Tribal Government

Tribal Senate,
Legislative Branch

The Tribal Senate is composed of nine (9) members, elected from the two (2) Legislative Tribal Districts of the Tribe who are responsible with setting tribal policies, creating government programs and committed working towards self-determination. The Vice President of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians serves as Chair of the Senate.

Mark
Villasenor

Chairman of Senate

Lucia
Alfaro

Secretary

Mary
Acuna

Tribal Senator

Jesus
Alvarez

Tribal Senator

Joseph
Bodle

Tribal Senator

Cheryl
Martin

Tribal Senator

Richard
Ortega

Tribal Senator

Raymond
Salas

Tribal Senator

Eric
Salazar

Tribal Senator-elect

Legislative

Standing Committees

Comprised only of members of the Tribal Senate, which considers business falling within the category of matters over which it has been given jurisdiction.

Legislative

Responsible for the development of tribal laws relating to their Legislative authorities under the Constitution of the Fernandeño Tataviam.

Responsible for receiving, reviewing, and/or developing all proposed Legislation relating to the fiscal policy of the Fernandeño Tataviam. The Finance Committee shall ensure all branches, offices and departments are operating within approved fiscal policy.

Responsible for proposed legislation dealing with services to tribal citizens and employees of the Fernandeño Tataviam Tribe.

Responsible for proposed legislation pertaining to the acquisition, leasing, disposition, and management of real property of the Fernandeño Tataviam.

Responsible for proposed legislation pertaining to cultural resources environmental protection, historic preservation, the Tribal Historic and Cultural Preservation Department and related non-departmental issues. The Committee shall advise the Department on implementation of policy and procedures, including personnel, programming, management, maintaining professionalism with other agencies and mediation. With the permission of the Chair, the Committee may be composed of other persons, such as scholars and historians, but they shall not be allowed to vote on proposed legislation.

Responsible for proposed Legislation pertaining to tribal education services, cultural learning activities and the Department.

Responsible for overseeing heritage cases of Fernandeño Tataviam Indian children that fall under the Indian Child and Welfare Act.

Responsible for proposed legislation pertaining to tribal health and wellness programs and services.