( Sacramento , CA ) – Assemblywoman Sally Lieber (D-San Jose) and the Legislative Women’s Caucus have invited women tribal leaders to be recognized for their leadership at the California Conference of Tribal Women Leaders at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 15^th, 2006. 

It is no coincidence that this first ever event honoring tribal elected women takes place during the month of March, Women’s History Month.  The theme for 2006 is appropriately named “Women: Builders of Communities & Dreams.” 

“Native American women have an impressive record of leadership.  In 1950, the first all-woman tribal council in the U.S. used their political savvy to win progressive land-lease legislation in Congress, enabling tribes to promote their own economic development,” said Assemblywoman Lieber.  “Women legislators believe in the leadership of women on tribal councils and we are ready to partner with them in creating positive change for each of our governments.”

The day will consist of policy briefings on health, the environment, and education; presentations from the California Commission on the Status of Women, the Elected Women’s Association for Education and Research (CEWAER); and most importantly, time to hear about issues of importance to tribal women leaders.

“This is a remarkable recognition of women tribal leaders” said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations.  “We look forward to participating in and continuing this dialogue with our fellow women colleagues.”

The California Commission on the Status of Women, the California Elected Women’s Association for Education and Research (CEWAER) the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians are co-sponsoring the event.

Representatives from the following tribes are attending the conference: Buena Vista Rancheria, Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation, Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, Mooretown Rancheria, Navajo Tribe, Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians , Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, Shingle Springs Rancheria, Yurok Tribe, Wilton Miwok Rancheria.  More than 100 women are elected to tribal councils in California .