NATIVE AMERICAN CAUCUS MEETING AT THE CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY'S STATE CONVENTION - 2003

By Caucus Chairwoman Mary Ann Martin Andreas
And Caucus Communications Secretary Raven Lopez Workman

March 14, 2003

Meeting called to order by Chairwoman Mary Ann Andreas at 4:05 p.m.

- Welcome and introductions of current executive board by Chairwoman Andreas. This is the NAC's first re-certification process, we are learning empowerment. We're on our way, learning the process and getting ready for 2004. She reviewed goals for the meeting.

Approval of revised mission statement and bylaws - MOTION CARRIED.

- Election of new officers. Nominations made and MOTION CARRIED:

- Caucus elections were held and the following were elected as officers and board members:

- Appointment of new subcommittee chairs were made and approved:
Laura Miranda, Chair, Caucus Subcommittee on Legislative Affairs Helen Doherty, Chair, Caucus Subcommittee on Education Chad Gordon, Chair, Caucus Subcommittee on Legal Issues Paula Starr, Chair, Caucus Subcommittee on Health Issues

- The caucus' new membership drive will be headed by Marcia Hoaglen and Kyle Crandall.

- Introduction of the new NAC website was made by Waltona Manion. Hard copies of the site design were passed out. Members are encouraged to use the site to share information and to use to communicate with other NAC members. The new address is nativeamericancaucus.com. Website was designed by Los Angeles designer Jerry Gelb.

- Re-certification process: We need 35 signatures from delegates, we have 51 at present. A final report of re-certification will be made at the next meeting. All members are being re-registered and the caucus now had a new membership card. If you are a member and do not have a card, please contact the NAC website.

- The new Native American Caucus logo was also unveiled as part of the web design and NAC buttons distributed to all members.

- Senator Barbara Boxer's representative spoke on the sacred lands issues. He said she is the first U.S. Senator to visit Imperial County. Motion from the floor to have NAC's website linked to Senator Boxer's website. MOTION CARRIED

- State Senator Joe Dunn presented resolution (need to contact his office for specific details for the minutes. Chad will also supply info.) Motion to support Senator Joe Dunn's resolution. MOTION CARRIED

- Scott Otis, from the Coalition of Young Democrats announced a summit for Young Democrats on April 26, 2003 in San Francisco. Ages 14-35.

- Acknowledgement of a representative from Democrats of the Desert.

- Dave Jones, announced his candidacy for 9th Assembly District.

- Laura Hamen (sp) announced her candidacy for the 9th District.

- A representative from the LaRouche discussed their concerns.

- Donna Begay announced her candidacy for the 9th District. She is Navajo and Pauite.

Reports from the Executive Board

- Treasurer's Report by Raven Lopez Workman: NAC has a balance of $6,169.23.

- Minutes from last meeting, December 6, 2002 Ð TABLED.

- Update from the elections in South Dakota. The Republicans filed a lawsuit against Becky Red Earth. She is requesting financial assistance to fight the lawsuit. The Republicans have introduced a bill that will eliminate Native voting rights. The voter turn out was 22,037 in 2000; and 29,141 in 2002This was a 27.83% voter increase in South Dakota.

- Fred (Name needed) asked if any action was taking place in Sioux Falls. He is organizing a Stone Wall event

- Resolution to reaffirm the California Democratic Party's (CDP) opposition to the Ward Connerly Initiative, submitted by Speaker Herb Wesson, Mayor Willie Brown, & Alice Huffman. MOTION CARRIED

- Resolution for the California Democratic Party to oppose the Republican recall of Governor Gray Davis, submitted by Speaker Herb Wesson, Mayor Willie Brown and Alice Huffman. MOTION CARRIED

- Resolution by the California Democratic Party to support the Michigan University Affirmative Action, submitted by Speaker Herb Wesson, Mayor Willie Brown and Alice Huffman. MOTION CARRIED

- Chairwoman Andreas introduced State First Lady Sharon Davis. She thanked the caucus for its support; and as part of a progress update, reported that state test scores increased by 4%; that one million more children have insurance than four years ago; that there are 5,000 acres of more open space; that California allows stem cell research; that California made a law that would outlaw anti-abortion legislation; and that the Democrats stopped the Republicans from destroying land in the Sierras.

- Antonio Salazar Hobson, CDP Controller was introduced.

- Chairwoman introduced Lt. Gov. Bustamante.

- Motion to adjourn meeting by Chairwoman Andreas at 5:15 p.m.

Meeting adjourned.