marin
Diabetes Awareness
SCIHP Health/Wellness Notes Sonoma County Indian Health Project, Inc. Chandra Matthews, RDN, CDE/Healthy Traditions
8
November is American Diabetes Month. Here are a few important diabetes statistics:
30.3 million Americans, or 9.4% of the population have diabetes.
23.1 million are diagnosed and 7.2 million have not been diagnosed.
The incidence of diabetes is 2.2 times higher in American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
7.4% of non-Hispanic whites have diabetes while 16% of American Indians/Alaskan Natives have diabetes, which is the highest age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes among all U.S. racial and ethnic groups.
There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 affects approximately 5 % of people with diabetes. Diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert carbohydrates (sugar included) into energy that your body can use. People with type 1 diabetes cannot survive without insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. This is when the body cannot use insulin properly. Type 2 can sometimes be managed with diet and exercise alone. However, many people will require medication in addition to diet and exercise. Medication can be oral medication or insulin or a combination of both. In the past, there were limited options regarding medications and the treatment of diabetes. Today, we have a large menu of medication options. Talk to your health care provider about what medication is best for you.
Regardless of the type of diabetes or the medicine needed, a healthy diet is important in the management
of blood sugar levels. A healthy diet for someone with diabetes is the same for someone without diabetes. The following can help you when planning your daily meals and snacks. 1. Variety. Everyday, include foods from all food
groups. This includes whole grains, lean meats and proteins, fruits and vegetables, low fat and nonfat dairy products, and healthy fats and oils.
2. Make ½ your plate non-starchy vegetables. These include things like tomatoes, broccoli, string beans, carrots, leafy greens, bell peppers, and many more.
3. Choose healthy carbohydrates. Carbohydrates will convert to blood sugar, but some provide better nutrition quality. A few examples include whole grains, beans, fruits, and reduced fat dairy products. Less healthy choices include sweets such as cakes, cookies, candy, and processed foods like chips, and refined grains such as white bread and rice.
4. Limit dietary fat. Fat has twice the amount of calories as protein and carbohydrates, and can make weight control difficult. It is also important to choose healthy fats like olive and canola oil, over shortening and margarine.
5. Limit your intake of salt. Limiting salt intake can help control your blood pressure. Most importantly, avoid the salt shaker including sea salt. Other things to limit include processed foods such as canned soups and processed lunch meats. Spice up your food with onion, garlic, and other herbs.
6. Eat slowly and focus on your food. This will help limit your portions which is important for weight management.
7 10
Jenna Brager, Tribal Land Manager and Measure M Campaign Manager (707) 566-2288, Ext. 117
Environmental Department
Vote on November 6th – Yes on M, Parks for All! Dear Tribal Citizens, the November 6th election is around the corner! The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria have put a generous amount of resources behind the ballot campaign to support Sonoma County parks and encourage your yes vote on Measure M on November 6th.
Sonoma County Regional Parks has been struggling to keep up with maintenance, improvements, and parks access. Last fall’s fires only exacerbated these challenges. Our Regional Parks system offers us an abundant 56 parks, trails, and beaches here in Sonoma County. These beautiful natural resources attract 5 million visitors a year. Park attendance has risen 38% since 2010, park land has increased by 6,000 acres, and funding simply has not kept pace with growth.
If passed, Measure M funds will maintain our parks, trails, and open spaces. Measure M will help protect water quality, reduce wildfire risk, protect fish and wildlife habitat, and improve park access for all of us. Measure M will also support neighborhood parks in cities.
What exactly is Measure M? It’s a one-eighth cent sales tax on taxable items only (not groceries). That’s equivalent to 12.5 cents on every $100 spent. It will generate $11.5 million every year for parks and parks only. With regular audits and a citizen’s oversight committee, we are assured that every penny will go to our parks – two-thirds to our regional parks, one-third to
our city parks. Measure M requires 2/3 of the vote to pass, so
every vote really does count, including yours. The campaign needs lot of volunteers. If you have a few hours and are inspired to get involved in this important movement, please contact the campaign at 707-303-6210. Many activities are taking place at FIGR offices in Rohnert Park. You can learn more at www.sonomacountyparksforall.org.
Thank you for your support of Yes on Measure M – Parks for All! And thank you for thinking ahead about offering opportunities for future generations to enjoy our parks and open spaces, just as we do now.
Jenna Brager
6 11
2018 Cultural Workshops: Native foods of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo The workshops will be taught by Kathleen Rose Smith, Tribal Elder. She is the author of Enough for All: Foods of My Dry
Creek Pomo and Bodega Miwuk People. For any questions and to RSVP, please contact: Matthew Johnson, Library
Coordinator at (707) 566-2288, ext. 623, or [email protected].
Class 3: New and Old Way Acorn Making
Old way processing and cooking — Sunday, December 9
Class 4: Roasted Peppernuts
Gathering and Processing — Saturday, November 3
Stone Tool Gathering — Sunday, November 18
Greetings Tribal Citizens. I wanted to take time in this article to remind everyone of some important information regarding the FIGR scholarship. Whether you have received the FIGR scholarship in the past, are currently receiving it, or plan to apply, this information can help. First, it is important for you to completely fill out the scholarship application with
legible and accurate information. If we are unable to read your information, this will delay the process. When you provide an official schedule and grades, the following should be clearly legible: Student name, ID number, number of credits/units the student is enrolled in, and the institution name. If you do not have access to a printer and are sending your information via email, you should be sending PDF attachments. If you need assistance in figuring out how to get this information into a PDF file format, please ask your Admissions Department to assist you. As for accuracy, scholarships are mailed directly to your institution and it takes extra time for the Education Department to find out where outside scholarship payments should be sent to your specific institution. If that information is not filled out on your application, your scholarship is not considered complete, and therefore will be delayed.
Secondly, although we do accept late applications, it is important to know that the completed applications received on or before the deadline date will be processed during the time set for scholarship processing. It is important to note that when applications are received after the deadline date, the scholarship processing schedule could be delayed.
Also, when a student enters college/career and
technical school, the institution they attend follows the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Although parents are guaranteed access to student records, once the student becomes an adult, this changes. The same goes for the Tribe. Once a Tribal Citizen is 18 years of age, they are considered an adult and communication changes from the parents to the young adult citizen. This helps to prevent miscommunication between the Tribe and family. Although we do encourage family support, often times those younger citizens may not be communicating the entirety of a situation with their family, which can cause confusion and sometimes anger that is then transferred to the Education Department. We are all here to assist Tribal Citizens on their journey to reaching their educational and career goals. The clearer the communication, the better the team.
Lastly, the Education Department will reach out to students whose applications are incomplete and request the missing information. If you do not provide that information after the second request, your application will not be processed. This means if you send in a scholarship application with missing information, we will not begin the process until we receive that information. So if you are wondering why your scholarship has not been sent to your school, be sure to check your email, voicemail, or whatever you identified on your application as your contact information.
I hope that this information is helpful and if you should have any questions or need clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the Education Department.
Education Department
Patricia Miraz
Patricia Miraz, FIGR Scholarship and Academic/Career Counselor (707) 586-6100, Ext. 628
The Sacred Sites Protection Committee is currently accepting applications for several open positions. If you are
interested in becoming a Sacred Sites Protection Committee member, applications are available at the First Floor
Reception desk, or can be sent by email upon request. The committee meetings are held on the second Monday of
the month at 6:00 pm at the Tribal Office.
Committee Applications can be sent by postal mail or hand-delivered to: 6400 Redwood Drive, Ste. 300 Rohnert
Park, CA 94928 or emailed to [email protected]. For any questions or for further information, please
contact: Lynn Silva, Interim Chief Operations Officer at 707-566-2288, ext. 105.
5 12
Greetings Tribal Citizens. Once again, the holidays and cool weather are upon us. This also means, for those living in California, that the end of the anti-price gouging law enacted by Governor Jerry Brown may be near, as it could be lifted on December 4, 2018. The law was initially put into place following the devastating
wildfires in October 2017, then extended in April 2018, in order to prohibit the raising of costs for essential goods and services, following a declaration of emergency. The law applies to things such as food and drink, gasoline, medical supplies, building materials and hotels.
Most concerning, for those residing in California, is the fact that it also applies to rental housing. Since the wildfires, landlords have been unable to raise prices for their rental properties by more than 10% of the price listed prior to the fires, unless they wanted to face large fines and jail time. This means that a 2-BR rental that was listed or renting for $1,500 per month could not be raised more than $150 while the law was in effect.
Unless Governor Brown decides to extend the law again, as of December 4th, landlords will be able to raise rental costs to any amount they wish, even for current renters, as long as they give the proper notification and are not subject to rent control. This is deeply concerning, especially when one considers the lack of available housing in most areas, as well as the already exorbitant rental costs.
The Housing Services Department has offered tips and advice throughout the last year to renters, and thought that now might be a good time to reiterate some of them:
Review your lease. Be sure that you are abiding by all of the rules, and meeting your obligations as a tenant. It’s best to not put yourself in a position of receiving a notice to vacate due to a lease violation.
Unless there are health and safety concerns in your current rental, now is not the best time to look into moving. If you can, stay where you are until the market changes. There’s no harm in looking at available housing, but don’t make any rash decisions in terms of giving notice, until you have an idea of the costs.
Be sure to communicate with your landlord, both by phone and in writing. If you’re going to be late with the rent, call the landlord right away. If there is an issue that needs the landlord’s attention for repair, call and then follow the conversation up with a letter. Good communication can go a long way to maintain a good tenant/landlord relationship.
For more information, or to answer any questions you might have, please contact the Housing Services Department.
Home Rehabilitation Program The Housing Services Department offers the Home
Rehabilitation Program to assist low-income, Tribal Citizen homeowners in making residential building improvements. The purpose of the program is to assist Native American homeowners by removing and/or repairing defects in substandard housing, and ensuring compliance with health and safety codes. The program gives highest priority to Elders in need of assistance, followed by Disabled Head of Household and families with children, but all qualifying Tribal Citizens are encouraged to apply. If your home is in need of repairs or updating, please contact the Housing Services Department to begin the application process. For more information on how to apply, and what to expect from the Program, please see the following details, as well as the flyer on page 10.
Danielle Salinger
Housing Services Department Ralph Sepulveda, Director (707) 566-2288, Ext. 113 Danielle Salinger, Assistant (707) 566-2288, Ext.114
October 1, 2018, marked the beginning of the 2019 fiscal year for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), however, funding is not immediately available. If you are struggling to pay for your heating and/or cooling costs, or you would like some tips on how to keep your costs down in the meantime, please contact the Housing Services Department.
4 13
Elders Health Benefit Program 2019 Presentation Much appreciation is extended to all the FIGR elders that were able to complete and return the 2017 “Elder Health Care and Insurance Coverage” survey. From this survey, 178 elders completed the two-page questionnaire. A large majority
of the responses received indicated a positive interest in participating in a FIGR sponsored medical insurance plan: 128 elders reported, “yes”. Interestingly, 121 elders also indicated satisfaction with their current health insurance coverage plan. The 4 elders that did not have any health insurance coverage are under the age of 65. From all the responses received and needs noted on the surveys, your Tribal Council representatives and FIGR staff diligently reviewed responses and needs that elders shared. As a result of the surveys, Tribal Council approved the Elders Health Benefit Program to go into effect on January 1, 2019. On December 14, 2018, all FIGR elders are invited to attend the Elders Health Benefit Program presentation. The presentation will be held at the Graton Resort & Casino. Please call me, your FIGR Elder and Family Services Advocate for more information.
Does Medicare cover the cost of a flu shot? Yes, yearly influenza vaccination is 100% covered
by Medicare, with no deductible or co-pay. So if you get your flu shot from a health provider that accepts Medicare payment, there should be no cost. Stay healthy by contacting your doctor’s office to schedule a quick visit for a flu shot.
Family members and caregivers caring for the elderly also are encouraged to get vaccinated so as to avoid transmitting the flu virus to elders with compromised immune systems.
Dates to Remember:
November 4, 2018: Daylight Savings Time, “fall back” by one hour November 6, 2018: Election Day, remember to vote, your vote counts! November 12, 2018: Veteran’s Day Holiday November 22, 2018: Thanksgiving Holiday December 1, 2018: FIGR Election Day December 14, 2018: Elders Health Benefit Program Presentation December 15, 2018: Elders Event
Elder Family Advocate Diana Murray, Elder and Family Advocate (707) 566-2288, Ext. 135
Diana Murray
2019 General Welfare Benefits and Per Capita Distributions Please note Tribal Council has approved a monthly distribution schedule beginning January 2019 for both General Welfare Benefits (GWB) and Per Capita distributions. GWB will be distributed on the second to last Friday of every month beginning in
January 2019. GWB is applicable to all adult and minor Tribal Citizens. There is no tax on GWB distributions, so you will receive the full amount with no taxes taken out (GWB distributions are not considered income under the federal Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014, 26 USC 139E). Per Capita payments (less taxes) will be distributed on the last Friday of every month starting January 2019.
Both distributions are available for automatic deposit to your bank account instead of by check. If you would like to sign up for automatic deposit or if you have any questions, please contact me, CFO Steve Garwood, at (707) 566-2288, ext.126.
Fiscal Department Steve Garwood, Chief Financial Officer (707) 566-2288, Ext. 126
Steve Garwood
2019 Distribution Schedule
General Welfare Benefits
Per Capita
January 18 January 25
February 15 Febraury 22
March 22 March 29
April 19 April 26
May 24 May 31
June 21 June 28
July 19 July 26
August 23 August 30
September 20 September 26
October 18 October 25
November 22 November 27
December 20 December 27
Schedule of Tribal Council and General Council Meetings and Tribal Citizen Events—2018
14 3
*November Friday, Nov 16: 5:00pm Tribal Council *December Friday, Dec 14: 2:00pm Tribal Council Friday, Dec 14 : 5:00pm General Council Sat., Dec 15: 1:00pm Elders Event *Please note date, time, and/or venue
Tribal Council meetings are held at the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Tribal Office
6400 Redwood Drive, Suite 300 Rohnert Park, CA 94928
707-566-2288
General Council meetings are held at Ballroom D, Graton Resort and Casino
288 Golf Course Dr. West Rohnert Park, CA 94928
707-584-5466
In Loving Memory of Lupe Boyd
REMINDER…. ELECTION DAY IS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2018 10am to 2pm
Tribal Citizens can vote at the Tribal Office,
-or- Tribal Citizens can vote by mail. Joan Vallis, Election Board Chair
Lupe Boyd of Seattle, Washington, passed away on September 4, 2018, at the age of 84 surrounded by her loving family. Lupe was born on December 7,1933, to Benjamin and Louisa Howard in Ukiah, California. She was the youngest of 4 siblings, Renona, Benjamin, and Lloyd. She loved fashion and jazz; Billy Eckstine being one of her favorites. Purple was her favorite color.
In Seattle, Lupe met and married her husband John Boyd, of 56 years. Together they raised five children in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle: Anthony, Tina, Gina, and John Jr. She is preceded in death by her husband John and her daughter Yvette. John was in the Army and the family was stationed at Fort Lawton (Seattle, Washington), Fort Ord (Monterey, California), and in Germany.
Lupe’s passion was raising her children and teaching them self-respect. She also appreciated education and gave her children many books to read such as Don Quixote, books on archaeology of Ancient Rome, Anthropology, as well as Plato. She learned Spanish and some Portuguese because of her love of Bossa Nova.
She was a generous person with a good heart. She loved children, especially babies—she would just beam so brightly whenever she would see children. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren meant everything to her. She will be missed by many, and all of her children feel fortunate to have had her as their mother.
A wife, a mother, a grandma too, This is the legacy we have from you. You taught us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might. A stronger person would be hard to find, And in your heart, you were always kind. You fought for us all in one way or another, Not just as a wife, not just as a mother.
For all of us you gave your best, Now the time has come for you to rest.
2018 Distribution
Schedule
Category 4th Quarter
GWB November 30
Per Capita December 3
From the Tribal Chairman continued from page 1
2
I’m very pleased to introduce myself to you. My name is Libby Watanabe and I’m Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimpshian Alaska Native raised in Juneau, Alaska. My husband Clint and I have a twenty-three year old son named Justin. My parents are Gerry Brown and Jim Young, and my late grandparents are
Lena and Judson Brown. I enjoy Native singing and dancing, and spending time weaving cedar and spruce baskets, and wool regalia when possible. I have
devoted my career to working with and supporting tribes in Alaska, California, and Washington. I’m very honored to have been selected to serve as the Executive Director of Governmental Operations. I will strive to carry out the mission and goals of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, so we can work for the social and economic betterment of all citizens, and foster the value of education. I look forward to meeting and interacting with citizens, the Tribal Council, and employees within the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Gunal.cheesh (thank-you).
Libby Watanabe Executive Director (ED)
wanted to hide the truth and now it was out. I contacted my great-aunt in Newport News and she put me in touch with my grandmother, who was surprised -- and not particularly happy -- to hear from me, her grandson. My mother, as it turned out, had a younger brother who I also was able to phone and who I eventually met. Of course I was curious if he had any news about who my father might be. He said my mother pointed to a Mexican stable boy where she kept her horses but that I reminded him of a “Hawaiian-type” guy who he remembered taking notes onto the football field for his sister. He could only remember that the guy’s name was Emilio.
I went immediately to Laguna Beach and found the high school where an “Emilio” played football. In a yearbook I found a picture -- and a full name -- that would turn out to be my father, Emilio Hilario. I found a brother. And after interviewing several people who knew the truth about my mother’s pregnancy, I found all of my father’s family. Most importantly, I found early on my grandfather, Emiliano Hilario, a Filipino immigrant who had managed the kitchen of a fancy restaurant before he retired. On the phone -- my first phone call to him -- he informed me that my father had died only months before. My grandmother who had also, unfortunately for me, passed away earlier kept a photo album that my grandfather showed me when I went to visit him. He had said that my grandmother was “an eskimo.” Looking at the album, I was stunned to see pictures of Indian folks I knew growing up in Santa Rosa. “Grandpa,” I said, “these people, my relatives, they’re not Eskimos, they Indians.” He responded, “Eskimos, Indians, they’re all the same.” I thought immediately that he was confused, mixed up. But he wasn’t. My grandmother’s grandfather was Tom Smith. Tom Smith was actually Tomas Comtechal, his mother a Coast Miwok woman, and his father, “Comtechal,” the son of a Kashaya Pomo woman and an Aleut and Russian father.
So, thanks to my family friend, I indeed found all of my family. Eventually, Tribal elders would call on me to lead the battle to help the Tribe get restored as a federally recognized American Indian Tribe. Today, I
am running unopposed for my fourteenth consecutive term as Tribal Chairman. We are restoring our culture, our aboriginal birthright. We are educating our young, taking care of our elders. We own one of the most lucrative Indian casinos in the country.
But the story isn’t over. Recently, in fact only a couple of months ago, I did
a book reading from my new book, How a Mountain Was Made, at the Sonoma County Museum. As I was signing books after my talk and reading, I looked up and saw a familiar face in the line. “Do you remember me? Do you know who I am?”
I lost track of my friend years ago -- distance and time. My adopted mother Mary Sarris, and my other siblings, had passed away, and I had been busy with my teaching career and the Tribe. But after more than 20 years, I recognized my friend immediately. As it turned out, he moved to Sonoma County, of all places, a little over two years ago. I wondered why he hadn’t contacted me. Later, over dessert that night, he told me: “I wasn’t sure who you would be after all these years -- I mean I read about you all the time in the newspaper.” I couldn’t believe that he might think I would not want to see him -- that I wouldn’t be eternally grateful for his family’s companionship during hard times, and of course for finding my family.
“Well,” he said, “there’s something else, and the reason why I didn’t contact you.”
“What’s that?” I asked. “I have a not-so-good cancer diagnosis. You have
lost so many people. I didn’t want to come back into your life and have you have to lose another one.”
I could hardly contain my emotions. I couldn’t believe what he said. I told him how thankful I was he approached me during the reading, and thankful he told me of his illness. I can be grateful for the time we can spend together now. I can give thanks to the man who was such a good friend, who helped me find my family -- the man, from his own kindness and gratitude, in turn, played a part in the rebirth of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.
Give thanks. It’s the season.
Sacred Sites Committee 6pm
Citizenship Committee 5pm
Housing Committee 5pm
Tribal Council 5pm
Events Planning
Committee 5:30pm
Election Board 5pm
Tribal Garden Committee
6pm
Basketry Class 10am
Veteran's Day Observed Tribal Office closed
◄ ◄ ◄ Tribal Office Closed ► ► ►
GWB Mailed
Citizenship Committee 5pm
Housing Committee 5pm
Elders Health Benefit Program Presentation
10:30am
Tribal Council—2pm General Council—5pm
Per Cap
Mailed
Events Planning
Committee 5:30pm
FIGR Election Day 10 am—2 pm
Tribal Office closed
Election Board 5pm
Children’s Holiday Party 3 pm
Elders Event
1pm
Winter Celebration
12pm
Midterm Election Day Your Vote Counts!!
1
Hello Tribal Citizens. Here it is November already. 2018 has flown by at record speed. Next month I will write my year-end report, providing a review of the year’s accomplishments regarding our many departments and programs as well as our business, the Graton Resort and Casino. Now I want to take a moment to meditate on the notion of
Thanksgiving -- no, not the actual holiday but of giving thanks. Gratitude
was once a major aspect of our culture, and we must make sure that as a Tribe -- and as individuals in a Tribe -- we work to be grateful. Being grateful isn’t just a matter of saying “thank you” but of passing forward goodwill and good fortune, and not just to friends and family or at certain times of year, but every chance we get. Let goodwill and gratitude be an integral part of our lived lives. Many of you enjoy the casino and certainly all adults in the Tribe receive per caps because of the success we enjoy largely as a result of the hard work of so many Team Members who work at the casino. When you valet park your car, do you tip the valet who has been parking and retrieving cars for eight hours a shift? Do you tip wait staff in the restaurants? Do you say thank you to the porter emptying ash trays or cleaning the restrooms? Who are you as a citizen of the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria? Are you generous? Thankful? Remember, greed is always food off another’s plate. Lack of gratitude is a cold shoulder to a handshake, a frown to a smile.
Let me tell you a story. Forty years ago my brother Pat was dying of
leukemia. He spent much of the last nine months of his life in the oncology ward in a San Francisco hospital. In the room next to his was a young woman his age suffering from the same disease. She was a brilliant
woman, a graduate of Stanford and Yale, with a bright future in law. My brother was a hard working carpenter. Their lives -- and subsequent career choices -- were different but, as a result of their illness and the long days they shared in the oncology ward, they became good friends. The families -- her family and my family -- became close also. We visited and talked. The mothers took turns looking after their sick children. My mother was working at J.C. Penney’s yet did her best to get to San Francisco every day. She -- all of us -- were so grateful that there was another “mother” at the hospital when we couldn’t be there.
I told the young woman’s brother that I was adopted. I told him what I knew at the time, what I was able to glean from my original birth certificate and birth records -- my birth mother’s name and where she was born, and that my birth father was listed as “unknown non-white,” the records further suggesting that he was likely “Mexican” or “Spanish.” Not much more was said about my birth parents. What more could I say? Since my birth mother died 10 days after I was born, I figured I would never be able to trace my family. (Remember, we didn’t have the internet 40 years ago.) The young woman died in September, and my brother died three weeks later the second week of October. The families stayed in touch, but since my family lived in Santa Rosa and the other family in Houston, we clearly didn’t see one another as often.
About six months later I got a call from the young woman’s brother. “I found your family for you,” he said. “I wanted to do something for you since you all were so good with my sister.” Fancying himself a pseudo-detective of sorts, he located my birth mother’s aunt in Newport News, Virginia, the city where my mother was born. My great-aunt had been told by her sister, my grandmother, that my mother died as a result of a horseback riding accident (my birth mother was just 17 at the time of her death). Clearly, my grandmother
(Continued on page 2)
Newsletter of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Volume 15, Number 179 ~ November 2018
Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris
From the Tribal Chairman .................................. p. 1 New Staff ............................................................. p. 2 Memorial .............................................................. p. 3 Elder Family Advocate ....................................... p. 4 Fiscal Department .............................................. p. 4 Housing Services ............................................... p. 5 Education Department ....................................... p. 6
Environmental Department ................................ p. 7 TANF .................................................................... p. 8 SCIHP ................................................................... p. 8 Fall Celebration 2018 Photos ............................. p. 9 Announcements and Flyers ............................... p. 10 Tribal Meetings and Events in 2018 .................. p. 14 Tribal Calendar .................................................... p. 15
Inside this issue:
From the Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris
