News from Washoe Native TANF Headquarters in Gardnerville ... · Lori Pasqua, Pre-college Advisor: [email protected] Douglas/Woodfords/Off Reservation Sara Blase, Pre-College

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


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:

[email protected]

Carson /Stewart/Off Res-

ervation

(Continued from page 1)

mailto:[email protected]




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


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.



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.



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



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.


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.



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.





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.

Documents

News from Washoe Native TANF Headquarters in Gardnerville ... · Lori Pasqua, Pre-college Advisor: [email protected] Douglas/Woodfords/Off Reservation Sara Blase, Pre-College