Stimulus funds go to California tribes

Some of the money from President Obama’s economic stimulus package is trickling its way down to California American Indian Tribes.

More than $1.2 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will go towards providing quality child care in native communities. From that chunk of money, the Yurok Tribe will be receiving $129,221 and Smith River Rancheria will be getting $42,244.

In nearby Humboldt County, the Karuk Tribe is receiving $41,262 and the Hoopa Valley Tribe will be getting $32,878.   

Matt Mais, public relations manager for the Yurok Tribe, said the money will be used for providing “new child-care related jobs and assisting Yurok families in need of child care.” Mais said how the funds will be used specifically is up to tribal council members, who haven’t discussed the matter yet.

The Yurok Tribe’s education department currently provides child care to 35 families or about 50 kids, Mais said.

At Smith River Rancheria, the funds will go towards operating Howonquet, the tribe’s Head Start and day care facility, said Tribal Administrator Russ Crabtree.

He said enrollment at Howonquet fluctuates between 12 and 22 children. Tribal members, the rancheria’s employees and the general public can all utilize the child care facilities in Smith River, Crabtree added.