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NATIVE
AMERICAN CAUCUS
CALIFORNIA
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Native American Caucus
Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2005
I.
CALL TO ORDER
The
meeting was called to order at 10:45a.m. by Chairwoman
Helen Doherty.
II.
Chairwoman Doherty asked those present to
review the minutes from the July 29, 2005 meeting for
accuracy/approval.
It
was moved by Steve Bolinger and seconded by Paula
Starr to approve the July 29, 2005 minutes as
presented.
Unanimous Approval
III.
Treasurer’s Report
Kyle
Crandall, Treasurer reported that the Caucus presently
has $7,913.71 total in the Caucus bank account. Mr.
Crandall informed those present that there was a booth
in the lobby of the hotel with new items available and
donations would be accepted. He further shared with
those present that items were also available on the
Caucus website: www.nativeamericancaucus.com
Chairwoman
Doherty added that the donations from all items sold
go directly to the Caucus sponsored scholarship funds.
IV.
Board Reports
a.
Women’s Issues Forum
Chairwoman
Doherty reviewed the history and prior approval of the
pending Women’s Issues Forum and discussed barriers
that have been encountered. Since the last meeting the
site chosen to hold the Forum, Cal State San
Bernardino, has become cost prohibitive. A site in San
Bernardino is still being sought and the Forum is
still expected to take place on the first or second
Saturday in March, 2006.
b.
Indian Camp – 10/13 – 10/16
Chairwoman
Doherty described the purpose of the Camp was to
encourage more Native American candidates to run for
office and thanked Chad Gordon, Mary Ann Andreas,
Joely De la Torre for their commitment to attend.
c.
Legislative Report
Chad
Gordon reported that Congress was reviewing the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act. He further reported that the
Mascots Act was vetoed by Governor Schwarzeneggar and
highlighted AB 161 - (Juan Vargas, D., San
Diego) requires the Department of Corrections to
employ at least one clergy member for every 500
inmates, as one that should be watched. Mr. Gordon
also made a list available of pending legislation that
is of interest to Native Americans.
Ron
Andrade informed those present that it has been
reported that Assembly-member Mervyn M. Dymally has been
working with Jonathon Stein to sponsor legislation
that would permit a casino to be built in Compton. Mr.
Andrade stated that in his opinion this is a direct
attack on the tribes. Chairwoman Doherty stated that
she would schedule a visit with Assemblyman Dymally.
Corrine Hicks briefed those
present on HR 3402 – Violence Against
Women’s Act had an amendment that gutted the bill
and would not be effective for women of color. The
bill was up for vote, however, at the time of this
meeting and the outcome of the vote was unknown.
Corrine Hicks informed those
present that the Reauthorization of the Indian Health
Care Improvement Act was currently being marked by the
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The concern is
questions coming out of the Committee as to the
justification for the Urban Indian Health Programs.
Ron Andrade opened a discussion
about a missing contact in the California Democratic
Party. There is the absence of a staff person that is
focused on Native American issues at the State level.
After discussion:
It was moved by Ron Andrade and
seconded by Carol Robb to request the California
Democratic Party to create a staff position that is
focused on Native issues at the State level.
Unanimous Approval
V.
Committee Reports
a.
Scholarship Committee
The Scholarship Committee is
presently developing the criteria for applications,
including the requirement to be a registered Democrat.
It is intended to have this as an action item for the
January meeting.
b.
Journalism and Illustration Contest
The
purpose of this contest is to provide young people
losing languages an opportunity for resurgence. The
Committee is requesting the Native American Journalist
Association to sponsor the contest an identify judges
to judge Kindergarten – College. The hope is that
through the contest children and young adults will
become connected with who they are – it is intended
that awards will be given at each level.
c.
Judiciary Report
Steve
Bollinger reported that Roberts nomination was
approved. Mr. Bollinger further reported that the
right wing is trying to capture the courts to protect
their racist legislation. There are no Native American
judges on the California Bench. It is necessary that
we make sure local clubs and AD’s take the message
to their members that may need to appoint Native
American judges to the bench. However, we must first work on getting our people qualified
to hold these positions.
d.
California Reading Association Conference
Chairwoman
Doherty reported that the California Reading
Association Conference have scheduled workshops
focusing on Native American topics. The conference
will be held November 4, 2005 in Ontario. Presently,
the Caucus has 25 spots available but names must be
submitted before the close of the day.
VI.
Guest Speakers
The
following persons addressed the membership:
Deborah
Bowen, Senate District 28 – candidate for Secretary
of State
Angela
Acostas Salazar, candidate Rio Hondo College Board
Merv
Evans, candidate State Controller
Jenny
Oropeza, Assemblywoman, 55th Assembly
District – candidate
Senate District 28
Mark
Leno, Assemblyman, 13th Assembly District
Clark
Lee, Young Democrats
Van
Tamom – candidate 60th Assembly District
Meagan
Angelides – representing Phil Angelides,
Candidate for governor.
Roosevelt
Dorn, Mayor of Inglewood
Shelby
Yarbough, Perris School Board Member
VII.
Adjournment
Chairwoman
Doherty ended the meeting stating the criticalness of
holding elected officials accountable. It is necessary
that we begin monitoring the vote and hold Democrats
voting against Democratic bills accountable.
The
meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m. by Chairwoman
Doherty.
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