[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING SHERRY TREPPA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sherry 
Treppa whom I have named the 2023 Woman of the Year for Lake County 
because of her service to our community. Woman of the Year recognizes 
women who have made important contributions to California's 4th 
Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, 
Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.
  Born in Lake County, California, Ms. Treppa has served on the 
Executive Council of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribe since 
2004. She first served as Vice Chairperson before becoming Chairperson, 
a position she has held for 15 years.
  As Chairperson, Ms. Treppa has been instrumental in developing tribal 
programs that expand access to education, elder care, health care, and 
home and auto purchase assistance to more Tribal members. She also 
played an important role in passing essential tribal relief packages 
during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the Tribe passed 
three Tribal CARES Acts, which helped Tribal members and businesses 
stay afloat, while also providing $65,000 to local first responder and 
educational organizations.
  Under Chairperson Treppa's leadership, the Habematolel Pomo's 
philanthropy was extended beyond their own tribe. The Habematolel Pomo 
donated $660,000 to the North Shore Fire Protection District to 
increase their effectiveness in responding to and preventing wildfires. 
The tribe also donated $100,000 to the California Tribal Families 
Coalition's Legal Counsel for Tribes to address the inequality in 
courtrooms that tribal members face regarding Indian child welfare 
matters.
  In keeping with the Habematolel philosophy that ``high tides raise 
all boats'', Chairperson Treppa has been instrumental in establishing 
the Running Creek Casino, building an expanded local call center, and 
supporting other programs that resulted in over 240 potential jobs in 
the rural Upper Lake community. Similarly, she has been engaged in 
extensive outreach programs with the goal of educating officials and 
other sovereigns about tribal issues. Her leadership and knowledge of 
tribal issues have led her to be called on to testify in front of 
Congress. She also helped to secure bipartisan support for the Indian 
Child Welfare Act as it faces legal challenges.
  Mr. Speaker, Sherry Treppa has been a strong and generous leader as 
the Chairperson of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribe. Therefore, 
it is fitting that we honor her here today as Lake County's 2023 Woman 
of the Year.

                          ____________________