There are two sections to the program: one dealing with the natural environmental issues and the other dealing with the social justice issues, such as, the slow response of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Department to crime on the federally controlled rancherias and reservations in Mendocino County; the inadequate legal representation of Native people accused of committing a crime in the county and other issues that affect the Native tribal population. There are other social issues that affect the whole community of the county. These include the manner in which the Department of Social Services serves its clients, and attitudes of the Board of Supervisors toward the needs and concerns of the public which it serves. Some of the environmental issues this program is involved in include the States' attempt to encroach on tribal fishing rights, the lack of Native participation in the preparation of timber harvest plans, dealing with private developers who attempt to take advantage of the property of Native tribes for their own self motives for personal gain, to mention only a few.
We are attempting to raise funds so the MEC can absorb the salary for the Coordinator of the Native Tribal Outreach Program, and to be able to expand the services this program provides. The work of this program is very valuable to the Native people and very much appreciated by them. The much needed environmental education for Native people that is carried out through this program, the coordination of resources so that the mainstream environmental community and the tribal grassroots environmental community can all share them, the advocacy work being done to bridge the gap between the mainstream governments and the grassroots environmentalists and the tribal community, and much more that this office does, is going to be lost if we are unable to adequately fund the position of coordinator. Contributions toward this effort can be made out to the MEC, and designated specifically for the salary and program work of the Native Tribal Outreach Program.
As part of the fund raising effort for this program, we are holding a raffle. Tickets are $3.75 each, or 3 tickets for $10.00. Some of the prizes being offered are: a Pomo basket, sand paintings, statue of a Native Woman, and a miniature Pomo baby basket. Additional prizes are being gathered. You may send a check requesting tickets, or come into the MEC and purchase them. Thank you for your support.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2004
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