Washington D.C. Native Nations Rise Meetings
California Tribal Nations
Vice Chairman Oscar 'Tyke' Billings, Councilwoman Leilani Pole and Councilman Gary Risling
“We are fully in support of this treaty and what it represents. If we don’t all stand together we will fall apart in pieces.”
Councilwoman Leilani Pole, Hoopa Valley Tribal Nation.
“California today is home to the largest population of Native Americans in all fifty states. The Karuk Tribe is the second largest Tribe in California. The success of Tribal businesses and the rise of Tribal members in all walks of life today stand as testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of our Native peoples. For the Karuk Tribe today, our dedication to protecting the salmon in our country is the equivalent of the struggle of our brothers and sisters to protect the grizzly bear in the Rockies. The grizzly bear and the salmon have a sacred connection. Our people once cohabited with the grizzly in our homeland. We are honored to sign this treaty and stand in solidarity with our relatives across Indian Country to help in the protection of these sacred beings, our sacred ceremonial sites, and our cultures. Yootva kura suva nik.”
Chairman Russell “Buster” Attebery, Karuk Tribe.
“Vice Chairman Lewis, Council member Martha McCord and myself all signed this important document on behalf of the Fort Mojave Tribe. The efforts of the Piikani Nation in defending the sacred and honoring tribal unity are much appreciated. Thank you!” Secretary & Councilwoman Colleen Garcia, Fort Mojave Tribe.
"For Indian people, this is one of the things that we are constantly coming up against: we don't look at one little area in isolation, we look at the total landscape. I am honored to sign this treaty and to stand in solidarity with all of the Indian people who are defending the sacred - this sacred being in the totality of the sacred landscape."
“The grizzly bear has a sacred place in our traditional culture and has since the beginning of time. In signing this treaty we recognize that and honor our Serrano ancestors and traditions.” Councilwoman & Treasurer Kelli Hurtado, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.
“Vice Chairman Lewis, Council member Martha McCord and myself all signed this important document on behalf of the Fort Mojave Tribe. The efforts of the Piikani Nation in defending the sacred and honoring tribal unity are much appreciated. Thank you!” Secretary & Councilwoman Colleen Garcia, Fort Mojave Tribe.
Photos are free for press use only with full attribution given to www.piikaninationtreaty.com. Please email a link to your final article.
