Welcome to Buena Vista Rancheria
Band of Me-Wuk Indians
Dr. Roselynn Lwenya is an Environmental specialist with strong academic background and considerable experience in Environmental planning, Gender mainstreaming issues, Action Oriented Research and development. Roselynn has worked for Tule River Indian Reservation and North Fork Rancheria in her capacity as Natural Resources Director and Environmental Director respectively. Currently, Roselynn is the Environmental Resources Director for Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California. She is implementing U.S. EPA, General Assistance Program (GAP) and Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 106 program ; Department of Energy- Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant among others. Roselynn’s vision is to continue fostering key partnerships with Native American Tribes, public and private organizations to develop concerted efforts to promote sustainable use of resources to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that the needs can be met not only in the present, but also for future generations. Roselynn has coordinated the training of Cultural Resources Monitors for both Buena Vista Rancheria and North Fork Rancheria.
Before coming to America, Roselynn worked with both local and International organizations in Africa including, United Nations Development Program (UNDP); The Royal Netherlands Embassy/Kenya on the Arid and Semi Arid lands Program; Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute; Government of Kenya; Action AID International Poverty Alleviation program among others. While working in Africa, Roselynn participated in projects that were aimed at environmental protection; securing greater gender equity and women’s empowerment; poverty eradication; strengthening the capacities of the disadvantaged and marginalized people to meet their basic needs and demand accountability from development partners.
Roselynn was born in Kenya, Africa and belongs to the Luyhia Tribe. While growing up, there was a common myth that women could not study the “hard” disciplines like the men. Roselynn was the only woman who graduated with a PhD from School of Environmental Studies (Planning and Human Ecology division) in 2002. Coming from a rich traditional heritage of strong belief systems, customs and practices maintained by social interaction, Roselynn has learnt to respect other people’s culture and feels quite at home working with Native American Tribes.
B.V.R Environmental Resources Department
Vision
The Buena Vista Rancheria Environmental Resources Department’s mission is to preserve, protect and enhance ecosystems, human health and cultural resources on Tribal land for the tribe, community, and future generations through pollution prevention, restoration, community education and partnerships.
Mission
The Buena Vista Rancheria Environmental Resources Department envisions a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for tribal members to dwell, work, recreate, and subsist on. Cultural resources, air, water, soil, fish, and wildlife are all important elements of our environment and will be protected and preserved for future generations. In addition, the Buena Vista Rancheria Environmental Resources Department will share a vision with the tribal community to foster a greater appreciation and understanding for cultural resources and tribal heritage amongst Indians and non-Indians alike. The tribal community and BVR staff will be an integral part of departmental activities, playing an instrumental role in educating the general public about the value of Me-Wuk culture. The Tribe will work as partners with individuals, organizations, tribes, governments, and businesses to fulfill our tribal’s mission
BVR - Cultural Monitor
Richard Ragudo
Richard Ragudo is a Cultural Monitor and Tribal Historic Preservation Office Advisory Board member for Buena Vista Rancheria. Richard is a respected Native American dancer and spiritual leader. Richard participated in sun dance for 5 years.
He is committed to community spiritual affairs. In the past, Richard has been bestowed with the responsibility of carrying the ceremonial pipes of the Lakota people as well as participating in the Inipi (sweat lodge) of the Lakota people.
He was a spiritual adviser at DQ University in Davis, California. He has been a spiritual leader at Tule River Indian Reservation. He has been a traditional dancer and spiritual leader at Shingle Springs Rancheria for the last 7 years. He was one of the trainees at the Cultural Monitoring training that was organized by Buena Vista Rancheria in February 2010. He has assisted in initiating and continuing ceremonies for Buena Vista Rancheria for the past six years.
Enviromental Dept. Events
Resource Protection
Environment & Culture
