[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DORIS RENICK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, last week the Coyote Valley 
Band of Pomo Indians lost a very dear friend, spiritual symbol and 
elder--Doris Renick.
  Doris was an active and visionary leader and the Tribe's many 
successes can be attributed to her tenure as tribal administrator and 
chairperson.
  In fact, while serving as chairperson and with the help of other 
family members, Doris was instrumental in getting the land base in 
Redwood Valley redesignated from a rancheria to what is now known as 
the Coyote Valley Reservation. This accomplishment opened the door for 
obtaining housing for tribal members and to have a recreation building 
constructed on the reservation.
  But key to the community's future was finding new economic 
opportunities. As such, many say that Doris' most important 
accomplishment was the opening in 1993 of the Shodakai Coyote Valley 
Casino, which now provides more than 200 jobs for tribal members and 
neighbors.
  As a State senator, I had a number of occasions to work with Doris 
and I can attest to her enthusiasm and caring attitude. In fact, her 
active involvement in a number of local, State, and national 
organizations attests to her interest in serving all citizens and her 
ability in bringing people together. Doris, for example served on the 
Mendocino County Economic Development Commission and helped promote 
county-wide projects that benefited all residents, not just her Tribe.
  Doris also chaired the California Council of Tribal Governments, the 
California Elders Program, the Consolidated Indian Health Consortium, 
and the California Indian Health and Disability Board. And she took 
particular interest in Indian education and bilingual/bicultural 
programs. Interestingly, her advocacy for improving the delivery of 
health care came not only from her training and work as a registered 
nurse, but also her longtime bout with severe rheumatoid arthritis. To 
be sure, the disability never slowed her down.
  Mr. Speaker, the members of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians 
and residents of Mendocino County celebrate the life of Doris Renick. 
She will be sorely missed, though all around us there are continual 
reminders of her loving and caring nature.
  I join the community and family and friends in mourning Doris' 
passing and celebrating her life and I extend my heartfelt condolences 
to all whose lives were touched by her.

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