Tribes, Humboldt and Mendocino represented in recent Newsom appointments

(Stephanie Weldon)

(Buffy McQuillen)

California Governor Gavin Newsom just issued a press release on appointments. 

"Buffy McQuillen, 48, of Mendocino, has been appointed to the California Native American Heritage Commission. McQuillen is a descendant of Yokayo Pomo, Yuki, Nomlaki and an enrolled Tribal Citizen of Round Valley Indian Tribes. She has been Tribal Heritage Preservation Officer at the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria since 2015. McQuillen held several positions at the Yurok Tribe between 2001 and 2015, including Acting Assistant to the Social Services Director and Youth Outreach Coordinator and Repatriation and Cultural Collections Manager. She was Repatriation Specialist for Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation from 2012 to 2013. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. McQuillen is a Democrat."

"Stephanie Weldon, 44, of Humboldt, a member of the Yurok Tribe, has been appointed Director of the Office of Tribal Affairs at the California Department of Social Services. Weldon has been Program Advisor to the California Department of Social Services as an ICWA/Tribal Social Services Specialist for the Children and Families Policy Institute of California since 2020. She was Director of Yurok Health and Human Services from 2019 to 2020 and held multiple positions at the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services from 2013 to 2019, including Child Welfare Director, Social Services Branch Director, Deputy Director of Children and Family Services and Social Worker Supervisor. Weldon was Social Services Director for the Yurok Tribe from 2010 to 2013 and held various Tribal positions from 2002 to 2010, including Interim Public Relations Manager, Executive Secretary, JOM Education Site Supervisor and Social Services Assistant Director. Weldon is a board member of the National Indian Child Welfare Association. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from Humboldt State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $122,244. Weldon is a Democrat."