yal jit̪ekana:meʔ
(Government)
Welcome to the Government page of the
Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians
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.
​
For the purpose of governing ourselves, under our own laws, customs and traditions, free from state regulation and control, and for the purpose of establishing a legally recognized Tribal government and secure the rights and powers inherent in our sovereign status, guaranteed to us by the laws of the United States, the Tribe adopted the Document Embodying the Laws, Customs and Traditions of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians as its governing document; the Tribe’s Constitution. In accordance with the Tribe’s Constitution, the powers of the Tribe are divided into three distinct branches: the General Council, the Tribal Council, and Tribal Judiciary. The Tribe is comprised of over 300 members. All persons whose name appears on Tribal Base Roll (adopted October 30, 2012) or are lineal descendants of any person whose name appears on the Tribal Base Roll shall be members of the Tribe provided they have first made an application for membership according to the Tribe’s enrollment code. Duly enrolled members 18 years of age and older make up the General Council. Elected from the General Council is a Chief of the General Council and the Tribal Council.
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
Yaʔ Ja:ʔxaleʔ
(Our Leaders)
Tribal Leadership
Jason Brown
Tribal Chief, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians
Jason Brown grew up on the Coyote Valley Reservation, where he was heavily influenced by Tribal leaders who contributed to his Tribal Government education. He actively participated in youth leadership training and traditional cultural practices. At the age of 15, he worked in Tribal summer intern programs offered by the Education and Environmental Protection Departments. His natural leadership and quick learning aptitude contributed to his ability to quickly rise through the job ranks of the Tribal Education Department.
Jennifer Feliz
Chairwoman, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Tribal Council
Chairwoman Feliz is a dedicated leader, lifelong community member, and passionate advocate for the health and well-being of the people of Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. Born and raised on the Coyote Valley Reservation, she grew up deeply connected to her culture, traditions, and the values of community service.
Melinda Hunter
Vice Chairwoman, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Tribal Council
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
Briana Merino
Secretary, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Tribal Council
The Secretary of the Tribal Council is charged with the responsibility of handling all official correspondence of the Tribal Council, keeping the minutes of all meetings of the Tribal and General Council and certifying to the Superintendent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Central California Agency, the duly elected officers of the Tribal and General Council within fifteen (15) days from the date of any election.
Amanda Pulawa
Treasurer, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Tribal Council
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
Margaret 'Markie' Olea
Tribal Historian, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Tribal Council
Margaret “Markie” Olea, elected in 2022 to the Coyote Valley Tribal Council, is proud to serve as the Tribal Historian. Mrs. Olea has served the Coyote Valley Band in many capacities for over 25 years. She will truly attest that she started from the bottom, and with her hard work and dedication, and support from our people she is honored to represent the Coyote Valley people as the Tribal Historian.
John Feliz Sr.
Member at Large, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Tribal Council
Elected in 2014 to the Coyote Valley Tribal Council, John Feliz, Sr. serves as a Tribal Council Member to the Tribal government of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. Council Member Feliz served the Tribe in prior leadership positions as a Tribal Historian and Tribal Secretary to the Tribal Council.
Patrick Naredo
Member at Large, Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Tribal Council
Patrick Naredo is a seasoned executive board member with over 18 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).
Elders Council
​The Coyote Valley Elders Council is a body within the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, comprising respected Tribal Elders. While specific details about the Council's structure and functions are not publicly detailed, such councils typically serve as advisory groups, offering guidance on cultural preservation, traditions, and community matters. They often play a crucial role in mentoring younger generations and ensuring that the Tribe's heritage is upheld.
Tribal Administration
Tribal Administration for the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians is the central governing body responsible for managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Tribe. It supports the Tribal Council by implementing policies, programs, and services that promote the well-being, self-determination, and cultural preservation of the Coyote Valley community. Tribal Administration coordinates departments such as Health & Human Services, Education, Housing, Environmental Protection, and more—ensuring that Tribal members receive essential services while honoring traditional values and sovereignty.
Gaming Commission
The Coyote Valley Gaming Commission has been delegated the responsibility of enforcing all applicable tribal, state, and federal laws, and the regulations promulgated by the Gaming Commission for the purpose of carrying out its duties under the Compact and the Gaming Ordinance.