Personal Background
My name is Jeannie McKean. Charles McKean was my grandfather, and I am the eldest daughter of his eldest son, Fred McKean. My mother was Pomo from the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians. She raised my siblings and me to value our culture, to know the importance of giving back to our Tribal Communities, and she raised us to be proud of being Native. I am proud so much of me is reflected and shared by my roles as Mother, Aunty, Friend, and Elder.
Tribal Experience
Over the last decade, I have enjoyed being a part of Wilton Rancheria. I regularly attend our community events and share my experiences to help make our Tribal Community stronger. I have served a short term on Tribal Council, served on the Elders Committee, and the Ethics/Grievance Committee. I am excited and honored to bring these experiences to serve on the Traditional Court.
Professional History
I began working in Indian Country as a teenager in Sonoma County during the 1960s. Throughout my career, I have worked in adult education at Ya-Ka-Ama in Forestville, Xabenapo Education for children in Lakeport, California Rural Indian Health Board in Sacramento, Eagle Child for Indian Child Welfare in Sacramento, Inter-Tribal Council of California in Sacramento, and I was a Gaming Commissioner for the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians at the Sho-Ka-Wah Casino, where I also served as a Peace Keeper for the Hopland Tribal Court.
Outside of Indian Country, I worked for the State of California in various roles for 27 years; all of which required maintaining strict confidentiality and impartiality. Key responsibilities included developing policy and procedures and training in conflict resolution.
My goal for the Traditional Court is to help provide a level playing field, to remain calm and focused, to listen with respect, to be open minded, and to be respectful and understanding of any resolution.
My commitment to the Court is to use the strong moral and ethical compass that I have gained as a result of being raised within our community to guide my actions.