PRESS RELEASE
AUGUST 31, 1993
The Wintu Tribe of Northern California will begin a HUNGER STRIKE and
Ceremonial Fast (no food or water) for the restoration of their Federal
Recognized status, on Friday, September 3, 1993, 11:00 a.m. at Dekkas Rock in
the Shasta/Trinity National Forest. The Tribal and Elder's Council's
unanimously supported this action to continue until such time the Bureau of
Indian Affairs restores the tribe's federal recognition status and/or
eligibility for services.
The 3000 member Wintu tribe has written letters to Secretary of the Interior
Babbit; Assistant Secretary Indian Affairs, Ada Deer; Senator Daniel Inouye
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs; Congressman Bill Richardson, House Select
Committee on Indian Affairs; the two California Senators, Northern California
Congressional delegates, including Robert Matsui, Vic Fazio, and Wally Herger.
Recently, the BIA severed its relationship with the Wintu. This action denies
health, medical, social, and educational services to which the Wintu people
maintains eligibility. The decision has it most adverse affects on the elderly
and the children who, until August 1, 1993, were eligible for services and
assistance.
A delegation of the Wintu will be meeting with Ms. Ada Deer, Assistant
Secretary of the Interior Indian Affairs, on September 7, 1993 in Washington,
DC. Information packets and background data will be provided on Friday at the
fast site.
For More Information Contact:
Caleen Sisk-Franco,
Vice Chair Wintu Tribal Council
University Outreach Program
California State University, Chico
916.898-4428
Fax 916.898-6313
Gene Malone
Chair Wintu Tribal Council
916.244-5750
Mark Franco
Financial Aid Advisor
California State University, Chico
916.898-5065
Doyle Lowry
Talent Search for Education Counselor
California State University, Chico
916.898-4429
Fax 916.898-6313
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LOWRY, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, CHICO
DLOWRY@OAVAX.CSUCHICO.EDU