Bear River Newsletter 2022 SPRING

ENROLLMENT & ROADS March

Bear River began the year with 654 Tribal members and ended with 656 as of March 2022. Tribal Enrollment Dates: BEAR RIVER 2022
Minors that are 17 years of age or younger and newborns will still be able to enroll at Bear River should enrollment
Spring
criteria be met.
January 1-March 31 NEWSLETTER Edition

April 1- June 30
July 1-September 30
October 1- December 31
A safety crosswalk from the Community Center to the
Recreation Center is being planned as well as sealing and stripping all roads and parking lots

CONTACT INFORMATION

266 Keisner Road, Loleta, CA 95551
Phone: 707-733-1900 • Fax: 707-733-1723

Chairwoman Josefina Cortez Ext. 1174 or [email protected]
Ext. 1204 or [email protected]
Vice-Chairman Edwin Smith
Ext. 1359 or [email protected]
Secretary Edward Bowie Ext. 1327 or [email protected]

Treasurer Vacant Ext. 1203 or [email protected]

Member-at-Large Darrell Sherman

Member-at-Large Sheila Moon-Weist

Member-at-Large Vacant

20

TABLE OF CONTENTS GRANT UPDATE

Cover Page, Pg. 1 I have not had time to write many grants lately, but in January I submitted
Table of Contents, Pg. 2 Fiscal Year 2021 Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive application for a
Upcoming Election, Pg. 3 proposed townhome project of 4 units, this is a project in addition to the
Tribal Administrators, Pgs. 4-5 existing 6 units set to be constructed this summer
Childcare & Education, Pg. 6-7
Tribal Court, Pgs. 8-9 Most of my time is spent doing grants management tasks which entails
communications with directors and federal agencies, looking up info on cost
THPO, Pgs. 10-11 and programmatic allowability & other grant guidelines, budget tracking,
Events & News Pg.12 analyzing detail reports, navigating/tending agencies’ portals, identifying places
Bear & Coyote Exhibit Pg.13 internal controls could improve, assisting with reporting, assisting with grants
Environmental & Natural Resources Pg.14 close-outs, and monitoring for compliance with grant regulations.
Tribal Gaming & Finance Pg.16
The below graph shows federal grants and direct payments that have gone to
Facilities, Pg. 17 the tribe since ‘08. (Source: Usaspending.gov). As you can see there has been a
Housing, Pg. 18 large increase in the amount of federal funding in recent years that needs to be
Tribal Police, Pg. 19 managed— in part to COVID relief funds as well as an increase of grants overall.
Information Technology, Pg. 20
Social Services . 21 Some good news was that in November the CTAS grants were
Recreation Center, Pg. 22 awarded to the tribe. Department of Justice’s Coordinated Tribal
Grants, Pg. 23 Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), (PA#1 and PA#3). Purpose Area
Contact Info & Enrollment & Roads, Pg. 24 (PA) 1 is for a new Officer, vehicle, and implementing community
policing activities. PA3 is for court strategic planning, AOD drug
2 court implementation, and court document development.

23

RECREATION CENTER UPCOMING ELECTION

As a reminder, all Bear River Rancheria tribal members do have the option to sign up for their To update your address please contact please Jim Mcginnis (707) 733-1900 Ext. 1223
membership. We just need your membership agreement form here at the facility and a copy of your Election Candidate Form March 12. form time to be determined more
information to follow.
tribal id card for our files.
We are currently offering the Silver (55 plus) class with Amanda for all fitness levels Mon & Wed 3
8am, Tue & Thu 1030am included in your membership. Amanda is also available for individual

training.
For those who are not quite 55 yet have the option to sign up with Teresa Tue & Thu 9am, Tue & Thu

12pm for an all levels full body workout. Teresa is also available for individual trainings sessions.

The Gymnasium was able to start our very first Youth Basketball league and it has been a learning
experience. The expectation was to offer something for the youth to participate in while improving
their skills and knowledge of the sport. With a goal of every child being able to play for a team but
also take experience with them to their next season or sport. We will continue to improve as each
week goes by and will be able to have a more successful turn out next season. Our upcoming goal for

the next quarter is to provide more ongoing clinics for the youth and hopefully manage an adult
league option. Volleyball is also in sights for the youth here before summer, please keep an eye out for

more information.Sport Complex:
The past 3 to 4 months have been trying times with this weather and we were able to get 8 teams to

sign up for the Adult coed softball league. We look forward to spring coming and having more
activities. We would like to welcome College of the Redwoods softball team back for their home
games this season, as well as Cal Poly Humboldt softball team for a game or two. There will be some

youth soccer clinics soon, as well.

22

TRIBAL SOCIAL SERVICES

Teresa Ballew (P1) Wendell Freeman, Jr. (P1) The Social Services office is open! We require We continue to process the following benefits:
temperature checks at the door. Stop by from 12-4 Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment support:
(Mattole - Bear River, Hoopa, Yurok, Redwood Creek) (Mattole - Bear River) during our drop in time for a snack!We have books Wraparound care and coordination with various
Tribal Administrator Assistant Tribal Administrator available for children too! grants and resources available including: referrals
for treatment, financial means to access detox
[email protected] [email protected] Meet our new Staff Welcome our newest Social and treatment. Aftercare and support to
O: (707) 733-1900 X-1333 O: (707) 733-1900 X-1328 Worker Meri Black. Meri’s prior work was at the transition to healthy clean living.
C: (707) 497-4739 C: (707) 599-3348 Rio Dell Community Resource Center, where she
worked with community partners to help serve the ICWA Family Assistance Policy-Provides case
Please let us introduce ourselves. Rio Dell community and the greater Eel River Valley. management and prevention services to children
Her accomplishments in her prior position include and families who could be at risk for removal or
While a lot of you may already know Wendell and me, we look forward to meeting you in our new roles at coordinating the food program and the Rio Dell that have been removed. Also provides $100
Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria as your new Tribal Administrator Team. Community Garden. She hopes to be of service to clothing allowance per child per placement and
Bear River Tribal members as an ICWA social $50 a week in food cards as well as $50 per
In the first three weeks of being in our new roles we have begun the process of diving into each department to worker, and looks forward to meeting the month in gas.
identify their goals, needs, opportunities, concerns, etc. This is to better support and understand the community.
Elders Assistance- Provides home visits and
department needs. It is critical that these departments run smooth and have all of the tools available to them to You can reach Meri at 707-733-1900 ext 1364, social outings including luncheons. The elder
do their jobs, so that you feel confident in our Government. We know that we have our work cut out for us, or on her cell at 707-599-7083. social worker Taylor Priliman is available to
however we are up to the task and believe that we have a lot to offer that supports the Mission and Vision of assist elders with meal delivery, referrals,
Bear River. Because Wendell and I have a vested interest in the success of Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Upcoming Classes: cleaning supplies, and birthday gift cards. The
The Social Services Building is located at 588 Singley elder assistance policy is a fund to provide
Rancheria we feel confident that our efforts will not go unnoticed. Rd. All classes are available in person or via Zoom services that support quality of life while
Please call us at (707) 733-1900 option 2 to register! maintaining the health and wellness needs of
A small glimpse of what we are working towards that could have a great impact to our success include better Motherhood and Fatherhood is Sacred-Every Tuesday elders.
communication, more inter-departmental collaboration, better flow or creation of processes and more access from 4-6 pm
Seeking Safety- Every Thursday from 4-5pm Healthy
to community driven events. Families- March 23rd, April 27th and May 25th from
4-6pm
We look forward to continued collaboration with all of you! Please feel free to reach out to us at the contact Food Distribution- February 25th, 2022 11-2pm
information above if you have any questions. (future dates to be announced)
Elders Luncheon- March 9th, 12-2pm @ the Tish
Non Community Center

4 21

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATORS

Our IT Manager position has recently become IT Department Employees and Teresa Ballew, as a proud member of the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, I also descend from
vacant so we’ve been working on picking up the Contact Information: Hoopa, Yurok and Redwood Creek. I was born to Duane James Bowie, Sr. and Paulette Bowie (Masten).
pieces to make sure things continue to operate as My maternal grandparents are awok Paul Masten and Paloma Masten (Parks) and my paternal
smoothly as possible. We’re hoping to get back to IT Interim Manager – Dylan Orr – grandparents are awok Joseph Bowie and Margaret Bowie (Moon). I had the great opportunity to grow up
a full staff soon so that we can better provide our [email protected] with my bonus father awok Melvin James, Jr. (Yo-Yo) in Loleta on the old Table Bluff Rancheria. As most
services and have enough time to provide our full
focus to each project as they come up. Systems Administrator – Vacant – of you know I have many siblings (7 brothers and 2 sisters). My husband and I have been inseparable for 25
+years and have five amazing beautiful kind-hearted children from ages 22 to 7. After graduating from
They say that when one door closes another one Help Desk Technician – Ron Homer –
opens. In addition to our own department’s [email protected] Loleta Elementary and Fortuna Union High School I left Humboldt County for the big city in Pomona, CA
staffing changes, we’ve also got a new Tribal (right outside of Los Angeles) for business school. Upon returning home I began my career working in
Administrator and Assistant Tribal Administrator Help Desk Technician – Jesus Quezada
so this is a great opportunity to have a fresh [email protected] Indian Country for the Yurok Tribe in Administration, Social Services and Human Resources, all of which
perspective on matters and to re-evaluate our I loved. My career led me towards Human Resources and quickly excelled into management. I worked for
processes. We’re looking forward to further United Indian Health Services for 14 years in Human Resources and have sat on the United Indian Health
developing our standard operating procedures so Board of Directors for the last 6 years. While sitting on the Board of Directors I have sat as the Secretary,
as to provide clear and fair practices, rather than Treasurer and currently the Vice Chairperson. In addition to working in HR for Bear River and UIHS, I
rely on discretionary decisions. This will help to have had the opportunity to spread my wings in Education, Hospital environment, and Community based
eliminate confusion and provide expectations elder care. I am passionate about the success of our Tribe and the opportunities that it affords our people
within and for our department. and look forward to using my background and expertise to help us move into the future. When I am not
working, you will find me on a soccer field, baseball and softball field, basketball court, and more recently a
Cybersecurity is an ever-present threat and we’re football field…my family is my world and I wouldn’t want to live this life any other way. I look forward to
doing what we can to stay on top of it. Sometimes
this has the benefit of improving other areas as meeting those of you I haven’t had the opportunity to meet just yet.
well. Our Community Center has been around for With Respect, Teresa
quite some time now, so some of our older
equipment will no longer be receiving patches and Wendell Freeman, Jr., I am enrolled member of the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria. I was
updates and thus become more vulnerable. To born and raised in McKinleyville California at the Northern edge of our aboriginal territory where I
remedy this situation, we’re looking into
upgrading the building’s WiFi to make it more attended elementary, middle and finally high school, graduating in 1992. I started working at a young age
secure, but this has the added benefit of inherently with a paper route in middle school to part time employment when I started high school moving in to a
increase coverage and speed. supervisory position before graduating from high school. I quickly moved from an entry level supervisory
position to Assistant Manager and then store Manager leading to being recruited up to Oregon to take on a
role as General Manager for a restaurant in 1997. I worked over the years in to an Area Supervisor position

in the food service industry managing 5 locations and anywhere from 75 to 100 team members and
eventually bringing me full circle back to my home in Humboldt County in 2011. I came to work at our
tribe in 2013 part time and moved quickly in to the Transportation Director position with the tribe. In
2016 I was elected to the Tribal Council and represented our tribe and tribal members until January 30,
2022 when I applied for and was selected as the Assistant Tribal Administrator. When I am not working

my husband of 26 years, our dog Gus, and I can be found somewhere camping and enjoying the great
outdoors. We are all three huge Oregon Duck fans and enjoy watching all college sports when it comes to

the Ducks. I am honored to take on this role with our Tribe and look forward to serving the Tribe for
many years to come.

With Respect, Wendell

20 5

CHILDCARE & TRIBAL POLICE

Hello Friends and Family! Our tutor Ken Brooker has been attending Loleta Hello Bear River Band community, The Department recently hired two new officers. First, I
elementary twice weekly to tutor native american As we near the season of spring 2022, I would like to would like to briefly introduce newly hired Sergeant Patrick
The Education, Child Care, and Library Services students. He is also available by zoom if requested reflect on the accomplishments the Bear River Band Bishop. Sgt. Bishop brings a wealth of law enforcement
Department has been busy this past quarter for out-of-area tribal members and can even help experience. His previous 19 years of law enforcement have
awarding stabilization grants to child care and with GED study prep. Please give him a call to set Police Department has made: been served in Humboldt County with the Humboldt
afterschool programs within the county. As of right up an appointment if you or your student need California Law Enforcement Telecommunications County Sheriff’s Office and Eureka Police Department,
now we have been able to award and stabilize 19 academic support. System (CLETS) application is complete and submitted Secondly, I would like to introduce Officer Kaleb Cohoon.
Child Care programs, totaling 1,069 children. We to the CLETS Board, California Department of Justice. Officer Cohoon recently served within the Bear River Band
have been partnering with neighboring tribes to Currently we are assessing the needs of our The CLETS board responded via email February 15, Police Department where he had a brief absence, but is now
provide much needed Covid support during this community to offer you more engaging programs 2020 regarding the status of our application. They back ready to serve the Bear River community.
time in the way of masks and sanitation.Currently and services designed to meet the needs of the advised our application is missing some security As mentioned previously, the Bear River Band Police
the education assistant Leslie Perez is working on the people. Please keep an eye on the website and information that can be easily adjusted. We set a date of Department is dedicated to providing the upmost quality
IMLS library grant with Barry Brenard and Trista social media, as that is where you can find the most February 23, 2022 to work closely with Bear River IT to service. With that said, training is how we obtain these
Clark. Leslie Perez was able to successfully apply for up to date information and latest news on program remedy the missing information in our application. practices and put them into formation. The Department is
a donation from Oculus and we were awarded an developments. Tribal council passed the motion to approve the Justice set to attend trainings to comply with POST audits. This
additional 15 Oculus Headsets, enabling us to reach Center design. The Justice Center will house Tribal means attending training in the fields of: Evidence
more Humboldt County students. Leslie is also Gratitude, Sarah Sand Education, Child Care, Police, Tribal Court, and Tribal Social Services. This is technicians, Defensive tactics, Range master, EVOC, Field
available to help with filling out your FAFSA, please much need infrastructure to properly house our staff Training Officers, and areas in Mental Health and Human
call her to schedule an appointment! and Library Services Director and equipment. It is the current goal of the police Trafficking. Knowledge is power and the more our officers
department to be able to pass a POST audit. This will are trained the higher the quality of service we can provide.
The Education Director and Loleta Elementary allow POST recognition and the ability to potentially We are currently advertising for two positions within the
School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) are Bear River Band Police Department. We an open position in
working closely together to educate our students on obtain California Police Officer status. the form of Conservation Warden. This position directly
the health risks associated with vaping. This goes The police department is dedicated to providing the reports within the chain of command of the police
hand in hand with what our Library has planned for department. The position intels the direct protection of
the club of the month and we are excited to have upmost quality service. We understand there are wildlife within the Bear River Band territories and
formed this partnership. In other news, there have concerns of how to contact Bear River Police Officers properties. The other positon is for our trainee/security
been many policy changes in our departments that officer. This position is a transitional positon into becoming
may affect you. For starters, we have removed the regarding calls for service. The solution to this is a sworn law enforcement officers. The Department will
Lifetime Benefit amount from Higher Education. No developing a communication center so our members prepare and send a tribal member to the police academy.
cap! Laptop assistance for minors is now available can safely, securely, and confidentially, contact our Please contact Bear River Human Resources or the Bear
through our department as a reimbursement officers. Tribal leadership acknowledged the gap in River Band Police Department with any questions to these
program, up to $750 and is entirely separate from service by not having a communication center and have positions. Again we would like to thank ALL Bear River
the Minors Trust program. allocated funding to support the development of a full Band community members, employees, and the Tribal
function communication center. This is a step in the Council for supporting the Bear River Band Police
Department. If anyone has questions or concerns about the
right direction for providing full service to our police program or just general questions regarding public
community. safety within the Rancheria, please don’t hesitate to contact
me via email: [email protected] or via cell:
Four of our seven officers currently hold Special Law 707-273-7778. Or stop by the police department located at
Enforcement Commissions (SLEC) credentials. The the Tish-Non Community Center Mon-Fri 8 am – 4 pm.
other three officers are just awaiting to receive their

SLEC cards as their backgrounds are complete.
Juvenile Judicial program is set in place with Bear River
Tribal Court to work with youth on learning safety and
skill development. The youth have had the opportunity
to do a ride along, car wash, hunting and fishing with

Officer James Moore.

6 19

HOUSING EDUCATION

Our department is almost complete with lead Housing The Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria was What is going on in the Library? Little Bears Learning Center
Maintenance Level III & Interim Housing Director awarded for FY2019 & FY2020 Indian Community Hi there families, I'm Tishina Mann (Little Bears Learning
Assistant Thomas Wallace, Housing Maintenance Level II Development Block Grant funding New Construction of Coloring Contest- Win an AMAZON KINDLE!!! Center Supervisor). This New Year is already well on its way
Chris Overholt, Housing Assistant Adrianne Prado, and six (6) multifamily rental units. In addition, an application Rules and flyer are attached. Deadline to submit is and we are busy growing and making big changes here in
Housing Director Charmin Bailey. The Housing Director was submitted to Indian Housing Block Grant FY2021 for July 1, 2022.Classes are going to be held the last the center! I'd like to take a second to reintroduce our staff
Assistant position is currently vacant. The Housing the new construction of four (4) multifamily rental units. Monday of every month. The library will have and welcome our newest member, we have teacher Stefania,
Department is available to assist you with any housing If you are 18 years old or older, don’t own your home, information and flyers on a different topic each Teacher Leticia, myself and our classroom Monitor Isaac.
needs to the best of our abilities. haven’t been previously assisted with down payment month. February- Anti- vaping/ no tobacco. Don't Now that the center is fully staffed we are excited to note we
Future Housing; ICDBG (Indian Community Development assistance, or previously been given a HUD home, please forget to sign up at Kanopy.com. Use your Bear River have begun enrolling more children (our current number is
Block Grant) FY 2019 & FY 2020 was approved on July 6, submit a current Homeownership Housing Application if Band Library card number and you can watch up to 13) as well as offering extended hour to support our families
2020, for new housing construction of three (3)buildings to you would like to be considered for one of these 10 free movies per month! schedules. The Little Bears Learning Center is now open
include a total of six (6) 3-bedrooms and 1.5 baths opportunities. These HUD homes do have income Monday - Friday from 7:45am till
townhomes. Expected completion by December 2022. eligibility limitations but, if you apply, I’ll provide a letter Have you seen Big Foot? I heard he likes to read. 5:30 pm. In pace with the mentioned changes we have also
if you appear over income based on the estimated income Come into the Library and find all 10 Sasquatch and made adjustment to the classroom structure and the daily
IHBG GRANT you provide.We require current applications from all win a prize! Want to earn for reading? All you got to schedule to offer our children an enriching and stimulating
Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) – American Rescue Tribal families that would like to be considered in the do is turn in your reading logs to the Librarian and environment that fosters growth, development, and
Plan (ARP) Act for $35,007. Housing Department utilized rating/ranking described in our Housing Policy. get a $5 Family Entertainment Center gift card. attachments. Happy Februrary!
the funding for these eligible activities to rehabilitate two Complete the enclosed application and return it to my Reading logs or Library BINGO are available in the
HUD homes to reduce and prevent homelessness and attention at your earliest convenience if you want to be Library if needed. Youth Development Center (YDC)
reduce vulnerability to COVID-19. By doing this activity considered for the homes under rehab this year. You must We were averaging 12-14 youth a day. We have changed our
we will provide decent, safe, and sanitary affordable have a current application (after December 31, 2021) to be Come on in and try the new games on Virtual Reality hours to 10:30am 6:30pm. During the holiday break we did
housing for low-income tribal member families. considered. I have many names that have submitted system. Games like Beat Saber. Rick and Morty, and some ornament arts and crafts, decorated cookies, made
Competitive Grant award $1,474,673 for new housing applications in past years. You must provide an updated Richie's Plank Experience. gingerbread houses, took a couple trips to the FEC and also
construction of 4 two-story. 4-unit buildings (total of 16 application to be considered for one of these went to the movies,
units) on existing infrastructure from RIF 10 Grant opportunities. In the New Year we have already handed out eight After the kids headed back to school we went back to
completed in 2014. This will ensure the correct placement Be sure to include all forms of income shown on the list gift cards, to the youth for reading. Great Job Kids reading and helping with homework when they get here.
of the units. Cleek and procurement are preparing the IFB including all public assistance and Tribal per capita. You Looking forward to president's week coming up we have
for the construction of the units’. New construction has don’t need to send income verification copies at this time some fun stuff planned for them. Calendar will be attached.
begun, Contract was awarded to ACGC Inc. for $2,148,781. – these will be requested from the highest preliminarily If you have any ideas on things we might be able to do with
Blessing on the ground was held on July 29, 2020. Units are rated/ranked applicants when needed.Be aware that all the youth I'm always open to hear them and hopefully
expected to be occupied by the end of the year. Non applicants are also subject to the screening criteria in the implement them
Competitive Grant IHP (Indian Housing Plan) received Tish Non Village Housing Policy.
February 24, 2020, for about $74,594 for the proposed This is a tremendous opportunity – Please apply and 7
project was to construct four (4) four-plexes was to be encourage other Tribal members to submit applications as
constructed with, IHBG FY19 Competitive Grant, and well.
Tribal Funds.
Respectfully,
Tish Non VIllage Charmin Bailey
A twelve (12) month calendar event is currently being Housing Director
planned for the Residents Association. all Rentals
Rental payments are still being received by phone, mail via
debit/credit card, and/or check or money order. Please
contact Housing Department. ERA Programs (u.s. treasury
emergency rental assistance)
Currently accepting applications for Tribal Members and
their families that are LMI (low-moderate income)
experiencing or affected by COVID-19 with past-due
utilities or rent.Bear RIver Development COmmission
BRDC meets every Wednesday @ 10:00 AM

18

TRIBAL FACILITIES

The Tribal Court intends to readdress the Tribal Court Administrative Order-20-02 in June of 2022. Admin. Order-20-02 During the last three months our Department has
limits in person Court access and in person court hearings to continue to follow the Tribe and the Center of Disease continued the sanitizing and maintenance of Tish Non. We
Controls guidance to stop the spread of the Covid-19. prioritize the safety for all employees, public and Tribal
members. We have also maintained the outside grass areas,
Bear River Band Tribal Court has a new Chief Judge, Victorio L. Shaw, introduction and biography provided below. making sure that the hillside looks inviting. During this
time of the year the grass will grow extremely fast. I have
Judge Shaw will begin his transition into his new role in March of 2022 and will be on-site April 4, 2022 for a meet and taken multiple mowers and weed eaters to Scotty's Cutters
greet, more information regarding the event will be sent out via mail and posted on the Facebook by March 18, 2022. Edge to be serviced.

Welcome I am the proud son of California Native Artist, Lyn Risling and The Department's newest hire Jacob Giovannetti Bowie is Pictured above is our
our grandson of David Risling, Jr. a man who helped create The fitting in well and learning from the Team of our daily Newest hire
New Native American Studies Program at UC Davis, DQ responsibilities. We have been extremely busy moving and
Judge University, C.I.L.S., The Native American Rights Fund, and painting multiple offices in Tish Non before and after the Jacob Giovannetti Bowie
Victorio the California Indian Education Association, among others. upstairs flooring was installed.
L. Shaw. Everything I do professionally, I do to honor his legacy and to Freshly painted TA Office New flooring
make my ancestors proud. My goal is to build upon the work I had Ark Design come over from Palo Cedro and
Ayukîi (Hello), my name is Victorio L. Shaw. I am an all of our people have done. investigate leaks in the windows and roof. There have been
enrolled member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, as well My approach and philosophy as a tribal court judge for the issues with both the roof and windows since Tish Non has
as a descendent of the Karuk, Yurok, and Apache Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria is as follows: As opened. They were able to find a few problem areas and
Mescalero people. I was appointed Chief Judge to the a tribal court judge the peace, safety, security of your address them accordingly. I will continue to monitor them.
Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, Tribal community is my number one professional priority. In all my I came in contact with this company after having them
Court in February of 2022. Prior to becoming a decisions I will do my best to reflect that. Furthermore, it is come over to the FEC and address a leak that was
judge, I built a legal career dedicated to helping my promise to you that I will dedicate the best of my skill, happening there. They were the company that installed the
Native American tribes, families, and organizations wisdom and decision-making ability to honor the sacrifices roof and was still under warranty. Town & Country came
throughout California. This includes creating my your ancestors made so that your people, culture, and out and serviced the refrigerators in Tish Non as well as the
own legal practice where I provide services directly traditions can live on. I hope to work with those in your Rec Center. We were able to finally get the ice machine to
to families and individuals. Over the years I have community who are elders and keepers of traditional work. It too as well has not worked in years. The grill
helped many families going through tough times knowledge to infuse cultural values and traditional healing needed its gas valve replaced. A reducer was installed and
build healthy structures for their children. In and dispute resolution into the Tribal Court whenever is now also working.
addition to having a solo law practice in Sonoma feasible. To this end I am open to ideas and suggestions from
County, I am a part-time instructor of Federal the cultural and wisdom keepers of your Tribe. DC Mechanical came out to repair a broken ac unit in
Indian Law at UC Davis, and an I.C.W.A. specialist Little Bears. A pressure test was conducted and after further
for the Indian Child & Family Preservation Program Finally, the fact that we are all living miracles will never be lost investigation, we were able to uncover that there was a filter
in Santa Rosa. Over the years I have been a frequent on me. Thinking generations ahead is where my heart lies that had been taped over and never replaced. They also
organizer and contributor to community workshops, even as my analytical mind grapples with the difficult were able to assist me with a broken ac unit in the
trainings, and charitable events. I volunteer my time problems of the present. I am so happy for this opportunity. I surveillance room as well.
as a board member for California Indian Legal look forward to meeting all of you! Yoôtva. (Thank you).
Services (C.I.L.S.) and as a mentor and guide to Sincerely, We are moving forward in the right direction during this
Native youth. Judge Shaw pandemic. One of my goals for our Department is to see
Tish Non rented out and being used for the weekend twice
8 Education a month. For weddings or any other events. Now that the
J.D., U.C. Davis School of Law 2011 floors are done, the availability is there for other
B.A. Fine Arts, emphasis in graphic design, Humboldt State departments to utilize the building during the week or
University 2004 weekends.
Certificate of Completion, tribal judge training, Tribal Justice
Project 2018 If you have any questions for the Facilities Department
please contact Jesse Sherman at (707)502-5932 or at
[email protected]. Thank you.

17

TRIBAL GAMING COURT

As we approach the 2nd quarter of the year we look to finish up our expansion remodel by the end of 1st quarter on TRIBAL VICTIM SERVICES PROGRAM(VSP) BEAR RIVER BAND CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
March 31st. The new expanded area will contain office space, handicap restroom and entryway, training conference
room and storage. We will look to have a small ribbon cutting when completed for membership and employees to The VSP completed its strategic plan, including a logic model BRBCSS is in year two of its development phase, and is still on
come by and take a tour. Our year end audit was completed by Wipfli and final report received this past month with and SWOT Analysis. track to go comprehensive early 2023.
The VSP revamped its Mission statement:
no findings. The mission of the Bear River Band Tribal Victim Services BRBCSS has been successful in locating eligible transfer cases
Program is to promote Tribal welfare by providing survivor- for Bear River jurisdiction. If you would like more information,
We will be advertising for a part time receptionist beginning March 1st with the position beginning in the 1st week centered support and to promote the empowerment of survivors or feel like your child support case is eligible for transfer, do not
of April. If you should ever have any questions about the Tribal Gaming Agency just reach out to us our office through culturally appropriate advocacy and traditional-based wait until 2023, please call the BRBCSS now for more
hours are Monday through Friday 8am-4pm closed for lunch 12-1pm and closed on all Tribal holidays. educational practices. information. BRBCSS staff have been working with a
contracted attorney to develop law and policy for the Program;
We can be contacted at 707-733-9358 X81-305 or 707-532-0187 a completed draft of the Child Support Ordinance will be sent
out for the Tribal Membership to review as soon as possible. A
The VSP will be working with the Cultural Department, Social community forum, or multiple forums, will be held to provide
Services, and the Recreation Center to begin offering a Healing the opportunity for Tribal members to ask questions and
to Wellness Project that includes monthly events and quarterly provide their comments and feedback on the law.
presentations focused on traditional Native American healing
practices, physical and spiritual wellness. This project will The BRBCSS hired a Child Support Administrative
improve services offered to the community by focusing on the Assistance, this team member is in their first week and has
long-term emotional wellbeing of individuals by promoting already jumped right into the work load, we are eager to see
efforts to heal from the traumas inflicted by the victimization of the accomplishments to come! BRBCSS will be hiring a Child
the crime. Integrating Native-serving therapy groups, Native Support Account Specialist and a Child Support Case
American healing practices, and physical wellness sessions to Specialist within the next six months. Remember, BRBCSS is
the community will assist survivors to heal their spirit and here to serve the families of the community by providing
regain their life. accessible services and due process. If you would like to have

*More information to come! additional information email: [email protected] to
The VSP intends to establish a larger presence through schedule a time to speak with our staff and answer any further
Community Outreach, including but not limited to professional questions you may have. We encourage community input as
brochures, posters, service cards, and other material. we develop the BRBCSS.

The VSP established a logo specifically for its program, we hope HEALING TO WELLNESS COURT(CTAS)
you like it. Please remember that the Bear River Band Tribal
FINANCE Victim Services Program is a place where Tribal members have The Tribal Court was successfully awarded 2021 CTAS
a reliable and committed Team working for and with survivors funding which will allow for the development of a Healing
of crime to promote a culture of wellness and respect, access to Wellness Court (Wellness Court).

services and resources to begin breaking the cycles of The Wellness Court will be instrumental in providing

Hi my name is Marie Ditto and I am the new Accounts Payable Analyst as of intergenerational trauma and restoring power to Bear River restorative justice to the Bear River Community. Court staff
November 1, 2021. Before that I was the Revenue Auditor for the last 4 years.
I am the person who handles paying all the bills and any checks cut to our members impacted by crime. Using both traditional healing are in the beginning stages of developing a strategic plan
tribal members. If you need to reach me, my extension is 1235, and I am practices and providing access to resources such as: Crisis
always available to try my best to help. If you are looking to make a payment Intervention, Advocacy & Accompaniment , Emergency, with a timeline/road map to implement onsite AOD
with finance use extension 1003 which is the new extension for finance
payments. This extension will cycle through multiple people, making it easier Lodging , Relocation Cost , Regional Bus Passes, Transportation services and other wellness programs.
for our members to reach someone in finance who can take their payments. Assistance, Emergency, Food Vouchers ,Emergency Clothing
Marie Ditto Voucher , Referrals, Resources, Outreach and Awareness. VSP Be on the lookout for a Community Survey that will be
New Accounts Payable staff wish to aid in the healing of families and community, along distributed to Tribal members in the next month that is
intended to identify strategic planning needs of the
Analyst
with contribute to the growth and prosperity of the Bear River Wellness Court. Wellness Court staff will use survey results
community. We are excited to announce that we are currently to begin to conduct a needs assessment that will allow the
offering all services! Program to gain a comprehensive understanding of the
An event will be held in recognition of Sexual Assault
Awareness Month in April; more information regarding the needs and resources in the Bear River Community. The

event will be sent out via mail and posted on the Facebook by Tribal Court will be hiring a Wellness Court Coordinator,
March 25, 2022
be on the lookout for a job posting within a few weeks.

16 Submitted by Megan Siaosi Tribal Court Director 9

TRIBAL HISTORIC HUMAN RESOURCES

The Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) and Cultural Department is pleased to report that we continue Happy New Year!!! While the COVID Pandemic has This Committee has shown to be a huge
to serve our members in our roles as cultural programming coordinators, compliance reviewers, cultural proven to be a hindrance to the world, it has caused success in providing support and guidance
resource interpreters and mappers, cultural monitors, and garden managers. many difficult challenges to the Bear River Band of to the Human Resources Department. The
the Rohnerville Rancheria Tribe and its employees. Human Resources Committee has been
We are happy to report that as COVID restrictions lift, our cultural programming is expanding. Over the last Human Resources continues to work closely with our reviewing changes to job descriptions,
few months we have offered ceremony planning and practice, led a brush dance demonstration at Sumeg, held Office of Emergency Services Department (OES) to organizational charts, employee policies and
smudging, regalia, smoke signaling and shell dice classes and practice sessions, hosted movie nights, and continue to stay up to date on the fast moving procedures and reviews employee morale
offered a vermi-composting class. We hope to have news in a few months regarding a larger commercial changes from our local government, state, and federal ideas.
composting project we are evaluating for implementation here at BRB. government (to the best of our ability). It has been a The Human Resources Department looks
full year since Human Resources implemented the forward to continuing to work with all of
We are very excited to announce that we will be hosting a series of basketry classes and gathering walks with new Human Resources Management System you!
Alice Lincoln Cook, starting February 22nd, and will be hosting the California Indian Basketweavers (Paycom). While this new system has been a learning
Association Annual Conference this year! The tentative dates for the conference are June 23-26th. experience for all employees there is about 99.9% 15
usage amongst our employees. This new system has
We have made plans to expand the Tribal Garden area (across from Tobacco Traders) to include a cultural been quite a learning curve, but has shown to be
burn, willow coppicing, a greenhouse, and many new berries, roots and herbs. The willows are being coppiced effective with improved processes in recruiting,
now with the help of two Cal Poly Humboldt forestry students (February), and the burn is scheduled for payroll, time keeping, reporting, learning
October, with the Cal Poly Humboldt Fire program. management system, employee benefits tracking, and
training. We still are hoping to improve our new
We successfully requested an increased budget from our garden grant to help with procurement of plants, bees, system with future updates that come out to best help
and supplies, and are looking for day labourers to help with planting-please contact us if you are interested in our department and employees. As of February 2022
working in the garden. the Tribal Government workforce consists of 46%
Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria
We have been offering classes to local schools and other groups as well, including at Loleta, Fortuna High, and enrolled Tribal Members. We also have 8% of Bear
the Karuk and Yurok Tribes. We also are holding a series of classes for the Sequoia Zoo Outside the Box youth River employees that are enrolled in other Tribes.
program. Ruth and Barry just led the first one in February; there were about 20 children in attendance, and That is a total of 54% Bear River Band employees that
they especially enjoyed the tree story and song. are Native American. While this percentage has
increased from 2021 we look forward to improving
One upcoming very special event is the Spring Salmon ceremony; please contact us if you or a loved one would this statistic this year. As of January 31, 2022 the Bear
like to participate in the Dance or other activities planned. We will be holding a dance demonstration, followed River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria ended its
by a gathering walk on Earth Day. Ruth and Katie have been working hard and applying their creativity to hiring bonus. While this incentive showed success, we
make sure regalia materials and patterns are ready, and will be available for group or one on one sessions. We continue to work diligently to fill our more hard to fill
are also participating in the “Empowering Indigenous Environments” Conference to be held March positions. Human Resources continues to work
7-9th. Ruth and Barry will be giving several demonstrations, and others on our staff will be speaking and closely with the Tribal Member Compliance Officer
evaluating essays. to find ways to create opportunities for the Tribal
Membership to work and train at Bear River. As of
Other events planned include cultural camps, sweat lodge nights, Fatherhood and Motherhood is Sacred February 2022 we have Onboarded nine (9) Day
classes and events, the Yreka youth conference, the Stanford Powwow, and participation in other indigenous Laborers. Human Resources will once again be
events planned by other groups. requesting to put on the Summer Youth Intern
Program, more details will follow. It has been six (6)
10 months since Human Resources had implemented the
Human Resources Committee.

Hosted by PRESERVATION OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL &
NATURAL RESOURCES If you have any questions regarding the use of your 1500.00 cultural benefit (can be used to fund expenses for
indigenous related materials or events) please contact us; you can submit your receipts within 90 days of purchase or
14 date of event to Elizabeth Varelas in the Benefits department.

Our project, plan, policy, and program review under Section 106/AB52, and other regulations, along with
interpretation, mapping, and updating our database has continued to increase.

We recently consulted on several large local proposals such as the Nordic aquaculture and Offshore wind projects, in
addition to many others, and have ongoing consultations with multiple local, State and Federal Agencies regarding
NAGPRA, repatriation, re-naming of signs, places, and roads, geospatial updates and mapping, and many other
projects. We have a new MOU with the BLM for activities at the King Range, we submitted a letter in support of a
shared management agreement for Rainbow Ridge, and are in the process of pursuing other co-management to full
management agreements, and requests for return of
“surplus” lands.

We look forward to bringing more of the ancestral territory under Traditional land management and interpretation to
fulfill our essential cultural -ecological objectives of increasing fire resiliency, biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
This implementation of traditional land management and experiential practices will allow for human use and cultural
practices while protecting ecosystem function, restoration, and maintenance.

Recently, we had the opportunity to survey the recently acquired 34k acre Dean Witter Ranch
(by a non profit, with Tribal co-management) and will be coordinating with Perry Lincoln, and our membership, on
ideas for youth camps and language projects, and the log canoe event on the Eel.

We have made requests and had opportunities to participate in several name changes, including one nearby, the Punta
Gorda lighthouse. We have been doing some more research on Dene languages and dialects, and Barry has put focused
time into this; the name he suggested for Punta Gorda is “Yad'aha Yit se' “, which roughly translates to " west toward
the ocean " in English. As many of you know, Barry is an artist as well, and with Ruth, incorporated a beautiful basketry
motif onto new signs honouring Bear River ancestral territory in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Please see the below
example photo of one of the signs, and perhaps in person on the trails!

We are planning on preparing an ID guide that includes traditional and dialect names for the plants found on gathering
walks and in the tribal garden, and are looking for help and input from those of you knowledgeable and/or interested in
dialects of the Dene language family! We are interested including special words and phrases that do not have English
equivalents, for example, in English one will say “ I feel on alert” if sensing an animal watching them, or a storm
coming; in the Dene dialects we have many words and phrases to ]describe these feelings, depending on what the
phenomenon is. Finally, we would like to announce that we will be re-locating to the new building next to ENR in the
next few months. We hope to see you there! Please check out our new web page for more information about the office,
our classes, and other opportunities to participate, learn, and work.

Submitted by Melanie Mccavour THPO Director

11

EVENTS/NEWS BEAR & COYOTE EXHIBIT

Ribbon cutting will be taking place March 21st 4pm- 7pm
Location Sequoia Zoo 3414 W St, Eureka CA 95503
Free zoo tickets for the Tribal Membership
Limit 1Ticket Per Tribal Membership

Follow us on Facebook at Bear River Rancheria for more information to follow!

Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria is proud to be in partnership with the Sequoia Zoo
for the development of a world class black bear and coyote exhibit. This mixed species exhibit is
over an acre in size and will provide a naturalistic and enriching habitat for both species. Bears
and coyotes are two species that have been able to adapt to human civilization better than many

native species; this exhibit will help visitors understand how this adaptation serves a critically
important ecological and cultural function that is beneficial to numerous species including humans.

Visitors will traverse the exhibit on a 400 foot long boardwalk five feet in the air, and enjoy
multiple viewing angles into the exhibit. At the Windthrow Shelter, visitors will observe bears and
coyotes on and under a log jam designed to replicate the tree blowdown that happens naturally in

forests where these species live. These wind throws in nature are vitally important habitat for
these two species as they create new habitat openings for plants, insects and other animals that

these species eat. They also serve as denning locations for both species.

At the Forest View Shelter, visitors will have a diffuse forest view of the bear and coyotes. This
covered shelter will be similar to a duck blind, and will give visitors a more direct and less
intrusive view of the animals in the exhibit.

At the Training Wall, keepers will train the animals to come for feedings and will provide
enrichment opportunities for both the animals and for people to learn about the life cycle and

dietary requirements.

The 15,000 gallon pond and stream feature will provide visitors with safe viewing into a part of
the bear life cycle that most people never get to see in person. Part of the exhibit will also be

visible from the Redwood Skywalk, which is directly adjacent to the exhibit.

12 13