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 Thursday, April 21, 2011, sent Tribal representatives to meet with the Honorable Congressman Jerry McNerney at the congressman’s Stockton offices.
Congressman McNerney represents California’s 11th District and has diligently worked to address the concerns of his constituents since first being sworn into office on January 4th, 2007. The Tribe was honored that Congressman McNerney was able to give of his valuable time and after introductions, the meeting commenced with CVMT Chairperson Silvia Burley thanking the congressman for addressing previous issues on behalf of the Tribe and acknowledging those actions with the presentation of a framed certificate of appreciation. Congressman McNerney was also gifted by Miwok Elder and artisan Mildred Burley, with an indigenous pine needle basket and pine needle medallion. The main purpose of the meeting was to formally meet and greet after years of correspondence between the congressman’s office and the Tribe on various issues.
Additionally discussed, were current and future needs within the 11th District and of the Tribe’s commitment as the only federally recognized tribe within the 11th District, to help to address those needs. Congressman McNerney and his staff were all very cordial and friendly, and the Tribe was made to feel very welcome on this visit. The Tribe looks forward to a further strengthening of the relationship it has with Congressman McNerney and his staff and hopes that this article serves as a reminder that if ever we can be of assistance in any proposed programs to better the lives of constituents residing within the 11th Congressional District, we as a tribe are committed to helping our neighbors and community.
