Native Directions Inc – Substance Abuse Operator/Manager – what we know
The care provider, Native Directions, Inc (NDI) (website) is and Urban Indian Organization that runs a 3-acre Substance Disorder (SUD) facility for male Native Americans in Manteca, located at 13505 S Union Rd, Manteca, CA 95336. The facility is called the “Three Rivers Indian Lodge.” We understand they take non-Native American patients as well. They provide a 90-120 day inpatient recovery program and provide other community services for the Native American Community. According to their website, NDI was established in 1972 and is led by Ramona Valdez.
“Urban Indian” Designated Health Service Provider
NDI is recognized by the federal Indian Health Service as an “Urban Indian Health Organization” (UIO). (UIOs) are independent, nonprofit, Indian-controlled organizations that contract with the Indian Health Service (IHS) to provide direct health care, referral/access services, inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment, and social service programs. UIHOs are focused on providing urban health care for indigenous populations throughout California. UIOs are authorized to provide services to “urban Indians residing in the urban centers in which such organizations are situated” (link).
The UIO designation supports State and Federal funding opportunities and does not provide any change in legal status for the UIO. NDI is NOT a Federally Recognized Tribal organization and as such must follow all the same laws as any other commercial operation. In El Dorado County we have an active federally recognized Indian Tribe, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. This tribe does not support NDI proposed developments in Rescue as noted in a letter sent by Senator McClintock to DHCSS/CDSS Directors – “The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors have unanimously opposed this proposal and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians have also strongly opposed it. So, I hope that you will recognize the importance of local consent for these types of decisions and relocate these treatment centers to a more suitable location.”
NDI Operates Three Rivers Lodge – Manteca, CA
Their current facility is on 3 acres and was last sold in 2006 and is zone AG-40, which permits some non-agricultural uses such as public facilities. Up until recently the dense suburban area to the west was undeveloped.
NDI offers public participation for Native American ceremonies on weekends and holidays. According to this July 2013 article, over 2000 people attended their 2-day July 4th weekend event in 2012! I can imagine parking was interesting for this event. Press releases have noted that NDI plans to offer public events at their facilities in El Dorado County. This impact should be considered as part of the Environmental Impact Reports we are requesting prior to granting any permits.
Based on our research, we are not aware of NDI having any other operations outside of that one facility. We don’t believe they have any experience in El Dorado County, nor do we see any previous experience with female patients, or pregnancy care facilities.
Negative Yelp Review Highlights Community Dangers
A 2015 yelp review for Three Rivers Lodge, operated by Native Directions, emphasizes a number of the risks the community are concerned about. The proposed locations of these facilities are rural. There are no pedestrian areas and no consumer businesses within miles. When patients decide to leave, or are evicted, they will have no transportation since they were bused to the facility. They will walk away, literally, into an area ill suited for wandering. Here is a cautious warning from Yelp –
Rescue Deer Valley! 
