Chief Caleen Sisk's Legal Defense Fund
Donation protected
“Tribal people who live traditionally do not fit neatly into a system that prioritizes institutionalization. We care for those who can’t care for themselves, and we do it collectively. This is not a crime.” — Chief Caleen Sisk
Who is Caleen?
Caleen Sisk is the Spiritual Leader and Chief of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe, who practice their traditional culture and ceremonies in the McCloud River watershed of northern California. As tribal leader, Caleen takes responsibility for all members of the tribe and their families.
Caleen is a leading voice raising awareness about salmon restoration and the sacredness of water. She is a strong advocate for cultural preservation, religious freedom and protection of the rights of indigenous people around the world.
What support is needed?
We are friends of Caleen who are inviting our extended communities to join us in helping to pay the substantial legal fees associated with charges leveled at Caleen after she announced her campaign for California State Assembly in 2018—as the first indigenous woman to run for office in the district. Although Caleen did not win the election, we know how important Caleen’s leadership is, and we continue to stand alongside her as she and her lawyers work to address these charges. Caleen did not do what she is accused of doing and the charges should be dropped.
What happened?
For many years, Caleen has cared for Karen, an elderly relative with Down syndrome, who lives in the Winnemem tribal village and is a beloved member of the tribe. She now requires 24/7 care. Some, but not all, of the costs of that care are covered by In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), a department of the State of California. Over the years IHSS has consistently visited and approved of the care Caleen has provided since she took over seven years ago from someone who abandoned this responsibility. There have never been any questions about the quality of care that Caleen and the community provide.
Caleen has always cooperated with IHSS, and made the agency aware of her work as a tribal and spiritual leader, the work she does outside of California, and all she does for members of her tribe. Now, she is being accused of welfare fraud and faces fines and possibly jail time. Several lawyers have reviewed the evidence against Caleen and said unequivocally that these criminal charges should not have been brought. This matter should either be handled as a civil misunderstanding about a maze of paperwork, or dropped entirely—but the Shasta County District Attorney has persisted.
Over the course of 2019, Caleen attended a series of court hearings with her attorney, and the case was repeatedly delayed. Her next court date is on March 11, 2020. Recently, the Shasta County DA added an additional charge, related to Caleen’s continued care for Karen while she was off of other work with broken ribs. Caleen had to hire a second attorney to handle that case, so her legal fees continue to mount.
How can you help?
We invite you to give what you can in support of Caleen’s legal expenses. No amount is too small. All contributions will go directly to pay the fees for Caleen’s lawyers, costs of her legal defense (postage, copying, etc.), and, if needed, a court settlement. Due to the funds needing to be split between Caleen's two lawyers and a potential settlement, a bank account has been established for the sole purpose of distributing these funds. Checks can be accepted to reduce GoFundMe fees, please message us. Our goal is to raise $40,000 by March 11, 2020, Caleen's next court date. Thank you very much for your support.
Who is Caleen?
Caleen Sisk is the Spiritual Leader and Chief of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe, who practice their traditional culture and ceremonies in the McCloud River watershed of northern California. As tribal leader, Caleen takes responsibility for all members of the tribe and their families.
Caleen is a leading voice raising awareness about salmon restoration and the sacredness of water. She is a strong advocate for cultural preservation, religious freedom and protection of the rights of indigenous people around the world.
What support is needed?
We are friends of Caleen who are inviting our extended communities to join us in helping to pay the substantial legal fees associated with charges leveled at Caleen after she announced her campaign for California State Assembly in 2018—as the first indigenous woman to run for office in the district. Although Caleen did not win the election, we know how important Caleen’s leadership is, and we continue to stand alongside her as she and her lawyers work to address these charges. Caleen did not do what she is accused of doing and the charges should be dropped.
What happened?
For many years, Caleen has cared for Karen, an elderly relative with Down syndrome, who lives in the Winnemem tribal village and is a beloved member of the tribe. She now requires 24/7 care. Some, but not all, of the costs of that care are covered by In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), a department of the State of California. Over the years IHSS has consistently visited and approved of the care Caleen has provided since she took over seven years ago from someone who abandoned this responsibility. There have never been any questions about the quality of care that Caleen and the community provide.
Caleen has always cooperated with IHSS, and made the agency aware of her work as a tribal and spiritual leader, the work she does outside of California, and all she does for members of her tribe. Now, she is being accused of welfare fraud and faces fines and possibly jail time. Several lawyers have reviewed the evidence against Caleen and said unequivocally that these criminal charges should not have been brought. This matter should either be handled as a civil misunderstanding about a maze of paperwork, or dropped entirely—but the Shasta County District Attorney has persisted.
Over the course of 2019, Caleen attended a series of court hearings with her attorney, and the case was repeatedly delayed. Her next court date is on March 11, 2020. Recently, the Shasta County DA added an additional charge, related to Caleen’s continued care for Karen while she was off of other work with broken ribs. Caleen had to hire a second attorney to handle that case, so her legal fees continue to mount.
How can you help?
We invite you to give what you can in support of Caleen’s legal expenses. No amount is too small. All contributions will go directly to pay the fees for Caleen’s lawyers, costs of her legal defense (postage, copying, etc.), and, if needed, a court settlement. Due to the funds needing to be split between Caleen's two lawyers and a potential settlement, a bank account has been established for the sole purpose of distributing these funds. Checks can be accepted to reduce GoFundMe fees, please message us. Our goal is to raise $40,000 by March 11, 2020, Caleen's next court date. Thank you very much for your support.
Organizer
Morgan Curtis
Organizer
Oakland, CA