[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 137 (Friday, September 25, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2377-E2378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBAL LEADER OF THE TACHI YOKUT TRIBE, CHIEF CLARENCE ATWELL, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 25, 2009

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the esteemed 
and cherished Tribal Leader of the Tachi Yokut Tribe, Chief Clarence 
Atwell, Jr., as he embarks upon his journey of retirement.
  The Tachi Yokut Tribe, now 300 members strong, enjoys a rich 
California history, inhabiting the San Joaquin Valley for centuries. 
Chief Atwell has provided leadership, advice and spiritual guidance for 
his tribe and sister tribes across our great Nation for over 40 years.
  Born in the early morning hours under a lone tree on the Rice Ranch, 
Clarence Atwell would grow to lead an extraordinary life. Raised by his 
grandmother on the reservation, Clarence spoke only his native language 
of Tachi. It was only when he began to attend school that he taught 
himself to learn and speak the English language. During his adolescent 
years, Clarence developed a strong passion for caring for the tribal 
elders. He would spend days hunting for food; sometimes walking several 
miles in order to bring the nourishment of rabbit, deer and fish to the 
elders. As he grew into a young man, his love of the land allowed him 
to work in the fields where he drove a tractor and worked from sunup to 
well beyond sundown each day.
  Always strongly connected to his tribe, it was in his early 20s that 
he was first elected Tribal Chairman, a position he would hold for over 
40 years. Under the powerful and wise Tribal Leadership of Chief 
Atwell, the Tachi Yokut Tribe has prospered. The members have grown 
into self-sufficiency and they have worked hard for many years to grow 
their Tachi Palace in Lemoore from a small gaming facility into one of 
the San Joaquin Valley's top destinations. Tribal members now have 
access to housing, a particularly significant accomplishment, the 
elders receive lunch each day and the members have dental and medical 
care.
  Renowned for his spiritual as well as his political leadership, the 
Kings County of California acknowledges Chief Atwell as an official 
Spiritual Leader. He has been blessed to perform countless life-
changing ceremonies including weddings, baptisms and funerals. Chief 
Atwell is a Bear Clan Leader for California, one of the highest native 
spiritual honors afforded to any individuals. The Bears

[[Page E2378]]

were part of the official inauguration ceremony of then California Lt. 
Governor Cruz Bustamante where they performed in full regalia at the 
State's Capitol. Chief Atwell has met many political leaders, including 
having had the honor to talk with Vice President Al Gore and President 
Bill Clinton at the White House. Certainly known for his candor and 
forthrightness, though always in a quiet manner, Chief Atwell had the 
occasion to meet Governor Schwarzenegger where he shared some very 
pointed comments, causing a national news story; a moment he remains 
proud of, on behalf of his tribe. Tribes across the country have come 
to count on Chief Atwell for his political savvy, keen knowledge and 
intense wisdom.
  Wed to his sweetheart, Jeanette, Clarence and Jeanette's blended 
family includes sons, Rufus, Aub and Curtis and daughters Cheryl and 
Kimberly.
  Chief Clarence Atwell, Jr., has endured much in his lifetime, and it 
is at this crossroads that I ask my colleagues to join me in 
acknowledging the fine deeds of Chief Clarence Atwell, Jr. and wish him 
and his family well as he embarks upon his retirement.

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