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As members of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians , we hold a deep commitment to our children—the heart of our future. In times when our young ones need extra care and protection, it's essential that they remain connected to their roots, surrounded by the love and traditions of our community. That's where becoming a Tribally Approved Home (TAH) comes in. If you've ever considered opening your home to a Tribal child in need, this could be your opportunity to make a profound difference. In this blog, we'll explore what a TAH is, why it's so important, and how you can get involved. What is a Tribally Approved Home? A Tribally Approved Home (TAH) is a safe, supportive, and culturally connected environment for Tribal children in need of care. When children cannot remain in their parent’s home, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) prioritizes placement with relatives, extended family, or Tribal members to ensure children remain within their community and connected to their traditions. By becoming a TAH, you're not just providing shelter—you're offering a space where our children can thrive while staying tied to their Pomo heritage. This approach honors our ancestral values, ensuring that the next generation grows up knowing their stories, language, and customs. Why Become a Tribally Approved Home? The importance of TAHs cannot be overstated. They play a vital role in preserving our Tribal sovereignty and cultural continuity. Here's why stepping up as a TAH is so meaningful for our Coyote Valley Band: Provide a loving, stable home for Coyote Valley children : Every child deserves a nurturing environment where they feel secure and valued. As a TAH, you become that anchor for kids facing challenges. Keep children connected to their family, culture, and community : Separation from one's roots can be deeply traumatic. TAHs help maintain those essential bonds, allowing children to participate in Tribal events, learn traditional practices, and stay close to loved ones. Strengthen the Tribe’s ability to care for our own children : By building a network of approved homes within our community, we reduce reliance on outside systems that may not understand our ways. This empowers us to handle child welfare matters internally, aligning with ICWA principles. Support the future of the next generation : Investing in our children today ensures a stronger, more resilient Tribe tomorrow. TAHs help break cycles of trauma and foster pride in our Pomo identity. Becoming a TAH isn't just an act of service—it's a way to weave the fabric of our community tighter, protecting our legacy for generations to come. The Approval Process We understand that the idea of becoming a TAH might feel overwhelming at first, but rest assured, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. The process is designed to be supportive, ensuring you're fully prepared to welcome a child into your home. Here's a general overview: Application & Orientation : Start by learning about the program, its requirements, and what to expect. This is your chance to ask questions and see if it's the right fit. Background Checks : Safety is our top priority. We'll conduct thorough checks to ensure the well-being of our children. Home Study : A compassionate review of your living space to confirm it meets basic safety standards. Think of this as a helpful assessment, not an inspection. Training : You'll receive guidance on topics like trauma-informed care, supporting children's emotional needs, and fostering cultural connections. Approval & Ongoing Support : Once approved, you'll join our network of TAHs and gain access to continuous resources, additional training, and Tribal support. Throughout, we'll walk beside you, making sure you feel confident and empowered. Support for Families We don't just approve homes and leave it at that—our commitment extends far beyond. As a TAH, you'll have access to a robust support system tailored to help you succeed: Case management and advocacy : Dedicated assistance to navigate any challenges that arise. Access to community resources and services : From health care to educational support, we'll connect you with what you need. Cultural resources to share with children : Materials and activities to reinforce Pomo traditions, language, and history. Training opportunities : Ongoing workshops to enhance your skills as a caregiver. This wrap-around support ensures that you're never alone in this journey, allowing you to focus on what matters most: providing love and stability. Get Started Are you ready to open your heart and home to a Tribal child? Becoming a Tribally Approved Home is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen our community and protect the future of our children. If this resonates with you, reach out to our Health & Human Services Department today to begin the application process. Together, we can ensure that every Coyote Valley child grows up surrounded by the warmth of our people. For more information, contact us Let's build a brighter tomorrow, one home at a time. Yahweh (thank you) for considering this vital role in our Tribe.

As the Sacred Roots Tobacco Prevention Program comes to a close, we reflect with gratitude and pride on the journey we’ve taken together. What began as an effort to reduce commercial tobacco use has blossomed into a movement grounded in culture, education, and community healing. Sacred Roots has been more than just a program—it’s been a space to reclaim tradition, empower youth, and open up real conversations about health and wellness in Native communities. Honoring the Sacred, Challenging the Harmful At the heart of Sacred Roots has been our commitment to honoring the traditional and sacred use of tobacco while addressing the dangers of commercial tobacco use. We educated our youth and families about the deep spiritual significance of traditional tobacco—how it’s used in ceremony, during Big Times, and as a sacred medicine—not to be confused with harmful commercial tobacco products that have led to generations of health issues like emphysema, heart conditions, and second- and third-hand smoke exposure. "It has been my honor to work on behalf of the Sacred Tobacco program and the Coyote Valley membership. Our time together has been effective in all aspects of understanding how sacred tobacco is used. Working with the young adults has been refreshing and getting to know each of them assuring that commercial tobacco is not apart of their lives."-Jaime Boggs, Youth Engagement Coordinator Community at the Center Over the life of the program, we hosted impactful, culturally grounded workshops and events that brought the community together. One of the highlights was our Community Family Wellness Forum , which offered: Interactive games and raffles Engaging presentations  on tobacco-related health risks Free lunch and dinner Space for dialogue  about smoke exposure in homes, especially how smoke can travel through ventilation and impact entire families, but more than that, we celebrated culture through hands-on workshops including: Drum-making Wreath making Acorn necklace crafting Yoga and wellness sessions Community gardening Slim bar workshops These gatherings created opportunities for open, honest conversations about commercial tobacco's harm while highlighting the beauty and resilience of our traditions. Youth in Action: Youth Quest 2025 One of the most powerful moments from this year was when several of our youth and staff attended Youth Quest in Sacramento  this past March. Over three days, our youth joined hundreds of others from across the state to march in a rally at the Capitol , raising their voices about the importance of public health and standing up to the tobacco industry from a youth’s perspective. California has made meaningful progress in reducing youth tobacco use, but the fight is far from over. Big tobacco companies continue to target youth  through creative marketing tactics and products designed to ensure easy access. Closing these gaps is crucial for protecting the next generation—and our youth learned firsthand how to make their voices heard. Through this experience, they not only became advocates for change but also learned about the lobbying and legislative process , gaining tools that will serve them well into adulthood. Empowering Youth & Building a Tobacco-Free Future Sacred Roots prioritized youth engagement  through mentorship, peer education, and culturally relevant prevention efforts. Young people learned not only about the risks of commercial tobacco but also about their identity, heritage, and the importance of making informed, empowered choices. By centering Indigenous values and voices, our youth were not just participants—they were leaders. As We Wrap Up: The Roots Are Still Growing Though this chapter is closing, the seeds planted by Sacred Roots will continue to grow. The knowledge shared, the connections made, and the cultural pride rekindled will live on in the families, youth, and elders who took part. We are grateful for every person who attended a workshop, shared their story, or simply showed up with an open heart. Thank you for walking this journey with us. Together, we are reclaiming our sacred roots and paving the way for a healthier, stronger, tobacco-free generation. Stay connected. Stay empowered. Stay rooted.