Redding Rancheria November 2025 Newsletter

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Redding Rancheria Newsletter

California State Capital Native American Heritage Parade

On November 8, 2025, Redding Rancheria joined more than 100 California Native Tribes at the State Capitol in Sacramento for the Native American Heritage Parade. This gathering was more than a celebration it was a powerful reminder of the deep connections, shared histories, and enduring relationships between our Tribal Nations.

We proudly walked beside our relatives, honoring the strength of our sovereignty and the unity that binds our communities together. Each step reflected not only our individual Nations, but the collective spirit that has carried Indigenous peoples forward since time immemorial.

Today and every day is a beautiful day to be Indigenous.

Thank you to all the Tribes, families, and supporters who came together in respect, pride, and shared purpose. We look forward to standing together again next year.

2nd Annual Northen California Diabetes Conference

The Redding Rancheria Tribal Health System is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Northern California Diabetes Conference, a premier regional event bringing together healthcare professionals, educators, community leaders, and industry experts to advance diabetes awareness, treatment, and prevention across Northern California. The conference will be held

Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Win-River Resort & Casino in the Eagle Room.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the 2025 conference will feature dynamic presentations from leading experts in diabetes care, practical tools for providers, and culturally informed approaches to improving the health of Native American and rural communities.

“We are thrilled to bring this conference back for a second year,” said Cory Ryan, Community Health Director for Redding Rancheria Tribal Health System. “Diabetes continues to disproportionately affect Native communities, and our goal is to bring accessible, high-quality education to the providers and partners who serve these populations every day.”

2nd Annual Diabetes Conference
RRTHS Community Health Team Thanking Dr. Khan
Shasta County Community Health
Tandem Diabetes Care

Diabetes Day 2025

November 14th of every year is World Diabetes Day. At Redding Rancheria, we are celebrating progress and reminding our community that prevention starts with small steps.

Diabetes does not have to define your future. Simple daily changes like eating more whole foods, staying active, and getting your A1c checked can make a powerful difference.

Take one step today:

• Schedule your annual A1c screening

• Join our diabetes prevention or nutrition classes

• Encourage a friend or family member to get screened

Together we can build a healthier future for our people and for generations to come.

Center for Advance Care
Billing Office
Head Start Staff
Churn Creek Staff
Tribal Admin Staff
RRTHC Campus Staff

Family Fit Fun Day at Viking Skate Country

The Redding Rancheria wrapped up its final Family Fit event of the year in a rocking and rolling fashion at Viking Skate Country! The Wellness Department definitely knows how to keep things exciting, whether we’re paddle-boarding under the sun or gliding around on skates indoors. Every Family Fit event is all about fun, movement, and memories for all ages.

We loved seeing so many smiling faces from RREDCO, Enlighten, Redding Rancheria Tribal Members, and Redding Rancheria Employees, families, and friends all came together for a night packed with laughter, energy, and good vibes.

Wellness is at the heart of Redding Rancheria’s commitment to a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and events like this remind us how powerful community can be. Here’s to family, fitness, and fantastic memories. Let’s keep the good times rolling into the new year with even more fun!

Harvest Festival 2025

Our Harvest Feast celebration was a wonderful success! Families came together to enjoy a cozy afternoon of food, laughter, and connection. From homemade treats to classroom favorites, every table was filled with delicious dishes and smiling faces. Students loved showing off their decorated spaces, sharing stories about their favorite foods, and spending time with the people they love most. The atmosphere was festive and joyful, and it was clear how much everyone enjoyed this special time together.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all the parents, grandparents, siblings, and caregivers who joined us. Your participation made the event meaningful, and your contributions helped create such a warm and welcoming celebration. We are grateful for our community and for the chance to gather as one big family. We look forward to more opportunities like this in the future, thank you again for making our Harvest Feast so memorable!

Out of Darkness Suicide Awareness Walk 2025

At the Redding Rancheria Behavioral Health Department, we are deeply honored to have taken part in the Out of Darkness Suicide Awareness Walk. This gathering was a source of hope and a reminder that together we can shine a light so the darkness begins to fade.

Suicide is not just a national issue! it is a crisis that affects Native American communities at alarming rates. American Indian and Alaska Native people face a suicide rate that is 91% higher than the general U.S. population. Between 2015 and 2020, non-Hispanic AI/AN suicide rates grew by nearly 20%, while the rest of the country saw less than a 1% increase. Suicide was the ninth leading cause of death for AI/AN people in 2021 and 2022. By 2023, it had become the eighth leading cause of death.

Even more heartbreaking, nearly one in ten (9%) of Indigenous people reported seriously contemplating suicide in the past year, almost double the rate for the U.S. overall. Suicide Prevention Resource Center, reports, suicide also disproportionately affects younger members of our communities: among American Indian and Alaskan Native youth aged 10 to 34, suicide is the second-leading cause of death.

To everyone who came out for the walk, to those who shared their stories, to those who keep showing up for one another, thank you. Your courage matters. Your presence matters. Your life matters.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please reach out: call 988, or talk with someone you trust. You are loved. You are not alone. And together, we can bring more light into the world.

Behavioral Health Staff - Gwendolyn Fuentes and Norma Ellenwood

Healthcare Rock Star Award Winner Kasey Martindale

We are proud to celebrate Kasey Martindale, our Recovery Case Manager for the Tribal Health Systems, as the Shasta Health Rock Star of the Year, awarded by the Health Alliance of Northern California. This award honors her dedication to improving health outcomes, particularly for the Native community she serves.

As an enrolled member of the Astugewi Band of the Pit River Tribe and descendant of the Wintu tribe, Kasey brings cultural understanding, compassion, and lived experience to her work. Growing up around substance use and mental health challenges fueled her commitment to supporting Tribal members and the broader community in recovery.

Kasey has led efforts like the Syringe Services Program and expanded harm reduction vending machines, providing safe, confidential access to health and overdose prevention resources. Her ability to build trust, follow through, and advocate for clients has had a measurable impact on community wellness.

Starting her journey with the Redding Rancheria in 2014, Kasey has grown from a hotel housekeeper to a key leader in healthcare, while balancing family and her studies at Cal Poly Humboldt. She is now pursuing a Master of Social Work to continue serving her community as a licensed therapist. Her dedication, heart, and vision make her a true role model for Tribal members and beyond.

South County Stuff the Truck Gets a Boost from Redding Rancheria Tribal Council

It is always a great day when a community comes together in the spirit of giving. On Wednesday, November 19, the Redding Rancheria Tribal Council and Tribal Executives were honored to join the Anderson Chamber of Commerce at their Greeters Meeting for the South County Stuff the Truck event.

With grateful hearts, we were proud to present a $2,500 donation in support of this annual community food drive. It is an effort that brings much-needed assistance to local seniors and families. One of the recipients, the Anderson Full Gospel Church, helps ensure that many Native American families receive Thanksgiving dinners through this meaningful initiative.

We are deeply thankful for everyone whose dedication, compassion, and hard work help make this event such a powerful and uplifting start to the holiday season.

Together, with generosity and unity, we truly can make a difference.

Wobbling and Gobbling at the 2025 Turkey Trot

We are so grateful for the amazing nonprofits that make our community a better place! This Thanksgiving, the Redding Rancheria was thrilled to sponsor the annual Turkey Trot, hosted by the Redding SWEAT Running Club. True to tradition, the 2025 Turkey Trot brought together runners, families, and friends early on Thanksgiving morning, filling the day with community spirit and purpose.

The Redding SWEAT Club, raises funds for scholarships and youth programs, helping inspire our young people to embrace healthy lifestyles and reach for higher education. Thank you to everyone who participated and made a difference for our youth!

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 not just work side by side they are family. That connection is what makes our community so strong.

We are excited to share the stories of families who work together here, highlighting both the strength of our workforce and the traditions that guide us forward.

Doctor Chad Kingsley:

““My favorite and most fun experience is probably Thursdays in urgent care with Glen Hayward and Joe Villalobos. We often have West Coast rap playing, the mood is light, and there is always plenty of laughter. It’s the best part of my week.”

Doctor Jolene Kingsley:

“My favorite benefit by far is the wellness program. It truly is the best. I take full advantage of the local races, health challenges, and fitness activities offered throughout the year. We get rewarded for doing things we already love to do, like hiking, yoga, and Pilates. I also enjoy the noontime classes they offer. This program keeps me motivated, active, and connected.”

We are proud of the journeys, growth, and dedication of our team members. Together, we are building a lasting legacy for future generations.

Husband and Wife - Jolene and Chad Kingsley

Employees Of The Month

Please help us congratulate the October Employee of the month, Rose Young. Rose is an incredibly helpful employee. Rose is always taking the initiative to jump in and help wherever needed without having to be asked to do so. Rose can look around the clinic and see what needs to be done and does it without any hesitation. Rose is always positive and cheerful which helps to brighten up everybody’s day. She is a great asset to the Redding Rancheria. Thank you rose for your continued dedication to your team and our patients.

Please help us congratulate the November Employee of the month, Cheyenne Walpole. This employee consistently shows incredible dedication to our organization, always stepping up and giving her best to help our team succeed. Her genuine compassion for our patients truly stands out, Cheyenne goes above and beyond to make sure everyone feels cared for and supported. Cheyenne brings such a positive attitude to everything she does and always leads by example, living out our guiding values every single day.

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