Mission Statement
The James C. Ramos California Heritage Indian Collaboration Organization (C.H.I.C.O.), is a non-profit organization that facilitates promoting cultural perpetuation and awareness, mentorship, public health, mental health and education of California’s Native. Primarily educating the public about the history of California’s Native Tribes in order to effectuate positive and sustainable change throughout California for all citizens.
Pillars
CULTURAL PERPETUATION
Protecting the diverse cultures of Native American tribes and communities within California is priority. Cultural perpetuation is key to ensuring respect, acknowledgement and competence are present in every discussion involving Native American issues, including repatriation of ancestral remains and cultural artifacts.
MENTORSHIP
Providing resources and opportunities for Native Americans to be engaged and informed though internship and scholarship, providing an outlet for those aspiring to serve their tribal community in various leadership capacities passing on the traditions and culture of tribal community.
PUBLIC AND MENTAL HEALTH
Through truth and healing, trauma informed care is prioritized in Native American communities helping break the cycles and symptoms of substance use disorder, mental health and social disorders and other ailing issues created by violence by genocide, historical maltreatment and neglect upon Native Americans and tribal communities through public and mental health education and support.
Goals
- Increasing awareness and educating the public about California Native cultures, history, and social issues and their impact.
- Identifying and prioritizing issues that members of federally recognized Tribes, tribal descendants, and other tribal representatives and individuals can promote.
- Promoting collaboration amongst, Tribes, and minority-focused organizations.
- Collaborating with California Tribes and issue-focused organizations on issues of mutual concern for the betterment of all Native American lives in California.
Last modified: June 7, 2024
