Native American Advisory Committee (NAAC)
The Tribal Affairs Office 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 |
| Rick Warner | Elk Valley Rancheria | Northern |
| Jeff Hodge | Hoopa Valley Tribe | Northern |
| Sandra Knight | Mechoopda Indian Tribe | Northern |
| Brandi Natt | Yurok Tribe | Northern |
| Misty Rickwalt | Karuk Tribe | Northern |
| Michael DeSpain | Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians | Central |
| Paul Irwin | North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians | Central |
| Orval Elliott Jr. | Hopland Band of Pomo Indians |
Central |
| Esther Fillingame | Lone Pine Paiute Shoshone | Central |
| June Nachor | Tejon Indian Tribe | Central |
| Bennae Calac | Pauma Valley Indian Tribe | Southern |
| BobbyRay Esparza | Cahuilla Band of Mission Indians | Southern |
| Keely Linton | Strong Hearted Native Women's Coalition | Southern |
| Chairwoman Erica Pinto | Jamul Indian Village | Southern |
| Margaret Park | Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians | Southern |
| Robert H. Smith | Pala Band of Mission Indians | Southern |
| Lorenda Sanchez | California Indian Manpower Consortium | Statewide |
Meeting Information
The 2025 NAAC meetings are being held virtually.
March 12, 2025 – Agenda and minutes
June 11, 2025 – Agenda and minutes
August 6, 2025 – Agenda and minutes (pending)
November 05, 2025 - pending