Shingle Springs, CA - The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians held its annual General Council election with two new members joining the Tribal Council: Elaine Whitehurst and Rhonda Dickerson. Re-elected to the Council was both Chairman Nicholas Fonseca and Vice Chairperson Stephanie Cuellar. The two were then confirmed as the officers of the Council, with Fonseca elected to his sixth term as chair and Cuellar to her second term as vice chair.
“It
is truly an honor to continue serving the Rancheria and our members,” Fonseca
said.
The General Council of the Tribe elects the Tribal Council. A true democracy, the Shingle Springs General Council is comprised of the entire membership of the Tribe over the age of 18 who, in addition to electing members of the Tribal Council, approve important plans for the Tribe and its reservation. The seven-person Council votes for its officers each year to lead the Council.
Vice-Chair
Cuellar said that she was “humbled by the Tribe’s and the Council’s vote
of confidence in her.”
New Council member Elaine Whitehurst has held many positions with the Tribe, including a previous term on the Council. She has also served as the Tribe’s project officer, executive government liaison and community officer. Serving on the Tribe’s health board and many of its committees, she also helped create the Tribe’s gaming commission, serving on it until Saturday, where rules do not allow a Council member to also serve on the Tribe’s gaming commission.
“I look forward to fulfilling the Tribe’s goals at this critical time in our history,” said Whitehurst.
Rhonda Dickerson’s election to the Tribal Council marks her first time serving on the Tribe’s representative government, but it is certainly not the first time she has served the Tribe. Currently employed by the Tribe as the Community Development Officer and the Environmental Coordinator, she also serves on the Tribe’s enrollment and election committees.
“As the newest member of the Tribal Council, I will work hard to ensure our Tribal members are taken care of that we finally gain economic independence with our casino project,” said Rhonda.
Members of the Tribal Council donate their time and receive no compensation for serving the Tribe
