It looked like a small boulder – one among thousands found at the construction site of Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation’s Rowdy and Dominie Creek Fish Passage Improvement Project in Smith River. Upon closer inspection, however, Tribal Elder and Cultural Monitor Darrell Moorehead
noticed a deep hole in the boulder and realized it was more than just a rock, but a culturally significant tribal artifact.
It was a stone see-xat (mortar). Used in conjunction with a stone metlh-ts’vt (pestle), mortars were used as grinding tools by our ancestors.
“I was excited. I said to myself this is the real thing. A major find,” said Moorehead, 73. “That rock is irreplaceable. We don’t have many mortars of this size in (the tribe’s) collection.”
See Mortar, Page 2
TOP: Cultural Monitor Darrell Moorehead watches for cultural resources at the Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery.
LEFT: Public Works staff Noah Ferrer, right, and Bradley Tripp, transport the mortar to a safe site for cleaning.
Mortar
He immediately called staff at the Nation’s Tr’vmdan’ Dee-ni’-dvn (Tribal Heritage Preservation Office), who came to Rowdy Creek, inspected the boulder and determined it was a mortar. Public Works and Facilities staff carefully removed the mortar from the site and transported it by truck to a tribal location for further study. The age of the mortar is unknown at this time.
“If Darrell wasn’t there, that mortar would have been destroyed,” said Cynthia Ford, Tribal Heritage Preservation Officer. “He is on the Tribe’s Cultural Committee, which works with THPO, and he really knows our cultural history.”
THPO staff scoured the area where the mortar was found and searched for other signs of cultural resources. Nothing else was located, leading Ford to think it was an isolated item.
Moorehead, who has Bachelor of Arts degrees in Native American Studies and Social Welfare, said he wasn’t expecting to find many artifacts at the Rowdy Creek site. “There were no villages located here so mostly likely it was a hunters camp, where they would rest, prepare meals before moving on.”
Moorehead is one of five certified cultural monitors under contract with the Nation. The goal of each monitor is to identify and protect cultural resources – each one has the authority to halt all construction work when a potential artifact is discovered. As of October 15, in addition to the Fish
Rowdy Creek flows freely once again, See Page 12
Passage Project, the Nation has assigned cultural monitors to Caltrans’ Dr. Fine Bridge replacement project at the intersection of U.S. 101 and U.S 197; the Front Street Project in Crescent City, Lower Stotenburg Creek Restoration and Enhancement along the Smith River, and an emergency road project on Pebble Beach Drive in Crescent City.
For years, the Nation had only one cultural monitor under contract. However, in December 2023, THPO, in collaboration with the Nation’s Tribal Employment Rights Office, provided training to about 30 Tribal staff and citizens interested in being monitors. The intensive one-week training included presenters from the Nation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Cal Poly Humboldt, Redwood State and National State Park, Six Rivers National Forest, and the County of Del Norte. The topics covered included cultural resources law, cultural history, archeology practices, plant and animal identification, mapping and flint-knapping.
The job of a monitor may seem exciting, but it’s mostly long hours of boredom, Moorehead said. For nearly five months starting in May this year, he spent eight hours a day, five days a week at the Rowdy Creek Hatchery site, keeping a close eye on the massive amounts of dirt and rocks dug up, bulldozed and pushed around by work crews.
It wasn’t until mid-September that a keen-eyed construction manager spotted something in the rubble and called Moorehead over to inspect it.
Ford said contractors and construction crews receive what she called “sensitivity training” before any work begins on big projects, such as the one at Rowdy Creek, large housing developments and public works activities. The training includes information and presentations by Nation staff and citizens that focus on the history of the Tolowa people and the many types of cultural resources that could be and are often encountered across Tolowa territory
“We want work crews to be aware of what to look out for. To be an extra pair of eyes for the Tribe,” Ford said.
Often, cultural resources are found on private property either by accident or when a homeowner or land owner is digging or moving earth. Not all “finds” end up being resources. “Sometimes what a private residents thinks are human remains ends up being deer bones,” Ford said.
However, a week after the mortar was found at the Rowdy Creek, a large stone pestle was uncovered on private property in the Hiouchi area. The landowner recognized it and called in THPO staff to investigate. Once it was confirmed, the owner asked the Nation to take possession of. The property is considered an active site and the owner was encouraged to protect and steward the site in cooperation with the Nation.
This stone pestle was found on private property in Hiouchi. Public Works staff carefully move the mortar to the back of a truck that will transport it to a safe location for research.
Tribal Employment Rights Officer, Brian Millett (707)487-9255, ext. 1222, brian.millett@tolowa.com
Tribal Heritage Preservation Office, Cynthia Ford (707)487-9255, ext. 1174, cynthia.ford@tolowa.com
Fall ocean conditions return to Tolowa Country, continuing the relentless erosion of near shore rocks and islands.
DAY MIN’-NE’
Nee-san-lha'-ch'aa-ta Num-Nii~-Ma~S (November) 2024 Tribal Government Newsletter published by the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River CA 95567. Website: www.tolowa-nsn.gov. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation or their Staff. The Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation reserves the right to use their discretion in the information they publish. As per the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, no article shall be published or acknowledged in the tribal newsletter that does not promote and protect the best interests of the Nation. For information, contact Public Information Officer: Scott Graves, scott.graves@tolowa.com, 707-487-9255.
Videos spotlight Tolowa culture and history
Tribal Citizens review videos proposed for Beachfront Park cultural walk
In October, about 80 Tribal Citizens got a sneak peak at 10 Tolowa informational videos that will ultimately be part of the “Tolowa Cultural Walk” trail planned as part of Crescent City’s ongoing transformation of Beachfront Park.
The 3- to 8-minute-long videos, which are nearing the end of post-production, summarized the culture and history of the Tolowa People, and included brief interviews with various Tribal Citizens. Before the videos are finalized and made public, the city's Tolowa Cultural Committee invited Tribal Citizens to watch and comment on them during an Oct. 8 video preview session at the Crescent City Cultural Center.
Participants watched each video and then answered questions such as “How did the videos make you feel?” “Which video or storyline resonated with you the most?” “Was anything important missing?” And “Was there a video you did not like? And why?”
The video segments included an overview of the Tolowa story, the Genesis of our people, the brutal genocide and decades of oppression, our connecting to and stewardship of the land and sea, the history of Point St. George, trade routes, Battery Point Lighthouse, Jedediah Smith State Park, our
Capitol, and the history of tsunamis.
“This project has been a profoundly rewarding and healing experience, allowing members of the Tolowa community to share their rich stories and heritage,” said Emily Reed, TDN’s Director of Administrative Services. “The committee composed of the Tolowa Nation, Elk Valley Rancheria, DN Historical Society, and Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, has worked tirelessly to ensure a diverse array of voices and experiences are represented. We have been honored to have collaborated with so many families and weave their narratives into these films. We look forward to the completion of this project and when the greater community can learn more about the Tolowa people.”
Most reviewers were pleased with the overall quality and content. Some suggested adding more information or photos related to recent Tribal projects and endeavors, the Redwoods, traditional artwork and other cultural practices.
About 80 Tribal Citizens watch and provide feedback on 10 draft videos proposed for interpretive stations along the Tolowa Cultural Walk at Beachfront Park.
Emily Reed, TDN's Director of Administrative Services, explains where videos will be placed on the cultural walk.
The one thing that many reviewers agreed on was the underlining message of “We’re still here.” The participants’ feedback was shared with the video production team.
The Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, Elk Valley Rancheria, Tolowa Nation, and the Del Norte Historical Society are collaborating with the City of Crescent City on the Beachfront Park Plan. The Tolowa Cultural Walk project began in 2021 with the development of a cultural committee – consisting entirely of Tolowa Tribal members – to assist the City of Crescent City in expanding the general knowledge and appreciation for the history of the area with a focus on the Tolowa People.
In late 2022, the city received a grant from the California State Coast Conservancy to create up to 10 short videos featuring Tolowa stories. In January, Sea Reach Ltd. was contracted to assist with the development of the videos, the interpretive stations and signage along the Tolowastamped pathway. The Los Angeles-based Zam Studios was contracted to produce the videos and did more than 90 percent of the videography.
Call for artists:
Sea Reach is seeking submissions from Tolowa artists and craftspeople to be featured on interpretive signs at Beachfront Park. Submissions can include illustrations, photos of bead work, art, wood carvings and weavings. The artists’ names will be featured along with each artwork. Learn about submitting artwork or about the overall project by contacting Emily Reed at 707-487-9255, ext. 1182 or emily.reed@ tolowa.com.
Artist's rendition of interpretive stations
Tribal Citizens Emily Reed, right, Norene Darnell and her daughter Sandy Melton discuss the questions used to gather feedback about the videos.
Oct 14 recognized as Indigenous Peoples' Day
On Oct. 7, Tolowa Tribal Council Member Jaytuk Steinruck joined the Crescent City Council as the city officially recognized Oct. 14, 2024, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
“From my heart, I’m glad to see the city continuing to recognize this day and will continue to do so in the future,” Steinruck said to the city council. “I’d also like to recognize the ongoing efforts by the city of Crescent City on the work you’ve been doing at Beachfront Park and all the Tolowa culture, history and artwork that you are incorporating into that. From the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and Tribal Council Shu’ shaa nin-la. Thank you.”
Before reading the city’s Proclamation aloud to people in the council chambers and those watching the livestream, Crescent City Mayor Blake Inscore said, “I consider it a great honor to read this.”
Inscore said the city recognized Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and encouraged other businesses, organizations, and public institutions to do likewise. The city also promised to continue its efforts to promote the prosperity and well-being of the Crescent City indigenous community; and that Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall be used to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of the Tolowa and Yurok citizens on this land, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value they add to the city.
See Proclamation, Page 7
Proclamation
Indigenous Peoples' Day honors Indigenous communities in the United States and is celebrated the second Monday of October each year. The first seed of Indigenous Peoples’ Day was planted at a U.N. international conference on discrimination in 1977. The first state to recognize the day was South Dakota in 1989. Berkeley, California, and Santa Cruz followed suit.
Although the day was still considered Columbus Day up to 1937, many people began calling it Indigenous Peoples’ Day to celebrate the rich culture and the lives of the Native American people.
For Native Americans, Columbus Day was always hurtful as it glorified the violent past constituting 500 years of colonial torture and oppression by European explorers like Columbus and those who settled in America. Indigenous Before Columbus' arrival, the indigenous people were successful self-sufficient communities that sustained life for thousands of years.
Year by year, the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day spreads to more and more states, towns, and cities across the United States of America. According to previous reporting by USA TODAY,
approximately 29 states and Washington, D.C. do not celebrate Columbus Day. About 216 cities have renamed it or replaced it with Indigenous Peoples Day, according to renamecolumbusday.org. Some states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day via proclamation, while others treat it as an official holiday.
The City of Crescent City’s proclamation included the following points:
•The City of Crescent City recognizes that the lands that would later become known as the Americas have been occupied by Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial.
•Indigenous People’s Day is a day to celebrate the people who call California home and who have survived and thrived in the face of unimaginable challenges to shape California’s past, present and future.
•The City of Crescent City recognizes that the lands that would later become known as Crescent City was founded upon the ancestral homelands and villages of the Tolowa People, who called this place “Taa-‘at-dvn” long before it was incorporated as a city in 1854.
•Peoples indigenous to California have lived their lives in spite of forces of oppression, violence and discrimination, including the genocidal “war of extermination” directed by California’s very first governor.
•The Tolowa People suffered multiple
massacres in the 1850s, including the second largest single massacre of Indigenous People on American soil at “Yan’-daa-k’vt” and acknowledging this brutal past as part of our collective history is an essential step toward community healing.
•Southern Del Norte County is also the ancestral home of the Yurok People, who constitute an integral part of both our region’s history and the current community that is Crescent City; and the city recognizes the value of many contributions made to our community through Indigenous Peoples’ traditional ecologic knowledge and the deep cultural contribution that substantially shaped the character of Crescent City.
•The City of Crescent City has a responsibility to oppose the systemic racism towards Indigenous Peoples in the United States, which perpetuates high rates of poverty and income inequality, exacerbates disproportionate health, education, and social stability; and Indigenous Peoples in the United States, which perpetuates high rates of poverty and income inequality, exacerbates disproportionate health, education, and social stability.
•The City of Crescent City promotes the closing of the equity gap for Indigenous Peoples through policies and practices by honoring our nation’s Indigenous history and contributions.
TDN program provides fresh food for Tribal Citizens
TDN’s fledgling free food program “Local Food is Good Medicine” is one year into a two-year plan and has consistently served fresh, regionally resourced food to about 125 Tribal households monthly via a drive-through pickup event.
“We decided there was a need and said let’s just go for it,” said Brigette Finigan, senior planner for TDN’s Community Development Department. “It’s been a year so far and so far, so good.”
With a $350,000 USDA grant in hand, Finigan and staff from the Community Family & Wellness and Natural Resources departments formed a “hodge-podge team” and launched the first free drive-through event in November 2023. Since then, the event has been scheduled monthly, usually on a Friday, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Gilbert Creek site at 16450 Oceanview Drive. The next drive through event is scheduled for Nov. 22.
“The goal of the program is to address food insecurity and food sovereignty,” Finigan said. “It exposes Tribal Citizens to fresh, healthy food choices.”
The grant money can only be used to purchase food, not supplies or staff time, which are covered by individual department budgets. The grant requires that the Tribe purchase food from socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The
USDA defines “socially disadvantaged” as those belonging to groups that have been subject to racial or ethnic prejudice. Since Smith River doesn’t have any such producers of meat and produce,
Finigan purchases items such as eggs, dried beans, flour and produce from North Coast Growers Association in Arcata, Calif. Additional produce comes from a Grants Pass farm, and ground beef
Monica Calvillo checks Tribal Citizens in as they line up for the free food giveaway on Oct. 17.
TDN staff are ready to serve after spending several hours preparing for the monthly free food giveaway at the Gilbert Creek facility.
Each bag of produce distributed contains a list of contents. from Foggy Bottom Boys in Ferndale, Calif.
The Nation takes delivery of the meat and produce on the day before the event. On the day of, a small group of TDN staff members spend several hours prepping bags of produce and frozen meat (usually organic ground beef) and hand them to Tribal Citizens in waiting vehicles. The food items change every month, depending on where they are sourced. A list of food and recipes are included in each bag.
It is “first come, first served” as the food supply is finite. Participants are required to show TDN identification and cannot pick up food for anyone other than their own family.
“When we started the program, it was a bit rough, but now things flow really well,” said Monica Calvillo, CFW’s self-sufficiency program manager. “We all work hard, especially beforehand, and we all have the same goal – get
people fed. It’s not always easy. We have a limited budget, but we do what we can with what we get.”
The bags are much appreciated by Tribal Citizens who picked up food at the Oct. 17 drive through event. Several people said they liked that the food was fresh and healthy. A Tribal elder said the food was a blessing because it comes at the end of the month when her food and money is running low.
“I come every month and it’s a big help. I have a large family with growing kids,” said Mabel Boardman. “We really appreciate all the hard work they do. A lot of families depend on this.”
TDN staff member Maggie Wycoff, a TANF program technician, enjoys working with her coworkers and meeting people of her Tribe.
“We all really work together to make it happen,” she said. “And it’s very satisfying helping people in our community.”
LEFT: Blake Allen hands a bag of food to a Tribal Citizen in the drive through.
Maggie Wycoff prepares a cartload of bagged ground beef to be distributed to the waiting drivers.
RIGHT:
Tribal Resource Specialist Blake Allen and TANF Coordinator Krystal Wood retrieve food from cold box.
Each family receives 10 pounds of ground beef.
2024 Great American Smokeout Nov. 21
Are you or someone you know trying to quit tobacco products? Help is available.
In conjunction with the 2024 Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 21, United Indian Health Services' NATIVE Tobacco Project will provide free educational resources & quit kits designed for UIHS clients.
Tribal citizens can pick up information at one of the following sites:
• UIHS medical clinic, Taa-'at-dvn, 1675 Northcrest Drive, Crescent City, from 1 pm to 4 pm.
• Potawot Health Village, 1600 Weeot Way, Arcata, from 1 p.m. to 4 pm.
What is the Great American Smoke Out?
The Great American Smoke Out wellness event, hosted by the American Cancer Society, can be the day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. Join thousands of people who smoke across the country by participating in self-care toward a healthier life and those around you, reducing your cancer risk for everyone by being tobacco-free.
Smoking causes an estimated 480,000 deaths every year — about one in five deaths. More than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease. More than one in four American Indian and Alaskan Natives (AI/ AN) adults smoke cigarettes. At 26 percent, that is 1.5 times greater than the U.S. smoking rate. Out of the top ten leading causes of death among AI/AN, six of them have been linked to smoking.
No matter your age or how long you have
You are invited to join the NATIVE Tobacco Project on November 21, 2024, for education on pregnancy and the dangers of commercial tobacco at the following clinics:
Taa-'at-dvn
Crescent City Clinic
1 p.m. - 4 p.m. 1675 Northcrest Drive
Crescent City, CA 95531
Potawot Health Village
1 p.m. - 4 p.m. 1600 Eeeot Way Arcata, CA 95521
been smoking, quitting improves health both immediately and over the long term. Giving up commercial tobacco smoking addiction is a journey. It can be challenging, but you can increase your chances of success with a good
plan and support. Getting help via counseling and medications doubles or even triples your chances of quitting commercial tobacco successfully.
Source: www.cancer.org www.keepitsacred.org
Naa-set Beach
The Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation has launched Xaa-tr'vlh-nvt-tr'e'-yu' (Women in Fire), a new program that offers two Tribal females 18 years and older the opportunity to receive professional training in areas such as firefighting techniques, chainsaws, portable pumps and leadership. They will also learn skills and knowledge about cultural fire, prescribed fire, fire suppression and fuels reduction. No experience is necessary to apply to the program and those who complete it will be certified Wildland Firefighters recognized by any tribal, federal, state or local agency. They will be eligible to be hired by local fire crews, including the Redwood National and State Parks.
Xaa-tr'vlh-nvt-tr'e'-yu' is a project that supports Indigenous women in pursuing careers in wildland fire management. The initiative is part of a collaboration between the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and the National Park Service (NPS) to protect and steward the natural and cultural resources of Redwood National and State Parks.
The collaboration was authorized by the Indian Self-Determination, Education Assistance, and the Tribal Self-Governance Acts. The agreement aims to remove barriers that have prevented Tribes from working and living in their homelands.
The NPS and the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni Nation signed a historic Annual Funding Agreement in August that paved the way for projects like “Women in Fire.” The agreement will provide more efficient collaboration and partnership on projects created to
protect and steward the natural and cultural resources in Redwood National and State Parks.
To accomplish the goal of creating successful pathways to women in leadership, Redwood National and State Parks will work on changing the culture and structure of the wildland Fire program.
Redwood National Park Superintendent Steve Metz said, “This agreement builds upon our existing relationship, allowing us to work together more efficiently. Xaa-tr'vlh-nvttr'e'-yu' is an incredible first use of the Agreement.”
Tolowa Dee-ni Chairperson Jeri Lynn Thompson praised the agreement. “This agreement has been a long time coming and will be used as a tool to build on the strong partnership we already have with Redwood National and State Parks.”
Learn more about the program by contacting Elena Sisneros at 707-4879255 ext. 1154 or send an email to elena.sisneros@tolowa.com.
TRIBAL NEWS
Rowdy Creek flows freely once again
With the removal of a temporary construction dam on Friday, Oct. 25, Rowdy Creek is once again flowing freely. The designed "shutes and pools" are working as planned and soon fish will be swimming farther upriver than they have in decades. The Nation has been working for 10 years to remove the fish passage barriers with the Rowdy and Dominie Creek Fish Passage Improvement Project. Congratulations to the Tolowa's fisheries staff, Michael Love Associates and GHD for their fantastic engineering, and West Coast Contracting crews for their tireless work to complete the project over the past 120 days.
BEFORE AFTER
TRIBAL NEWS
Travis named " Citizen of the Month"
Tyler & Amanda Travis support youth sports
TDN couple Tyler and Amanda Travis were chosen “Curry County Citizen of the Month” by the Curry County Board of Commissioners in September for their efforts to support local youth sports and related activities. Tyler is a Tribal Citizen and Amanda works for Remax Coast & Country. “I love this community so much and feel so grateful to be a part of it,” Amanda said.
Commissioner Jay Trost said, “The people who are the foundation of our community
are often the people who don’t get noticed. These two, Tyler and Amanda, not only run the Brookings youth activities for Brookings, which is an incredible commitment, but they are also on the board for Little League and Tyler coaches in all of the sports as well.
Trost added, "Their commitment to our youth, they’re doing it year round. They are well worth acknowledging for all that they do for the county's youth.”
Tyler and Amanda reside in Brookings.
"Every Child Matters"
On Monday, Sept. 30, the Nation's Community and Family Wellness staff wore orange to show support for National Truth and Reconciliation Day, and send the message that "Every Child Matters." It’s a day to remember the thousands of Native American children who never returned home from residential schools, those who survived, their families, and communities. It’s a day to commemorate an end to the oppression of Native People and recognize the traumas they endured.
Head Start students join in statewide quake drill
This year's International ShakeOut Day was Oct. 17, when millions of people worldwide participated in earthquake drills at work, school or home. As part of The Great California ShakOut, students and staff at Howonquet Head Start practiced emergency safety drills when alarms went off at 10:17 a.m. The students did quite well as they and staff practice these drills often throughout the year.
TDN staff and volunteers clean up Dat-naa-svt
Thirteen TDN staff and volunteers participated in the 40th Annual Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 21. They removed 820 pounds of trash from Datnaa-svt. Preliminary statewide results reported nearly 30,000 volunteers participated and removed more than 120 tons of trash and six tons of recyclable materials from beaches, shorelines and waterways during the five-hour event statewide.
From left: volunteer Auggie Schaad, TDN Natural Resource staff Blake Allen (Tribal Resource Specialist), Elena Sisneros (Habitat and Wildlife Manager), Jeff Mathison (Tribal Resource Specialist), Rachel McCain (Natural Resource Director), volunteer Emma Salas, and TDN Environmental Division Manager Monica Hiner.
Deadline is Jan. 3, 2025
Welcome to the World!
Isabel Gaylene Brundin
We are happy to announce Isabel Gaylene Brundin, who was born Aug. 8, 2024, in Crescent City, Calif., to Thomas and Edie Brundin. Isabel weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and was 19.75 inches long. Isabel’s siblings are sister Seaira, and brothers Charlie and Eric. Grandparents are Eric and Sue Brundin, and Alejandro and Gaylene Mendiola. “You are so loved Isabel.”
Lucas Allen Wayne Martinez
We are happy to announce Lucas Allan Wayne Martinez, who was born Aug. 26, 2024, to Lucas and Maggie Martinez. Lucas weighed 6 pounds 9 ounces and was 18.5 inches long. His sibling is Alicia Mae Martinez. Grandparents are Celeste Salmans, Time Fillmore (maternal), Carrie and Derek Woodbury, and Tim Martinez (paternal). Great grandparents are Stella Salmons/Moorehead and Jesse Salmans (maternal), and Sandy and Scott Pitcairn (paternal).
Provide the following:
• Baby's full name
• Birth Date
• Birth location (city/state)
• Weight
• Height
• Parent's names
• Siblings names
• Grandparents names
• Any additional info
Sahaar Malan
Samudrala
We are happy to announce Sahaar Malan Samudrala, who was born Sept. 17, 2024, in Puget Sound, Washington, to Savannah and Sai Samudrala. Sahaar weighed 6 pounds 7 ounces and was 21 inches long. His grandparents are Sandra and Doug Lewis, and great grandma is Cheryl Blagden.
Employee of the month
Mieng Yang IT Support Specialist
Mieng’s reliability makes him a valuable team member. He’s always willing to lend a hand when needed, contributing to a positive work environment. His ability to stay composed under pressure inspires those around him, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration.
Great job Mieng!
New Employees
Drew MacDonald
Education Department
As a Family Liaison, Drew is responsible for development, acquisition, and implementation of education, culture, language and service provider programs.
"My passion is preserving and passing down cultural and familial values to the next generation of Indigenous Peoples," he said.
His hobbies include hiking, backpacking and playing guitar. When he's not caring for his cat, bunny and gecko, he likes listening to folk music, cheering on the New England Patriots and reading and watching science fiction.
Erhan Cam
Community Family & Wellness Department
As the Tribes Wellness Division Manager, Erhan will manage the day-to-day operations; plan, organize, coordinate and evaluate services provided for substance abuse, mental wellness preventative wellness and health education programs and projects to ensure smooth functioning.
"My soul has always belonged to this region and my love for being of service to others is what brought me to the Nation. I want to be where I can help make a difference," she said.
She enjoys crafting with beads, drawing, painting, writing, photography, rock hounding and being out in nature. She likes long drives, music, cooking and storytelling. Her favorite book is "Divine Sparks: Collect Wisdom of the Heart."
NA’SR-DVTLH-NVSH-DVN
Metz is TDN's assistant administrative director
Thomas Metz joins us as the new assistant executive director of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. He will be responsible for coordinating with and supervising the department-heads of the Human Resources Department and the Administrative Services Department.
“I may also be assigned to special projects and may assist in strategic planning,” Metz explained. “If the executive director is away from work, then I would stand in for him at meetings.”
Previously, Metz served as deputy city treasurer of the City of Palm Desert, Calif., for 23 years. He spent six years working on the Pauma Indian Reservation in north San Diego County as general manager of the San Luis Rey Indian Water Authority, a federally chartered water agency that the Pala, Pauma, Rincon, La Jolla, and San Pasqual Bands of Mission Indians formed for a water rights settlement.
He also worked in finance and in human resources at FHP Health Care, in corporate
banking at First Interstate Bank, and in government relations and in strategic planning at Atlantic Richfield Company.
Metz has an international relations degree from Claremont McKenna College, a law degree from Loyola Law School, an MBA in Finance from the USC Marshall School of Business, and a Certificate in Human Resources Management from the University of California. He has received law enforcement training and is registered with CA POST (California Peace Officer Standards and Training).
Davis joins TDN as director of Human Resources
The Tolowa Dee-ni’ has hired Jeff Davis as its new Human Resources Director. As such, Davis will develop and implement human resource strategies, policies, and programs that support the Nation’s goals, and enhance its talent management and workplace culture.
“One of the exciting things about coming to a growing and expanding Nation is to see how bright the future is, and how we, as a team, can mold things for the future,” Davis said.
Previously, Davis worked as a Human Resources Advisor for Norton Sound Health Corporation, a Tribally owned and operated healthcare company serving Alaska’s Native American people. NSHC operates a hospital in Nome and clinics in 14 villages along the Bering Strait region.
Davis also worked as a Human Resource Specialist for the nonprofit Maniilaq Association, a tribally owned health and social services organization serving the Northwest Arctic Borough and North Slope community of Point
Hope, Alaska.
Davis earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health, Health Care Administration and Management from Colorado State University, as well as a Master’s Degree in the same fields at the university. He also holds a Tribal Human Resources Professional Certification – a widely recognized essential HR credential in Native American Country.
M/S/C (O’Connell/Giovannetti) 4-0-1 Motion to adopt the consent agenda including: Updated Job Descriptions for Food Wetland Program Coordinator and Job Description for Food Sovereignty Coordinator.
XAA-'VTLH-SRII-DVN (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING):
M/S/C (Giovannetti/Boardman) 4-0-1 Motion to approve the Chairperson sign the Referenced Funding Agreement with the Department of Transportation Amendment 1, to receive the next installment of Transportation funds.
M/S/C (Boardman/O’Connell) 4-0-1 Motion to approve National Park Service Agreement G8480-24-0001 to perform construction services at the Hiouchi Operations Center Rehabilitation in Redwood National Park for the amount of $56,710.
