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- ICWA | Coyote Valley Tribe
Native Connections at Coyote Valley is a SAMHSA-funded program focused on suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and substance use disorder prevention for Native youth ages 10-24. It strengthens Tribal communities through culturally relevant behavioral health services and pathways to healing ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was enacted in 1978 to protect the best interests of Native children and to promote the stability and security of Tribal families and communities. At the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, our Health and Human Services Department carries out the Tribe’s ICWA program to ensure that Tribal children remain connected to their families, culture, and community. Our program works closely with county child welfare agencies, state courts, and families to advocate for the rights of our Tribal children and to make sure that ICWA’s provisions are followed. Services-Family Program Goals Advocacy & Protection: Ensure the rights of Tribal children and families are respected in all child welfare proceedings. Cultural Connection: Maintain and strengthen the connection of our youth to their Tribal culture, traditions, and community. Family Support: Provide resources and referrals that help families stay together in safe and healthy homes. Collaboration: Work with state, county, and federal agencies to make sure ICWA laws are followed in every case involving Coyote Valley children. Prevention & Education: Offer guidance, education, and support to families to prevent child removal and to promote family wellness. Program Details: Representation of the Tribe in ICWA-related child welfare cases. Advocacy for placement preferences that keep children within their family, Tribe, or Native community. Case management and support for families navigating child welfare proceedings. Coordination with social service providers to strengthen family stability and safety. Education for Tribal members and external agencies about ICWA rights and responsibilities. Culturally appropriate resources and referrals for families in need. Why ICWA matters For generations, Native children were disproportionately removed from their homes, communities, and culture. ICWA protects our children and strengthens Tribal sovereignty by ensuring that decisions about our children are made with the involvement of their Tribe and with respect for their cultural heritage. At Coyote Valley, we are committed to ensuring that no child loses their connection to who they are and where they come from. Contact Information If you have questions about ICWA or need assistance, please contact: Coyote Valley Health & Human Services Department – ICWA Program Contact Us ICWA Brochure Download our ICWA Program Brochure to learn more about services, rights, and resources available for families. Interested in becoming a Tribally Approved Home? Click here to learn more Bernadette Mora HHS Director Contact Phone: (707) 472-3000 email: hhsdirector@coyotevalley-nsn.gov Bernadette Mora Events No events scheduled
- Patrick Naredo | Coyote Valley Tribe
Patrick Naredo, Tribal Council Member at Large for the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, is a seasoned leader with over 18 years in tribal government and economic development, serving on boards of multiple Coyote Valley enterprises. Coyote Valley Tribal Council Patrick Naredo Member at Large, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Electe d February 14, 2023 Patrick Naredo is a seasoned executive board member with over 20 years of success in tribal government and economic development. He is currently a member of the Coyote Valley Tribal Council and serves on the boards of several tribal enterprises, including Coyote Economic Development Corporation (CEDCO), Coyote Valley Entertainment Enterprise (CVEE), Coyote Valley Hospitality Corporation (CVHC), Coyote Valley Retail Enterprises (CVRE), and Coyote Tribal Holdings Corporation (CTHC). In his role on the Tribal Council, Mr. Naredo has played a pivotal role in the Coyote Valleys economic development. He has overseen the development and implementation of several successful economic development projects, including: A 7,500-square-foot convenience store and gas station complex. This project has provided jobs for tribal members and has improved the tribe's economic self-sufficiency. A 1,500-square-foot mini casino. This project has been a great success, generating additional gaming revenue for the tribe and creating jobs for tribal members. A 54,000-square-foot casino. This project is a major economic driver for the tribe and provides hundreds of jobs. A water treatment facility that has improved the quality of drinking water for the tribe. This project has provided additional jobs and allows the tribe to be self-sufficient. A wastewater treatment facility that has reduced the tribe's environmental impact. This project has protected the environment and has saved the tribe money on its wastewater disposal costs. 28 new houses that have provided affordable housing for tribal members. This project has improved the quality of life for tribal members and has helped to reduce poverty on the reservation. A 2,400-square-foot community building that is used for a variety of events, including family events and community meetings. This building has been a valuable resource for the tribe and has helped to promote community cohesion. 50,000-plus acres of Civil improvements for current and future development, infostructure and landscaping have made the tribe's land more attractive for residents and visitors. The site work projects continue to created jobs and boost the tribe's economy. In addition to his work on economic development projects, Mr. Naredo has also spearheaded several key initiatives that have contributed to the tribe's economic growth. He played a vital role in renegotiating the tribe's gaming compact with the State of California and the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mendocino County. As a result of his efforts, the tribe was able to secure a more favorable compact and MOU agreement, which will enable it to generate more revenue from gaming. He has also been instrumental in the development of the tribe's master planning and strategic planning. Mr. Naredo brings a strong business acumen and extensive experience to the government and CEDCO subsidiaries, where he provides valuable insights and advice on important decisions related to operations, procurement, budgeting, contracting, and development. Prior to his career in tribal government, Mr. Naredo held positions in the engineering design field, where he honed his skills in cross-disciplinary and cross-sector communication and project management. This experience has been invaluable in his work on economic development projects, as it has allowed him to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and disciplines. Mr. Naredo is known for his strong work ethic, strategic vision, and dedication to improving the lives of his people. He brings a heightened level of stability, institutional knowledge, and leadership to the team and is a valuable asset to the Coyote Valley Tribe and is poised to continue to play a significant role in the tribe's future government programs and economic development. Back
- Wildfire Preparedness | Coyote Valley Tribe
The Sacred Roots Program at Coyote Valley supports Native youth with education, mentorship, and culturally based activities to prevent substance use. By strengthening cultural identity and resilience, it promotes healthy choices and long-term well-being. Wildfire Preparedness The Wildfire Preparedness program strengthens community safety by promoting proactive fire prevention and readiness. Efforts include supporting vegetation management to reduce fuel loads, increasing awareness of defensible space practices, and providing clear, ongoing fire prevention outreach. The program also works closely with Tribal departments to coordinate safety measures and ensure the community is prepared before, during, and after wildfire events. Services-Family Contact Us Program Details: Vegetation management support Defensible space awareness Fire prevention outreach and Tribal safety coordination Richard Campbell Jr. EPD Director Contact Phone: (707) 472-8950 email: epddir@coyotevalley-nsn.gov Richard Campbell Events No events scheduled
- Melinda Hunter | Coyote Valley Tribe
Vice Chairwoman Melinda Hunter of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians is a dedicated leader with 16 years of service. Guided by faith and her mother’s legacy, she champions cultural preservation, community well-being, and tribal development. Coyote Valley Tribal Council Melinda Hunter Vice Chairwoman, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Elected in 2024 Vice Chairwoman of the Tribal Council Melinda Hunter is a proud member of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, dedicated to the well-being and advancement of her people. She has served her tribe in numerous capacities alongside her role as a Council Member of the Tribal Council for the past 16 years. Melinda draws great inspiration from her mother, Priscilla Hunter, who served as the Tribe’s Chairwoman and was a driving force behind numerous initiatives to improve tribal welfare. Priscilla’s legacy as a courageous and visionary leader lives on in Melinda, who continues to uphold the values and teachings passed down through generations. Central to Melinda’s leadership is her profound faith and devotion to the Creator, which serve as pillars of her strength and resolve. As Vice Chairwoman, Melinda Hunter embraces the responsibility of fostering development, preserving cultural heritage, and advocating for the needs of her community. Her leadership, rooted in experience, faith, and the influence of impactful mentors, ensures that the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians will continue to thrive under her guidance. Back
- Executive Team | Coyote Valley Tribe
The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians is a federally recognized Tribe located in the heart of Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, California, USA. The reservation is approximately 82.36 acres of trust land. Elders Council Back Row, Left to Right: Fred Ortiz Sr., Terri Hanna, Melvin Campbell. Front Row, Left to Right: Fred Naredo Sr., Vera Roman, Peggi Mitchell, Stephanie Stark. Government RFP's Tribal Police Culture Art Foods Housing Language History Migration Story Homeland European Contact Removal Indian Territory Turn of the Century Present Day Economic Development CEDCO CVRE CVEE Careers All Open Positions
- History | Coyote Valley Tribe
In 1835, Spanish troops led by Captain Sepulvedo Vallejo came to procure Indians from Coyote Valley and the surrounding area, to work on houses and forts being built at Sonoma, followed soon after by expeditions to procure Indian children as slaves. Coyote Valley, Calpella, and Redwood Valley... Coyote Valley History Ancestorial Territory The Pomo people have lived in the areas of Mendocino, Lake, and Sonoma counties for many millennia, denoting the thousands upon thousands of years our people have lived and thrived in the area now known as Mendocino County. These people differentiated themselves in many ways, one such being their language. By dialect these people are further broken down as Northern, Central, Eastern, Northeastern, Southeastern, Southern, and Kashaya (Southwestern) peoples who spoke the same languages over a range of their territories. The Pomo people were weavers, famous for their beautiful basketry, healers, whose songs and ceremonies called upon divine and sacred healing powers, and a peaceful people, who made many connections with surrounding indigenous groups who bordered their greater territory. Oral traditions strengthened communities, stories of creation, of the natural world, and of the spirits that lived alongside the people. The Sho:daxay (Shodakai) Pomo, our people, originate in the northern territory alongside the Russian river of the Pomo homeland, the dialect predominately of Northern Pomo. Map of the Pomoan languages (Walker 2020). “Northern Pomo.” California Language Archive, cla.berkeley.edu/languages/northern-pomo.html. The 1800's Nestled in the foothills alongside the east fork of the Russian River, Coyote Valley was one of several valleys running along the river’s many branches. In the 1800s, it was described as being “all brush,” a “bare trace of land, where nothing grew, no trees or shrubs, just grasses.” However, a thriving population of Indians lived in this valley long before settlement occurred and still inhabited the area when the first non-Indians came. In 1835, Spanish troops led by Captain Sepulvedo Vallejo came to procure Indians from Coyote Valley and the surrounding area, to work on houses and forts being built at Sonoma, followed soon after by expeditions to procure Indian children as slaves. Coyote Valley, Calpella, and Redwood Valley were “settled” sometime early in the 1850’s as part of the township of the Ukiah and hence divided into grants of land and farms. On December 10, 1878, a group of Indians of the Ca-ba-kana, Pomo, and Katca tribes of Redwood Valley bought seven acres of the land in Coyote Valley for two hundred dollars. The land was mostly flat and extended to the western edge of the property and was part of Riverside Ranch, a large ranch owned by Lucius Byron Frasier. Title to the Old Rancheria was held in common by the “Redwood Valley Tribe.” Although eighteen men were listed in the deed as owners, it appears that there were usually no more than five or six families living there at any given time. The Indians of Coyote Valley rejected housing provided by the ranchers and preferred to live in “grass homes” on their own property, but some wooden houses also stood on the land. These homes were made of rough redwood board and batten construction. There were few windows, and in some cases, the houses were without doors. Their homes did not have running water, unlike the homes of their non-Indian neighbors. The Indians would pack buckets of water to their homes from the river or from a year-round spring located near their homes. Early 1900's In 1909, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) purchased land in Coyote Valley for the benefit of the Indians of the Ukiah Valley. The land, known as the Coyote Valley Rancheria, was made up of 101 acres and consisted of three distinct sections: rivers bottom, sloping hillside and a flat terrace land overlooking the river. According to residents of the Rancheria, there were live oaks and white oaks growing in isolated and dense groves on the bottomland. It was “open in places, rocky grasslands also in other places and poison oak all over.” The traditional diet of the Coyote Valley Rancheria residents underwent change long before the establishment of the Rancheria in 1909. Residents stated that whites had essentially destroyed traditional sources of clover and acorns and only a few were left accessible to them. Deer were scarce, but the fishing remained good. No livestock other than poultry were kept on the Rancheria. During the summer, deer were hunted in the hills around the valley. For the most part, however, residents depended upon stores in Ukiah as the major source of food. Residents’ memories of buying dry goods in Ukiah were not pleasant. By the early 1920s, it appears that eight individuals held assignments on the Coyote Valley Rancheria. In the mid-1940s, nine field assignments were issued for agricultural and related activities; three of the assignments were issued to residents who already had house assignments there, while six were issued to residents of Pinoleville. As with most Indians throughout the country, Coyote Valley Rancheria residents were discriminated against in the Ukiah Valley. Stores in town would not allow Indians to try on ready-made clothing, which meant they had to take a trip to Santa Rosa if they wanted to try on clothes before purchase. They were not served in local beauty parlors, and only one restaurant, run by a Chinese family, would accept Indian patronage. The local movie theater permitted Indians to sit only in the balcony. In the 1920s, a number of residents attempted to enroll in local schools. One resident recalled, “They didn’t allow Indians,” although there were occasional exceptions. Coyote Valley Indians attended an Indian school in Pinoleville as well as the Sherman Institute in Riverside, California, and Chemawa Indian Training School in Oregon. Four Indian men attempted to steal wine from the storage facility of an Italian grape grower. When the grower confronted them, he was fatally shot. All four men were indicted and brought to trial. Three were convicted and received lengthy prison sentences. The fourth, an Indian from the Old Rancheria, was found not guilty. Their defense was conducted by Ukiah lawyer Arthur "Wessels", whose fee was $250.00 at 8% per year payable in two years. The promissory note was signed on January 26, 1924, and was secured by a mortgage on the Old Rancheria. The young Indian families were unable to pay the principal or interest on the note. Wessels eventually assigned the lot to Mrs. Susan Husted of Ukiah for $250.00. Finally, on January 27, 1928 the court issued a decree of foreclosure and order of sale. On April 21, 1928, by order of the court, the land was sold on the steps of the courthouse to the highest bidder for the sum of $376.50. By the 1940s, this discrimination had, in the main, ended largely due to the efforts of the Pomo Mothers Club . Employment was usually seasonal. Men, women and older children picked fruit and hops from March to July and grapes and pears from September to October. In the early years, women were not allowed to pick pears since it was considered too difficult. Some women did laundry and housekeeping for white families, but from November to March there were usually no significant income at all for any of the Rancheria’s residents. For men as well, winter offered few employment opportunities. In need for a mechanism, whereby Coyote Valley Rancheria residents could regulate their own business activities, 12 members passed the constitution and by-laws for a regulatory organization. On May 27, 1947, The Growers of the Coyote Valley Rancheria Association was formally organized. This photo depicts a view of what is now known as the Bushay Recreation Area and Eastside Trailhead area of Lake Mendocino before the Pomo Indians were removed for the development of the Russian River dam. (1953) Mid 1900's Diane-Ortiz, Altheia Campbell-Ortiz, Hannah Ortiz, Janet Ortiz-Mulhorn, Josephine Campbell-Bernard, Altheia Ortiz-Magana In a report produced in 1951 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Rancheria was described as having three distinct levels. The first level, located on the main highway, was the location of the homesites. The seven or eight houses, all constructed by the Indians themselves, were in good condition with electricity in all the houses. The second level was agricultural with about 13 acres of the vineyard being farmed by members of the Pinoleville Rancheria. The report also indicated that there were two wells on the Rancheria, a spring providing one family with freshwater and one water tank with a holding capacity of six thousand gallons. Ten years after the sale, the status of the Coyote Valley Indians came up again. Although the bill HR 6692 specified that Coyote Valley’s status as a recognized tribe was “terminated,” the Indians believed there tribal status was illegally destroyed. In 1973, James F. King, an attorney with the California Indian Legal Services, wrote to the BIA in Sacramento on behalf of the Coyote Valley Indians, inquiring as to the specific legal authority for the condemnation of the Coyote Valley land and the termination of their tribal status. On February 20, 1976, a final declaratory judgment and permanent injunction was issued by action of Eddie F. Knight versus Thomas S. Kleep and by Judge W. I. Sweigert, United States District Court, North District of California (Actions 73 – 0334; 74 – 0005). This judgment declared that termination of the Coyote Valley Rancheria in 1957 was invalid and that the government-to-government relationship between the United States and the Coyote Valley Pomo, as documented on the various Rancheria distribution plans, continued to exist. The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians regained their status as a recognized tribal group. Thus, in 1976, the Coyote Valley Tribal Council was organized for the primary purpose of regaining a land base for the band and to promote the economic and social welfare of its members. On October 3, 1980, the General Council ratified the governing document entitled, The Document Embodying the Laws, Customs and Tradition of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. Prior to the late 1970’s, the tribe had begun looking for property that would be suitable for a residential community. A Community Development Block Grant was awarded to the tribal community from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1979, to purchase a 52 to 76 acre parcel in Redwood Valley, California. The land was taken into Federal Trust status the same year. A Secretarial proclamation declared this new tribal land to be a federally recognized Indian reservation. 1 Carpenter, Aurelius O., and Percy H. Millberry. “Early Settlement.” History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California, with Biographical Sketches of the Leading, Men and Women of the Counties Who Have Been Identified with Their Growth and Development from the Early Days to the Present. Los Angeles, Cal.: Historic Record, 1914. 70. Print. 2 Carpenter, Aurelius O., and Percy H. Millberry. “The Grant.” History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California, with Biographical Sketches of the Leading, Men and Women of the Counties Who Have Been Identified with Their Growth and Development from the Early Days to the Present. Los Angeles, Cal.: Historic Record, 1914. 82. Print. Present Day
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Coyote Valley Tribe
On January 7, 2010, the Tribal Council petitioned the Secretary of Interior to issue a federal charter of incorporation to the Tribe. They sought to establish Coyote Economic Development Corporation, a business corporation as authorized by Section 17 of the Indian Reorganization Act. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Coyote Economic Development Corporation On January 7, 2010, the Tribal Council petitioned the Secretary of Interior to issue a federal charter of incorporation to the Tribe. They sought to establish Coyote Economic Development Corporation, a business corporation as authorized by Section 17 of the Indian Reorganization Act. The Coyote Valley Tribal Council found that the formation of a federal charter of incorporation would serve in the best interests of the Tribe, its members, and its enterprises and would protect the political integrity, economic security and health and welfare of the Tribe and its members by, among other things. A corporate charter creates a legal structure which provides for the segregation of Tribal governmental assets and liabilities from Tribal business assets, liabilities, and creates a legal structure which provides for the segregation of discrete corporation assets and liabilities into separate corporation subdivisions, without divesting either the corporation or the Tribe of the privileges and immunity arising pursuant to their legal status under federal and Tribal law. CEDCO Coyote Economic Development Corporation is the Tribe’s Section 17 Federal Charter of Incorporation housing most business enterprises owned by the Tribe. LEARN MORE CVRE Coyote Valley Retail Enterprises is a sub-corporation of the Tribe’s Section 17 Charter of Incorporation charged with overseeing all retail enterprises of the Tribe. LEARN MORE CVEE Coyote Valley Entertainment Enterprises is a sub-corporation of the Tribe’s Sections 17 Charter of Incorporation charged with overseeing all entertainment venues including Coyote Valley Casino is the Tribe’s gaming enterprise hosting video game slot machines, table games and poker, and an entertainment venue. LEARN MORE CVUC Jennifer Feliz, Chairwomen Melinda Hunter, Vice-Chairwomen Briana Merino, Secretary Amanda Pulawa,Treasurer Margaret Olea, Tribal Historian John Feliz, Sr., Member at Large Patrick Naredo, Member at Large LEARN MORE
- Health Department | Coyote Valley Tribe
The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) facilitates a variety of health and social services to eligible members of the Tribe and their families. MAKE YOUR HEALTH A PRIORITY Our Services The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of health and social services designed to support the well-being of eligible Tribal members and their families. Through a culturally responsive and community-centered approach, HHS offers programs that promote physical, mental, and emotional health while addressing social determinants that impact overall quality of life. These services may include primary healthcare, behavioral health support, substance abuse prevention and treatment, family and child welfare services, elder care, nutritional assistance, and community outreach initiatives. By integrating traditional healing practices with modern medical and social resources, HHS strives to empower individuals and families, enhance community resilience, and ensure access to essential care and support systems. SEARCH SERVICES Indian Health Service (IHS) is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that provides comprehensive healthcare services to Native American and Alaska Native communities. IHS works to enhance the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of Tribal members by offering medical, dental, behavioral health, and preventive care. Indian Health Services Learn More Tribal Nutrition Assistance Program provides nutritious food and resources to support the health and well-being of eligible Tribal members and their families. The program helps address food insecurity by offering access to wholesome foods, nutrition education, and culturally relevant dietary support to promote overall wellness. TNAP (Tribal Nutrition Assistance Program) Learn More Crisis and Victim Services at Coyote Valley provide immediate support, advocacy, and resources for individuals and families experiencing trauma, violence, or crisis situations. Our team offers confidential assistance, safety planning, emotional support, and connections to legal, medical, and counseling services. OVC (Crisis & Victim Services Learn More Opioid Prevention Program provides education, resources, and support to prevent opioid misuse and addiction within the Coyote Valley community. Opioid Prevention Program Read More Native Connections is a youth suicide prevention program at Coyote Valley that focuses on promoting mental health, cultural identity, and community support for Native youth. SAMHSA Native Connections Read More Youth Substance Prevention Program at Coyote Valley empowers Native youth with education, support, and resources to prevent substance use and promote healthy lifestyles. YSPP (Youth Substance Prevention Program) Read More The Coyote Valley ICWA program is dedicated to protecting Native children and ensuring they are treated fairly. Our advocates are knowledgeable and effective, actively advocating for children, securing a Tribal presence, and providing strong, engaged representation in all proceedings. ICWA Read More Elders Bingo Night Brings Community Together at Coyote Valley Feb 5 Becoming a Tribally Approved Home: A Path to Strengthening Our Coyote Valley Community. Aug 26, 2025 Sacred Roots: Honoring the End of a Powerful Chapter in Tobacco Prevention Jul 16, 2025 Latest Updates Search Services Application Period Closing No upcoming deadlines Areas of Interest Children & Youth Health & Wellness Family Elders Education & Training Community Services Housing Culture Government Transportation Economic Development Gaming Commission Bernadette Mora Health and Human Services Director Contact Us We’re here to support you and your family with essential health and social services. Whether you have questions, need assistance, or want to learn more about our programs, our team is ready to help. Location: Coyote Valley Health & Human Services Department 7601 N. State St.,Redwood Valley, CA 95470 Phone Mail (707) 472-3000 outreach@coyotevalley-nsn.gov Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm Closed on Weekends & Tribal Holidays You can also stay connected with us on social media for updates, resources, and community events! First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!
- SFSP | Coyote Valley Tribe
The Food Service Program at Coyote Valley provides nutritious snacks and lunches to children 17 and under through the California Department of Education, offering balanced, seasonally tailored meals that support healthy growth and are shaped by community and youth input. FOOD SERVICES PROGRAM Food Program Children 17 years and younger are eligible to receive portion snacks during the academic school year & portion lunch during summer breaks through the California Department of Education food program. Each meal is portioned to give children the necessary nutrients needed daily. Snacks are mandatory to offer at least two out of the five food groups & three out of the five food groups for lunch meals. Meals are cycled every fifth teen days giving children a variant of options each week. Menus are created by community, staff and children’s input. As seasons change throughout the year so does menu production. Meals offer during winter & fall focus on hot components as spring & summer focus on cold components making food consumption more pleasing to children. Services-Family The Coyote Valley Education Department partners with the California Department of Education Food Program to provide nutritious meals to support the health and well-being of Tribal youth. Eligibility: Children 18 years and younger Meal Offerings During the Academic School Year – Portion snacks are provided. During Summer Breaks – Portion lunch meals are available. Nutritional Standards Each meal is carefully portioned to provide children with the necessary daily nutrients: ✔ Lunch & Supper meals include at least five out of five food groups. Menu Rotation & Seasonal Adjustments Meals cycle every 20 days to ensure variety and balanced nutrition. Menus are developed with input from the community, staff, and children. Seasonal Menu Adjustments: ✔ Fall & Winter – Warm, comforting meals with hot components. ✔ Spring & Summer – Cool, refreshing meals designed for warm weather. This program ensures that children receive delicious, well-balanced meals that support their growth and development. For more information, please contact the Coyote Valley Education Department. Bryant Hererra Community Engagement Specialist Contact Phone: (707) 472-2226 email: educationdirector@coyotevalley-nsn.gov Bryant Hererra Food Schedule Click here>>
- Department Directors | Coyote Valley Tribe
The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians is a federally recognized Tribe located in the heart of Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, California, USA. The reservation is approximately 82.36 acres of trust land. Department Directors Bryant Hererra Education Director Hello everyone, my name is Bryant M. Herrera, and I’m the Education Director for your Tribe. I’d like to take a moment to share a bit about myself. My passion for education began more than twenty-five years ago when I was a freshman in high school. I was given the opportunity to work with children in after-school programs across the Ukiah Unified School District, an experience that sparked my lifelong commitment to helping children in education. After high school, I began working with the Coyote Valley Tribe as their middle and high school tutor. Through dedication, persistence, and a genuine passion for helping students, I was entrusted with opportunities to take on new roles and greater responsibilities. Nearly two decades later, I am honored to serve as the tribe’s Education Director. I am deeply grateful to the Coyote Valley community for their trust and support throughout my journey. It has truly been a privilege to watch the youth grow and see how far their journeys have taken them. Here’s a little about me outside of work. I was born and raised in the Ukiah/Redwood Valley area, and at a young age me and my family were blessed to adopt my two nieces and nephew, a decision that has had a huge impact on who I am today (love you guys!). I’ve always had a passion for sports, whether it was playing or watching, I never miss a chance to support my favorite teams (Go Giants & 49ers!) and watch them live. Music is another big part of my life; I love going to concerts and music events with my cousins and friends, discovering new artists, and being open minded to new genres. When I’m not immersed in sports or music, I’m usually deep into a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) campaign, exploring new worlds, creating characters, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie the board game brings. Richard Campbell Environmental Protection Director/Interim Plant Operations Director Richard H. Campbell Jr. is a dedicated Tribal Government professional and environmental leader, deeply rooted in the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians community. The grandson of Walter Henry Campbell and Margaret Beeson Campbell, a proud Hopi, and the son of Richard Campbell Sr., affectionately known as “Chief,” Richard proudly carries forward a family legacy of leadership, cultural pride, and community service. With four years of service on the Tribal Council, Richard currently serves as the Director of the Environmental Protection Department, where he leads initiatives to protect local streams, rivers, and natural resources. He is a key contributor to several major tribal projects, including casino and hotel development, low-income housing, and water infrastructure. His work reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, regulatory compliance, and the future well-being of his community. Richard’s path began with his first summer job as a youth worker under EPA Tom Ramos—a formative experience that sparked his passion for environmental stewardship. Over the years, he has been mentored and inspired by respected leaders, including the late Chairman Bubba Feliz, whose dedication to the tribe continues to influence Richard’s work and values. A proud father of five children, ranging in age from 30 to 9, Richard’s personal and professional lives are guided by a deep love for family, heritage, and community. He believes in empowering future generations through service, tradition, and resilience, and remains dedicated to preserving the land and culture of Coyote Valley for those to come. Bernadette Mora Health and Human Services Director For those who may not know me, my name is Bernadette Mora. I am a member of the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians, the daughter of Ronald Knight, Sr., and the great-granddaughter of Alice Connor-Elliott. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a double major in Economics and Gaming Management from the University of Nevada, Reno. Since 1994, I’ve had the privilege of working with Tribal communities, gaining deep insight into the unique needs, priorities, and the complex challenges we face. Over the years, I’ve developed expertise in policy development, needs assessments, event planning, and—most notably—in successfully managing millions of dollars in grant funding. I’m known for my strong leadership, commitment to seeing difficult projects through, and my ability to build cohesive, high-performing teams. But beyond the professional, I am first and foremost a mother to six incredible boys—Joel, CJ, Sammy, Marcus, Elijah, and Legend. I am a fierce competitor with a lifelong passion for basketball, both as a player and coach. Raising my sons, coaching them, and staying active in sports has brought me great joy and also taught me invaluable lessons in humility, patience, and maintaining a work ethic that pushes me—and those around me—to go the extra mile. As I look ahead, I remain committed to serving our people with integrity, passion, and purpose. I believe that our communities deserve bold, thoughtful leadership—grounded in tradition and focused on sustainable growth. Whether it’s through continued service, new initiatives, or collaborative partnerships, I’m ready to take the next step forward with you. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I’m excited for what comes next, and I invite you to join me in building a stronger future for our Tribal communities—together. Government Mission, Vision, & Core Values RFP's Tribal Police Tribal Court Culture Art Foods Housing Language History Migration Story Homeland European Contact Removal Indian Territory Turn of the Century Present Day Economic Development CEDCO CVRE CVEE Careers Employment Information Open Casino Positions Open Tribal Positions Thomas Hernandez Facilities and Lands Director Tomas Hernandez Facilities & Land Administrator – Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Tomas Hernandez serves as the Facilities & Land Administrator for the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, where he oversees the planning, development, and maintenance of Tribal lands, facilities, and infrastructure. With more than 25 years of professional experience in finance, project management, and community development, Thomas brings a strong business foundation and a deep commitment to the Tribe’s long-term sustainability and self-determination. Before joining Coyote Valley, Thomas served as Grants Director for the Pinoleville Pomo Nation, where he secured and managed critical funding opportunities and improved operational efficiency across departments. His professional history also includes two decades in mortgage lending and real estate throughout Northern California, where he earned recognition as a top-producing loan officer and built a reputation for integrity, accuracy, and client-focused service. A graduate of Skidmore College with a degree in Biology, Thomas applies analytical insight and collaborative leadership to every project he undertakes. His work continues to reflect a commitment to stewardship, economic growth, and improving the quality of life for the Coyote Valley community.
