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ITCC's Deep History
Inter Tribal Council of California
Vision for Our Future
ITCC recognizes its role in promoting self-sufficiency and local self-determination for California Indian people. For this reason ITCC continues to pursue the mobilization of California Indian people through programs designed to gradually shift control to the hands of local Indian Communities. First ITCC takes the lead in seeking out new funding or other Tribally beneficial opportunities. Second, a pilot program or model is developed and implemented for direct services to the tribal consortium members. Then finally, the administration of the program shifts to the tribe. The new grantee and ITCC work together to provide supporting technical assistance and training services as needed.
This effort involves a constant change in the role of ITCC. It has acted as a funding mechanism for tribes and organizations to secure and deliver programs to Indian people. Today area consortiums and communities are in a good position to seek out and manage their own programs. Therefore, ITCC is emphasizing a change in priorities from program development to technical assistance for local organizations that are obtaining and administering their own programs. However, ITCC acknowledges that as each tribal community is unique, with different levels of stability and self-governance. If a need arises, tribes can request and depend upon ITCC to administer the grants and programs necessary.
As the efforts towards mobilization continue, ITCC will enhance its goal of building a bridge form the tribal governments of its members to the California and United States Governments. With the Central office located in Sacramento, ITCC has access to the decision makers in the legislature and the Schwarzenegger Administration to promote the government to government relationships. The role as a liaison and representative for California Indian people continues to be the cornerstone of our organization with the vision of further involvement and change for a better future for American Indians.
Where we are now
ITCC is fostering continued strength through the many programs and people it serves. Providing inlets of understanding and outreach within continuously extensive community involvement, education, and advocacy.
The Inter-Tribal Council of California is currently organizing and presenting a series of regional training and orientation workshops for Native American and tribal behavioral health providers on the Mental Health Services Act of 2004. With the purpose of orienting county and state behavioral health leaders of the mental health issues confronting California's Native American citizens, these two day workshops will take place in at least one northern, central, and southern California location. The events will include orientation by DMH, CMHDA, CIMH trainers on the MHSA, current status of process, and future initiatives for Native American behavioral health providers. Concurrently local experts will provide training on California indigenous issues to county and state bahavioral health administrators, staff, and consumer leaders.
Inter-Tribal Commissions were created in 2006 through a majority vote of the general council. The Water Commissioners are volunteer tribal representatives and have been actively developing strategies and plans alongside local, state, and federal agencies. The commissioners have been successful in advocating for the Department of Water Resources, Water Plan Update of 2009 through numerous committee and collaborative meetings.
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