Redding Rancheria Newsletter
January 2026
Redding Rancheria Honors
Isabella Kulak on Ribbon Skirt
On January 4, 2026, we observed National Ribbon Skirt Day, which is normally held on January 4th every year. This day originates with the story of Isabella Kulak, a member of Cote First Nation, Saskatchewan. Kulak was shamed for wearing her handmade ribbon skirt to a formal wear day at her school in Canada. This interaction prompted a reaction on social media, a march to the school, and a push for the federal government to recognize the ribbon skirt. Senator Mary Jane McCallum put forward Bill S-219, An Act respecting National Ribbon Skirt Day, in honor of Isabella Kulak. The bill received unanimous support in Parliament and was passed into law in December 2022.
Ribbon skirts represent identity, survival, and adaptation, as well as strength, resiliency, and womanhood. They are worn for ceremonies, daily life, and style, and are a way to express pride and confidence in Indigenous heritage. The day is a chance to celebrate Indigenous culture, traditions, and contributions. Indigenous women have worn their ribbon skirts in solidarity with Kulak’s experience.
Reading Challenge 2026 aims to Boost Reading Comprehension!
The Redding Rancheria Head Start & Child Care starts the New Year off with a Reading Challenge of epic proportions! The 2026 Reading Challenge is a twoweek long activity that encourages families to spend time together while taking a step into the wonderful world of books. Establishing literacy skills is an important part of our Head Start Standards, which is why we invite staff members to join us in the classroom to read a story! Reading to children is important because it helps develop language, inspires curiosity, is a tool for learning, and supports emotional growth!
Children that read 20 minutes a day are exposed to around 1.8 million words annually. Reading helps them absorb the rhythm and patterns of language and helps expose them to varying characters and perspectives. Our Head Start and Child Care program has done this for many years and the children enjoy having these guests in the classroom and the new a fun books that they bring to read! Thanks so all the staff members and family members that stopped by to read a book!
Our Amzing Staff Reading to the Classes!
Honoring the Families of the Redding Rancheria
At the Redding Rancheria, we are proud to be a family oriented employer. Across health, government, education, and enterprise, many of our employees do more than work side by side. They are family. These connections strengthen our workplace and reflect the values and traditions that guide us forward as a community.
As part of our ongoing effort to highlight the people who make the Redding Rancheria such a special place to work, we are excited to share the story of Stacey and Charlie Carman, a husband and wife team who bring dedication, positivity, and heart to their roles every day.
For Stacey, the benefits of working at the Redding Rancheria go far beyond what is on paper. “Out of all the benefits, it is hard to choose just one,” she shares. “I love the paid holidays and the amazing 401k match, but most of all, I value being surrounded by people who feel like family. It can be challenging at times, but it is also incredibly fulfilling.”
Charlie echoes that sense of camaraderie with his own lighthearted perspective. “Do not worry about being serious. It is fun down here.”
Together, Stacey and Charlie represent the strong bonds, shared experiences, and supportive culture that define our workforce. We are proud of their journey, growth, and dedication, and of all the team members who help us build a lasting legacy for future generations.
Husband and Wife - Charlie and Stacey Carman
Anderson Rotary Crab Feed 2026
We are grateful to the Anderson Rotary for all they do to support the community. Anderson holds a special place for the Redding Rancheria, and we are proud to stand behind the important work being done. We are honored to receive an appreciation award in recognition of more than 15 years of sponsorship.
Thank you to the Rotary, the dedicated volunteers, and everyone who made the event possible. The Redding Rancheria is proud of our connection and grateful for the opportunity to support the meaningful work that strengthens our communities.
Redding Rancheria Tribal Council and Win-River Staff at the Crab Feed!
Redding Rancheria Guiding Value Winners 2025
Working Together Working Together
Doing What’s Right
Balancing Life
Serving Others
Others
Respecting Differences
Embracing Change
Don Blair
Dr. Aishwarya Sharma
Tyler Edwards
Marcus Clary Serving
Pooja Jadhav Eshwarlal
Sheena Wiegand
Lana McGee
Krystal Crook
Redding Rancheria Mourns the Loss of an Ally and Brother!
The Redding Rancheria honors the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, a longtime partner and advocate for our Tribal community. Over many years of public service, Congressman LaMalfa worked closely with the Redding Rancheria to promote the wellbeing of our Tribe. He consistently made time to listen to Tribal leadership, prioritized our concerns, and supported efforts that strengthened sovereignty, economic development, and community health. We are grateful for Congressman LaMalfa’s dedication, collaboration, and respect for Tribal governments. His legacy will be remembered through the relationships he built and the positive impact of his work on our community. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and to all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Employee Of The Month
Please help us congratulate Ryan Czarniak as the employee of the month January 2026! Ryan consistently brings a positive attitude to the workplace and is a joy to work with, creating a supportive and upbeat environment for both staff and providers. Ryan works quickly and accurately, ensuring charts are completed correctly and on time, which helps prevent delays and supports high-quality patient care. Ryan plays a key role in training new scribes, sharing his strong knowledge and skills, and is a vital and dependable member of the scribing team. Thank you Ryan for your continued service and dedication to our community!
