[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 12 (Thursday, January 21, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E54]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JOSEPH A. MYERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 21, 2021

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today, with my colleague 
Congressman Mike Thompson, in memory of Joseph A. Myers, who passed 
away on December 29, 2020.
  Born January 16, 1940 in Cloverdale, Mr. Myers was a native Pomo 
Indian. He began his career as a law enforcement officer and was the 
first known California Indian to serve in the California Highway 
Patrol. He earned both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor from 
UC Berkley.
  Mr. Myers became a revered leader in the Native American community 
and developed a reputation for working effectively to preserve Native 
American history through education and activism. He served as the 
Associate Director of the American Indian Lawyer Training Program where 
he mentored advocates on tribal law, and notably joined a lawsuit 
against the Bureau of Indian Affairs that successfully reversed the 
termination of 17 Rancheria communities in California. Mr. Myers later 
founded the National Indian Justice Center to help tribes strengthen 
governance capacity and improve the quality of life in Indian country. 
He was also a founding board member of the California Indian Museum and 
Cultural Center.
  Mr. Myers shared his knowledge of Native American issues at UC 
Berkley as a professor in the ethnic studies department. The University 
named the Joseph A. Myers Center for Research on Native American Issues 
as a tribute to Mr. Myers contributions to the community including the 
Native American students on campus.
  Along with his hard work ethic and commitment to making a positive 
difference for others, Mr. Myers was known for his good sense of humor, 
compassion and wit. Although he is already greatly missed, there is no 
doubt his legacy will continue to be an inspiration for many.
  Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join Congressman Mike 
Thompson and me in expressing deep gratitude for Mr. Myers and his many 
years of selfless service to the Native American community and the 
entire North Coast, and in extending condolences to his family and many 
friends.

                          ____________________