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, March 17th, 2011, held the tribal monthly food distribution in its continuing effort to address the needs of the Native Americans residing within its service area with whatever resources the Tribe has at its disposal.
The Tribe has won a recent California Superior Court case regarding its RSTF monies but the California Gambling Control Commission still refuses to release the Tribe’s rightful funds, thus until such time as the funds are released the Tribe remains limited in implementing additional programs within the Native American community. Additionally, this month also saw one such family that could have used the enhanced resources the Tribe could offer with the funding lose their utilities and phone, having to look elsewhere in their time of need. The Tribe was grateful that the participants that were able to attend had what was the last pleasant day before a major storm hit the following day.
This distribution was important because it included the annual application renewal and the Tribe working with Tule River Food Distribution staff member, Patricia Solas made sure that all applicants brought the documentation needed to re-apply. As always the distribution received the assistance and monthly donation from the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge. These honorable men whom have served their country in its time of need continue to serve right here in their local community, and we are proud that they have chosen to work with us in assisting throughout the Native American community. We would like to thank all those whom supply and assist in making this program possible and to those whom participate making this endeavor worthwhile. Below is an informational release from the San Joaquin Native American Veterans Lodge that is of importance to the Native American community. It was intended to accompany last month’s food distribution story but the subject matter and events are ongoing so the story is as relevant today as ever.
“We are very excited about sharing our spirit with many of the organizations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area. On February 14th, 2011, the NOWA Cumig Institute begins the awareness campaign to reverse effects of Diabetes and Heart Disease. A group of Indigenous people and earth people will begin a five month walk from La Jolla, California towards the nation’s capitol, to bring attention to these deadly diseases that are prevalent in our society today. Veterans like Mike Trujillo, Army and Viet Nam veteran Richard “Windfeathers” Muniz whom support these regional events throughout California provide assistance to those involved. We as veterans of the San Joaquin Lodge continue to provide bottled water to our Native brothers and sisters, children and elders. Our spirit grows when we can be a part of such an event like the longest walk 3, and to have our NAKA (Native Americans Killed in Action) remembering our fallen heroes flag traveling along with them as they walk their path across this great nation, is a great honor. This is the flag for the heroes that have paid the ultimate price, the heroes that have gone before…. and for the heroes of the new war! Red is the color of the bloodshed by our Armed Forces & Special Services, who because of being Americans, were put in harms way. So many along the way will be able to see them and greet them and show support. We are proud to be a part of this great event from Stockton, CA. Lets keep them in prayer and let peace be the journey.” said Richard “Windfeathers” Muniz.
