Tribal representatives urge expanded outreach, question single-seat representation on GSA

Javier Silva, a tribal technical assistance coordinator and member of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo, told the Ukiah Valley Basin GSA on Aug. 28 that tribes are concerned about having one tribal seat represent many distinct communities and urged the board to prioritize tribal outreach.

“[It] is quite a undertaking…to keep all of them engaged,” Silva said, describing the workload and costs for tribes that would need to review agency reports and participate. He told the board he meets monthly with tribes across the North Coast and that many tribes would like more frequent orientation and regular engagement so they can participate effectively in basin planning.

Silva said outreach that was supposed to start in March had not occurred and that tribes have asked for orientation before meetings and quarterly touchpoints: “tribal liaison, tribal policy office, or DWR is willing to help the tribes be able to come to the table here as well,” he said. He also said tribes may want to revisit how representation is allocated in the Joint Powers Agreement; “many of the tribes have indicated that they would each like a seat at the table,” Silva said.

General Manager Blake Adams and other board members acknowledged the concern and identified tribal outreach as a top priority for the facilitation support services work. Adams said DWR-funded facilitation under the ISP includes eligible activities for tribal education and outreach and that staff will work with the advisory and technical committees to ensure tribal voices are included as the ISP work moves forward.

Silva said he is working with tribal councils and expects to nominate a tribal representative for the alternate seat soon. The board did not change the JPA at the meeting, but members asked staff and legal counsel to prepare bylaw and JPA updates and to ensure tribal engagement is part of the upcoming ISP work.