JANUARY 2025

Column 61

   
This is a follow up on what I mentioned in #60. I mentioned the Native American Spiritual Advisor retiring.
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It was a gloomy day, gray and foggy with a damp chill in the air. One would think it was an appropriate backdrop to say goodbye to a man who was a mentor and friend to many of us here at CHCF (California Health Care Facility). He was here to oversee and participate in the Winter Solstice Sweatlodge. One last sweat with the Native American Spiritual Group before leaving CHCF and the CDCR (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation). The sweat took place at the Sweatlodge located in the area next to the E-yard chapel.

Dennis Yonemura had been the Native American Spiritual Leader here at CHCF as well as at other facilities with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the past 18 years. Dennis also worked as a sponsor for the Asian American Pacific Islander group, the Hawaiian Spiritual Group and the Odinist/Asatru Spiritual Group, to name a few. He will be greatly missed by them as well. Sadly, his last day with CDCR before he entered into retirement was December 31.

Dennis retired for personal reasons. He is the only one of his numerous siblings in a position to be there for a mother who is in need of constant care. In speaking with Dennis, you would get the sense he feels a bit of guilt, as if he were abandoning people who he cares deeply about. If you spent any time around Dennis, you would know this to be true. He cares deeply not only about the people under his spiritual guidance, but for all people. We all understand and respect this difficult decision and wish him nothing but the best.

For those of us who have been involved in Spiritual Groups in other facilities in the CDCR, we have seen good spiritual leaders and not so good spiritual leaders. Dennis exemplified what every Spiritual Leader should strive to be. Not only did he talk to talk, he also walked the walk. He was hands-on with all the ceremonies, Pow Wows and Sweatlodges. Dennis also loved being able to share his knowledge of the traditions, ceremonies and spiritual practices of the Native American people.

Not only was Dennis our Spiritual Leader, he was very involved in the Native American community outside of the prison as well: teaching traditional dance as well as being involved in another Native American activities in the area and will continue to do so.

When asked about what he considered the most positive part of his 18 years as a spiritual leader for the incarcerated, he became thoughtful. After a moment, he became a little emotional when describing how it was to reach out to the Native youth in the Youth Authority system. How the youth would behave in a negative manner when around their peers. Dennis then became animated when he explained how he was able to work with them one on one and being able to reach some of those troubled youth, how he felt the satisfaction in seeing positive changes in the kids.

Dennis will be missed for his calm persona and his mischievous sense of humor. His willingness to be there for you if you needed his help and advice was a comfort to all of us. We will miss his presence and guidance, and we hope we have not seen the last of him. Any of you who are so inclined, a prayer for Dennis and his family would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Dean Carter
January 1, 2025.

California Health Care Facility
Dean Carter C97919
Box 213040
Stockton, CA 95213
USA