Sáttítla Gains National Monument Status: Pit River Nation Leads Efforts in Cultural Preservation and Redding Rancheria’s Chairman Accompanies to Washington DC
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: 1/15/25
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Miranda Edwards Favorite
Sr Director of Organizational Communications
Email: Miranda.edwards@reddingrancheria-nsn.gov
Maria Orozco
Sr Director of Public Relations
Email: Maria.orozco@reddingrancheria-nsn.gov
Office: 530-242-4562 Office: 530-242-4516
In November 2023 the Pit River Nation submitted a proposal to President Biden and launched a campaign to protect Sáttítla, an area of great cultural and ecological significance in the Medicine Lake Highlands. On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, President Biden signed off on the approval of this request. Redding Rancheria’s Chairman Jack Potter Jr. accompanied Pit-River Nation and many other Tribal leaders to Washington DC for this monumental occasion where President Biden formally signed the approval on stage alongside Chairman Potter and other Tribal leaders.
The proposal requested that Sáttítla—the Pit River Nation’s traditional name for the upper elevations of the Medicine Lake Highlands—be designated as a national monument under the Antiquities Act. Now that the federal government has approved this, new projects involving industrial activities that cause environmental damage are banned on about 200,005 acres of land managed by the US Forest Service. This is a historic win for Pit River nation and Indian Country as a whole.
Chairman Jack Potter and President Biden
UNITED WAY’S “A TOAST TO EQUITY” HONORS REDDING RANCHERIA CEO TRACY EDWARDS
REDDING RANCHERIA
A night dedicated to celebrating those who create, inspire, and restore equity for the underserved and unrepresented is a night worth cherishing. The work of United Way is a cornerstone of hope, compassion, and action in our community. Their unwavering commitment to building bridges and connecting people defines the essence of equity: ensuring that every individual has the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and thrive. We are honored that CEO, Tracy Edwards, was awarded Grand Honoree. She gave a heartfelt speech, remiding everyone to show kindness towards each other and that diversity, inclusion, and equality will always be a positive thing to strive for.
Equity is more than a principle—it’s the path that allows all of us to climb to the top of the mountain, regardless of where we begin. United Way embodies this vision, lifting spirits and fostering meaningful connections that transform lives.
At the Redding Rancheria, we share this deep commitment to service. It is an honor to receive this award, a reminder of the strides we have made and the work still to be done. We are inspired by United Way’s relentless pursuit of freedom and equality, underpinned by their drive to create equity for all and opportunities that abound.
Our heartfelt thanks go to United Way and their dedicated team. Together, let us continue this journey toward a brighter, fairer, and more connected future for everyone in our community.
REDDING RANCHERIA HEAD START AND CHILDCARE EXPANDS WITH NEW INFANT AND
TODDLER CLASSROOM
REDDING RANCHERIA
Redding, CA — The Redding Rancheria Head Start and Childcare program is thrilled to announce the addition of a new infant and toddler classroom, along with a new front office, to its growing educational facility. This exciting expansion was made possible through the strategic use of COVID-19 funding from the Child Care Development Fund, underscoring the program’s dedication to advancing early childhood education for Native American families.
The new classroom will accommodate 10 additional students aged 12 months to 36 months, enhancing the capacity of the Redding Rancheria Head Start to now serve 61 Native American students across four vibrant classes. This expansion represents a significant step in supporting the developmental and cultural needs of young children in the community.
“At Redding Rancheria Head Start, we have the unique privilege of integrating early childhood education with the rich cultural traditions of our Native American heritage,” said Tracy Edwards, CEO of the Redding Rancheria. “This new space allows us to reach more families while continuing to provide a nurturing and culturally enriching environment for our youngest learners.”
The program, which operates under the principles of Head Start, offers comprehensive services aimed at fostering the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth of each child. By combining academic preparation with cultural integration, Redding Rancheria Head Start provides a truly holistic early learning experience.
This expansion is a direct result of the Redding Rancheria’s commitment to reinvesting in its community and ensuring that local children have access to high-quality early childhood education in a culturally responsive setting.
For more information about the Redding Rancheria Head Start and Childcare program, visit www.reddingrancheria-nsn.gov.
About Redding Rancheria Head Start
The Redding Rancheria Head Start program serves Native American families in Shasta County, providing comprehensive, developmentally appropriate services for children while celebrating the cultural traditions of the community.
THE HEAD START KIDS TAKE ON THE READING CHALLENGE
REDDING RANCHERIA HEAD START & CHILD CARE
The Redding Rancheria Head Start & Child Care starts the New Year off with a Reading Challenge of EPIC proportions! The 2025 Reading Challenge is a two-week 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!
ANDERSON ROTARY CRAB FEED 2025
REDDING RANCHERIA
Anderson Rotary sure knows how to crack open a great time! On Saturday, January 18, they hosted their Annual Crab Feed, a delicious event that brought together neighbors, friends, and some of the best community supporters around. Among those lending a hand (and an appetite) were the Redding Rancheria Tribal Council and Staff, showing their dedication to causes that truly make a difference.
The funds raised during this feast go toward Anderson Rotary’s many initiatives aimed at uplifting our community. From supporting education and local projects to tackling challenges head-on, Anderson Rotary is all about turning big ideas into an even bigger impact.
We are thrilled to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Anderson Rotary because, just like them, we believe in shaping a brighter future by building stronger communities today. Cheers to a fabulous new year filled with growth, goodwill, and plenty of crab-filled memories!
Here is to Anderson Rotary, our community, and the shining future we are all creating together!
THE REDDING RANCHERIA ROLLS THROUGH THE REDDING MARATHON
REDDING RANCHERIA WELLNESS DEPARTMENT
With boundless energy and determination, the Redding Rancheria proudly stormed the Redding Marathon, embodying our deep-rooted commitment to health and wellness. As cornerstones of our culture, we believe in embracing, encouraging, and inspiring our staff to take on challenges that foster physical fitness and personal growth.
The Redding Marathon is more than just a race—it is a celebration of resilience and vitality. Health truly is the wealth of our people, shaping the future we aspire to live. That is why we are honored to support our employees in this incredible event, cheering on our relay team as they cross the finish line with pride and purpose.
A huge shout-out to the dedicated members of the SWEAT Running Club! Your unwavering efforts made it possible for us to participate and thrive in this year’s marathon. Together, we have proven that with teamwork and determination, no distance is too great.
Here is to healthy living and pushing ourselves to be better. We wish for health and happiness to the journeys ahead—we’re already lacing up for next year’s race!
RIBBON SKIRT DAY
REDDING RANCHERIA
On January 6, 2025, 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.
WELCOME TO THE TRIBE DR. CAREY VENGLARCIK
REDDING RANCHERIA TRIBAL HEALTH SYSTEM
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Carey Venglarcik, an experienced and compassionate pediatrician, has joined our healthcare team at Redding Rancheria!
Dr. Venglarcik was born and raised in Poland, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, in 2007, and her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2011.
Seeking milder winters and new opportunities, Dr. Venglarcik relocated to California with her husband, completing her Pediatric Residency at Kaiser Oakland in 2014. Afterward, she moved to Redding, where she has served as a pediatrician at Shasta Community Health Center. In October 2024, she transitioned to Churn Creek Health Care, bringing her dedication to children’s health and wellness to our community.
Dr. Venglarcik cherishes spending time outdoors, reading, and being with friends and family. She shares a deep appreciation for Redding Rancheria’s values of service, respect, and commitment to employees’ well-being.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Venglarcik to our team as we continue to provide exceptional care for our youngest patients!
REDDING R TRIBALHEAL
RANCHER LTH SYSTEM
WELCOME TO THE TRIBE
CHRISTINA G. THOMAS MD.
REDDING RANCHERIA TRIBAL HEALTH SYSTEM
Dr. Christina Thomas is a board certified Pediatrician who specializes in caring for infants, children and teenagers in the outpatient setting.
Before joining the team at Churn Creek Healthcare in 2024, she practiced in the Bay Area for Kaiser Permanente for 10 years after completing her residency in 2011 in General Pediatrics at Chicago’s Cook County Hospital. In 2022, she and her husband moved to Shasta County from the Bay Area, trading in traffic jams for scenic mountain vistas and a more peaceful way of life.
She loves being a part of families’ lives, watching children grow and develop and supporting them in the journey. The most gratifying part of her job is encouraging new parents and seeing them come into their own as capable moms and dads. She is passionate about collaborating with parents to empower them make the best decisions for their children and families.
When she is not at work, you will probably find her playing pickleball, creating arts and crafts with her little boy or cuddling on the couch with her son, husband and their 3 cats.
WIN-RIVER RESORT & CASINO ROCKING AND ROLLING INTO 2025!!!
WIN-RIVER RESORT & CASINO.
On January 23, 2025 we kicked off the New Year celebrating our annual All Staff Event! It truly was a week of unforgettable moments, and the energy in the air was electric! The All Staff event gives us a chance to recognize Team Members for all their dedication, passion, and hard work. It also opens up the opportunity for discussion regarding any changes that were implemented over the previous year and all the exciting announcements for the year to come! We also get to display our Top Point Earners! These select team members earned this title for being recognized on our Moments Program by creating memorable and over the top moments for not only each other but our guests as well. A huge shout out is needed to the incredible Team Member Relations Department as well as the Group Sales, Gaming, Creative, Information Technology, and Audio Visual Departments for orchestrating a week full of fun events.
We had a blast throughout the week, starting with our Team Member Poker Tournament, Bingo, followed by a delicious brunch, and a riveting Monte Carlo Tournament to wrap up the All Staff Gaming Week. All leading up to the epic All Staff meeting. We had amazing vendors, inspiring speakers, and some incredible entertaining videos featuring the real stars of the show, our Team Members! All these contributions collectively added so much excitement to our big week. A big congratulations to Daniel Jurgensen, voted as the well-deserved 2025 Team Member of the Year! Your dedication and hard work truly makes a difference. Our very own team members get the chance to cast their vote, and choose who gets rewarded this amazing accomplishment. A highlight of the morning was presenting our beloved team member, Vicki Baggett, with a tribal blanket as she embarks on her next journey into retirement. Here is to making 2025 another fantastic year of serving our community together! Thank you to everyone who made this week a spectacular success. Here is to many more memorable moments together!
Team Members Relations Department
Team Member of the Year 24’ Yao Wayne Saelee, Team Member of the Year Daniel Jurgensen
Redding Rancheria CEO, Tracy Edwards
2025 Top Point Earners
Redding Rancheria Chairperson, Jack Potter
General Manager Don Hayward, Retiree Vicki Baggett, and Michael Hayward`
REDDING RANCHERIA PROUDLY SUPPORTS
SHININGCARE AT THE SHINING
AFFAIR
REDDING RANCHERIA
Redding Rancheria is proud to celebrate the outstanding work and unwavering dedication of ShiningCare. We are honored to support their Shining Affair, an incredible evening of elegance, unity, and fundraising. This special event brought together the ShiningCare community to advance their vital mission: serving at-risk elders, individuals with disabilities, and the families who care for them. ShiningCare’s impact is profound, providing critical services to over 1,200 families annually and delivering over 15,000 hours of assistance to ensure safety, dignity, and support for vulnerable individuals. Their efforts have also facilitated vital connections to resources, improving the quality of life for those most in need.
Here is to ensuring the safety and well-being of our elders in 2025 and beyond. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for those who need it most.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Shauna Montoya
December 2024
Redding Rancheria is proud to present the January Employee of the Month – Shauna Montoya. Shauna is the Director of Nursing and helps ensure the patients are provided the highest level of service on a consistent basis. Shauna constantly goes above and beyond to help other departments and staff. Shauna is always making sure our [patients have the highest level of care. Shauna often takes on tasks or duties from other departments in order to help them be successful. We are thankful and appreciate Shauna for serving others and representing the Redding Rancheria and the Tribal Health System with dedication and commitment!
