TEMECULA, CA – Assemblymember James Ramos (D-Highland), was the recipient of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association’s (CNIGA) inaugural Legislator of the Year Award at the 28th annual Western Indian Gaming Conference (WIGC) held at the Pechanga Resort Casino.
“Assemblymember Ramos intrinsically knows our issues through lived experience and brings results through his hard work and dedication,” said CNIGA Chairman James Siva, while presenting the award. “We deeply appreciate his commitment to Indian Country and our state. Assemblymember Ramos has a strong record of results through his legislative and leadership efforts.”
Citing his accomplishments in the California legislature, Siva noted Ramos’ many achievements, including founding and chairing the California Assembly Native American Caucus, as well as authoring successful legislation that will require California schools to incorporate teaching about Native American tribes’ history and culture.
Siva listed as criteria for the distinction a legislator who has “courage in defending Indian people and their interests, dedication to tribal sovereignty, protecting tribal economic interests, and excellence in educating the public and fellow legislators on tribal issues.”
Meanwhile, Elk Valley Rancheria Chairman Dale Miller was honored with the Anna Sandoval Leadership Award, named after a former Chairwoman of the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians. The award recognizes those leaders who have helped strengthen tribal sovereignty.
“He is a recognized leader on both the statewide and federal stages,” said Siva. “His enthusiastic involvement in all aspects of tribal government is a testament to his character and has endeared him into our hearts.”
Miller is a dedicated and respected leader at Elk Valley Rancheria in Del Norte County, where he has served as Chairman for the past 25 years.
Siva cited major economic developments at Elk Valley, including the opening of a new casino and large-scale fuel center under Miller’s leadership, as well as his background in law enforcement and service as a Vietnam veteran.
Kimberly Cluff, of the California Tribal Families Coalition, was the recipient of the Pauline Murillo Industry Leader Award. The award honors those who work to strengthen the tribal government gaming industry and protect tribal sovereign rights.
“She has worked tirelessly on tribal economic development projects, strengthening tribal courts, as well as tribal governance and development,” said Siva. “Kimberly has also worked on numerous state and federal legislative efforts. She has been a fierce supporter of tribal children and helped codify protections for them in state law by spearheading the California Tribal Customary Adoption Act and the 2022 California Tribal Dependency Representation initiative.”
Siva also cited her remarkable achievement in the Brackeen v. Haaland case, a landmark case in Indian Country that narrowly threatened the Indian Child Welfare Act, and more broadly tribal sovereign status. Cluff led a team that successfully obtained support in the form of an amicus brief from all 574 federally recognized tribes in the country. It is highly unusual to have every federally recognized tribe on the same side of a single issue.
The Pauline Murillo Industry Leader Award and Anna Sandoval Leadership Awards are given yearly, and the CNIGA Legislator of the Year Award will also be an annual award.
