Teresa Romero

It has been a true honor to represent our Nation over the last 4 years.  To be honest, it wasn't always easy.  When we took office, the Tribe was in severe debt; we had spent the previous 4 years owing back rent;  Tribal Hall had an expired lease, our non-profit status had been suspended and our tax-exempt status was revoked for lack of filing returns; our recognition petition had been denied and our window to appeal was quickly closing.  Tribal Hall was in shambles with vital records left unsecured and files everywhere.  Slowly but surely, we started tackling each challenge, some simultaneously and others one at a time.  We immediately reached out to local governments, reestablishing ourselves with city councils, USMC Camp Pendleton, and other pertinent agencies.  We sought out one of the most successful native legal minds to help us with our recognition appeal.  After convincing the attorney that we were true to our word, transparent with finances, and committed to recognition, we were on the move with the appeal.  The appeal was the beginning of positive momentum for our petition.  Our position to achieve recognition has never been stronger.  (For more information regarding our petition status, please call Tribal Hall or attend a GC meeting...why not just post here? Click the F.A.Q tab above for the answer.

Our administration also chose to return to a cultural tradition of honoring our Elders.  Tribal Council worked closely seeking wisdom, guidance, and support from our Elders Committee. We provided a forum for our Elders to meet and speak freely.  We encouraged our Elders to meet regularly and share their stories to remind them and us that we are all connected.

Another primary focus of mine was our youth.  Our Acjachemen youth is incredibly important to me.  I am very proud that we partnered with US Auctions to provide help to our parents/grandparents by providing back to school supplies for the last 4 years to our students.  This is a task I took on personally, by shopping, packing, and distributing the backpacks to our students and parents/grandparents.  The Acjachemen youth is our future.  Over the last 4 years, we've worked side by side with young adult Acjachemen providing opportunities for them to learn more about our culture and our politics.

We also took a stance on healthy living.  With the help of our Health & Wellness Director, Romi Ruiz, our administration provided dozens of health classes, flu shot clinics, and initiatives.  Through our programs, we encouraged our children to forego soda, helped some of our diabetic members increase their awareness about the disease and how to live healthier.  We offered weight  and active living initiatives. Every single one of these programs had a direct positive impact on our people.

Acjachemen culture isn't just a priority in my life, it is a large part of who I am and it remains one of the main reasons why I want to be your Chairwoman.  During our first administration, we implemented the "Keeping Traditions Alive" program which consisted of a year-long program of lanuage, song, oral traditions, etc, to help our members reinforce our traditions and provide opportunities for our mature members to connect our traditions to our youth.  As the Most Likely Descendant, I fought hard for our Ancestor's remains and cultural items to be reinterred with dignity and respect.

I am also very proud to say that we negotiated a 5 year lease for our Tribal Hall and have never missed a lease payment, reported our finances regularly, restored our non-profit, reinstated our tax-exempt status and started to chip away at our past debts.  Under our administration, our Tribe purchased our first 2 assets outright, a 15 passenger van and color copier.  While some might not see the these accomplishments as major, one only has to put them into perspective to have a different view.  To restinstate a tax-exempt status with the IRS is in itself a daunting task, add in the non-profit restoration, and lease negotiations all at the same time, while fighting for our recgonition appeal was nothing short of the Creator's blessing.

I believe the two biggest accomplishments that my administration was responsible for were receiving the Secretary's and Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs ruling for our petition to rightfully remain in the Federal Recognition process AND the City of San Juan Capistrano granting us the private use of our ancient village of Putuiidem.  When the Putuiidem Committee fought and pushed the park through, I instantly thought, "it's not enough!"  With the Ancestors at my back, we boldly stepped forward and insisted the City go further and grant us private access to hold ceremony and social events.  After being off the land for over a hundred years, we will once again return to our Mother Village and honor our first female chief, Coronne.  That is a major win for our Nation!

On a personal note, I am proud of everything this Tribal Council has done.  All of the long hours, unmatched dedication, sacrifice, and Acjachemen perseverance have truly benefitted every member of our Tribe.  I know in my heart, it is my destiny to speak on behalf of our Ancestors, act on behalf of you, and work on behalf of our future generations.  Federal Recognition will come, our people will come together. We only need to have faith and follow the Creator's guidance.  I am grateful for your time and your vote.

~Chairwoman Romero