Tribal Council

Kara Brundin-Miller - Tribal Chairperson

Kara is a Smith River, California resident. She has served on Tribal Council for past five years, the last four years as Tribal Chairperson. Kara is a local business owner and has worked diligently in preserving her heritage and culture and takes pride in those accomplishments.

Denise Padgette - Tribal Council Vice Chair

Denise has lived in Smith River all of her life. Denise has served on the Tribal Council for several years currently and in the past. Working in the Native community all of her life serving on numerous committees.

Sharyne R. Harper - Tribal Council Secretary

Sharyne resides in Bayside, California. She is serving her first-term on Tribal Council. She has served the Native American community for numerous years. Sharyne is the Executive Director for Humboldt Domestic Violence Services.

Joel Bravo - Tribal Council Treasurer

Joel has lived in the area all of his life. Joel is currently serving his seventh year on the Tribal Council, previously holding the position of Tribal Vice Chairperson. He has served on numerous boards and is dedicated in preserving the Tolowa heritage and creating Economic Stability for the Tolowa Tribe.

Marian Lopez - Tribal Council Member

Ms. Lopez is a resident of Smith River, California. She is retired but remains active in the Indian Community by serving on numerous UIHS Boards and committees. Marian has served the Smith River Rancheria Tribal Council for approximately 20 years.

Brock Richards - Tribal Council Member

Mr. Richards is a resident of Smith River, California. He is serving his first three-year term on the Tribal Council. Brock is active in Tolowa and Indian culture.

Joseph Giovannetti, Ph.d. - Tribal Council Member

Dr. Joseph Giovannetti is an Associate Professor of Native American Studies at Humboldt State University. Much of his work focuses upon Tolowa ethnohistory and he is also a singer in the Tolowa culture.

Smith River Rancheria