California One Step Closer to Asking Federal Government to Restore Recognition of Winnemem Wintu Tribe

Caleen soon joined me at the table as our tribal members who accompanied us to the capitol filed into the hearing room. Dressed in their finest clothes, I was proud to speak for the Winnemem again this day although I do not remember what I said exactly. My Chief spoke next and I remember thanking the committee and waiting for any opposition to be raised. None came and the committee leader, Senator Florez called for a vote. Many of the senators left before the vote was taken and as I sat there listening, the vote ended up 3 for and 0 against with many, even those sitting there, not voting at all.

We got up and in confusion left the hearing room to regroup in the hallway. The next words I heard started an avalanche of activity as we rushed to the offices of those not voting to meet with staff to see what was causing this hold up. For the next 2 or 3 hours we walked the halls, talking to staff, returning to the hearing room for updated votes and then out again and again. Each time we returned to the room one more vote would be called and one more affirmative vote would be cast. This nerve wracking scenario played out for at least three votes that I sat in on until the very last vote of the day when all of the bills were called again and final opportunities were given for members to vote.

One by one the bills were read, votes tallied and additional votes taken until AJR 39, the last item on the agenda, was read for the last time. We were all alone it seemed, as all other bills were out the door or voted down, their proponents and opponents gone from the scene with just the senators and the Winnemem remaining as the roll call was taken again.

With the vote standing at 4 in favor, still no opposed, Senator Yee was asked his vote, he again raised the question of gaming as an outcome of the state supporting our effort to have a fair hearing in Washington DC, and we asked our bills sponsor, Mr. Huffman to amend the language to more strongly state our tribal opposition to gaming as an economic vehicle for our people. With that amendment, the Senator cast an “aye” vote and many sighed in relief, I however did not: that only added to 5 votes in favor when we needed six. Senator Vincent was asked his vote and after evaluating the changes made to that point, voted “aye” as well giving us the six votes needed to move the resolution to the senate for a full vote. We thank these two gentlemen for their votes and stand ready to back our words given to them yesterday fully, not only for this generation but for those who will follow us in leadership positions.

As we left the room I saw that many of the Winnemem had tears in their eyes and they all looked as though they had been marched hard on a hot day, but they stood tall and proud of what they had help accomplish.

I am grateful to Assemblyman Huffman and his staff as well as Senator Florez and Perata for giving us the opportunity to speak freely about the plight of the Winnemem. I am also grateful to my people for their hard work and sacrifice to make this day happen. We are the water people, we are proud of who we are today and of the part we played in history in developing this state for our fellow tribal peoples and those who settled on our traditional lands. We see this vote in the Senate GO committee as another step forward in “peace and friendship” for our government and that of the state of California and hope that when given the opportunity to address this social justice issue, that the Senators in August will send a clear message to the federal government to allow a fair hearing on the status of the Winnemem and help right the broken promises of the past.

Mark Franco is Headman of the Winnemem Wintu and is married to tribal Spiritual Leader Caleen Sisk-Franco. The couple have two children; Michael age 24 and Marine age 16. Together they work to preserve the cultural heritage of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe and fight to protect the sacred lands and waters and ceremonies of the Winnemem.