The California Valley Miwok Tribe (located at 10601 N. Escondido PL, Stockton, CA, as listed in the Federal Register of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, BIA/DOI), a federally recognized tribe eligible to receive and distribute contracted services from the federal government – on Monday, January 10th, 2011, held the first installment of the 2011 USDA Food Distribution program. It was a joyous day for all recipients whom attended and for the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge members who assisted during the distribution.
Young and old alike regaled in the fact that the Under-Secretary and the BIA/DOI recently re-affirmed in a final agency action the rightful authority and membership of the Tribe. It was a just decision in line with existing federal laws, that was a victory for not only this tribe but all existing tribes. This administration has demonstrated in its decision their acknowledgement of the importance of sovereignty for federally recognized tribes and the willingness to work in an ever-strengthening relationship with Native American tribes that are serviced by the BIA/DOI. Because of this recent decision, the Tribe will now be empowered to initiate additional services in the near future that had previously been proposed and are currently in the planning stages.
The Tribe would like to thank the USDA, the Tule River Tribe and its Food Distribution staff for the partnership that makes this program possible and the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge for their continued assistance and donations. Also to the recipients whom have always supported the Tribe and to the Under-Secretary, his staff and the Interior employees that with this recent decision, will allow the Tribe to expand services to not only its members but to all Native Americans that reside within its service area.
