The California Valley Miwok Tribe – located at 10601 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 services from the federal government – on Monday, November 15th, attended the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) conference and trade show that was held throughout the third week of November at the Albuquerque Convention Center, located at 401 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The conference was attended by our chairperson, Silvia Burley and many other important tribal leaders and organizations. Among other important participants too numerous to mention in attendance were New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Ken Salazar, Whitehouse Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs Kimberly Tee Hee and Secretary of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Larry Echohawk.
The California Valley Miwok participated in many discussions and attended meetings addressing subject matter such as the settlement to American Indian farmers and ranchers, Indian country and the new job market, affordable healthcare for Native Americans, Native American enterprises and community intervention, among others.
While attending, Chairperson Burley was also able to network on behalf of her own tribe at the event, strengthening old relationships and meeting and making new friends and garnering their support in upcoming matters. It was a very busy week but one highlight in the Chairperson’s attendance was her meeting and befriending of her favorite Native American actor, Wes Studi, whom has a very storied acting career, starring in numerous productions made for television and the big screen. He also is an accomplished musician in the band called “Firecat of Discord”, in which his lovely wife Maura Dhu is the band’s lead vocalist. Mr. Studi was in attendance to make a presentation and is a proud member of the Cherokee Nation.
The California Valley Miwok Tribe is a proud member of the National Congress of American Indians and is grateful that Robert Rosette made their attendance possible.
