Washoe Native TANF Program Quarterly Newsletter Publication
Administered by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and CaliforniaAdministered by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and CaliforniaAdministered by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California
1246 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville, NV 89410 (775) 782-6320 www.washoetribe.us
News from Washoe Native TANF Headquarters in Gardnerville, NevadaNews from Washoe Native TANF Headquarters in Gardnerville, NevadaNews from Washoe Native TANF Headquarters in Gardnerville, Nevada
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Alameda TANF–May 2017—
C al Day is a yearly event that takes place at
University of California, Berkeley (UCB). It
is an opportunity for new and prospective students
to learn about UCB and all that it has to offer.
On Saturday, April 22, 2017, staff from the
Washoe Native TANF Program (WNTP) took stu-
dents to the Cal Day celebration at the UCB cam-
pus. Students
from the offices
in Oakland, San
Francisco, San
Jose, Santa Cruz
and Stockton
were in attend-
ance. There
were about 20
participants, in-(Continued on page 2)
Student Summer College Tours TANF Education–July 2017—
T his summer was another great year for our Col-
lege and Vocational Tours event. Pre-College
Advisors hosted students from grades 9th - 12th to vari-
ous college campuses and vocational schools. The
College & Vocational Tours gives students insight to
college life and career schools as options after high
school.
There were thirteen different campuses we were
scheduled to visit and Sierra College stood out the
most. Sierra College was the most interactive tour,
(Continued on page 2)
Annual Cal Day Celebration
Washoe Native TANF Program Quarterly Newsletter Publication
Page 2 Volume 1, Issue 4
cluding students and parents.
The Native American Studies
Department (NASD) was our
host for the event. The morn-
ing began with a slideshow
showcasing campus resources
for Native students. Staff and
students from the department
took participants on a tour of
the campus. There was an ad-
missions presentation given by
Ms. Elizabeth Guerra, Associ-
ate Director of Undergraduate
Admissions. Presentations
were also given by Native stu-
dents who were in various un-
dergraduate and graduate pro-
grams at UCB. Finally, the
day ended with a fantastic
lunch courtesy of the Office of
Admissions. It was a good
day, packed with both infor-
mation and fun.
(Continued from page 1) Cal Day
which got both
chaperones and stu-
dents engaged with
a couple of activi-
ties. Popsicles were
an added bonus
thanks to Serjio and
Jason. We look for-
ward to next year’s
College and Voca-
tional Tours.
Contact information
for the Washoe
Tribe TANF Educa-
tion Pre-College
Advisors:
Lori Pasqua, Pre-
college Advisor: [email protected]
Douglas/Woodfords/Off Reservation
Sara Blase, Pre-College
Advisor:
Carson /Stewart/Off Res-
ervation
(Continued from page 1)
Washoe Native TANF Program Quarterly Newsletter Publication
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Alameda TANF–May 2017—
On Saturday, April 22, 2017 Washoe Tribal Members
from the Washoe Native TANF-Cultural Resources De-
partment Lisa Enos, Herman Fillmore and Mischelle
Dressler facilitated demonstrations on pine needle bas-
ketry, elderberry dice making with wood burning de-
signs and rattles.
More than three dozen TANF families and Community
members attended. One Washoe Tribal member trav-
eled from Brentwood. She was happy to have brought
her grandson to this demonstration she stated. “ I want
my grandson to know his culture and all the beautiful
things that come along with it”. It was a great event and
the Washoe Native TANF Program plans to bring our
families more cultural demonstrations.
Success for Youth Workforce Development Santa Clara TANF–May 2017—
In partnership with the Indian Health
Center of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara
County Probation (Juvenile), Inde-
pendence High School and a variety
of other community partners, Native
TANF was able to support in facili-
tating a four-day intensive workshop
series dedicated to youth ages 14-17
directed at preparing them for career
development.
These workshops were all facilitated with emphasis on wellness
through culture and healing and with direction towards youth partici-
pants were able to earn up to $200 in the form of a check and up to a
$250 budget to spend on work readiness attire.
Youth learned about writing quality resumes, dressing for success,
communication in the workplace, round dance protocols, hand games
as a means of conflict resolution and a variety of other important
skills essential to pursuing
a rewarding career. Left: Youth participant, Jasmine Magaña receiving
her check from officer, Corina Herrera.
Cultural Demonstrations
for Oakland TANF
Washoe Native TANF Program Quarterly Newsletter Publication
Volume 1, Issue 4 Page 4
Native Strong 2017: A Family Wellness
Conference & Resource Fair Alameda TANF–July 2017—
E ach year WNTP Alameda County and Strong Families of the Community Wellness
Department at the Native American Health Center in Oakland work together to
plan and organize the Annual Wellness Conference and Resource Fair.
On Friday June 2, 2017 Native TANF families, Strong Families clients and community
convened at the Alameda County office in Oakland. Mike Duncan (Con-
Cow/Wailaki/Wintun Tribes) and MarTan Martinez (Pomo Tribe) provided an opening
prayer and song to start the conference in a good way.
Mike Duncan presented a workshop on couples healthy relationships and shared the im-
portance of creating a healthy
foundation for family. “What is
Love,” was a popular exercise dur-
ing the session, where groups came
up with a hundred words on the
topic. MarTan Martinez talked
about creating healthy relation-
ships with children and how trau-
ma can sometimes get in the way
of family and community wellness.
He offered powerful messages of
love, forgiveness, humor and hope.
Participants also had the oppor-
tunity to turn their attention to
more physical and cultural activi-
ties centered on creating healthy
self-care. Other activities included
a Zumba exercise class, cultural
basket making, and a presentation
by Nina Gutierrez (Native Ameri-
can Health Center) about essen-
tial oil kits. There were a total of
48 conference participants, 24 of
those being WNTP clients.
The day was packed with powerful
messages, cultural and physical
activities, raffles and building
community. Mike and MarTan
closed the day with a song and
prayer.
Washoe Native TANF Program Quarterly Newsletter Publication
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Mohawk Tribe
SPOTLIGHT
Alameda TANF–June 2017—
I n Alameda County there are
thousands of Native Americans
that represent hundreds of tribes
from across the United States. We
are fortunate to have events where
the traditions and culture of tribes
can be shared with the community.
On Saturday, April 29th Washoe Na-
tive TANF families and community
gathered at the Intertribal Friend-
ship House to spend an evening enjoying Mohawk
Culture. The evening featured a screening of the
film Keepers of the Game, and a performance by
Mohawk artist Roger Perkins. Alison Ehara Brown
(Mohawk), a local community member offered an
opening prayer in Mohawk and a traditional Mo-
hawk Soup was shared to compliment the activi-
ties. Immediately following dinner was the film
screening of Keepers of the Game. The film high-
lights the Salmon River High school girls’ lacrosse
team in Fort Covington, New York. The team over-
came backlash from the community, for playing a
men's healing game. With tenacity they continue
to win games
and soon ignite the communities support.
Roger Perkins (Mohawk) from Akwesasne res-
ervation shared several social dances and
songs from the tribe. He explained the im-
portance of Mohawk tribal songs and dances.
Those in attendance were able to learn and
participate. It was definitely an evening to re-
member and be thankful for.
Washoe Native TANF Program Quarterly Newsletter Publication
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Alameda TANF–August 2017—
T his year’s four day Mayala Watah TANF Youth Camp was held at
the beautiful Meeks Bay Resort at Lake Tahoe. Five Alameda site
staff helped with Mayala Watah as chaperones and transporting youth.
A total of 12 youth participated, 8 from the Alameda WNTP site and 4
from the San Francisco WNTP site.
There were 43 Native youth from California and Nevada that took part
in Mayala Watah. They gained knowledge on Native culture and tradi-
tions. The youth were able to build appreciation and understanding of
traditional life ways and explore one’s self-identity. Activities included
building self-esteem, enhancing leadership skills, and exploring educa-
tional opportunities. The youth were able to enhance their emotional,
physical, spiritual, and mental health well being. The event was a great
success!
“I was eager to learn more about my culture. „I'm so happy I
came” - San Francisco TANF Youth
Mayala Watah changes livesMayala Watah changes lives
Washoe Native TANF Program Quarterly Newsletter Publication
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Alpine TANF–May 2017—
On April 8, 2017 WNTP Alpine site along with community partners held
Girls’ Empowerment Day for youth in 5th –8th grade. Girls’ Empowerment
Day workshops teach girls that they are valuable and have a voice, by giving
them information and tools to use. When girls feel confident about their
bodies, intelligence, worthiness and sexuality they have the opportunity to go
into the world and fully express themselves as girls, and women. Keep a look
out for the next Girls’ Empowerment Day to be held in October for youth in
9th-12th grades.
Girls’ Empowerment DayGirls’ Empowerment Day
The Alpine TANF
Office staff
assisted the
WWCC in
delivering Easter
food boxes and
baskets.
Washoe Native TANF Program Quarterly Newsletter Publication
Page 8
Jessica Gardner Program Coordinator at the Carson TANF Office, [email protected], Extension 52701
I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Washoe Tribe TANF program. For the past 5 years, I have been growing vegetables, herbs, fruits and ornamental plants in a county jail with in-
mates.
My family relocated to the Carson Valley last year and has been enjoying all the outdoor recreation we can find. I have a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; focused on Sports Science and
Recreational Therapy from the University of Idaho. I also have a Certification of Ornamental Horticulture from Utah State Univer-
sity. I look forward to meeting many of the Washoe Tribe community and providing positive programming.
Volume 1, Issue 4
Newest TANF EmployeesNewest TANF EmployeesNewest TANF Employees
Victoria Christensen Administrative Assistant I at the Stockton TANF Office, [email protected], Extension 51000
Hunga ma hesi? Megum dia Victoria le i, Hunga-lel-ti di gumtanu ida Pau-wa-lu gumtanu, Di elel Roland Christensen, Di gu’u’ Elaine Dutchy Christensen, Di ama Lucille Smokey, Di baba Duane
Foster, Di ye olo ida Di gumtanu di hamu yokida.
Hello may name is Victoria Christensen, I am from the Woodfords and Dresslerville Washo people. My mother’s father is Roland Christensen, My mother’s mother is Elaine Dutchy Christensen, My
father’s mother is Lucille Smokey, and my father’s father is Duane Foster. My family and my
Washo people are close to my heart.
I have previously worked various jobs, taken continued education classes and have been through many trainings which has allowed me to learn several different aspects of life. Before I moved to Gardnerville, I was working for the Alpine County School District as a teachers aid and an administrative assistant. I was really keen on helping the Native kids break through educational barriers and the shy Indian stereo type. I was able to continue pushing kids to do better in school as I started working for Washo
TANF in the education department. I have since begun a new journey, here, at the San Joaquin County TANF office as an ad-ministrative assistant. There is a strong sense of unity through communication in this office, as well as a proficient, skillful, and
welcoming staff. I am grateful for this opportunity to be part of a great program, which helps a lot of native families see hope.
Georgina Gonzalez Case Assistant at the Stockton TANF Office, [email protected], Extension 52006
My name is Georgina Gonzalez and I am the newly returning Case Assistant at the Stockton TANF Office. My desire is to serve our families and be part of their journey to success. I too have over-come many struggles and have a personal connection to those striving for success. I am continuing my education, enrolled at Delta College here in Stockton, CA. My goal is to get my degree in Behav-ioral Science. It is truly an honor to be part of the TANF family, and I am proud to help people find their way in life. I would like to thank the Tribe for allowing me to come back to work with all our awe-
some participants and staff.
Eric Emm Project Manager at the Summer Foods Program, [email protected],
Hello, my name is Eric Emm and I have been managing the summer foods program for several years. I teach within the Douglas County School District. I enjoy ensuring that all youth have meals while out of
school for the summer. I also enjoy interacting with the communities throughout the summer.
Washoe Native TANF Program Quarterly Newsletter Publication
Page 9
Tippy Smokey Site Manager at the Douglas TANF Office, [email protected], Extension 51301
Hello, my name is Tippy Smokey and I am excited to be the new Douglas Site Manager. I have worked for the Washoe Tribe since first moving to Woodfords from Southern California in 1993.
When I moved to Woodfords, I enrolled in the County TANF Program and obtained my GED and high school proficiency certificate before my first child was born. After the birth of my second
child, I completed my AA Degree in Social Science at Lake Tahoe Community College in 1997. After remarrying and relocating to Dresslerville and having two more children, I finished my Bach-
elors of Science Degree at UNR in Human Development and Family Studies in 2004. Throughout this time, I have worked for various Tribal departments including the Woodfords Indian Education Center, Environmental, and Head Start
Programs. I started working for the Native TANF Program in 2006, initially as the Alpine Case Manager and then pro-moting to Alpine Site Manager in 2007. I briefly served as the Interim Site Manager for Douglas in 2011, but most recent-
ly returned to Douglas in March 2017. I accepted the Douglas Site Manager position in April 2017. Although I am sad to leave Alpine, the community that I will always consider my home, I am looking forward to growing professionally and
having the opportunity to work with our Douglas families. I know firsthand what it’s like to be a TANF recipient and I’m
committed to helping our Native families realize their own goals towards self-sufficiency.
Newest TANF EmployeesNewest TANF EmployeesNewest TANF Employees
Volume 1, Issue 4
TANF PromotionsTANF PromotionsTANF Promotions
Herman Fillmore Culture/Language Resources Director at Cultural Resources Department, [email protected],
(775) 781-4853
Wašiw Ɂitlu Hiliza digum diya leɁi. Hello my name is Herman Fillmore and I am the new Culture/Language Resources Director for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California and Washoe Tribal
TANF Program. I graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2012 with a BA in Native Ameri-can Studies and have spent the last 4 ½ years working as a Language Teacher for the Washoe
Tribe. My passions include working with youth to revitalize the Washoe Language and Culture as well as spread awareness amongst surrounding communities about Indigenous issues and the
work we do within our communities. I am excited for the opportunity to pass on all of the stories and knowledge I learned as a young boy to the next generation of Washoe people by working side by side with youth and creating new programs to help
community members and clients succeed. It is my hope that through involvement in language and culture participants will gain a greater sense of self and pride in who they are and where they come from so that they can do the same for future
generations of Washoe people.
Paul Eckert Manager of Technology, Infrastructure and Operations at TANF HQ, [email protected]
Paul has been at the Tribe’s TANF Program for 4 years and enjoys working on the infrastructure of
―all things technology‖ for TANF. We have made great strides in my brief time here and I look for-
ward to all the future technological advances planned for TANF and the Tribe.
Brittany Bill Education Advisor at C.C. Meneley Elementary School, [email protected], (775) 301-8373
Hello, my name is Brittany Bill. I’m a member of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony but I’ve resided in Stewart for the last 14 years. I earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Neva-da, Reno in 2015 with a major in Marketing. I’ve had the chance to work with youth in Dresslerville and C.C. Meneley Elementary School for the last few months and I’ve enjoyed it so far. I look forward to continue to work with students to reach their full potential as well with the rest of the communities.
Washoe Native TANF Program Quarterly Newsletter Publication
Established in 2005 the
Washoe Native Temporary
Assistance for Needy
Families Program is
administered by the Washoe
Tribe of Nevada and California
The WNTP embraces the
following four
fundamental purposes of
TANF: Provide assistance to
needy families so that
children can be cared
for in their own
homes;
Reduce the dependency
of needy parents by
promoting job
preparation, work,
and marriage;
Prevent and reduce the
incidence of out-of-
wedlock pregnancies;
and
Encourage the formation
and maintenance of
two-parent families.
Washoe Native
TANF Program
The 2017 Summer Youth Employment (SYE) was another
success! We began with 32 spaces available for student
workers within various Washoe Tribal Departments. With
the obstacles such as other employment, summer school, and
summer; we were able to
employ 17 youth workers.
Our youth workers are
working in departments
like recreation, environ-
mental, medical, IT, hous-
ing, and education. This 7
week program is designed
to guide students toward
their career choice by
providing job exposure
through hands-on experi-
ence while developing and
reinforcing commitment
and accountability.
In addition to a paycheck,
students are able to re-
ceive elective credits at
the high school level for
the successful completion
of the program. The SYE
program provides an op-
portunity for students to
mature and develop an in-
creased level of responsibil-
ity and professionalism necessary to be competitive in to-
day’s work world. We look forward to continuing this pro-
gram again next semester!
Summer Youth Employment
Lakoda Smokey, who is working with the TANF
Information Technology department has been a
real asset this summer.