What We Do
The Woodfords Indian Community is comprised 70 acres of trust land and surrounding areas in Eastern Alpine County, California. The Woodfords Community Council is an elected governing body of five (5) council members, comprised of enrolled members of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.
Woodfords Community Council Prevention Programs 🛡️
Fostering a strong, healthy, and culturally vibrant future for all Washoe people.
Hungalelti Rezball: A Prevention Model 🤝
The Hungalelti Youth Co-Ed Basketball Team is a core prevention program. Its mission is to **promote healthy lifestyles**, **prevent opioid use and bullying**, and cultivate teamwork. The program's charter emphasizes building a culture of respect and inclusivity. By requiring parent involvement, it creates a powerful community-wide prevention model that supports youth through physical activity and positive reinforcement.
Washoe Lessons on the Beach 📜
This is a two-day cultural prevention event planned for **Spring 2026** for Washoe youth and families. The program will focus on strengthening family bonds and educating participants on Washoe history and tribal leadership. It is a culturally grounded activity that promotes positive youth development through oral history and intergenerational learning in the beautiful setting of Lake Tahoe.
"My 2 Aunties" Home Visitation ✨
Officially approved in May 2025, this vital new program provides essential in-home visiting and case management to support Washoe families towards self-sufficiency. The curriculum integrates traditional Washoe culture and values, with a strong focus on increasing cultural skills and providing support for **substance use recovery**. It emphasizes a holistic approach to well-being, fostering confidence and a strong sense of belonging.
Strength & Empowerment Gatherings
The Woodfords Community Council is organizing two empowering events to build resilience and self-esteem as crucial protective factors against substance misuse:
- 🌟 **Paths of Strength:** An event for Washoe young girls and women to build resilience, self-esteem, and healthy decision-making skills through a powerful panel discussion with successful Washoe women leaders.
- 🌲 **Pillars of Strength:** A companion gathering for Washoe men to foster healthy masculinity and build resilience against substance misuse through open dialogue and wisdom shared by respected Washoe men.
Woodfords Indian Education Center (WIEC)
The WIEC's holistic approach is a powerful tool for prevention. Their programs, including participation in the **National UNITY Conference** and the **Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada Convention**, empower youth with leadership skills and cultural pride in drug-free environments. Educational trips like the one to the **Exploratorium** and cultural workshops, such as making bá:du 'elderberry' syrup, provide positive, enriching alternatives for youth.
Washoe Tribe Conservation Corps (WTCC)
The WTCC provides tribal youth with meaningful workforce education and hands-on experience in critical conservation efforts. By equipping crew members with advanced skills in **wildland firefighting** and conservation, it offers valuable career pathways and a sense of purpose. This initiative promotes sustainable land management and wildfire resilience, contributing to a healthy community and environment.
Food Bank and Recreation: Sustaining Our Community
The Woodfords Community Council's Recreation Department plays a dual role in prevention. It fosters a healthy community by managing the **daily food bank** (which operates whenever the gym is open) and a **bi-monthly food bank**. A **youth food bank** is also available when supplies allow. Beyond physical activities like **open gym**, the department handles the crucial clerical work that ensures all WCC programs and projects remain functional and have high capacity to serve the community.
Guiding the Woodfords Community
The Woodfords Community Council serves as the local governing body for the Woodfords Indian Community. This interactive guide provides a clear overview of the council's structure, its core responsibilities, and its vital role in overseeing key community programs.
About the Council
Structure
Composed of five elected members who serve four-year terms, forming the community's governing body.
Leadership
The Council elects a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and a Secretary/Treasurer from its members to lead its operations.
Tribal Representation
Two council members are selected to represent the Woodfords Community's interests on the larger Washoe Tribal Council.
Jurisdiction
Oversees Woodfords, Fredricksburg, Paynesville, Diamond Valley, the Dutch Valley area, and other acquired lands.
Key Responsibilities
The Council's powers are broad, covering legislation, financial management, advocacy, and resource administration to promote the well-being of the community.
📜 Governance & Policy
Adopts local laws and resolutions, establishes subordinate organizations, and regulates community procedures to reflect the will of the residents.
💰 Financial Management
Prepares the annual community budget for presentation to the Washoe Tribal Council and supervises all expenditures of budgeted funds.
🗣️ Community Advocacy
Represents the community's interests when meeting with federal, state, and local governments, and keeps residents informed of tribal affairs.
🌲 Land & Resources
Manages community enterprises, advises on tribal land leases, and provides recommendations on applications for land assignments within its jurisdiction.
Program Oversight
The Council provides direct supervision and guidance for several critical community programs. Click on a program to learn more about the Council's role.
Recreation Activities Program
The Council directly supervises the Supervisor of Recreation Activities to ensure a vibrant and engaging environment for all community members.
- Oversees the planning and implementation of all community recreation activities, such as the youth food bank and community food bank.
- Monitors after-school programs and the summer recreation program.
- Reviews monthly reports on community center operations and events.
- Ensures proper maintenance of the community building and park grounds.
Woodfords Indian Education Center (WIEC)
The Council directly supervises the Director of the WIEC to support the academic and cultural journey of K-12 students.
- Oversees all administrative operations of the education center. The WIEC Director supervises the WIEC Tutor Coordinator and the WIEC Tutor(s).
- Reviews grant applications, budgets, and program activity reports.
- Receives regular updates on student progress and program effectiveness.
- Manages the distribution of the Woodfords Community Council Higher Education Scholarship.
My 2 Aunties Home Visitation Program
The Council Chairman (or designee) supervises the Program Coordinator, guiding this grant-funded initiative to empower families.
- Provides oversight for in-home visiting, case management, and program administration.
- Ensures the program helps families build life skills and achieve self-sufficiency.
- Oversees coordination with county, state, and tribal resource partners.
- Reviews reports on family support plans and program outcomes.
Washoe Tribe Conservation Corps (WTCC)
While the program manager of the WTCC is supervised by the Woodfords Community Council, the WCC collaborates and supports its goals within the broader tribal structure.
- The WCC supports the WTCC's mission of youth development and environmental stewardship.
- Responsibilities include oversight of construction projects and managing conservation corps members.
- The program is a key partner in providing opportunities for young tribal members.
Governing Documents
The WCC's authority and responsibilities are formally defined in the following key documents, which provide the legal framework for its operations.
- Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California Constitution and Bylaws
- Woodfords Community Council Articles of Association