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Department of Early Learning and Care

Tribal Advisory Committee

The Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) responds to the needs of American Indian/Alaskan Native children and their families.

TAC efforts will also connect with Raise Up Oregon goals:

  • Children arrive ready for kindergarten.
  • Children are raised in healthy, stable, and attached families.
  • Families have access to high-quality (culturally responsive, inclusive, developmentally appropriate) early care and education opportunities.

Note: In the February 2022 short legislative session, changes were made to the Tribal Advisory Council, and HB 2055 was replaced by HB 4033.

Committee Representatives

  • 18 members of the nine (9) federally recognized tribal nations of this state
  • One member of the Early Learning Council
  • One member of the Early Learning Division
  • One member of the Legislative Commission on Indian Services
The NEW 2022 Tribal Advisory Committee Charter

House Bill 4033 Fact Sheet & Committee Members

English  |  Spanish  |  Russian  |  Chinese  |  Vietnamese​​

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  • ​Valerie Switzler, Chair, Warm Springs Tribes Rep. 
  • Valeria Atanacio, ELD Rep., Tribal Affairs Manager 
  • Angela Blackwell, Early Learning Council Rep. 
  • Ali Holsclaw, Grand Ronde Tribe Rep. 
  • Ally Van Norman, Cow Creek Tribe Rep. 
  • Alyssa Severson, Coquille Tribe Rep. 
  • Alissa Lane-Keene, Siletz Tribe Rep. 
  • Deanie Smith, Warm Springs Tribe Rep. 
  • Deann Brown, Siletz Tribe Rep. 
  • Diane Teeman, Burns-Paiute Tribe Rep. 
  • Jennifer Jackson, Klamath Tribe Rep. 
  • Josh Davies, Coos, Lower Umpqua Siuslaw Tribe Rep. 
  • Julie Siestreem, Coos, Lower Umpqua Siuslaw Tribe Rep., Legislative Commission on Indian Services Rep. 
  • Kristina Simpson, Coquille Tribe Rep. Lloyd Commander, Umatilla Tribe Rep. 
  • Michael Cherry, Grand Ronde Tribe Rep. Modesta Minthorn, Umatilla Tribe Rep. 
  • Sandy Henry, Cow Creek Tribe Rep. 
  • Vanessa Bahe, Burns-Paiute Tribe Rep.

There is 1 Open Klamath Tribes Rep. Position


Department of Early Learning and Care Staff

  • Paulina Whitehat, Tribal Affairs Director
  • Dana Castano, OTELA Liaison
  • Dorianne Houser, Tribal Affairs Coordinator

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