James Family Crisis: Tribal Elder and Granddaughter

The loss of Christa and Raymond

The traditional Numu value is to take care of one another, especially during extreme hardships. We need all to help Lester James and his granddaughter. This 73 year-old elder and his 6-year-old granddaughter are currently facing eviction from their home, the home they have known for 23 years. Reason given for eviction truly do not warrant this cruel practice, a practice that is far removed from traditional Numu thinking. Numu values encompass humanity and compassion which has helped us help each other for thousands of years- this is the teaching of our people.

This inhumane and unjust eviction comes at a time when Lester is still in six months of grieving the loss of his beautiful wife. Christa and 12 year-old son, Raymond who tragically lost their lives in an automobile accident. Lester's granddaughter thankfully survived the accident. Lester was given guardianship and planned to raise her in the house he raised her mother and other children in. Her mother also tragically lost her life a couple years earlier The family was barely healing from the loss of their daughter Phalina to now lose their mother and brother.

Lester made his final approach to the Pyramid Lake Housing Board to appeal the eviction. Words “delapidated, foundation damage and prohibited pet “ were the main reasons given but reasons given in error. Upon inspection by several supportive, fellow tribal members, and evidenced by attached pictures, there is no dilapidation. but wear and tear to exposure on a cracked sidewalk cement , the “dog ruining the foundation” never occurred but is what the board acted upon. The pet lives full time at his sister’s residence. Reasons given for such a harsh and inhumane treatment of an elder and his tribal member family do not warrant removal from the only home they have ever known. In addition, Mr. James had legal representation but still did not prevail.

Me. James tried for Tribal Council intervention but denied anddition to the Council Agenda. Instead, he was allowed only a public comment. Council members cannot respond to public comment. “The Council denied the request to be added to Friday's agenda. The reason was they felt he was given enough time by the Housing Authority to vacate.” Our own leaders would not listen to circumstances nor concern of the future of a 6 year old tribal member.

The entire situation is frustrating that our Tribe would treat this family in this manner. . Mr. James is seeking legal support but at the midnight hour, the eviction unjustly remains in place.

OUR MISSION: If the eviction stands, Mr. James and his granddaughter need our help! We want to help this family raise money for a storage container and packing materials to help store his family’s 23 years of accumulation. In addition, arrangements need to be made for temporary residences for he and his granddaughter. We will not see them homeless. Finally, We also need as many people as possible to help him move. He is 73, works full time (though retired) which leaves little time to fight this. Additionally, as a grieving father, we can’t even imagine the impacts. of the loss of his wife , son, and daughter on his day to day living.

Please help in anyway you can. As a people l, we need to stand up for and defend this beautiful family. Lester’s wife and children were huge parts of our community and all such talents. They have shared so much with us and we are all blessed and better people by them. Pesa u.