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Happy New Year Tribal Citizens. As you know, 2019 was a very good year for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, as I’m certain 2020 will be. Our business success, as well as the services we can offer our Tribal Citizens, will continue to grow. We have a bright and secure future as a Tribe. The larger world, however, seems in many ways increasingly unstable, plagued by divisive politics and the ever present and growing

climate disaster, just to name a couple of the issues that can cause anxiety. Thinking of both our Tribal success and, at the same time, the larger world’s many problems, I offer you my “Hope List” for 2020.

I hope we are kind. We must keep our eyes and hearts open to the pain and suffering of others. Empathy enables us to understand from our own misfortunes and difficulties those suffered by others, be they family members, other Tribal Citizens, or a person on the street. If you see an elder struggling with a bag of groceries, offer to carry the groceries. If you know of a family member or friend who is housebound due to illness, offer to cook and deliver a warm meal.

I hope we don’t unfairly or unnecessarily judge others. Rather than assume things about a person, ask yourself these questions. What don’t I know about that person’s life? What are the social or economic circumstances that have made that person different from me? Too often we rely on prejudices and stereotypes to judge others. Before you judge a homeless person, assuming for example that the homeless person is a drug addict, consider the person’s feelings and needs. Is she or he cold? Being judgmental of others gets in the way of our being kind.

I hope that we think critically, that we consider the facts. Too often these days politicians and others spread “fake news” when, at the same time, they accuse their rivals of the same thing. Indeed, it is easy for any of us to be confused about facts given the current cesspool of misinformation. So ask questions. How is what I’m hearing indeed a fact? Just because someone said so? No, check the person’s sources. Likewise, in our Tribal community, think critically about what a person -- even a friend or family member -- might tell you. Ask whether or not what the person is telling you is fact or just hearsay. Rumors and hearsay are not facts. Rumors and hearsay not only can hurt an individual, but can also work to hurt an entire community. Rumors and hearsay can create instability in our Tribe. Rumors and hearsay can destabilize our Tribe. Ask questions. Check that what you are hearing is fact, not just a person’s personal opinion or second hand information.

I hope we remember that as a Tribe, we are one family. We must put the Tribe (as a family) before ourselves. If we think of the Tribe as one family, we will work to maintain its health, well-being, and future success with the same fervor that we do for our own children. We will look after the Tribe the way we look after the health and security of our elders. A parent who does not think of his or her children first, will not be a good parent, plain and simple. A son or daughter who ignores the needs of an aging parent is not a good son or daughter, plain and simple. Put the Tribe first. Think always of its health and stability. Ask about the things you may want from the Tribe, let’s say even the things you want the Tribe to change. Ask how those things you want will affect the entire Tribe.

Remember the larger world. Just as the Tribe is (Continued on page 2)

Newsletter of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Volume 17, Number 193 ~ January 2020

From the Tribal Chairman .................................. p. 1 Elders Event ........................................................ p. 2 Elder Family Advocate ....................................... p. 7 Housing Services ............................................... p. 8 Tribal Gaming Commission ............................... p. 9 Tribal Health Benefits ......................................... p. 9 Tribal Land Department ..................................... p. 10

Tribal TANF ......................................................... p. 11 SCIHP ................................................................... p. 12 FIGR Election Results ........................................ p. 13 Holiday Event Pictures ....................................... p. 14 Announcements and Flyers ............................... p. 16 Tribal Meetings and Events in 2019 .................. p. 18 Tribal Calendar .................................................... p. 19

Inside this issue:

From the Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris

Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris

From the Tribal Chairman continued from page 1

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one family, so are people, plants, and animals everywhere on earth. As Indian people, our ancestors knew intimately that we were interconnected with all of life around us. Our ancestors lived nobly -- I say nobly because they understood that each of their decisions and actions in the natural world affected the world in specific ways. Take all of the duck’s and quail’s eggs and there will be no more ducks and quails. Forget to trim and clear sedge roots and there won’t be long, strong roots for basket making. Forget to clear (by burning) brush and the undergrowth and you leave the landscape vulnerable to uncontrollable fires. Forget to clear brush and undergrowth and there is less rich grass for the herds of elk, pronghorn, and deer. Once these annual duties no longer happened, the landscape went “wild”. For indigenous people, at home in the world and connected to it, “wilderness” is land unkempt, forgotten. Unfortunately, a consequence of European colonization is our separation from an intimate connection to the natural world, a consequence that our time too often has rendered us forgetful of the profound cause and effect each of our decisions and actions have in this larger world.

Luckily, threads of our connection to this larger and magnificent world remain in the stories and practices that have been passed down to us from our elders. It is up to us as Indian people with the privilege of heritage to show the way to one another and to others. Now more than ever the world needs -- and is waiting for --

our good example. Yes, today Tribal Citizens have more money, and, the Great Spirit willing, we will have even more money in the future. We can finance new homes, and buy new cars. But we can’t buy a healthy connection to the world. We can decide to remember that everything we do has consequences in the larger world -- just as our ancestors did -- and we can make choices, putting that larger world first. Isn’t it better to purchase an electric car given the killing overabundance of CO2 in the atmosphere? Isn’t it better to advocate for more open space and look for ways to restore and revitalize the natural landscape? Isn’t it better to advocate for clean water? Better to eat and grow organic produce? Each piece of food you buy in the store is not only connected to the earth but to those people who labored to harvest it. Each piece of clothing you buy was made by a human being. Who made the clothes? Hopefully not a ten year old in a sweat factory in India. Remember the cherished earth and all of its life.

My hope ultimately here is that by being kind, open-hearted, critical of media and rumors, aware of our place in the wider natural world and how our decisions and actions affect that same world in which we all live and that our children will inherit -- my hope is that we will live fuller and happier lives. Thus, my hope is for health and happiness, for you and me, for the Tribe, for the earth.

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Basketry Class 10am

Tribal Council 5pm

GWB Mailed

Per Cap Mailed

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Election Board 6pm

Citizenship Committee 5pm

Housing Committee 5pm

Sacred Sites Committee 6pm

Events Planning Committee

5:30pm

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Tribal Office Closed

Tribal Office Closed

Tribal Council 5pm

Basketry Class 10am

Tribal Council 5pm

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Election Board 6pm

Citizenship Committee 5pm

Housing Committee 5pm

Sacred Sites Committee 6pm

Events Planning

Committee 5:30pm

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Tribal Council 5pm

GWB Mailed

Per Cap Mailed

Tribal Office Closed

General Council 10am

Summer Programs Fair 5pm

Tribal Garden Event Day 12pm

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General Council meetings: Graton Resort and Casino Ballroom D 288 Golf Course Drive West Rohnert Park, CA 94928 (707) 584-5466

Tribal Council meetings: FIGR Tribal Office 6400 Redwood Drive, Suite 300 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 (707) 566-2288

Schedule of Tribal Council and General Council Meetings and Tribal Citizen Events—2020

*Please note: dates in bold are out of the normal recurring monthly dates

January Friday, Jan 10: 5:00pm Tribal Council Friday, Jan 24: 5:00pm Tribal Council February Friday, Feb 14: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Feb 15: 10:00am General Council Friday, Feb 28: 5:00pm Tribal Council March Friday, Mar 13: 5:00pm Tribal Council Friday, Mar 27: 5:00pm Tribal Council April Friday, Apr 10: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Apr 11: 10:00am General Council Sat., Apr 11: 12:00pm Spring Celebration Friday, Apr 24: 5:00pm Tribal Council May Friday, May 8: 5:00pm Tribal Council Friday, May 22: 5:00pm Tribal Council June Friday, Jun 12: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Jun 13: 10:00am General Council Fri, Jun 26: 5:00pm Tribal Council

July Friday, Jul 10: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Jul 11: 12:00pm Annual Picnic Friday, Jul 24: 5:00pm Tribal Council August Friday, Aug 14: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Aug 15: 10:00am General Council Friday, Aug 28: 5:00pm Tribal Council *September Fri, Sep 11: 5:00pm Tribal Council Wed, Sep 23: 5:00pm Tribal Council October Friday, Oct 9: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Oct 10: 10:00am General Council Sat., Oct 17: 12:00pm Fall Celebration Friday, Oct 23: 5:00pm Tribal Council November Friday, Nov 13: 5:00pm Tribal Council December Friday, Dec 11: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Dec 12: 10:00am General Council Sat., Dec 12: 5:00pm Elders Event Sun., Dec 13: 12:00pm Winter Celebration

Meeting Locations:

2020 Distribution Schedule

General Welfare Benefits Per Capita

January 24 July 24 January 31 July 31 February 21 August 21 February 28 August 28 March 20 September 18 March 27 September 24 April 17 October 23 April 24 October 30 May 22 November 20 May 29 November 25 June 19 December 11 June 26 December 11

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Elders Honoring Event 2019

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The next General Council Meeting will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2019, 10:00am

Graton Resort & Casino, Ballroom D, 288 Golf Course Drive West, Rohnert Park, CA The proposed General Council Agenda is: Call to order and verify establishment of quorum Approve Agenda and the Minutes of the December 7, 2019 meeting Tribal Updates for FIGR Programs and Committees Economic Development Update Unfinished Business New Business

GC Resolution granting the Graton Economic Development Authority ongoing authorization to enter into casino contracts up to $500,000 with limited waivers of sovereign immunity;

GC Resolution granting Tribal Council ongoing authorization to enter into tribal government contracts up to $100,000 with limited waivers of sovereign immunity.

Announcements Adjourn

Events Planning Committee is accepting applications for one open position. The Events Planning Committee meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at 5:30pm at the Tribal Office.

Sacred Sites Protection Committee is accepting applications for one open position. The Sacred Sites Protection Committee meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 6:00pm at the Tribal Office.

Committee applications are available at the first floor reception desk, or can be sent by email upon request. Completed committee applications can be sent by postal mail or hand-delivered to: 6400 Redwood Drive, Ste. 300 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 or emailed to CommitteeApp@gratonrancheria.com. For any questions or for further information, please call (707) 566-2288 or email questions to CommitteeApp@gratonrancheria.com.

I was born in Santa Rosa, California and moved to Bodega Bay, California at the age of 13 months. My mother Maxine Buvelot was very ill, so I went to live with my Grandmother Margaret (Maggie) Smith Buvelot. I grew up with my great uncles--the Smith Brothers and a very loving family

in Bodega Bay. Life was hard, although I did not know any different. My family, in addition to my mother, grandmother, and great uncles was my brother Ronald Hunter. On occasions, Arthur (Tooch) Colombo would pop up for dinner or just to hang out with Ron. I remember when Uncle Gene Buvelot Sr. and family would come to visit. I always had so much fun playing with my cousins. I later married Joe Damato, a commercial fisherman from San Francisco, California where we eventually moved. My mother passed away

soon after. I recall how hard it was to adjust to living in a big city, coming from a place with no running water and dirt floors. I later had three children. Nick, Joe, and Tina Damato (Lanzavecchia). I also, have four grandchildren Derrek, Jesse, Jake, and Luke and one great grandchild, Cash. I went to work at the phone company for 30 years. I retired at an early age. One highlight in my life was moving to the state of Montana and being able to have the time to learn how to draw. Drawing has been a passion of mine for many years. My drawings aren’t too shabby. I am so proud of how the Tribe has provided so many opportunities for our youth. My advice for the youth is to stay in school and to get a good college education to be able to find meaningful employment. I am also so blessed to have the many Elder benefits the Tribe provides. Thank you for all your hard work.

Louise Damato

Volunteer for Us!

80 Year Old Honored Elder Biographies

Elders Honoring Event 2019

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I was born in Santa Rosa County Hospital on March 13, 1939. I grew up in Petaluma, California living on Mountain View Avenue and then Petaluma Boulevard North. I attended Cinnabar grade school. My parents were Harry Edward Johnson and Mildred Frances Johnson. My grandmother

was full Miwok Indian. Her name, given by the whites was Nell Smith. As a youngster, I was drawn to automobiles. I went into the automobile repair business at the age of 28. Big Ed’s Auto Body prospered for 41 years on the Boulevard North in Petaluma. I’ve received

many awards for automobile reconstruction and specialty work. Hot Rods! As a youngster, I received a brand new Schwinn bike for Christmas, which I promptly dismantled and modified into a rat rod bicycle. My parents were horrified! I am very proud of my heritage and the success of the Graton Rancheria and Graton Casino which has afforded many benefits to our Tribe. I wish continued success and further development of opportunities and care of our Elders. Advice I would give to our Tribal Citizens is, stand proud as Native Americans and receive the benefits earned by our ancestors.

Edward Johnson

I was born in Richmond, California and moved to Fortuna, California at six years old. We lived there until 2018. My father died when I was ten years old. He was a superintendent at the Whaling Station in Fields Landing, the only land based whale processing plant in the United States. In

the summer time, I would get to watch him process the whales. I could touch them and look into their mouths. My family includes my wife of 61 years, Irene Mann, and two daughters, Lisa Miranda, and Pamela Colby. We now live with Pam and her husband, Tim in North Idaho. We have some wonderful friends back in Fortuna who like us, are getting up in years. I have held many different jobs including a paper route at age 12, and worked in a gas station at age 15 to 18. Then, I started working in construction. I loved building things, and after 19 years in construction I became a General Contractor for the next 31 years. I retired at 69 years old. Some highlights in my life have been when the Tribe received federal recognition from the BIA. For our

very first Election, I built two election boxes and donated them to the Tribe. I understand they are still being used today. I am proud to have contributed the boxes, as a small part of the overall effort to begin a new journey. Some thoughts I have about our Tribe are: when I receive the newsletters, I see the progress our Tribal Citizens have made, the help and the encouragement for the youth, and the opportunities for the young people. I can only be proud. The hope I see for our future is that we follow the leadership skills, hard work and dedication of our Tribal Council. Since 1993, they have laid the ground work and to this day are an example of how to bring the Citizens together to write a new history. I hope the future leaders are up to the task. I wish I was forty years younger to be able to participate more. Some of us had parents that were in denial of their heritage. Keep your children informed. Keep them involved and when they become adults they will fully understand that the Tribal Council and the entire staff will not always be here. So be prepared to be involved and lead this Tribe to an even better future.

Arlon Mann

I grew up in San Rafael, California until I was 9, then in South San Francisco, California until I was 19. I moved back to San Rafael, California when I married my late husband Knight Parsons. My family included my mom, Anne Frease Brown, my dad Robert Brown and my siblings

Albert known as Mousy, Jimmy, Viola, Arlis (who passed of meningitis at 5 or 6), Emma Jean, and Helen Duda Brown. I have three children—Lori, Corey and Kelly. I also have three grandchildren and one great granddaughter. My extended family included my mom's sister Auntie Mary, her husband Emilio, and another Auntie Mary in Bodega Bay, California and Momma's

cousin Frankie and Francis Pensadi Phorcas. A job I had was taking care of children. Some highlights in my life have been going to visit family in Bolinas, Santa Rosa, and Bodega Bay. We had great picnics. We would visit my Auntie Mary and Uncle Emilio in Tomales where he would make great cioppino in a big pot, and all the neighbors would put something in. Everyone would have a great time. Uncle Frankie and Aunt Francis would have dances. Frankie would play the accordion and we would all dance on the big patio by the water. I think the Tribe is awesome! I love that we get together and share. I get to see people I knew as a child.

Hazel Parsons

80 Year Old Honored Elder Biographies

I was born and raised by my grandma Belle Felix in Marshall, California. We moved to Inverness, California where I went to 1st and 2nd grade. I remember visiting and playing with my cousins Loretta Frease and Suzanne Sanchez. I remember having to catch the high school

bus there and then get dropped off and having to walk to the school house up on the hill in Marshall, California. We then moved back to Marshall a little ways from the town of Marconi, to Mrs. Frease’s old house. I left Marshall when my grandmother passed away, I was about 8 years old. I then moved to Santa Rosa, California to live with my Aunt Clara and Uncle Andy on the Buzzman’s Ranch, now called Martinelli’s. My family and I still ride to Marshall, California often to take flowers to the Marshall cemetery. My family included my dad Otis Carrio, my mom Rose Pensotti, both were Coast Miwok, my brother Joe Carrio, and half sisters and brothers—Rosemarie, Carol, Nancy, Donald, and Stuart. Most of my family is no longer here. My best

friend was Christina Perez and her family. Other friends were Rita Carrillo and her family. I have six children, three girls and three boys. I have 19 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. My first job was babysitting when I was 17 years old. This was for about 6 months for a family in South San Francisco, California. I also worked cutting peaches and picking hops. After I had my family, I worked at a fishery, the Sebastopol apple cannery, and for many different seasonal field harvests. The last job I worked at for 17 years and retired from was in 2001 at Korbel in Guerneville, California as a housekeeper. Some highlights of my life have been that I used to play baseball when I was 24 years old. I played for two years and was the pitcher for the women’s baseball team the Tigers. I also like to travel to Traditional Health Workshops for the Native community and sports games for my grandchildren. I am very happy to find my Coast Miwok ancestry and belong in the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

Barbara (Carrio) Perez

I was born in Santa Rosa, California as a twin to my sister, Dorothy Hardin. I grew up in Healdsburg and Geyserville, California. We moved to Graton, California in my early teens. I grew up with four brothers and nine sisters. Fourteen in total! My mom and dad were great parents and worked

very hard for us kids. I later got married at 18 years old.

I had three children: Barry, Robin and Peggy. I also have nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A highlight of my life is having such a nice big family. I am currently raising three of my grandchildren. They are all good kids, teenagers now. I try to keep up on all the news and programs that our Tribe provides for the Tribal Citizens.

Dolores Shell

I grew up in Healdsburg, California at my parent’s ranch on Lytton Springs Road, and in Vallejo, California. I’m the sixth of eight children of Lucy Lozinto Smith (Dry Creek Pomo) and Steven Smith, Jr. (Bodega Miwok/Jenner Pomo). My friends include people I volunteered with at the

National Women’s History Project and have met through my art, cultural work, and publishing. As a child, I picked up prunes and harvested other fruit. I’ve worked as a key punch and computer operator, a self-employed baker, cultural consultant, cultural demonstrator, artist, and published writer. I served as an archaeological technician, site monitor, and worked

as a cultural interpreter at Kule Loklo. Some highlights of my life include a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute. I’m pleased that my artwork has been shown widely and my writing published. I helped co-found the Federated Coast Miwok. Thoughts I have about our Tribe are that we need to continue to mentor and elect the type of strong leaders we’ve been fortunate to have, individuals for whom the well-being of the entire Tribe and the broader community is their foremost concern; to foster knowledge of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo history, culture, and language; further the higher education of Tribal youth; and nurture service in local, state, and federal government.

Kathleen Smith

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80 Year Old Honored Elder Biographies FIGR Winter Celebration at Graton Resort & Casino 12-15-19

Elder Family Advocate Diana Murray, Elder and Family Advocate (707) 566-2288, Ext. 135

Happy New Year! Were you born in 1955? Congratulations! If you were born in 1955, 2020 is your year to file for Medicare since you will be turning 65 years old. You have an Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) three months before your birthday month, or three months after

your birthday to sign-up for Medicare, a federally funded health insurance program. If you need assistance understanding how and when to file for Medicare, even if you are still working full-time, please contact me, your FIGR Elder Advocate.

Social Security Administration Office Hours

Have you ever gone to the local Social Security Administration office on a Wednesday afternoon only to find out that the office is closed to the public? Starting on January 8, 2020, the Social Security Administration offices will offer public service hours on Wednesdays from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Essentially, public service hours will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Individuals are encouraged to create a My Social Security Account online at socialsecurity.gov. With an online account, individuals can access proof of their benefits, print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter, and apply for Medicare or retirement benefits.

Watch for Important Tax Documents In late January 2020, your Social Security Benefit

Statement (SSA-1099) for income tax reporting will be mailed out. Another important document is your 1099 for Per Capita earnings. These documents are needed for your Internal Revenue Service tax form and State Franchise Tax Board filings. Keeping these documents in a safe place will lessen your stress during the tax preparation season. Please note, if you are unable to find these documents and need assistance requesting replacements, please contact me, your FIGR Elder Advocate. Were you born in 1950?

Congratulations and welcome to the FIGR Elders list in 2020. You will be contacted by the FIGR Health Benefits Coordinator Maxine Bandner to sign-up for the FIGR Tribal Health Benefits Program. We encourage you to review the FIGR Tribal Health Benefits Program. The Tribal Health Benefits program is a benefit that your Tribal Council leadership worked so hard to put in place for Elders, and is an investment in your future well-being.

Diana Murray

My name is Salvina Norris. I have been married to my husband James for 16 years. We have three children: our oldest Elaina is 21, James is 17, and our youngest Anthony is 14. Our family has two dogs, one cat, one turtle and two guinea pigs. We love camping, fishing, and spending time together as a family.

My children and I are Native American. We belong to

Dry Creek Rancheria, but also have ties to Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. I started working for my tribe in 2005. I gained great experience and knowledge of not only learning how the casino operates, but also how the tribe operates. I have a passion for helping the Native community and feel extremely blessed to start my new adventure working for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

Salvina Norris Housing Administrative Assistant

Hello, my name is Sequoia Ross. I am eager and excited to be joining FIGR as the new Administrative Assistant on the 3rd floor. I previously worked for the Santa Rosa Cancer Center Oncology office as well as Sonoma County Indian Health Project, both of which I enjoyed working as their front desk receptionist.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family the most. I am a mother of two: a one year old and a two year old, and I must say they keep me pretty busy. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and look forward to what the future holds.

Sequoia Ross Administrative Assistant

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Children's Holiday Party at Graton Resort & Casino 12-4-19

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Determining How Much You Can Afford When Purchasing a Home A mortgage lender can evaluate the amount you can afford on a mortgage payment each month. One of the simple ways to calculate the amount you can afford is through the use of qualifying ratios.

Using Ratios Before approving your loan to purchase a home, a

lender wants to be sure that you can repay the loan. Lenders use qualifying ratios to determine the monthly mortgage amount you can afford. There are two types of qualifying ratios: 1) Housing-to-Income Ratio—The housing costs-to-

income ratio refers to the percentage of your gross monthly income that may be used for your housing costs (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) and this percentage is called a housing ratio. Depending on the type of loan you select, your housing ratio could be 25 percent, 28 percent, 29 percent, or even 33 percent of your monthly income. Lenders consider the following categories of income as long as the income is documented, verifiable, and likely to continue: employment income, investment income, benefit income, and miscellaneous income.

2) Total Debt-to-Income Ratio—The total debt-to-income ratio refers to the percentages of your gross monthly income that may be used for all of your recurring debts, including housing costs. Lenders understand that most families have monthly bills such as automobile payments, credit card payments, and loan payments. These are taken into consideration when calculating your maximum loan amount. The debt-to-income ratio is the

percentage of gross income that the lender will allow for consumer debts plus the proposed housing payment. The debts that are considered when calculating your debt-to-income ratio are: Revolving Credit Accounts—Visa, MasterCard,

and department store accounts that have changing monthly balances and minimum payments due are included in this category. Depending on the loan program, the lender will use the minimum monthly payment when calculating your debts if the revolving payments are expected to continue for more than six to ten months.

Installment Accounts—Automobile payments, furniture payments, and student loan payments are labeled “installment” because they have a set monthly charge and are due for a specified time frame. Again, depending on the loan program, if these installment debts are expected to continue for more than six to ten months, the lender will count the payment in your ratios.

Other Monthly Payments—Alimony and wage garnishments are treated as recurring debt by most lenders.

Lenders do not include—certain types of monthly bills when calculating your debt-to-income ratio, such as telephone and utility bills, auto and life insurance, retirement and savings contributions, income and Social Security taxes, and union dues. Source: Pathways Home: A Native

Homeownership Guide, Module 3, developed by the National Congress of American Indians in partnership with the National American Indian Housing Council and the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation.

Brian Lowden

Housing Services Department Brian Lowden, Housing Program Manager (707) 566-2288, Ext. 113

The Tribal Council recently approved amendments to the FIGR

Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program Policy (“Policy”), formerly called “36-Month Rental Assistance Program Policy.” The purpose of the changes was to allow more Tribal Citizens to qualify for HUD-

funded Tribal housing assistance. Participants can receive rental assistance for a longer period - up to 60 months, rather than 36. Notably, the

Tribe’s service area is expanded to all areas of the United States, instead of only Sonoma and Marin Counties. This means that Tribal Citizens living elsewhere may now qualify for rental assistance. Non-Tribal Citizens who are parents, legal guardians, Indian custodians and caregivers with full-time legal physical custody of a Tribal Citizen child can also qualify for rental assistance if they meet income and other eligibility. The Tribe’s security deposit assistance will increase from $1500 to $3000. Please contact the Housing Department to find out if you are eligible for rental assistance or if you have any questions on the recent changes to the rental program.

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Nick Sable, Executive Director (707) 588-7120

Tribal Gaming Commission

Greetings and Happy New Year Tribal Citizens. The Graton Tribal Gaming Commission (TGC) continues to support the Gaming operations with careful oversight and regulation. Working in conjunction with Casino Management, we continue to see Graton Resort and Casino flourish. As we turn to the New Year, I would like

to notify everyone that we will be working out of temporary trailers due to construction at Graton Resort and Casino. The trailers will be located on the north side of the parking garage on the casino property and will house the Licensing and Investigations Departments, along with myself and Commissioner McLaughlin. The rest of the team, Tech Compliance and IT Security, will still be on property but will occupy offices in the mezzanine area. The construction is to build additional office space which will include brand new TGC office space! When the construction project is complete, the entire TGC will be together under one

roof. With luck on the construction side of things, we should be in the new office space at the end of 2020.

I would also like to introduce a new process that we started in early December at the TGC that will help reduce the departments paper usage. The Background Licensing packet is going online via a software system called KODEE One. In the past, a typical candidate for initial background was issued a packet with instructions that had upwards of 50 pages. KODEE One allows us to move most of this information to an online database, thus helping the TGC fulfill part of the Tribe’s mission of environmental stewardship. In the past, we saw close to 725 new hire candidates go through background checks in the past year, so this is a substantial savings in paper. We will also work over the next two years to move all current Team Members (approximately 1,800) to the new system and recycle their current paperwork.

TGC will continue to make efforts to improve efficiency in our department. As always, we are proud to serve in the role with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Thank you.

Nick Sable

Greetings Tribal Citizens. Currently, 98.2% of Elders are participating in the Tribal Health Benefit Program. By now, you should have received your Tribal Health Benefit Program Guide for the 2020 Plan Year. Please review the guide as it contains important information. As we roll into the 2020 plan year, I’d like to highlight a few key points about the

program this year: Keep the same blue Health Benefit MasterCard

for 2020. Any remaining benefit from 2019 that was left on

your card was removed on January 1, 2020. On January 1, 2020, $10,000 Tribal Health

Benefit was loaded onto your Health Benefit MasterCard.

The deadline to file for claims incurred in 2019 is January 31, 2020.

Automatic Medicare reimbursements—please submit a new claim for 2020.

Your Tribal Health Benefit card is programmed to work at medical facilities (doctor’s offices, pharmacies, hospitals).

Your Tribal Health Benefit card is not programmed to work outside of medical facilities such as retail or drug stores.

You can purchase health items online at fsatpa.com or Amazon.com (FSA coded items only).

Over the counter medications require a doctor’s prescription to be eligible for reimbursement.

Prescriptions for over the counter medicine must be filled at a pharmacy and you can pay with your Tribal Health Benefit card.

Below are services you can purchase with your Tribal Health Benefit with a doctor’s prescription:

Caregiving services Dental equipment Dental implants Exercise equipment Fitness programs Health club memberships Herbal/homeopathic medicine Home improvements for medical reasons Massage therapy Medical equipment Nutritional supplements Orthopedic shoes and inserts Reconstructive surgery Weight loss counseling Weight loss programs If you need assistance filling out and submitting

program forms, please give me a call, stop by the Tribal Office, or email health@gratonrancheria.com. If you need to order health items online and need assistance, I’d be happy to sit down with you and help facilitate the process. For additional support, you may also call FSA TPA at (844)969-8777. Thank you and hope to speak with you soon.

Maxine Bandner

Tribal Health Benefits Maxine Bandner, Tribal Health Benefits Coordinator (707) 566-2288, Ext. 121

The Power of Generosity Do you know that feeling you get when you help

others? Be it by donating to an organization or helping someone that you know, giving to others gives us positive feelings. We feel happy, relaxed, and hopeful. Being generous gives us meaning, puts our problems into perspective and creates a sense of connection outside of ourselves.

Our Elders have always taught us to be kind and helpful. Though researchers have now caught up with the lessons of our Native Elders and prove that being generous in any way can create positive feelings and reduce anxiety and depression.

The research also shares that giving to someone we know, as in giving a bag of groceries to a neighbor, we are more connected to how we have helped and reduce the “activity in the amygdala which indicates reduced stress and anxiety”. The amygdala is that part of our brain that is responsible for perceiving emotions such as anger, fear, and sadness, and controlling aggression. The amygdala also stores the intense memories so that we can be on guard for similar experiences in the future and know how to manage them. Essentially, we calm the part of the brain that is very active in managing trauma and suffering so that we too feel calm, content and at peace.

The power of generosity is embedded in our tribal culture and traditions. Let’s together as community champions, come together and help our families, our neighbors, our community, our tribes. Research proves

what we already know, that helping others bring us joy and healing.

Reference-David Desalvo, contributor – Forbes.com – 9-10-2018

The Aunties & Uncles Program (AUP) at Sonoma

County Indian Health Project integrates cultural values and traditions in the community gatherings offered through sharing a meal together, providing traditional songs, dance, art, and guest speakers. The gatherings include talking circles, cultural workshops, family fun nights, wellness gatherings, and the Annual Memorial Gathering. This program also recruits and trains mentors, known as “Aunties” and “Uncles” who can be a resource and support for their community. By tradition, Aunties and Uncles are extended family and community members, teachers, or elders who play an important role in a young person’s life. Being an Auntie or Uncle means you’re a trusted advisor and mentor that is available to support, advise, and guide someone when they need it and you keep that person's best interests in mind. In relation to generosity, the benefits of participating in the AUP helps reduce stress, support’s one’s immune system and enhances one’s sense of purpose. Along with these overall health benefits, it has been known that Native American cultures are built on communal values with a large emphasis on the importance of giving. Generosity is a way of life.

SCIHP Health/Wellness Notes Healthy Traditions and Behavioral Health Department, Sonoma County Indian Health Project, Inc.

Healthy Traditions (707) 521-4502, Medical (707) 521-4500, Behavioral Health (707) 521-4550, Pharmacy (707) 521-4585

12

Kule Loklo Roundhouse Community Event—11/16/19

11 10

Dear Tribal Citizens, Happy New Year and Winter Solstice. We hope you had wonderful holidays and this new cycle around the sun brings abundance to all of our lives, lands, and hearts. This is the quietest time in the garden, when the nights are long and cold, and the crops hang on to life, but don’t grow very much. That said, we live in a luxurious climate here in Sonoma County where it is easy

to grow food crops year round. Many have asked, “What will you do in the garden during winter?” Well, the winter garden is thriving with cool season plants, including arugula, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, chard, flowers, garlic, herbs, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, onions, parsnips, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, and turnips. Come and see for yourself!

We hosted some fun garden activities at the end of last year, and plan to offer more craft and topic-based

garden activities. In January, please gather with us at the office (because it will likely be pouring rain) on Saturday, January 11, to eat warm delicious veggie soup from the garden and share favorite recipes. Bring copies of your own favorite recipe(s) to share, or send it to us in advance so that we can provide copies. Meet at the Tribal office, 12pm-3pm, 6400 Redwood Drive in Rohnert Park. Please RSVP via email to jbrager@gratonrancheria.com or by calling (707) 303-6210, so we know how much soup to make.

Do you know that we have a weekly email newsletter about what’s happening in the Tribal Community Garden? Stay up to date on garden activities and crafts, volunteer hours, farm stands, available produce, and special events. Send us an email to stay informed with garden e-news: jbrager@gratonrancheria.com.

The garden is open for visits and volunteers every Wednesday, 9am-12pm, rain or shine. We hope to see you in the field!

Jenna Brager, Tribal Land Manager (707) 566-2288, Ext. 117

Tribal Land Department

Jenna Brager

Making lung tonic teas around the garden table Winter garden is blank canvas before cool season crops fill in

Crafting kindling bundles from dried herbs at the garden

Fall garden abundance

Emilia Garcia, Youth Case Coordinator (707) 566-6100, Ext. 634

This school year, the Elementary After School Program had weekly visits to the Tribal Community Garden where youth were engaged in various hands-on activities. Each week, the participants were broken into small groups to focus on a specific area of the garden. These small groups have helped with weeding, clearing pathways, seed saving, and harvesting

pumpkins. The garden activities helped encourage the youth to work as a group. One Friday, the youth worked together to create a bucket-brigade to help fill in the greenhouse floor. The garden provided the youth

participants a chance to sample vegetables, be exposed to a new set of topics and activities surrounding the garden, health and nutrition, and tool safety. Overall, the garden provides a platform for discovery, adventure, exploration and learning. The Youth and Family Department appreciates the Tribal Land Department for collaborating and providing a fun and safe learning environment for the youth.

If you would like to learn more about the After School Program or other services that our Youth and Family Department provides, please call (707) 586-6100 and ask to speak with Lena Garcia, ext. 635 or me, Emilia Garcia, ext. 634.

Tribal TANF of Sonoma and Marin

Floating row cover protects young plants from extreme temperatures Radishes are a beautiful and nutritious winter crop

Emilia Garcia

11 10

Dear Tribal Citizens, Happy New Year and Winter Solstice. We hope you had wonderful holidays and this new cycle around the sun brings abundance to all of our lives, lands, and hearts. This is the quietest time in the garden, when the nights are long and cold, and the crops hang on to life, but don’t grow very much. That said, we live in a luxurious climate here in Sonoma County where it is easy

to grow food crops year round. Many have asked, “What will you do in the garden during winter?” Well, the winter garden is thriving with cool season plants, including arugula, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, chard, flowers, garlic, herbs, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, onions, parsnips, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, and turnips. Come and see for yourself!

We hosted some fun garden activities at the end of last year, and plan to offer more craft and topic-based

garden activities. In January, please gather with us at the office (because it will likely be pouring rain) on Saturday, January 11, to eat warm delicious veggie soup from the garden and share favorite recipes. Bring copies of your own favorite recipe(s) to share, or send it to us in advance so that we can provide copies. Meet at the Tribal office, 12pm-3pm, 6400 Redwood Drive in Rohnert Park. Please RSVP via email to jbrager@gratonrancheria.com or by calling (707) 303-6210, so we know how much soup to make.

Do you know that we have a weekly email newsletter about what’s happening in the Tribal Community Garden? Stay up to date on garden activities and crafts, volunteer hours, farm stands, available produce, and special events. Send us an email to stay informed with garden e-news: jbrager@gratonrancheria.com.

The garden is open for visits and volunteers every Wednesday, 9am-12pm, rain or shine. We hope to see you in the field!

Jenna Brager, Tribal Land Manager (707) 566-2288, Ext. 117

Tribal Land Department

Jenna Brager

Making lung tonic teas around the garden table Winter garden is blank canvas before cool season crops fill in

Crafting kindling bundles from dried herbs at the garden

Fall garden abundance

Emilia Garcia, Youth Case Coordinator (707) 566-6100, Ext. 634

This school year, the Elementary After School Program had weekly visits to the Tribal Community Garden where youth were engaged in various hands-on activities. Each week, the participants were broken into small groups to focus on a specific area of the garden. These small groups have helped with weeding, clearing pathways, seed saving, and harvesting

pumpkins. The garden activities helped encourage the youth to work as a group. One Friday, the youth worked together to create a bucket-brigade to help fill in the greenhouse floor. The garden provided the youth

participants a chance to sample vegetables, be exposed to a new set of topics and activities surrounding the garden, health and nutrition, and tool safety. Overall, the garden provides a platform for discovery, adventure, exploration and learning. The Youth and Family Department appreciates the Tribal Land Department for collaborating and providing a fun and safe learning environment for the youth.

If you would like to learn more about the After School Program or other services that our Youth and Family Department provides, please call (707) 586-6100 and ask to speak with Lena Garcia, ext. 635 or me, Emilia Garcia, ext. 634.

Tribal TANF of Sonoma and Marin

Floating row cover protects young plants from extreme temperatures Radishes are a beautiful and nutritious winter crop

Emilia Garcia

9

Nick Sable, Executive Director (707) 588-7120

Tribal Gaming Commission

Greetings and Happy New Year Tribal Citizens. The Graton Tribal Gaming Commission (TGC) continues to support the Gaming operations with careful oversight and regulation. Working in conjunction with Casino Management, we continue to see Graton Resort and Casino flourish. As we turn to the New Year, I would like

to notify everyone that we will be working out of temporary trailers due to construction at Graton Resort and Casino. The trailers will be located on the north side of the parking garage on the casino property and will house the Licensing and Investigations Departments, along with myself and Commissioner McLaughlin. The rest of the team, Tech Compliance and IT Security, will still be on property but will occupy offices in the mezzanine area. The construction is to build additional office space which will include brand new TGC office space! When the construction project is complete, the entire TGC will be together under one

roof. With luck on the construction side of things, we should be in the new office space at the end of 2020.

I would also like to introduce a new process that we started in early December at the TGC that will help reduce the departments paper usage. The Background Licensing packet is going online via a software system called KODEE One. In the past, a typical candidate for initial background was issued a packet with instructions that had upwards of 50 pages. KODEE One allows us to move most of this information to an online database, thus helping the TGC fulfill part of the Tribe’s mission of environmental stewardship. In the past, we saw close to 725 new hire candidates go through background checks in the past year, so this is a substantial savings in paper. We will also work over the next two years to move all current Team Members (approximately 1,800) to the new system and recycle their current paperwork.

TGC will continue to make efforts to improve efficiency in our department. As always, we are proud to serve in the role with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Thank you.

Nick Sable

Greetings Tribal Citizens. Currently, 98.2% of Elders are participating in the Tribal Health Benefit Program. By now, you should have received your Tribal Health Benefit Program Guide for the 2020 Plan Year. Please review the guide as it contains important information. As we roll into the 2020 plan year, I’d like to highlight a few key points about the

program this year: Keep the same blue Health Benefit MasterCard

for 2020. Any remaining benefit from 2019 that was left on

your card was removed on January 1, 2020. On January 1, 2020, $10,000 Tribal Health

Benefit was loaded onto your Health Benefit MasterCard.

The deadline to file for claims incurred in 2019 is January 31, 2020.

Automatic Medicare reimbursements—please submit a new claim for 2020.

Your Tribal Health Benefit card is programmed to work at medical facilities (doctor’s offices, pharmacies, hospitals).

Your Tribal Health Benefit card is not programmed to work outside of medical facilities such as retail or drug stores.

You can purchase health items online at fsatpa.com or Amazon.com (FSA coded items only).

Over the counter medications require a doctor’s prescription to be eligible for reimbursement.

Prescriptions for over the counter medicine must be filled at a pharmacy and you can pay with your Tribal Health Benefit card.

Below are services you can purchase with your Tribal Health Benefit with a doctor’s prescription:

Caregiving services Dental equipment Dental implants Exercise equipment Fitness programs Health club memberships Herbal/homeopathic medicine Home improvements for medical reasons Massage therapy Medical equipment Nutritional supplements Orthopedic shoes and inserts Reconstructive surgery Weight loss counseling Weight loss programs If you need assistance filling out and submitting

program forms, please give me a call, stop by the Tribal Office, or email health@gratonrancheria.com. If you need to order health items online and need assistance, I’d be happy to sit down with you and help facilitate the process. For additional support, you may also call FSA TPA at (844)969-8777. Thank you and hope to speak with you soon.

Maxine Bandner

Tribal Health Benefits Maxine Bandner, Tribal Health Benefits Coordinator (707) 566-2288, Ext. 121

The Power of Generosity Do you know that feeling you get when you help

others? Be it by donating to an organization or helping someone that you know, giving to others gives us positive feelings. We feel happy, relaxed, and hopeful. Being generous gives us meaning, puts our problems into perspective and creates a sense of connection outside of ourselves.

Our Elders have always taught us to be kind and helpful. Though researchers have now caught up with the lessons of our Native Elders and prove that being generous in any way can create positive feelings and reduce anxiety and depression.

The research also shares that giving to someone we know, as in giving a bag of groceries to a neighbor, we are more connected to how we have helped and reduce the “activity in the amygdala which indicates reduced stress and anxiety”. The amygdala is that part of our brain that is responsible for perceiving emotions such as anger, fear, and sadness, and controlling aggression. The amygdala also stores the intense memories so that we can be on guard for similar experiences in the future and know how to manage them. Essentially, we calm the part of the brain that is very active in managing trauma and suffering so that we too feel calm, content and at peace.

The power of generosity is embedded in our tribal culture and traditions. Let’s together as community champions, come together and help our families, our neighbors, our community, our tribes. Research proves

what we already know, that helping others bring us joy and healing.

Reference-David Desalvo, contributor – Forbes.com – 9-10-2018

The Aunties & Uncles Program (AUP) at Sonoma

County Indian Health Project integrates cultural values and traditions in the community gatherings offered through sharing a meal together, providing traditional songs, dance, art, and guest speakers. The gatherings include talking circles, cultural workshops, family fun nights, wellness gatherings, and the Annual Memorial Gathering. This program also recruits and trains mentors, known as “Aunties” and “Uncles” who can be a resource and support for their community. By tradition, Aunties and Uncles are extended family and community members, teachers, or elders who play an important role in a young person’s life. Being an Auntie or Uncle means you’re a trusted advisor and mentor that is available to support, advise, and guide someone when they need it and you keep that person's best interests in mind. In relation to generosity, the benefits of participating in the AUP helps reduce stress, support’s one’s immune system and enhances one’s sense of purpose. Along with these overall health benefits, it has been known that Native American cultures are built on communal values with a large emphasis on the importance of giving. Generosity is a way of life.

SCIHP Health/Wellness Notes Healthy Traditions and Behavioral Health Department, Sonoma County Indian Health Project, Inc.

Healthy Traditions (707) 521-4502, Medical (707) 521-4500, Behavioral Health (707) 521-4550, Pharmacy (707) 521-4585

12

Kule Loklo Roundhouse Community Event—11/16/19

8 13

Determining How Much You Can Afford When Purchasing a Home A mortgage lender can evaluate the amount you can afford on a mortgage payment each month. One of the simple ways to calculate the amount you can afford is through the use of qualifying ratios.

Using Ratios Before approving your loan to purchase a home, a

lender wants to be sure that you can repay the loan. Lenders use qualifying ratios to determine the monthly mortgage amount you can afford. There are two types of qualifying ratios: 1) Housing-to-Income Ratio—The housing costs-to-

income ratio refers to the percentage of your gross monthly income that may be used for your housing costs (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) and this percentage is called a housing ratio. Depending on the type of loan you select, your housing ratio could be 25 percent, 28 percent, 29 percent, or even 33 percent of your monthly income. Lenders consider the following categories of income as long as the income is documented, verifiable, and likely to continue: employment income, investment income, benefit income, and miscellaneous income.

2) Total Debt-to-Income Ratio—The total debt-to-income ratio refers to the percentages of your gross monthly income that may be used for all of your recurring debts, including housing costs. Lenders understand that most families have monthly bills such as automobile payments, credit card payments, and loan payments. These are taken into consideration when calculating your maximum loan amount. The debt-to-income ratio is the

percentage of gross income that the lender will allow for consumer debts plus the proposed housing payment. The debts that are considered when calculating your debt-to-income ratio are: Revolving Credit Accounts—Visa, MasterCard,

and department store accounts that have changing monthly balances and minimum payments due are included in this category. Depending on the loan program, the lender will use the minimum monthly payment when calculating your debts if the revolving payments are expected to continue for more than six to ten months.

Installment Accounts—Automobile payments, furniture payments, and student loan payments are labeled “installment” because they have a set monthly charge and are due for a specified time frame. Again, depending on the loan program, if these installment debts are expected to continue for more than six to ten months, the lender will count the payment in your ratios.

Other Monthly Payments—Alimony and wage garnishments are treated as recurring debt by most lenders.

Lenders do not include—certain types of monthly bills when calculating your debt-to-income ratio, such as telephone and utility bills, auto and life insurance, retirement and savings contributions, income and Social Security taxes, and union dues. Source: Pathways Home: A Native

Homeownership Guide, Module 3, developed by the National Congress of American Indians in partnership with the National American Indian Housing Council and the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation.

Brian Lowden

Housing Services Department Brian Lowden, Housing Program Manager (707) 566-2288, Ext. 113

The Tribal Council recently approved amendments to the FIGR

Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program Policy (“Policy”), formerly called “36-Month Rental Assistance Program Policy.” The purpose of the changes was to allow more Tribal Citizens to qualify for HUD-

funded Tribal housing assistance. Participants can receive rental assistance for a longer period - up to 60 months, rather than 36. Notably, the

Tribe’s service area is expanded to all areas of the United States, instead of only Sonoma and Marin Counties. This means that Tribal Citizens living elsewhere may now qualify for rental assistance. Non-Tribal Citizens who are parents, legal guardians, Indian custodians and caregivers with full-time legal physical custody of a Tribal Citizen child can also qualify for rental assistance if they meet income and other eligibility. The Tribe’s security deposit assistance will increase from $1500 to $3000. Please contact the Housing Department to find out if you are eligible for rental assistance or if you have any questions on the recent changes to the rental program.

Elder Family Advocate Diana Murray, Elder and Family Advocate (707) 566-2288, Ext. 135

Happy New Year! Were you born in 1955? Congratulations! If you were born in 1955, 2020 is your year to file for Medicare since you will be turning 65 years old. You have an Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) three months before your birthday month, or three months after

your birthday to sign-up for Medicare, a federally funded health insurance program. If you need assistance understanding how and when to file for Medicare, even if you are still working full-time, please contact me, your FIGR Elder Advocate.

Social Security Administration Office Hours

Have you ever gone to the local Social Security Administration office on a Wednesday afternoon only to find out that the office is closed to the public? Starting on January 8, 2020, the Social Security Administration offices will offer public service hours on Wednesdays from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Essentially, public service hours will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Individuals are encouraged to create a My Social Security Account online at socialsecurity.gov. With an online account, individuals can access proof of their benefits, print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter, and apply for Medicare or retirement benefits.

Watch for Important Tax Documents In late January 2020, your Social Security Benefit

Statement (SSA-1099) for income tax reporting will be mailed out. Another important document is your 1099 for Per Capita earnings. These documents are needed for your Internal Revenue Service tax form and State Franchise Tax Board filings. Keeping these documents in a safe place will lessen your stress during the tax preparation season. Please note, if you are unable to find these documents and need assistance requesting replacements, please contact me, your FIGR Elder Advocate. Were you born in 1950?

Congratulations and welcome to the FIGR Elders list in 2020. You will be contacted by the FIGR Health Benefits Coordinator Maxine Bandner to sign-up for the FIGR Tribal Health Benefits Program. We encourage you to review the FIGR Tribal Health Benefits Program. The Tribal Health Benefits program is a benefit that your Tribal Council leadership worked so hard to put in place for Elders, and is an investment in your future well-being.

Diana Murray

My name is Salvina Norris. I have been married to my husband James for 16 years. We have three children: our oldest Elaina is 21, James is 17, and our youngest Anthony is 14. Our family has two dogs, one cat, one turtle and two guinea pigs. We love camping, fishing, and spending time together as a family.

My children and I are Native American. We belong to

Dry Creek Rancheria, but also have ties to Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. I started working for my tribe in 2005. I gained great experience and knowledge of not only learning how the casino operates, but also how the tribe operates. I have a passion for helping the Native community and feel extremely blessed to start my new adventure working for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

Salvina Norris Housing Administrative Assistant

Hello, my name is Sequoia Ross. I am eager and excited to be joining FIGR as the new Administrative Assistant on the 3rd floor. I previously worked for the Santa Rosa Cancer Center Oncology office as well as Sonoma County Indian Health Project, both of which I enjoyed working as their front desk receptionist.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family the most. I am a mother of two: a one year old and a two year old, and I must say they keep me pretty busy. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and look forward to what the future holds.

Sequoia Ross Administrative Assistant

7 14

Children's Holiday Party at Graton Resort & Casino 12-4-19

I was born and raised by my grandma Belle Felix in Marshall, California. We moved to Inverness, California where I went to 1st and 2nd grade. I remember visiting and playing with my cousins Loretta Frease and Suzanne Sanchez. I remember having to catch the high school

bus there and then get dropped off and having to walk to the school house up on the hill in Marshall, California. We then moved back to Marshall a little ways from the town of Marconi, to Mrs. Frease’s old house. I left Marshall when my grandmother passed away, I was about 8 years old. I then moved to Santa Rosa, California to live with my Aunt Clara and Uncle Andy on the Buzzman’s Ranch, now called Martinelli’s. My family and I still ride to Marshall, California often to take flowers to the Marshall cemetery. My family included my dad Otis Carrio, my mom Rose Pensotti, both were Coast Miwok, my brother Joe Carrio, and half sisters and brothers—Rosemarie, Carol, Nancy, Donald, and Stuart. Most of my family is no longer here. My best

friend was Christina Perez and her family. Other friends were Rita Carrillo and her family. I have six children, three girls and three boys. I have 19 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. My first job was babysitting when I was 17 years old. This was for about 6 months for a family in South San Francisco, California. I also worked cutting peaches and picking hops. After I had my family, I worked at a fishery, the Sebastopol apple cannery, and for many different seasonal field harvests. The last job I worked at for 17 years and retired from was in 2001 at Korbel in Guerneville, California as a housekeeper. Some highlights of my life have been that I used to play baseball when I was 24 years old. I played for two years and was the pitcher for the women’s baseball team the Tigers. I also like to travel to Traditional Health Workshops for the Native community and sports games for my grandchildren. I am very happy to find my Coast Miwok ancestry and belong in the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

Barbara (Carrio) Perez

I was born in Santa Rosa, California as a twin to my sister, Dorothy Hardin. I grew up in Healdsburg and Geyserville, California. We moved to Graton, California in my early teens. I grew up with four brothers and nine sisters. Fourteen in total! My mom and dad were great parents and worked

very hard for us kids. I later got married at 18 years old.

I had three children: Barry, Robin and Peggy. I also have nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A highlight of my life is having such a nice big family. I am currently raising three of my grandchildren. They are all good kids, teenagers now. I try to keep up on all the news and programs that our Tribe provides for the Tribal Citizens.

Dolores Shell

I grew up in Healdsburg, California at my parent’s ranch on Lytton Springs Road, and in Vallejo, California. I’m the sixth of eight children of Lucy Lozinto Smith (Dry Creek Pomo) and Steven Smith, Jr. (Bodega Miwok/Jenner Pomo). My friends include people I volunteered with at the

National Women’s History Project and have met through my art, cultural work, and publishing. As a child, I picked up prunes and harvested other fruit. I’ve worked as a key punch and computer operator, a self-employed baker, cultural consultant, cultural demonstrator, artist, and published writer. I served as an archaeological technician, site monitor, and worked

as a cultural interpreter at Kule Loklo. Some highlights of my life include a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute. I’m pleased that my artwork has been shown widely and my writing published. I helped co-found the Federated Coast Miwok. Thoughts I have about our Tribe are that we need to continue to mentor and elect the type of strong leaders we’ve been fortunate to have, individuals for whom the well-being of the entire Tribe and the broader community is their foremost concern; to foster knowledge of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo history, culture, and language; further the higher education of Tribal youth; and nurture service in local, state, and federal government.

Kathleen Smith

6 15

80 Year Old Honored Elder Biographies FIGR Winter Celebration at Graton Resort & Casino 12-15-19

5 16

I was born in Santa Rosa County Hospital on March 13, 1939. I grew up in Petaluma, California living on Mountain View Avenue and then Petaluma Boulevard North. I attended Cinnabar grade school. My parents were Harry Edward Johnson and Mildred Frances Johnson. My grandmother

was full Miwok Indian. Her name, given by the whites was Nell Smith. As a youngster, I was drawn to automobiles. I went into the automobile repair business at the age of 28. Big Ed’s Auto Body prospered for 41 years on the Boulevard North in Petaluma. I’ve received

many awards for automobile reconstruction and specialty work. Hot Rods! As a youngster, I received a brand new Schwinn bike for Christmas, which I promptly dismantled and modified into a rat rod bicycle. My parents were horrified! I am very proud of my heritage and the success of the Graton Rancheria and Graton Casino which has afforded many benefits to our Tribe. I wish continued success and further development of opportunities and care of our Elders. Advice I would give to our Tribal Citizens is, stand proud as Native Americans and receive the benefits earned by our ancestors.

Edward Johnson

I was born in Richmond, California and moved to Fortuna, California at six years old. We lived there until 2018. My father died when I was ten years old. He was a superintendent at the Whaling Station in Fields Landing, the only land based whale processing plant in the United States. In

the summer time, I would get to watch him process the whales. I could touch them and look into their mouths. My family includes my wife of 61 years, Irene Mann, and two daughters, Lisa Miranda, and Pamela Colby. We now live with Pam and her husband, Tim in North Idaho. We have some wonderful friends back in Fortuna who like us, are getting up in years. I have held many different jobs including a paper route at age 12, and worked in a gas station at age 15 to 18. Then, I started working in construction. I loved building things, and after 19 years in construction I became a General Contractor for the next 31 years. I retired at 69 years old. Some highlights in my life have been when the Tribe received federal recognition from the BIA. For our

very first Election, I built two election boxes and donated them to the Tribe. I understand they are still being used today. I am proud to have contributed the boxes, as a small part of the overall effort to begin a new journey. Some thoughts I have about our Tribe are: when I receive the newsletters, I see the progress our Tribal Citizens have made, the help and the encouragement for the youth, and the opportunities for the young people. I can only be proud. The hope I see for our future is that we follow the leadership skills, hard work and dedication of our Tribal Council. Since 1993, they have laid the ground work and to this day are an example of how to bring the Citizens together to write a new history. I hope the future leaders are up to the task. I wish I was forty years younger to be able to participate more. Some of us had parents that were in denial of their heritage. Keep your children informed. Keep them involved and when they become adults they will fully understand that the Tribal Council and the entire staff will not always be here. So be prepared to be involved and lead this Tribe to an even better future.

Arlon Mann

I grew up in San Rafael, California until I was 9, then in South San Francisco, California until I was 19. I moved back to San Rafael, California when I married my late husband Knight Parsons. My family included my mom, Anne Frease Brown, my dad Robert Brown and my siblings

Albert known as Mousy, Jimmy, Viola, Arlis (who passed of meningitis at 5 or 6), Emma Jean, and Helen Duda Brown. I have three children—Lori, Corey and Kelly. I also have three grandchildren and one great granddaughter. My extended family included my mom's sister Auntie Mary, her husband Emilio, and another Auntie Mary in Bodega Bay, California and Momma's

cousin Frankie and Francis Pensadi Phorcas. A job I had was taking care of children. Some highlights in my life have been going to visit family in Bolinas, Santa Rosa, and Bodega Bay. We had great picnics. We would visit my Auntie Mary and Uncle Emilio in Tomales where he would make great cioppino in a big pot, and all the neighbors would put something in. Everyone would have a great time. Uncle Frankie and Aunt Francis would have dances. Frankie would play the accordion and we would all dance on the big patio by the water. I think the Tribe is awesome! I love that we get together and share. I get to see people I knew as a child.

Hazel Parsons

80 Year Old Honored Elder Biographies

4 17

The next General Council Meeting will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2019, 10:00am

Graton Resort & Casino, Ballroom D, 288 Golf Course Drive West, Rohnert Park, CA The proposed General Council Agenda is: Call to order and verify establishment of quorum Approve Agenda and the Minutes of the December 7, 2019 meeting Tribal Updates for FIGR Programs and Committees Economic Development Update Unfinished Business New Business

GC Resolution granting the Graton Economic Development Authority ongoing authorization to enter into casino contracts up to $500,000 with limited waivers of sovereign immunity;

GC Resolution granting Tribal Council ongoing authorization to enter into tribal government contracts up to $100,000 with limited waivers of sovereign immunity.

Announcements Adjourn

Events Planning Committee is accepting applications for one open position. The Events Planning Committee meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at 5:30pm at the Tribal Office.

Sacred Sites Protection Committee is accepting applications for one open position. The Sacred Sites Protection Committee meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 6:00pm at the Tribal Office.

Committee applications are available at the first floor reception desk, or can be sent by email upon request. Completed committee applications can be sent by postal mail or hand-delivered to: 6400 Redwood Drive, Ste. 300 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 or emailed to CommitteeApp@gratonrancheria.com. For any questions or for further information, please call (707) 566-2288 or email questions to CommitteeApp@gratonrancheria.com.

I was born in Santa Rosa, California and moved to Bodega Bay, California at the age of 13 months. My mother Maxine Buvelot was very ill, so I went to live with my Grandmother Margaret (Maggie) Smith Buvelot. I grew up with my great uncles--the Smith Brothers and a very loving family

in Bodega Bay. Life was hard, although I did not know any different. My family, in addition to my mother, grandmother, and great uncles was my brother Ronald Hunter. On occasions, Arthur (Tooch) Colombo would pop up for dinner or just to hang out with Ron. I remember when Uncle Gene Buvelot Sr. and family would come to visit. I always had so much fun playing with my cousins. I later married Joe Damato, a commercial fisherman from San Francisco, California where we eventually moved. My mother passed away

soon after. I recall how hard it was to adjust to living in a big city, coming from a place with no running water and dirt floors. I later had three children. Nick, Joe, and Tina Damato (Lanzavecchia). I also, have four grandchildren Derrek, Jesse, Jake, and Luke and one great grandchild, Cash. I went to work at the phone company for 30 years. I retired at an early age. One highlight in my life was moving to the state of Montana and being able to have the time to learn how to draw. Drawing has been a passion of mine for many years. My drawings aren’t too shabby. I am so proud of how the Tribe has provided so many opportunities for our youth. My advice for the youth is to stay in school and to get a good college education to be able to find meaningful employment. I am also so blessed to have the many Elder benefits the Tribe provides. Thank you for all your hard work.

Louise Damato

Volunteer for Us!

80 Year Old Honored Elder Biographies

Elders Honoring Event 2019

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General Council meetings: Graton Resort and Casino Ballroom D 288 Golf Course Drive West Rohnert Park, CA 94928 (707) 584-5466

Tribal Council meetings: FIGR Tribal Office 6400 Redwood Drive, Suite 300 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 (707) 566-2288

Schedule of Tribal Council and General Council Meetings and Tribal Citizen Events—2020

*Please note: dates in bold are out of the normal recurring monthly dates

January Friday, Jan 10: 5:00pm Tribal Council Friday, Jan 24: 5:00pm Tribal Council February Friday, Feb 14: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Feb 15: 10:00am General Council Friday, Feb 28: 5:00pm Tribal Council March Friday, Mar 13: 5:00pm Tribal Council Friday, Mar 27: 5:00pm Tribal Council April Friday, Apr 10: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Apr 11: 10:00am General Council Sat., Apr 11: 12:00pm Spring Celebration Friday, Apr 24: 5:00pm Tribal Council May Friday, May 8: 5:00pm Tribal Council Friday, May 22: 5:00pm Tribal Council June Friday, Jun 12: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Jun 13: 10:00am General Council Fri, Jun 26: 5:00pm Tribal Council

July Friday, Jul 10: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Jul 11: 12:00pm Annual Picnic Friday, Jul 24: 5:00pm Tribal Council August Friday, Aug 14: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Aug 15: 10:00am General Council Friday, Aug 28: 5:00pm Tribal Council *September Fri, Sep 11: 5:00pm Tribal Council Wed, Sep 23: 5:00pm Tribal Council October Friday, Oct 9: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Oct 10: 10:00am General Council Sat., Oct 17: 12:00pm Fall Celebration Friday, Oct 23: 5:00pm Tribal Council November Friday, Nov 13: 5:00pm Tribal Council December Friday, Dec 11: 5:00pm Tribal Council Sat., Dec 12: 10:00am General Council Sat., Dec 12: 5:00pm Elders Event Sun., Dec 13: 12:00pm Winter Celebration

Meeting Locations:

2020 Distribution Schedule

General Welfare Benefits Per Capita

January 24 July 24 January 31 July 31 February 21 August 21 February 28 August 28 March 20 September 18 March 27 September 24 April 17 October 23 April 24 October 30 May 22 November 20 May 29 November 25 June 19 December 11 June 26 December 11

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Elders Honoring Event 2019

From the Tribal Chairman continued from page 1

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one family, so are people, plants, and animals everywhere on earth. As Indian people, our ancestors knew intimately that we were interconnected with all of life around us. Our ancestors lived nobly -- I say nobly because they understood that each of their decisions and actions in the natural world affected the world in specific ways. Take all of the duck’s and quail’s eggs and there will be no more ducks and quails. Forget to trim and clear sedge roots and there won’t be long, strong roots for basket making. Forget to clear (by burning) brush and the undergrowth and you leave the landscape vulnerable to uncontrollable fires. Forget to clear brush and undergrowth and there is less rich grass for the herds of elk, pronghorn, and deer. Once these annual duties no longer happened, the landscape went “wild”. For indigenous people, at home in the world and connected to it, “wilderness” is land unkempt, forgotten. Unfortunately, a consequence of European colonization is our separation from an intimate connection to the natural world, a consequence that our time too often has rendered us forgetful of the profound cause and effect each of our decisions and actions have in this larger world.

Luckily, threads of our connection to this larger and magnificent world remain in the stories and practices that have been passed down to us from our elders. It is up to us as Indian people with the privilege of heritage to show the way to one another and to others. Now more than ever the world needs -- and is waiting for --

our good example. Yes, today Tribal Citizens have more money, and, the Great Spirit willing, we will have even more money in the future. We can finance new homes, and buy new cars. But we can’t buy a healthy connection to the world. We can decide to remember that everything we do has consequences in the larger world -- just as our ancestors did -- and we can make choices, putting that larger world first. Isn’t it better to purchase an electric car given the killing overabundance of CO2 in the atmosphere? Isn’t it better to advocate for more open space and look for ways to restore and revitalize the natural landscape? Isn’t it better to advocate for clean water? Better to eat and grow organic produce? Each piece of food you buy in the store is not only connected to the earth but to those people who labored to harvest it. Each piece of clothing you buy was made by a human being. Who made the clothes? Hopefully not a ten year old in a sweat factory in India. Remember the cherished earth and all of its life.

My hope ultimately here is that by being kind, open-hearted, critical of media and rumors, aware of our place in the wider natural world and how our decisions and actions affect that same world in which we all live and that our children will inherit -- my hope is that we will live fuller and happier lives. Thus, my hope is for health and happiness, for you and me, for the Tribe, for the earth.

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Basketry Class 10am

Tribal Council 5pm

GWB Mailed

Per Cap Mailed

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Election Board 6pm

Citizenship Committee 5pm

Housing Committee 5pm

Sacred Sites Committee 6pm

Events Planning Committee

5:30pm

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Tribal Office Closed

Tribal Office Closed

Tribal Council 5pm

Basketry Class 10am

Tribal Council 5pm

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Election Board 6pm

Citizenship Committee 5pm

Housing Committee 5pm

Sacred Sites Committee 6pm

Events Planning

Committee 5:30pm

Tribal Garden Volunteer Day 9am

Tribal Council 5pm

GWB Mailed

Per Cap Mailed

Tribal Office Closed

General Council 10am

Summer Programs Fair 5pm

Tribal Garden Event Day 12pm

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Happy New Year Tribal Citizens. As you know, 2019 was a very good year for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, as I’m certain 2020 will be. Our business success, as well as the services we can offer our Tribal Citizens, will continue to grow. We have a bright and secure future as a Tribe. The larger world, however, seems in many ways increasingly unstable, plagued by divisive politics and the ever present and growing

climate disaster, just to name a couple of the issues that can cause anxiety. Thinking of both our Tribal success and, at the same time, the larger world’s many problems, I offer you my “Hope List” for 2020.

I hope we are kind. We must keep our eyes and hearts open to the pain and suffering of others. Empathy enables us to understand from our own misfortunes and difficulties those suffered by others, be they family members, other Tribal Citizens, or a person on the street. If you see an elder struggling with a bag of groceries, offer to carry the groceries. If you know of a family member or friend who is housebound due to illness, offer to cook and deliver a warm meal.

I hope we don’t unfairly or unnecessarily judge others. Rather than assume things about a person, ask yourself these questions. What don’t I know about that person’s life? What are the social or economic circumstances that have made that person different from me? Too often we rely on prejudices and stereotypes to judge others. Before you judge a homeless person, assuming for example that the homeless person is a drug addict, consider the person’s feelings and needs. Is she or he cold? Being judgmental of others gets in the way of our being kind.

I hope that we think critically, that we consider the facts. Too often these days politicians and others spread “fake news” when, at the same time, they accuse their rivals of the same thing. Indeed, it is easy for any of us to be confused about facts given the current cesspool of misinformation. So ask questions. How is what I’m hearing indeed a fact? Just because someone said so? No, check the person’s sources. Likewise, in our Tribal community, think critically about what a person -- even a friend or family member -- might tell you. Ask whether or not what the person is telling you is fact or just hearsay. Rumors and hearsay are not facts. Rumors and hearsay not only can hurt an individual, but can also work to hurt an entire community. Rumors and hearsay can create instability in our Tribe. Rumors and hearsay can destabilize our Tribe. Ask questions. Check that what you are hearing is fact, not just a person’s personal opinion or second hand information.

I hope we remember that as a Tribe, we are one family. We must put the Tribe (as a family) before ourselves. If we think of the Tribe as one family, we will work to maintain its health, well-being, and future success with the same fervor that we do for our own children. We will look after the Tribe the way we look after the health and security of our elders. A parent who does not think of his or her children first, will not be a good parent, plain and simple. A son or daughter who ignores the needs of an aging parent is not a good son or daughter, plain and simple. Put the Tribe first. Think always of its health and stability. Ask about the things you may want from the Tribe, let’s say even the things you want the Tribe to change. Ask how those things you want will affect the entire Tribe.

Remember the larger world. Just as the Tribe is (Continued on page 2)

Newsletter of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Volume 17, Number 193 ~ January 2020

From the Tribal Chairman .................................. p. 1 Elders Event ........................................................ p. 2 Elder Family Advocate ....................................... p. 7 Housing Services ............................................... p. 8 Tribal Gaming Commission ............................... p. 9 Tribal Health Benefits ......................................... p. 9 Tribal Land Department ..................................... p. 10

Tribal TANF ......................................................... p. 11 SCIHP ................................................................... p. 12 FIGR Election Results ........................................ p. 13 Holiday Event Pictures ....................................... p. 14 Announcements and Flyers ............................... p. 16 Tribal Meetings and Events in 2019 .................. p. 18 Tribal Calendar .................................................... p. 19

Inside this issue:

From the Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris

Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris