[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 38 (Friday, March 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MARK NICHOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 1997

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it gives my colleague, Mr. Torres, and me 
great pleasure to pay tribute to Mr. Mark Richard Nichols of the 
Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, who will be recognized on April 12, 
1997, as man of the year by the East Valley Jewish Community Center of 
Palm Desert, CA.
  Mr. Speaker, it is truly fitting that Mark Nichols is being honored 
for all of his work as a tireless advocate in his community. For almost 
two decades, Mark Nichols has worked for the Cabazon Band of Mission 
Indians, helping the tribe become self-sufficient and maintain a strong 
cultural heritage. Since 1989, Mark has served as the chief executive 
officer of the tribe, where he had earned a national reputation as an 
outspoken advocate on behalf of Native American sovereign rights.
  It is the work of people like Mark Nichols that reminds us of the 
importance of being involved in one's community. Mark understands that 
an investment in education of a person, is an investment in the future 
of our country. In his service on the University of California 
chancellor's executive roundtable, Mark has worked to make sure 
education is accessible and affordable for every person that desires to 
learn. Mark has also dedicated himself to helping those who are the 
most vulnerable in our society. He is the president of the Desert 
Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, he volunteers at Martha's 
Kitchen/Food and Shelter for the homeless, and he serves as the 
telethon sponsor for the Arthritis Foundation.
  What Mark Nichols has accomplished, and what this award represents, 
is the recognition of the difference one individual can make if they 
put their mind to it. It is the devotion, dedication, and spirit of 
Mark Nichols that makes him such a unique person. We are proud to call 
him our friend.
  Mr. Speaker, we respectfully request that the Members of the U.S. 
House of Representatives join us in honoring the work and life of Mr. 
Mark Nichols. The community of Palm Desert, CA, is truly fortunate to 
have a person like Mark Nichols as a community leader. His commitment 
and dedication has improved the quality of life for so many people in 
our country.

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