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The Dawn of a New Era: Healing, Heritage, and Homecoming for Native Directions Inc.
January 25, 2025
A profound new chapter is beginning for Native Directions Inc. (NDI)—one that embodies the strength, spirit, and resilience of Native peoples. Guided by a mission of empowerment and reclamation, NDI is advancing four transformative projects in El Dorado County while preparing to unveil their most ambitious endeavor yet: the Mokelumne Center in Jackson, Amador County.
Mokelumne: A Name Rooted in Ancestral Wisdom
On 168 acres of pristine, sacred land, the Mokelumne Center rises as a beacon of cultural pride and a testament to ancestral wisdom. Its name, Mokelumne, chosen in consultation with Native elders, honors the Miwok heritage of the region. Derived from the Plains Miwok language, it translates as “people of the fishnet,” evoking the deep bond between the Miwok people and the natural world—water, land, and life intertwined.
For Ramona Valadez, a fearless Comanche elder and the guiding spirit of NDI, this naming process is far more than symbolic. “This land carries the whispers of our ancestors, the prayers of those who came before us,” she says. “It is not just a place—it is a sacred sanctuary where our people can find healing, renewal, and strength to move forward.”
A Sanctuary for Healing, Culture, and Community
The Mokelumne Center is more than a physical space; it is a living heartbeat of Native culture. It will serve as a gathering place where tribes, urban tribal entities, and elders can come together to preserve traditions, perform healing ceremonies, and uplift the most vulnerable members of Native communities.
Four tribes and Native entities have already expressed their excitement and strong support for this sacred project:
1. Miwok Tribe
• Represented by Regina Cuellar, the Miwok Tribe celebrates the opportunity to heal and honor their heritage at this culturally significant site.
2. Ione Band of Miwok Indians
• Chairperson: Sara Dutschke Setshwaelo
• Vice Chairman: Tracy Tripp
The Ione Tribe embraces the Center’s potential to transform the lives of at-risk Native individuals while creating a place of unity and pride.
3. California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB)
• Led by Mark LeBeau, CRIHB recognizes the Center as a vital resource for improving the health and well-being of Native communities.
4. Wilton Rancheria Tribe
• The Wilton Tribe sees the Mokelumne Center as a cornerstone for cultural restoration and community building.
A Dream Rooted in Legacy and Leadership
This monumental achievement is a reflection of NDI’s tireless leadership, bold vision, and unwavering commitment to Native empowerment. With careful planning and collaboration, they have brought this dream to life, ensuring that the land’s ownership and purpose align with their mission to honor Native traditions and provide healing for generations to come.
Special thanks are extended to the Bridge Housing Behavioral Health (BHBH) program, which provided critical funding for this acquisition. This partnership demonstrates the power of unity and shared purpose, proving what can be accomplished when resources and dedication come together in service of a greater good.
“This land, with its sweeping horizons and quiet beauty, holds the dreams of generations,” Ramona shared. “It is a sacred gift—a place to honor our past, sustain our present, and build a future filled with hope.”
A Celebration of Unity and Resilience
Preparations are underway for a grand opening celebration at the Mokelumne Center. Invitations will soon be sent to tribes, urban tribal entities, and allies to join in a joyous ribbon-cutting ceremony that will mark the beginning of this transformative journey. Ramona has already begun planning to welcome elders to the land for traditional healing ceremonies, ensuring the Center remains deeply rooted in cultural traditions and community values.
A Sacred Space for the Future
The Mokelumne Center represents far more than a physical reclaiming of land. It is a reclaiming of identity, culture, and dignity. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through determination, collaboration, and ancestral wisdom.
With the strong support of the Miwok Tribe, Ione Tribe, CRIHB, and Wilton Rancheria, this Center will serve as a sanctuary of healing and hope for generations to come. Under the courageous leadership of Ramona Valadez, the Mokelumne Center will stand as a living symbol of the resilience and unity of Native peoples—a place where the past and future converge, and where the spirit of the land and its people will forever thrive.
Let the celebration begin. Together, we honor the sacred, embrace the present, and walk boldly into a brighter future
NDI Signs BHBH Contract to Provide Housing to Over 150 Unhoused Native Americans
May 30, 2024
HomeCA Inc. is proud to announce that Native Directions Inc. (NDI) has been awarded the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) award and recently signed the contract to commence the work. This significant recognition will enable NDI to support the transitional housing needs of more than 150 Native Americans who are currently unhoused, economically challenged, and experiencing serious behavioral health issues, with support lasting up to six months.
The BHBH award, exclusively designated for tribal entities like NDI, is a three-year project set to conclude in 2027. HomeCA Inc. will collaborate closely with NDI to provide essential transitional housing resources primarily in Amador County, with additional support extending to Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, San Mateo County and possibly Orange County in Southern California. Housing solutions will include shared housing in an independent living setting and beds in licensed facilities such as Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) for clients needing assisted living due to disabilities.
Moreover, the project allocates up to $1,000 per person for individual needs and offers a landlord incentive of $2,000 per person when necessary. Our collective goal is to ensure that these 150+ Native Americans successfully transition to permanent housing, breaking the cycle of homelessness and vulnerability to hospitalization, crime, and incarceration.
Through this initiative, we aspire to empower these individuals to lead fulfilling lives and become integral members of our communities. This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to addressing the housing crisis and supporting the well-being of Native Americans across the State of California.
For further information, please contact HomeCA Inc. at [email protected].
About HomeCA Inc.
HomeCA Inc. is dedicated to providing innovative housing solutions and support services to vulnerable populations in California. Our mission is to create safe, stable, and supportive environments that promote well-being and community integration.
About Native Directions Inc.
Native Directions Inc. is an urban tribal entity serving Native Americans from various tribes statewide and nationwide. With over 50 years of dedicated service, including more than 30 years under the leadership of Executive Director Ramona Valadez, NDI is committed to improving the lives of Native Americans through culturally sensitive programs and support services.
NDI Signs BHBH Contract to Provide Housing to Over 150 Unhoused Native Americans
May 30, 2024
HomeCA Inc. is proud to announce that Native Directions Inc. (NDI) has been awarded the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) award and recently signed the contract to commence the work. This significant recognition will enable NDI to support the transitional housing needs of more than 150 Native Americans who are currently unhoused, economically challenged, and experiencing serious behavioral health issues, with support lasting up to six months.
The BHBH award, exclusively designated for tribal entities like NDI, is a three-year project set to conclude in 2027. HomeCA Inc. will collaborate closely with NDI to provide essential transitional housing resources primarily in Amador County, with additional support extending to Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, San Mateo County and possibly Orange County in Southern California. Housing solutions will include shared housing in an independent living setting and beds in licensed facilities such as Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) for clients needing assisted living due to disabilities.
Moreover, the project allocates up to $1,000 per person for individual needs and offers a landlord incentive of $2,000 per person when necessary. Our collective goal is to ensure that these 150+ Native Americans successfully transition to permanent housing, breaking the cycle of homelessness and vulnerability to hospitalization, crime, and incarceration.
Through this initiative, we aspire to empower these individuals to lead fulfilling lives and become integral members of our communities. This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to addressing the housing crisis and supporting the well-being of Native Americans across the State of California.
For further information, please contact HomeCA Inc. at [email protected].
About HomeCA Inc.
HomeCA Inc. is dedicated to providing innovative housing solutions and support services to vulnerable populations in California. Our mission is to create safe, stable, and supportive environments that promote well-being and community integration.
About Native Directions Inc.
Native Directions Inc. is an urban tribal entity serving Native Americans from various tribes statewide and nationwide. With over 50 years of dedicated service, including more than 30 years under the leadership of Executive Director Ramona Valadez, NDI is committed to improving the lives of Native Americans through culturally sensitive programs and support services.
A New Dawn: Program Funding Agreements Signed for Vital Native Community Projects
September 12, 2023
After what seemed like an endless wait, the day has finally arrived when Native Directions Inc. (NDI) and HomeCA Inc. join hands to sign the Program Funding Agreements (PFAs) for two transformative projects aimed at enriching the lives of Native communities. These initiatives focus on supporting young Native mothers and their children, as well as providing traditional healing in a natural setting.
Today marks a crucial turning point as the PFAs are set to be signed, not only by the dedicated sponsors, NDI and HomeCA, but also by the Advocate for Human Potential (AHP). With these signatures in place, construction can begin for a remarkable nearly 10,000 square feet residence, complete with two accessory dwellings, in the heart of Rescue, California. This facility will serve as the New Tribal Youth Perinatal Residential Substance Use Disorder (SUD) center.
The sponsors want to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) for their unwavering support in the pursuit of improving the lives of vulnerable Native individuals within the community. Their partnership is instrumental in making these projects a reality.
The signing ceremony was a momentous occasion, with Ramona Valadez, Executive Director of NDI, and Deanna Pineda, Secretary of HomeCA, capturing the moment in historic law pictures. Their leadership and dedication have been the driving force behind these projects.
In addition, we would like to recognize the DHCS officers who played a pivotal role in making this happen. Holly Clifton and Marlies Perez, both in charge of the Behavioral Health and Continuum Integration Program (BHCIP), have been instrumental in guiding and supporting these initiatives. Their expertise and commitment to the cause are commendable.
The second grant is equally promising, as it supports the construction of a 250-person capacity outpatient wellness and recovery center in Shingle Springs. This center will offer traditional healing methods alongside evidence-based therapeutic activities such as equine therapy, horticulture, music, and arts. The groundbreaking ceremony is just around the corner, and the goal is to have this facility up and running by the end of 2024. The positive impact it will have on countless lives cannot be overstated.
A heartfelt appreciation goes out to the sponsors’ development team, particularly the dedicated consultants and grant writers who invested their time and expertise into this noble endeavor. Their dedication is the cornerstone of this success.
Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge the strong leadership of two remarkable women, Ramona Valadez of Native Directions Inc. and Gina Wasdyke of HomeCA Inc., both non-profit entities in the state of California. Their unwavering commitment and vision have paved the way for these projects to thrive and bring hope to Native communities.
As the ink dries on these PFAs, we stand at the threshold of a brighter future for Native mothers, children, and individuals seeking healing. Today marks a significant milestone, and we look forward to the positive impact these projects will have on the lives they touch. Together, we are forging a path toward a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Native community.
