Native American Advisory Committee (NAAC)
The NALB collaborates with the Caltrans Native American Advisory Committee (NAAC) to improve government-to-government relationships between California Native American Tribes and the Department. The NAAC provides a framework for Caltrans to engage Tribal leaders on a wide variety of transportation programs, policies and projects and to solicit Tribal feedback and guidance to strengthen government-government relationships to inform and improve future efforts. Members are nominated by Tribes throughout the state, with five each from Northern, Central, and Southern California. There are also representatives from intertribal organizations. The NAAC meets every quarter with high-level Caltrans management to discuss current issues and provide guidance. NAAC members have offered invaluable advice on projects and policies to the Director and the Department.
The Native American Advisory Committee was established in 1996. Its purpose is to ensure that Caltrans management receives direct advice from the Indian community on issues pertaining to all modes of transportation in California. This advisory committee contributes to the Tribal governments' ability to take advantage of transportation opportunities and to participate within Caltrans in planning, developing, and implementing transportation projects and services. It offers a chance to further government-to-government working relationships.
Each member of the NAAC is appointed to a two-year term. Membership consists of persons who are nominated by Tribes and Indian organizations throughout the State, recommended by the NAAC, and appointed by the Director. Members serve as "at large" members of the Tribes in their geographic regions (Northern, Central, and Southern) as drawn by the BIA regional map. Members are advocates for all Native Americans of California.
The NAAC holds a minimum of four meetings each calendar year. Upcoming meetings will be posted on this page. You can also find upcoming agendas, meeting minutes, and any other pertinent information here.
Members
| Name | Tribe or Native Government | Region |
| Jacque Hostler-Carmesin | Trinidad Rancheria | Northern |
| Richard A. Warner | Elk Valley Rancheria | Northern |
| Jeff Hodge | Hoopa Valley Tribe | Northern |
| Misty Rickwalt | Karuk Tribe | Northern |
| Michael DeSpain | Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians | Central |
| Paul D. Irwin | North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California | Central |
| Esther Fillingame | Lone Pine Paiute Shoshone Reservation | Central |
| Orval Elliott Jr. | Hopland Band of Pomo Indians | Central |
| Pending | Cahuilla Band of Indians | Southern |
| Erica Pinto | Jamul Indian Village of CA | Southern |
| Margaret Park | Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians | Southern |
| Lorenda Sanchez | California Indian Manpower Consortium | Statewide |
Meeting Information
The 2024 NAAC meetings are being held virtually. To participate, select from the meetings listed below.