Johnny Hill, Jr.
Tribal Council Member

Johnny Hill, Jr. says that when he speaks out, he’s often the loudest person in the room — but that’s because what he says always comes from the heart.

Since being elected to the CRIT Tribal Council on December 6, 2008, he’s going to have a chance to speak out a lot more often.

“I hope I do speak for the people,” he said. “I always speak from my heart and my voice was probably the loudest one during the campaign.”

Hill has worked in construction most of his life, and had been working in farming until elected. He is giving up the work he loves to serve on the Tribal Council — which he said is one of the hardest things he’ll have to deal with.

“I gave up my whole life running heavy equipment because I hope to help people,” he said. “It hurts me because it’s what I love to do.”

However, he said that he started to consider becoming involved in Tribal Government in 2008 because he wanted to change the tone of how Tribal issues are discussed.

“I want people to know that there’s a right way and a wrong way for people to be treated, and we shouldn’t be fighting,” he said. “It’s going to be a hard road, and we’ll have to take on a lot of problems.”

Hill said his priorities will include dealing with tax issues and making sure CRIT uses its lands in a proper manner, including ensuring Indian preference for Tribal land use.

Hill is also well-known for his work to preserve the Chemehuevi language, and was featured in a documentary called “The Linguists,” which was shown at the Sundance Film Festival in 2008.

Hill said his primary reason for running for Tribal Council was his love for the people of CRIT.

“I care about them very much,” he said. “It’s a little scary going into this position, but we can’t turn back. I hope people will bear with us for the time being and know that nothing will come easily.”

Hill encouraged all Tribal Members to work together, and to approach him and the other Tribal Council members directly if they have questions or ideas.