American Indian Advisory Council

Minutes from

November 19, 2002

Welcome and Introductions by

Ray Hernandez, SVRC Dept. of Rehabilitation, and

John Rutherford, Executive Director Candelaria American Indian Council

Guest Speaker

Julie Tumamait-Stenslie

Julie is one of the few remaining Chumash storytellers. Julie shared some of the history of the Chumash Indians who populated 4000 sq. miles of central California, including 200 miles of coastline and 4 Channel Islands. To preserve the Chumash history, the Forestry Department is looking for native people to serve as archeological consultants.

Several of our local towns have Chumash names, i.e. Ojai means “Moon Village”, Hueneme means “Resting Place”, Pismo means “Tar”. The name Chumash means “People of the Islands” Julie’s name, Tumamait, means “Orphan”. It was common for the Chumash to take Spanish surnames in order to get work. Some changed their name through marriage or, in living under the Mission system; some took the name of the local priest.

Review of Previous Minutes

Sarah Carriere, WIA Trainer Specialist, CAIC and Ray Hernandez led the discussion on AIAC goals identified in 1998 when the DOR and American Indian community agencies began meeting to improve service delivery to the American Indian community. The current AIAC goals are intended to increase cultural awareness and education, and mentor other similar groups to benefit from meetings in their areas. Robert Loeun, DOR Supervisor, attended this meeting as a representative of the Riverside District.

Guest Speaker

Diane Pineda, Graphic Artist

Diane spoke on her experience getting assistance from Dept. of Rehabilitation and Candelaria American Indian Center. The help she received supported her training and self-employment as a graphic artist.

Guest Speaker

John Rutherford, Executive Director

John provided information on Candelaria American Indian Council, a non-profit agency serving Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. CAIC began 30 years ago with the intent of preserving local American Indian culture. Today, CAIC has evolved in response to community needs to include education grants, food pantry, job placement, on-the-job training, and work experience. CAIC has a MOU with DOR, is a mandated partner on the Workforce Investment Board, and serves as a one-stop center for the local American Indian community.

John also shared information on Pow-wow Protocols and Customs, see handout. Pow wow is a Wampanog word for “healing” and a time for coming together and exchanging ideas. In summary, the elements of the Pow-wow include:

§  “The Arena is a sacred place…anyone who approaches the arena must do so with proper respect…”

§  “The Arena Director…maintains order in the arena…”

§  “Blanket Dance…a blanket is carried around the arena or placed on the ground for a song…the public is invited to put money into the blanket for the drum or other worthy and charitable causes.”

§  “Drum: Refers to either the drum itself or a group of singers and drummers.”

§  “Giveaway: Giveaways are for the big events in life…entering the arena to dance for the first time, bringing a child into the arena for the first time, coming out of mourning, etc.”

§  “Master of Ceremonies: …is responsible for setting the pace of the Pow wow…”

§  Photographs / Video: the Master of Ceremonies will inform when photographs are permitted…There are certain time during ceremonies or specials that photographs are not permitted…”

§  “Veterans: Veterans are honored and respected by American Indian people whether they are White or Indian…During Veteran songs or ceremonies all should stand with uncovered heads.”

Agency Updates / General Discussion

Please note that those present agreed to amend the AIAC meeting schedule. The AIAC will meet every 4 months instead of every 3 months. This schedule will provide additional time for those hosting the meetings to prepare while still keeping the timeliness of information shared at the meetings.

Candelaria American Indian Council will be hosting Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday December 14th

United American Indian Involvement will be sponsoring a Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program offering no cost assistance with Job Placement, Re-Training, and Employment Support Services

The American Indian Committees of the Tri-Commands are hosting a presentation by Mr. Joe Vandever, Sr. “Navajo Code Talker” at the Port Hueneme CBC Base, November 21, 2002

Southern California American Indian Center, City of Commerce, will be hosting their 13th Annual Christmas Party

General discussion on the California economy and its impact on government and non-profit agencies. Collaboration is essential. Share information on community resources.

American Indian agencies are seeing more consumers with multiple barriers to employment including significant mental health issues. Agencies stressed the need for information on free or low cost mental health services for their consumers.

Thank you to Candelaria staff, Sarah Carriere and John Rutherford, and Dept. of Rehabilitation staff, Ray Hernandez, Lisa Brunelle, and Sarah Asbury for hosting this meeting.

Next Meeting: March 19, 2003

Hosted by Mary Helen Leyva, SVRC Dept. of Rehabilitation

At the Dept of Rehabilitation office, City of Commerce