Tribal Senate, Legislative branch

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 Villaseñor

Chair of Senate

Lucia
Alfaro

Secretary

Joseph
Bodle

Tribal Senator

Cheryl
Martin

Tribal Senator

Richard
Ortega

Tribal Senator

Raymond
Salas

Tribal Senator

Jesus
Alvarez

Tribal Senator

Mary Acuña

Tribal Senator

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.

Finance

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.

Human Resources

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

Land Development

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

Tribal Historic and Cultural Preservation

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.