Hamiinat Issue 4

THE M AGA ZINE OF THE SAN M ANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

Fall 2022

C O M P L I M E N TA R Y

In Loving Memory

George “Boy” Murillo August 23, 1966 - May 13, 2022

There are no words that can express the passing of our baby brother, Boy. There is an empty place in our family’s hearts, but the memories of Boy and his legacy will live on forever and never be forgotten.

Our brother was on the Business Committee in the late 1990s and was a great man with a big heart. His personality had a sense of humor that would make people smile and laugh. Boy was so kind and generous to everyone and always willing to lend a helping hand. Our family will always remember our brother’s smiling face and the words of wisdom from our mother and grandmother that he would always preach: “Never forget who you are or where you came from and treat people like you would want them to treat you, with respect.”

Boy, we will always remember the good times we all had with our family. Words cannot express our loss and we miss you greatly.

You will always have a place in our hearts. We love you, Boy. - Your sister, Nay

The passing of our brother has left a void in our family that will never be replaced but we will carry on his legacy through his memory by making sure that his growing family does not forget what he has taught them. His smile, personality and his free spirit made him one of the most loved people by everyone that crossed his path.

I write this in his honor of his children and his grandchildren. May they find peace and comfort with the memories that he left with them. I will always remember my brother as a wild horse that couldn’t be tamed…

I love you, Brother, all the way up to the sky where I can’t touch.

-Your sister, Audie iv | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Letter

I am delighted

to share the Fall 2022 issue of Hamiinat, the magazine of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The title translates to “hello” in the Maara’yam (Serrano Indian) language, and that is just what we want to extend to you – a warm hello.

Serrano Indians are indigenous to the San Bernardino Mountains and valleys, as well as the High Desert regions of Southern California. The people of San Manuel are the Yuhaaviatam Clan of Serrano Indians, whose rich culture and history are reflected throughout this wonderful magazine. We are most happy to offer you a glimpse into our Tribe and enterprises.

This issue provides insights into our Tribe’s ancestors and culture, which are honored during the Tribal Unity Retreat, as well as the creativity of three young tribal citizens who designed custom Pendleton blankets. We also proudly introduce two young women who, along with many others, are learning what it takes to preserve important cultural traditions like the San Manuel Pow Wow. The Tribe embraces some of the various talents that shape the community, both on and off the Reservation. From the tribal elder with a musical flair, to the San Manuel team member who has dedicated more than three decades to creating a unique experience for guests.

After celebrating the opening of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, a vision that was years in the making, we are excited to turn our attention to the reopening of Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Owned and operated by the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, Palms offers new levels of service and luxury to guests seeking something above and beyond. We also take a look at the final addition of the Yaamava’ expansion: the Yaamava’ Theater – and the iconic rock band that played the inaugural event: the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

We thank you for being our guest and can’t wait to share our many new and exciting offerings as well as our culture with you.

Chairwoman Lynn “Nay” Valbuena San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 1

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Contents

Puyu’houpkcav

6

46

60

Coming together to strengthen the Tribe.

10

Nourishing the spirit of generosity and compassion, San Manuel honors the organizations that help others improve their lives.

Find menswear, a variety of gifts and sweet treats that embrace the essence of fall at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

Tribal elder and musician Raul “Beanie” Chacon shares what life was like on the Reservation decades ago and remembers cruising Route 66.

50

12

California curriculum is steeped in misconceptions about Native Californians.

Assembly member James Ramos seeks to correct this with Assembly Bill 1703.

UNITY

PERSPECTIVE

ON THE HORIZON

Three tribal youth leaders share and honor their culture through their custom blanket designs.

16

CULTURE

San Manuel Pow Wow: the cultural celebration continues to thrive.

20

PHILANTHROPY

EDUCATION

52

GIVING BACK

Encouraging Native students to pursue opportunities in STEM fields, AISES supports kids from start to finish throughout their educational career.

SUCCESS

54

22

As the Rose Bowl stadium hits the century mark, we look back at what it means to the fans and what they can look forward to in the next 100 years.

Setting goals and chasing dreams, two young women share what it’s taken to pursue their passions.

TRADITION

Preserving Native culture and launching artists’ careers, the Santa Fe Indian Market turns 100.

Here’s a look at its history and the centennial celebration.

26

PROFILE

Amy Denet Deal of 4Kinship shares the inspiration behind her designs, how she’s creating a more sustainable future and why she hopes the fashion industry will follow suit.

ACTION

58

HELLO

From gaming newbie to a career in cards, Karen Knight remembers her first day on the job and shares why she still loves working for San Manuel.

ON TREND

64

COVER

The reopening of Palms Casino Resort heralds a new era in Las Vegas, bringing a higher standard of service to the desert.

72

SAVOR

After a two-year wait, brunch is back and lovers of the lavish late-morning meal will love to enjoy the mouthwatering options that await them at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.

78

ENTERTAINMENT

The new Yaamava’ Theater at San Manuel opened its doors this spring – signaling the final phase of a multi-million-dollar expansion – and welcomed the Red Hot Chili Peppers as the first band to ever take the stage.

82

BENEFITS

One club, two resorts, all the rewards thanks to reciprocal benefits at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.

84

LAST BITE

Quick, easy and delicious, this trendy breakfast favorite traces its roots back to Bavaria. Learn how to make the elevated version at home.

28

STYLE

Straddle summer and fall with these striking layered looks.

38

LEGISLATION

Protecting crucial Native interests.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 3

Hamiinat Fall 2022

BUSINESS COMMITTEE CHAIRWOMAN Lynn Valbuena VICE CHAIRMAN Johnny Hernandez, Jr. SECRETARY Audrey Martinez TREASURER Latisha Casas MEMBER AT LARGE Laurena Bolden MEMBER AT LARGE Ed Duro MEMBER AT LARGE Karina Torres

CONTRIBUTORS Kyle Anderson Jennifer Anthony Peter Arceo Lee Clauss Jacob Coin Raul Daniels Brenda Decker Drew Dixon Tim Evans Christopher Fava Andrea Ferguson Megan Garcia Kevin Glass Gabriel Gomez Darcy Gray Alyssa Guerrero Celena Haas Serena Harper Juan Herrera Heather Jackson Bertran Jacobie Alberto Jasso Jennifer Johnson

Cynthia Kiser Murphy Cathy Knowles Dan Little Chelsea Marek Jorge McConnie Marcus O’brien Alejandro Placeres Tina Ramos Maithripala Ranasinghe Jared Rapier Crystal Robinson Krystle Schenk Ryan Sharpe Ken Shoji John Silva Frank Sizemore Matthew Smith Missy Stanisz Lisa Torres Kelley Tucky Brandi Vega Milla Voloshkina Oliver Wolf

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING: Melonie Calderon Presley Calderon Raul “Beanie” Chacon Natahny Chacon Shila Chacon Carolann Duro Malaina Duro Anabella Hernandez James Ramos Shawnee Ramos Tom Ramos

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Laurena Bolden MANAGING EDITOR Karina Torres VP TRIBAL BRAND MARKETING Jessica Stops TRIBAL BRAND MARKETING Julie Lopez PUBLISHER Peter Gotfredson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lauren Clulow EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jessica Villano

Thank you to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the entire tribal community for sharing their stories: past, present and future.

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(puh-mee-ah chah-kee-meev)

OUR HERITAGE Pümia’ čakimiv: what we came with. The phrase describes our heritage, traditions, culture and all the songs, dances and special things our people have passed down over many generations.

In this section we look at initiatives on the November ballot that threaten exclusive Indian gaming rights, and the potential impact on all Califronia tribes and the communities that surround their lands. We highlight two young women who are setting and exceeding goals through hard work and discipline as well as an elder who actively pursues his passions. We also dive deep into art and style with a profile on a Native designer whose focus is sustainability; three youths who designed their own Pendleton blankets to share their heritage; and the Santa Fe Indian market where Indigenous people have been showcasing their art for a century. Finally, we explore the San Manuel Pow Wow, and all the hard work and dedication it takes to put on the event, as well as the bond-building Unity Retreat.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 5

Unity

Forging

BONDS Tribal Unity Retreat builds relationships and bolsters cultural knowledge among the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians community.

BY RICHARD ARLIN WALKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ONYX DIGITAL MEDIA

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Calderon talked about the empowerment of the retreat, within the homeland of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation, when Yuhaaviatam people of all ages shared bird songs accompanied by gourd rattles. They then joined their hosts for dinner and experienced Salish-Kootenai songs and dances.

“A couple of our boys wanted to take part in the singing, but they didn’t have a gourd rattle,” Calderon said. “I brought extras that our youth had made here at home and they sang the songs, some of them for the first time. It was so heartfelt to see the youth and adults teaching the other youth to sing the songs. They were not only sharing our culture and our songs with another tribe, but our youth were teaching our other tribal citizens. It was amazing to see how much pride they had. They were embracing their culture the very moment they picked up the gourd. That flame inside of them ignited – that inherent ancestral identity – and it was a beautiful sight to see.”

The annual retreat emerged from the Tribal Unity and Cultural Awareness Program, which began in the mid-1990s led by David Manzano. Since then, retreats have taken place in several states and in two countries. This year’s retreat took place in Santa Fe, New Mexico, homeland of 23 tribal nations and pueblos. The 2023 retreat will be in Colorado, in the homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne and Ute peoples.

Calderon said the retreat is one way to call everybody home.

“We’re not only a Tribe, we’re a family,” she said. “That’s important to know. Like anything, we all get busy throughout the year. Kids are going to school; we all have different work schedules. The Tribal Unity Retreat reaches tribal citizens who aren’t always able

E

ach summer, families from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Yuhaaviatam people, abandon the distractions of daily life for a week of cultural activities and time spent together. The week is called the Tribal Unity Retreat and it’s a time when close and extended family members

can establish or strengthen relationships and delve deeper into Yuhaaviatam culture.

“Spending time together – that’s the main goal,” said Ed Duro, a Business Committee member and coordinator of this year’s retreat. “The retreat gives everybody an opportunity to spend quality time together without work and other distractions getting in the way.” He said that’s how it was back in the day, before the pressures of the modern economy crowded out traditional lifeways.

Each retreat is replete with activities and outings, but culture is the focus of the week. The location is often another Indigenous homeland, and the retreat features a cultural exchange with the local Indigenous nation.

Tribal citizens learn about the experiences and resilience of other Indigenous peoples. “No matter where we go, it’s Indigenous land,” said Melonie Calderon, a past retreat coordinator and former Business Committee member. “It’s home to Indigenous people – and they’re still there and we thank them for welcoming us into their lands.”

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to participate in cultural events on the Reservation. It enables them to get away and spend time with each other, establish relationships or strengthen relationships and share our stories, our culture, our language and our knowledge. This unity is truly a gift from our Creator.”

Duro has attended six retreats and his favorite memory is of spending time with his younger cousins. At the 2018 retreat, a cousin he didn’t know well had the hotel room next to his. “I got to know him really well and I can honestly say he’s my best friend,” Duro said. “We speak almost daily.

To know that our relationship was built on the Unity Retreat makes me so happy.”

In addition to building and strengthening relationships, the retreat also is inspiring a new generation of leaders. Duro is one of those emerging leaders who was inspired to get involved in “the ever-growing, changing landscape of politics.” He credits this to being a participant in the retreat as a youngster and is now coordinating it, in addition to his responsibilities on the Business Committee.

“I like representing the Tribe,” he said. “And being so young, I set an example for other young individuals that want to step up and learn about government. Most of the past Business Committee members have been doing this for 10 or 20 years, and it’s our time to step up and learn how the government works, how the business works and evolve.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 9

Perspective

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S N O I T C E L F E R es con shar a h C ” ie n amily aul “Bea nd the f a R 6 r, 6 e e ld t g Rou tribal e , cruisin ree and n h t io t f a o v r r e odels. se ian, fath as role m anuel Re ic d s M e u n v m r a e S g s and Lifelon p on the ed for him B E R T J O H N K L E Y owing u r r a g c f o o h s sw

BY R O memorie member GRAPHY P H OTO

Tell us more about your band.

Our singer, Rosie, was in a band called Rosie and the My aunt Weesha cooked for everybody that was

Originals and she was the singer of “Angel Baby” and,

in the house, no matter who came around. We had

in the early ‘60s, my band was the intermission band

a lot of people come from different reservations,

during a James Brown concert at Pacific Ocean Park

How do you feel about being a citizen of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians?

and they would stay a few days to visit. She always

in Long Beach. We also played backup for Bo Diddley,

cooked for anyone who came around. She cooked

Bobby Day, The Penguins and The Coasters. And we’re

on the ground, and I’d get the wood to keep the fire

still playing! We play the Tukut Lounge at Yaamava’

Proud. When we were growing up, there was nothing

going for her. She made tortillas that would flop over

Resort and Casino at San Manuel.

around, no structures, no lights. We had dirt roads.

her arm. Really big – and they were good, fresh. I

My mom, Martha Manuel Chacon, started getting

stayed with her on weekends and, in the summer,

electricity on the Reservation in the late ‘50s. She’s the

we’d sleep outside. One night – I’ll never forget – a

first one, our Chairwoman, who brought electricity.

dog was snapping around our bed. I was scared and

We didn’t have what we have now and I’m glad I’m

I jumped on her back. Then she started talking to it

alive to see it happen.

in Serrano and the dog ran away.

What are some of the things you remember about those days?

the gate for you to make the circle. We took the red

We had spring water, good water, but the pipes would

You helped your uncle in the apricot groves, have you done any more farming?

get plugged up, so we had to follow the line all the way

I had a big garden with chillies, asparagus, tomato,

really going good. There were thousands of cars from

up to the spring – a good three, four miles to find

navel oranges... I thought, make your own garden

all over. There were even helicopters flying overhead.

where it was plugged. Sometimes it would take us a

instead of going to the store all the time. I met a man

They would block off the streets and the cars would

few days. In the meantime, we went to the York family

who became a good friend of mine, John Parks. He

park on the side and have their own little picnic, you

to get buckets of water to use at home. We had to

came over and helped me with my garden. He had

know? Then, when they felt like it, they would get in

watch it all the time, take care of it. All the men helped

the touch. He knew what to do. Every year I had a few

the circle and just cruise for a bit and then come back

make sure everybody on the Reservation had water.

rows of peanuts and I’d take gunnysacks full to the

and park. But it started tapering away. They moved

And we were poor, but we never starved because

pow wow and give them to the singers and emcees.

it to Ontario and it wasn’t the same. I have the cars in

we had cousins and family that hunted deer on the

Most everyone has heard of Route 66 but not everyone was able to experience it.

Tell us what it was like at its height.

Me and my buddy, Louie Sandoval, would go every year to Route 66 in the late ‘60s. We cruised around the circle and, if you had a nice car, they would open 1936 Ford Coupe or the green 1929 Ford Model A. We always had them in shape too. That was when it was

storage now and a buddy takes care of them.

hill. Oscar Manuel and Kenny Barajas were both good

How did you start playing the drums?

deer hunters, and every time they went hunting,

When my brother Roy was in seventh grade, he

Oscar would come down with two deer. We divided

started playing saxophone. He’d bring it home from

What advice would you give to the younger generation?

the meat with everybody on the Reservation.

school on the weekends to practice and one time I

Respect goes a long way. Respect your elders, respect

Everyone got some.

took my mom’s old sewing kit and a fork and was

one another. Stay healthy and realize what you have

keeping time with him. That’s when

and where you came from.

Can you share any memories about your elders?

my dad and mom realized I could keep

I was named after my Uncle Benza. I followed him

I went into seventh grade, I started

all over the Reservation when I was about seven or

playing drums and my teacher let me

eight years old. We had an apricot grove by where the

take them home on the weekends to

casino parking structure is now. It was about four or

practice. That’s when my brother and I

five acres, and it was divided up to tribal members.

had a little band and we played in a bar.

And we would go down there and clean out the flume

But my dad had to be there with me. I’ve

line and the ditches. He always had a shovel over his

been playing a good 40 years with the

shoulder, was always pulling weeds or hoeing. And

band I have now: Best of Everything; we

I was right behind him. I was by his side when he

play music from the ‘50s and ‘60s and

passed away at the rock house. That was the heart

we play all over. We even played Route

of the Reservation at one time.

66 last year.

the tempo. It just came naturally. When

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 11

On The Horizon

The

FUTURE PAST of the

What began as an idea to create a gift for dignitaries visiting the San Manuel Reservation became beautiful works of functional art – and a way for three teens to share their culture.

BY CHRISTIE MOELLER

Every Native American blanket has its own story, one that is told by the weaver, or creator, of the blanket. They decide which symbols, colors and designs to put into each blanket, or mantas, as they are traditionally called. These mantas are used for trade, as gifts and as a key part of ceremonies.

The idea to design Pendleton blankets – a company with more than a century-long history of producing culturally significant blankets for tribes all over the country – as dignitary gifts, gave members of the Youth Committee a chance to tell a story of their own through their design.

Three teens accepted the challenge and set to work designing something that spoke to their connection with family and their culture. We sat down with Presley Calderon (14), Annabella Hernandez (15) and Shawnee Ramos (16), to talk about the process, their inspiration and what this experience meant to them.

12 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

PRESLEY

CALDERON

Q: What was the inspiration for your blanket design?

Photo by Steven Robles, Hair and Makeup by Tiffany Carrol

I bead a lot of jewelry, so I went through my beading book for inspiration and saw a design that really spoke to me. I began with that design as a foundation and then added my own elements to create something unique.

Q: What was the design process like?

Once we turned in our designs, we worked with a graphic designer to tweak them a little and make sure we had the right scale and colors.

Q: Blankets have a very rich cultural heritage for First Nation peoples.

What did designing this mean to you?

It meant so much to me to be a part of this and contribute to our Tribe’s history.

I really love how there’s a tag on each blanket with our Tribe’s name. That means a lot.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 13

ANNABELLA

Q: What was the inspiration for your blanket design?

My inspiration was San Manuel and its culture. The San Manuel logo is in the center of my design and is surrounded by arrowheads, which is a very important symbol in our culture.

Q: What was the design process like?

The design process took a lot of time!

We started this a couple years ago!

Q: Blankets have a very rich cultural heritage for First Nation peoples.

What did designing this mean to you?

I wanted the blanket to tell a story, to symbolize the importance of our culture and to help it continue on through future generations!

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Photo by Robert John Kley, Hair and Makeup by Krystle Randall, Styled by Christie Moeller

HERNANDEZ

SHAWNEE RAMOS

Photo by Robert John Kley, Hair and Makeup by Krystle Randall, Styled by Christie Moeller

Q: What was the inspiration for your blanket design?

When my grandmother passed away, my mom got a tattoo of a medicine wheel with red, black, yellow and white colors. It looked like a dream catcher.

So, I decided to use those colors but with a feather instead of the whole dreamcatcher.

Q: What was the design process like?

It was difficult to draw the feather! I didn’t realize how much detail feathers have until I started! We have to stick to a specific number of colors and there were limited fabric options because we started this process during COVID. Q: Blankets have a very rich cultural heritage for First Nation peoples.

What did designing this mean to you?

For me it meant so much to add a piece of art I designed to our culture. I want them to be a talking point. Maybe someone will look at it and ask a question and we can use it as an opportunity to explain our stories. Maybe more people will become more interested in our Tribe, our history and what we do.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 15

Culture

A

tradition

of

RESILIENCE The future is secure for one of San Manuel’s most culturally significant events.

BY RICHARD ARLIN WALKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT JOHN KLEY

S

hila Chacon sees parallels between the

in the same circumstances that our ancestors did,

with kindness and respect. That’s how they treated

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians,

but COVID made us realize anything can happen.

each person involved in the pow wow. They taught

or the Yuhaaviatam people, and the

It’s going to be emotional – and rewarding to be able

us that who you’re working with is a person, not

San Manuel Pow Wow.

to come together again. The pow wow is something

just someone who can help you get what you want.”

For two centuries, the Yuhaaviatam

endured displacement, land loss, diseases and

that bonds us and keeps us connected.”

Both Shila and Natahny said some of their

federal assimilation policies. And yet, today the

love.”

culture is thriving, and the Tribe is an economic

Today, the San Manuel Pow Wow is one of the

force in the Inland Empire.

Likewise, the San Manuel Pow Wow has been pummeled by Santa Ana winds, torrential rains and, lastly, a global pandemic that postponed the event for two years. And yet, today this great cultural gathering survives.

“It shows again our resilience – we’re not going anywhere, we’re still here, and this pow wow is going to be one of our most powerful that we’ve hosted

Shila added, “The pow wow wouldn’t be what it is without the friends they made. They led with

largest in Southern California. It is free and open to

My father was humble and kind and made such great friendships.

I was always in awe of him and my nino, the way they worked together and how they took the lead to make it happen.

the public. Some 475 dancers from the Southwest, Midwest and Canada will compete for $250,000 in cash prizes; more than 100 Indigenous art and food vendors are expected, some from as far away as Alaska; and several thousand visitors are expected over the three days.

Planning the pow wow is a logistical feat, which the Pow Wow Committee begins months

because of that,” said Shila Chacon, a tribal citizen.

in advance: pulling together all the support staff,

The San Manuel Pow Wow is scheduled for

promoting the pow wow and confirming food and

September 16-18 at California State University,

arts and crafts vendors.

San Bernardino – and there is no doubt it will be

earliest memories are running errands at the pow

powerful medicine.

wow and tagging along with their dad, Cruz – who

guests by feeding them – singers, dancers and

“There are people who help us with the pow wow

And – in keeping with Native tradition to honor

founded the event with his cousin (and the young

vendors are treated as family and fed for the dura-

who live as far away as Canada and we haven’t seen

women’s godfather) Tommy Ramos – as he promot-

tion of the pow wow. As far as the food goes, expect

them for a long time,” Shila said. “One of our emcees,

ed the event. They also observed how their father

Native American dishes like Indian tacos but, Na-

Charlie Tailfeathers (Blackfeet/Cree), passed away

and Ramos grew the pow wow.

tahny said, “We cater to all tastes, so you might see

in 2020 due to COVID. It’s going to be very difficult

“My father was humble and kind and made such

Filipino, Hawaiian, Mexican and barbecue as well.”

without him and it’s going to make seeing others so

great friendships,” Natahny said. “I was always in

At 5 p.m. on the first day, the pow wow floor

special because of all that has happened in the last

awe of him and my nino, the way they worked to-

will be blessed with prayer and sage. The image of

two years.”

gether and how they took the lead to make it happen.

Santos Manuel, for whom the San Manuel Band of

They recruited emcees and friends to help them put

Mission Indians is named, looks out from a place

on the event. They did radio shows. And they led

of honor.

Natahny Chacon – Shila’s sister and tribal citizen – added, “Times have changed. We don’t live

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HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 17

Then the grand entry: fancy dancers, grass

“Our pow wow committee is young and very

dancers, jingle dress dancers and more will take

proud. They understand it is without egos or

the floor, all wearing beautiful and elaborate regalia

personal pride that they must lead our Yuhaaviatam

that reflect their families, traditions and cultures.

generations into the future,” said Tommy Ramos.

Contest, exhibition and intertribal dancing will take

“Shila and Natahny carry their father’s spirit inside

place on the pow wow floor until midnight.

them and in their words. I can hear his voice and feel

The next day continues with gourd dancers, bird singing, traditional dance and drum contests, and intertribal dancing. And, if time permits be-

his heart. They make me proud knowing they know who they are: Yuhaaviatam!”

The cycle, like the seasons, continues.

tween contests, all audience members are invited

Those involved in the pow wow say the event is

onto the floor for the audience participation dance.

spiritual nourishment for Indigenous people. Many

The final day of the pow wow will feature bird

pow wow dancers say dance is a form of prayer. But

singing ahead of grand entry, followed by the last

the San Manuel Pow Wow also builds relationships and

opportunity for the pow wow dancers and singers

bridges between Indigenous and non-Native people.

to impress the judges during the contest, exhibition

For thousands of people, the pow wow is their

and intertribal dancing; the final dance will be Cruz

introduction to yawa’, the Yuhaaviatam tradition of

Chacon’s Sweetheart Dance contest. Then the judges’

giving or “acting on one’s beliefs.” At the pow wow

votes will be tabulated, the winners announced and

people are fed, needs are met, visitors are welcomed

prizes awarded. The pow wow will conclude with a

and embraced.

closing, which includes the retreat of the colors, or flags, and prayers for a safe journey home.

“It’s a platform to show who the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians really is, besides the casino and

2022 SAN MANUEL POW WOW SCHEDULE California State University, San Bernardino The event is free and open to the public.

Face masks are not required, but pow wow coordinators ask that guests be considerate of others. “People are encouraged to wear a mask if they would feel more comfortable,” Shila said. “And of course, if you are not well, we ask you to stay home and get well.”

Friday, September 16

5 p.m.

Blessing of the grounds

6 p.m. Bird singing; contest and intertribal dancing 8 p.m.

Grand entry

Midnight

Retreat colors

Saturday, September 17

11 a.m.

Gourd dancing

Throughout the weekend, Shila and Natahny will

the developments,” said Alyssa Guerrero, Shila and

join others to judge the dancing and drums, make the

Natahny’s cousin, who also designs the T-shirts and

Noon Bird singing; contest and intertribal dancing

rounds to ensure vendors and staff members have

graphics for pow wow. “It’s about staying humble and

1 p.m.

what they need and answer questions from guests.

sharing our beliefs. I feel like when you’re there, you

After the pow wow concludes, the committee will

feel the love. When you’re there, you see everyone

6 p.m. Bird singing; contest and intertribal dancing

take a couple of months off and then begin planning

connecting.”

the 2023 event.

Many visitors have told Guerrero they were touched by their pow wow experience – and are excited to return.

“After attending once, people always

8 p.m.

Grand entry

Midnight

Retreat colors

Sunday, September 18

11 a.m.

Gourd dancing

want to come back,” she said. “They tell

Noon Bird singing; contest and intertribal dancing

me they felt a connection: ‘When I hear

1 p.m.

that drum, I feel something.’ And I say,

6 p.m. Winners announced; Retreat colors

‘You know, that drum is the heartbeat of our people.’ That is a feeling you have to be there to experience.”

18 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Grand entry

Grand entry

SE PT E MBE R 1 6 , 1 7 & 1 8 , 202 2 CAL STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN BERNARDINO | FREE TO THE PUBLIC SANMANUEL-NSN.GOV | 909-425-3450 SOCALPOWWOW.COM

Success

Set and Score A tribal youth shares how making goals on the soccer field has helped her reach her goals in life.

Tribal citizen Malaina Duro kicked off her soccer career at the age of five.

Starting in a regional league in Yucaipa she has worked her way up to play not only varsity at her high school but also on an Elite Clubs National League team. Malaina knows what it’s like to put her all into an endeavor and encourages others to find something they love and commit to it.

Q: You made the varsity team as a freshman. Tell me about the dedication it takes to reach this level. Were there times you didn’t want to stick with it?

A: I’ve had many of those moments, but then I’ll have a good six months and think, this is my calling, I’m meant to do this. When I was younger, it was hard because we drove an hour and half to practice three times a week.

And I wasn’t the best on my team, so I felt like I was putting in all this work and I wasn’t getting the result I wanted. But once I found where I was meant to be, it was like all the hard work paid off.

Q: Did you have to push yourself physically and emotionally to get to this level? Or did it come naturally?

A: I had to push myself. When I was little, I was always on good teams, but I was never the best.

I felt like everyone was a step ahead of me. I always needed to work a little bit harder and put in the extra effort to get to where I am.

Q: How do you inspire yourself?

A: I make small reachable goals to boost my confidence.

If I’m in a game and I want to do a move that I’ve been working on but I’m nervous to try, I’ll set the goal to do it in the game and, when I execute it well, I’ll be super excited.

Q: What has it been like to be part of a team?

A: It has boosted my confidence because everyone is working together and we’re there because we genuinely like being around each other. It also keeps me accountable because your friends tell you when you’re doing well – and when you’re not.

Q: Do you want to play college soccer? Pro? A: I definitely want to play college, preferably Division 1. And I want to major in biology.

A: The main thing is to have fun. When it gets hard and I want to quit, I think about when I had the most fun and ask myself if I’m willing to push hard enough to get back to where I’m scoring goals and playing at my best. Could I give up that feeling or am I burnt out? Think about it before you quit because, in the end, it pays off. Even if you don’t reach your original goal, you’re still going to learn a lot along the way.

20 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Photo by Steven Robles

Q: Do you have advice for kids who may have times when it seems too hard to pursue their goals?

From Passion to Profession

Photo by Robert John Kley, Hair and Makeup by Krystle Randall, Styled by Christie Moeller

Using creative thinking, commitment and the cheers of support from loved ones to turn interests into a business.

I

f you pick something you love, that spirit will come through,” said tribal community member and founder of Quiet Quail Books, Carolann Duro.

In summer 2020, Carolann shared a list of Indigenous-authored books she planned on reading during quarantine to her YouTube channel.

A friend wondered if she was starting a book club and Carolann mulled the idea over before gauging interest on Twitter. With more than 500 positive responses, she started the Indigenous Book Club.

The group, now more than 600 strong, reads poetry, history, horror, fiction fantasy and more. Once word got out, publishers and authors began to reach out to Carolann to get their books into her members’ hands. “So many opportunities fell into my lap. And I was getting more into books because of it.”

Carolann credits her father for her love of reading. “My dad is a prolific reader. I have so many memories of him

reading – in the playroom, tucking me in at night, at the breakfast table,” Carolann remembered.

She’s also grateful for the people at the Education Department at San Manuel who taught her the value of an education. “It was like, here’s the tools, here’s the resources.” It was when she got to college that she gained on her father, due to the sheer volume of reading required for her degree.

But the notion of a bookstore didn’t cross her mind until she met Lee Francis from Red Planet Books and Comics. “Lee was a big fan of what I was doing,” Carolann explained. “He’s a huge reason why I got the confidence to start a small bookstore.”

Based on the success of her first pop-up bookstore at UC Riverside, Carolann will do a second at the San Manuel Pow Wow. And beginning summer 2022, Quiet Quail Books will have a permanent location at a friend’s boba shop in downtown San Bernardino where she’ll showcase Indigenous-authored children’s books, comics, literature, memoir fiction and Quiet Quail stickers, totes and t-shirts.

When asked if she had advice for young entrepreneurs, Carolann said there will always be naysayers, but there will also be those who cheer you on. “Make those people the louder voice in your head,” she said.

“Commit to the vision and put in the hard work, because it doesn’t happen overnight.”

CAROLANN’S TOP 5 PICKS: 1. The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson 2. We are Dancing for You: Native Feminisms and the Revitalization of Women’s Coming of Age Ceremonies by Cutcha Risling Baldy 3. The Nightwatchman by Louise Erdrich 4. Bringing Our Languages Home: Language Revitalization for Families

by Leanne Hinton 5. An Indian Among Los Indígenas

by Ursula Pike

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 21

ART + CULTURE Santa Fe Indian Market, the world’s largest and most prestigious Native American art event, celebrates a century of creativity. he first Santa Fe Indian Market – sponsored

round arts and education programming offered

by the Museum of New Mexico under the

by Southwestern Association for Indian Arts

directorship of archaeologist Edgar Lee

(SWAIA), the nonprofit that produces the market.

Hewett and his assistant, Kenneth Chapman

Originally guided by a preservation-of-cultures

– was held in 1922 to exhibit traditional Southwest

perspective, SWAIA’s Executive Director Kimberly

Indigenous Native arts and culture, which Hewett

Peone (Colville Confederated Tribes/Eastern Band

believed were heading toward extinction.

of Cherokee Indians) explained the market has

This summer, as the event turns 100, the arts are flourishing.

Nearly 150,000 art lovers from near and far are

evolved into an entity that now actively sustains and supports thriving cultures.

While the inaugural indoor event featured a

expected in New Mexico’s capital city to partake

small number of artists who displayed basketry,

in the centennial celebrations, including the

Navajo weavings, Plains beadwork and ceramics,

Native American Clothing Contest, the market’s

today, it’s an expansive outdoor affair that

most popular – and most photographed – event;

encompasses more than 15 city blocks in and

a runway presentation of the Indigenous Fashion

around Santa Fe’s historic Plaza.

Show; live dance and music performances as well

SWAIA estimates its juried Native American

as art-making demonstrations; and a curated

art market hosts approximately 1,000 Indigenous

selection of moving pictures produced by

artists from more than 200 federally recognized

Indigenous filmmakers.

tribes throughout the United States and First

A gala and silent and live auction round out the weekend’s art billings, all benefiting the year-

22 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Nations (Canada). Featuring both traditional and contemporary arts, artists submit work for

Tammy Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo), photo by King Galleries

Marian Denipah (Ohkay Owingeh/Navajo), photo by Kitty Leaken

BY ROSEMARY DIAZ

Tira Howard, Orlando Dugi’s 2020 Collection

Tradition

Pueblo Pottery Gia’s Pot by Kwani Povi Winder (Santa Clara Pueblo), photo by King Galleries

Grounded in time-honored methods, taking flight with creative vision.

Marian Denipah (Ohkay Owingeh/Navajo), photo by Kitty Leaken

Dolores Curran (Santa Clara Pueblo), photo by King Galleries

P

alumni-faculty legacies to the market’s history.

Among them are renowned bronze sculptor Allan Houser (Chiricahua Apache; 1914-1994), painter Fritz Scholder (La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians; 1937-2005), painter-printmaker Linda Lomahaftewa (Hopi/Choctaw) and fashion designer Wendy Ponca (Osage) – all of whom taught at the Santa Fe school.

Other notable graduates with Indian Market kudos include photo-realism bead artist Marcus Amerman (Choctaw), painters Tony Abeyta (Navajo), Shonto Begay (Navajo), T.C Cannon consideration in eight categories: beadwork;

(Caddo/Kiowa; 1946-1978), Darren Vigil Gray

textiles; pottery; diverse arts; jewelry;

(Jicarilla Apache/Kiowa Apache) and Mateo

sculpture; painting, drawing, graphics and

Romero (Cochiti Pueblo), jeweler Connie

photography; and wooden pueblo figurative

Tsosie-Gaussoin (Navajo/Picuris Pueblo), U.S.

carving.

poet laureate Joy Harjo (Mvskoke), Project

Top prizes have elevated artists’ careers to new heights overnight.

Over its century of operation, Santa Fe

Runway finalist Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), photographer Cara Romero (Chemehuevi), ceramicist Diego Romero (Cochiti Pueblo),

Indian Market has been responsive to the

sculptor Rose B. Simpson (Santa Clara Pueblo)

ever-morphing social and political landscape

and glass artist, sculptor and musician Adrian

of the Native art multiverse – and has been

Wall (Jemez Pueblo).

instrumental in nurturing the creative evolution of Indigenous artists.

Looking to the future, Peone said that Santa Fe Indian Market, which also produces an annual

When the Institute of American Indian

winter market, will continue its commitment to

Arts (IAIA) was founded by Lloyd Kiva New

“foster personal and cultural sustainability for

(Cherokee) and Dr. George Boyce in 1962, a

Native artists.”

new era of creative freedom ensued. Along with the self-determination era of the late ‘60s,

SWAIA’s annual Santa Fe Indian Market is always

the institute is often credited with the birth

free and open to the public. To learn more about

of the Contemporary Indian Art movement,

the many talented artists who attend as well as its

influencing what would be exhibited at the

100-year history, or to request an application for

market and anchoring many of its faculty and

2023, please visit swaia.org.

ueblo pottery has been a cornerstone of Santa Fe Indian Market since the event’s inception a century ago. In many regards, the innovations in Pueblo clay work over the last few decades have helped to inspire more daring departures from tradition-bound art-making customs in other genres.

Though Pueblo pottery today continues to rely on its 2,000-year-old historic foundation of materials and techniques – hand-gathered and hand-processed Native clay sourced by the artists themselves from coveted ancient sites, coil building, hand-burnishing with generationsold polishing stones and outdoor firing – the sky’s the limit when it comes to design and dimension, form and function.

Native American pottery traditions from beyond the Southwest have also been represented at Indian Market, as in the work of award-winning Woodlands’ ceramicists Jane Osti (Cherokee), Pahponee (Kansas Kickapoo/ Citizen Potawatomi) and Richard Zane Smith (Wyandot). Closer-to-home notables in clay work include Frederica Antonio (Acoma Pueblo), Tammy Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo), Steve Lucas (Hopi-Tewa), Autumn Borts-Medlock (Santa Clara Pueblo), Les Namingha (Hopi-Tewa/ Zuni), Russell Sanchez (San Ildefonso Pueblo), Jared Tso (Diné), Staphanie Tafoya (Santa Clara Pueblo), Al Qoyawayma (Hopi), Lonnie Vigil (Nambé Pueblo), Kathleen Wall (Jemez Pueblo), Nancy Youngblood (Santa Clara Pueblo) and Nathan Youngblood (Santa Clara Pueblo).

Cut from the Cloth

Contemporary Native American fashion takes center stage.

I

n the 1980s, Native designs began to hit the runways of fashion meccas around the world and led Indigenous labels into new territory. Helmed by the era’s fearless fashion visionaries – including Pilar Agoyo (Ohkay Owingeh), Marcus Amerman (Choctaw), Luanne Belcourt (Chippewa/Cree), Wendy Ponca (Osage), Marjorie Bear Don’t Walk (Chippewa/Salish) and Margaret Wood (Navajo/ Seminole) – the prolific decade brought broad innovations to Native couture, with many designers incorporating traditional materials and techniques into work that was otherwise more aligned with modern, cutting-edge design principles.

Today’s Native haute couture continues to showcase the seemingly infinite creativity of Indigenous aesthetics in wearable art.

Among its most illustrious ambassadors stand Loren Aragon (Acoma Pueblo), Decontie & Brown (Penobscot), Orlando Dugi (Diné), Evan Ducharme (Métis), Sho Sho Esquiro (Kaska Dena/Cree), Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), Jamie Okuma (Shoshone-Bannock/Wailaki/ Okinawan/Luiseño), Chris Oland (Líl’wat), Virgil Ortiz (Cochiti Pueblo) and Bethany Yellowtail (Northern Cheyenne).

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 23

Progress

A look at the resilience and determination of the Yuhaaviatam to remain self-sufficient and sovereign.

Photo courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library

From Then to Now Early to Mid-1900s Tribe adapts and adjusts to reservation life.

U.S. government continues to dictate what the Tribe can and cannot do.

1975 1966

1880s 1700s-1820s Spanish missionaries and military encounter the Yuhaaviatam (one clan of the Maara’yam), which they call “Serrano” or “highlander.” Many Maara’yam are forced into the mission system as slave labor for Spain.

CREATION

Maara’yam people inhabit the mountains, valleys and deserts of Southern California.

TREATY MAKING

THE NEW DEAL

ASSIMILATION

1934 1850s-1860s American settlers invade Serrano territory.

CA governor instructs militias to exterminate Native people.

Yuhaaviatam are killed and chased out of their territory.

1891

1866 Raids and bloodshed decimate the Tribe.

Kiika’ Santos Manuel makes a decision to courageously bring the remnant of his people from the mountains to safety on the valley floor.

24 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Articles of Association are adopted by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Native American boarding schools are established in the U. S. with the primary objective of “civilizing” or assimilating Native American children and youth into Euro-American culture, while destroying and vilifying Native American culture.

U.S. government passes the Act for Relief of Mission Indians, which recognizes the Tribe as a sovereign nation and establishes the Reservation. The Tribe chooses the name San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Indian Reorganization Act is enacted by U.S. Congress, aimed at decreasing federal control of American Indian affairs and increasing Indian self-government and responsibility.

A.K. Smiley Public Library, Gerald Smith Collection

Since Time Immemorial

President Ford signs the Indian SelfDetermination and Education Assistance Act, a federal policy of Indian selfdetermination, first declared by President Nixon.

1970 In address to Congress regarding the federal policy of terminating relationships with tribes, President Nixon states, “This policy of forced termination is wrong.” He then outlines a policy of self-determination rather than termination.

2017 Tribe transforms bingo hall into Rockin’ Casino area.

1986 San Manuel Indian Bingo opens.

1987 1978 Indian gaming movement begins with Seminole Tribe of Florida.

California v. Cabazon: U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision affirms right of tribal governments to conduct gaming on their lands.

1990s-2000s Tribe takes an active role in passing Proposition 5 and Proposition 1A.

1998 Proposition 5 is supported by 63 percent of voters in favor of gaming by Indian tribes in California.

A lawsuit by a labor union causes the measure to be struck down by California Supreme Court.

2021

2005 New San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino opens.

2019 San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority forms to explore economic growth opportunities.

Residence Inn by Marriott opens in Washington, DC. The project is from the Four Fires intertribal economic partnership, which includes San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

SELF-DETERMINATION

Yaamava’ expansion project opens including gaming spaces, new restaurants, lounges and hotel tower, as well as retail, spa and pool amenities.

STRENGTHENING OUR FUTURE

1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passes, creating statutory framework for Indian gaming.

San Manuel Casino becomes Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

2006 San Manuel Band of Mission Indians breaks ground on San Manuel Village in Highland, CA, a mixed-use, off-reservation, commercial development.

1994 San Manuel Indian Bingo adds gaming operations and advances goal of economic selfsufficiency.

2018 Opening of the Autograph Collection, The Draftsman Hotel, in Charlottesville, VA, a joint venture that includes the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

2007 Residence Inn by Marriott opens in Sacramento, CA. The project is from the Three Fires intertribal economic partnership, which includes San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

1980s

2022 San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority opens the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

2008

SMBMI seeks new business opportunities to strengthen sovereignty and journey towards self-sufficiency.

Hampton Inn and Suites Hotel opened in Highland, CA, at San Manuel Village, a development of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

2000 Proposition 1A, supported by 65 percent of California voters, changes the state constitution and provides exclusive right to Indian tribes to operate a limited scope of casino-style gaming on Indian lands, in accordance with federal law.

2016 SMBMI acquires sacred lands in San Bernardino Mountains with purchase of Arrowhead Springs Hotel.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 25

Profile

Designing a Better Future Can fashion save the world? Designer Amy Denet Deal thinks it can help – as long as the process honors ancestral wisdom.

BY CHRISTIE MOELLER

26 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

s more people are waking up to the environmental impact of fast fashion, sustainability has become a major topic of conversation. Now Amy Denet Deal of 4Kinship, a Native Diné designer, is leading the way to a more sustainable future by creating one-of-a-kind pieces using repurposed and upcycled vintage textiles. Deal returned to her mother’s land – after being adopted away from

Q: You’re dedicated and active in many community-based causes such as the Diné Skate Garden, Chizh for Cheii, Voices of HWQtDZIL and Sheep for Life. Tell us why these causes are so important to you and your brand?

The heart of the brand is based on how we can help our community. Succeeding in business allows me to raise funds for mutual-

her tribe as a child – and found herself ready to create conscientiously. Here she

aid organizations. Right now, we’re raising

shares why she’s encouraging other designers to do the same.

relatives. We tell things in a way that is very

awareness for missing, murdered Indigenous understandable for people from the outside to

Q: Where did the name 4Kinship come from?

In Navajo there is a word that means kinship, the connectivity we have through our plants and our communities as Navajo people. As someone who was adopted out, it’s not only reconnecting

Q: Your pieces are like wearable art; no two are the same. What’s your process when you’re repurposing and customizing vintage pieces?

see how they can help and to see who they’re

It’s like color therapy and a reflection of the

understand how they can help.

nature I’m in on Navajo nation. In New Mexico

helping; they can watch the money go into action almost immediately. I’m trying to be a bridge from Natives to non-Natives, so they

I’m surrounded by exquisite high desert, the

Q: What’s your next big project?

sun, the monsoon seasons, the crazy blue

Workshops with the kids. I’m going to be doing

clouds that are like no place else in the world.

a fashion entrepreneurship program and

All those shades of red rock and neutrals of

designing the first-ever skate guard collection

sandstone, Juniper and Kenyon and all the

by the kids, with the kids, to teach them what I

things that whiz by as you’re driving around.

know about how to design, how to market and

Q: Sustainability is a prominent theme with most First Nations designers, but most especially with your designs. Why is sustainability so important to you?

I don’t express my indigeneity by taking

how the whole creation process happens.

I’m a mom and I want to leave this place better

in our clothes.

with my people, but also finding a way to connect the non-Native way that I was brought up with and this new Native life that I’m in. It’s a bridge of kinship between both communities and how we can work together to create positive change.

patterns from our rugs and putting it on things, but through color and pattern. I have this

See some of Amy Denet Deal’s one-of-a-kind upcycled vintage designs on pages 28-37.

connection with my ancestral land and I process that love and emotion and infuse it

than where it is now. I also want to live in the four-legged relatives of the land and the

Q: What is your biggest challenge as a sustainable designer?

plants of the land. And I want to have a deeper

There’s not enough time in the day to do as

connection with who I am as an Indigenous

much as I want to do. There are endless supplies

person. I always lived a sustainable life, but in

of clothing: disposable clothing, clothing from

coming home, I realized it was innate – from this

other eras and dead stock fabrics. I could be

culture that I’m rediscovering.

doing this for the rest of my life and not even

harmony with the land, the people of the land,

Q: What inspired you to start this journey of upcycling clothing?

make a dent. How can we get more people going in this direction versus buying, buying, buying without any idea of where it comes from?

I’ve never connected with things made in the

That’s where I’d like to see the shift occur at a

new ways and, in fact, struggled in the fashion

consumer level and on a fashion level. There

industry because the process didn’t seem

are so many ways people could be doing this

ethical. Anyone who wears vintage knows it has

within their own organizations. My hope is that

a different energy and a joyfulness. That’s where

people look at ancestral wisdom, how we lived

it started for me: a passion for textiles, collecting

in harmony with the land, and rethink how they

vintage and hoarding vintage [laughs]. It became

operate their businesses.

a way for me to share that with more people.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 27

Crush Bootie Western Boot by Durango Boots available at durangoboots.com Signature TVHC Custom Hat by Thundervoice Hat Co. available at thundervoicehatco.com Upcycled Vintage ‘50s Brocade Cocktail Dress and Coat by 4Kinship available at 4Kinship.com – All profits support Missing and Murdered Diné relatives to provide support to families and empower Navajo communities to be proactive in prevention, awareness and mobilization in recovering missing relatives.

Upcycled Vintage Brocade Sash Belt by 4Kinship available at 4Kinship.com

28 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Style

GREAT

wide

OPEN Bridging the gap between summer and fall, we find layers that are feminine yet fierce, romantic yet resilient – perfect for independent spirits and

strong wills. Shot at Joshua Tree National Park and Coyote Ridge Stable.

Photography by Robert John Kley STYLED BY CHRISTIE MOELLER STYLE ASSISTANT BY TIFFANY WEEKES HAIR & MAKEUP BY KRYSTLE RANDALL MODELED BY ASHLEY CALLINGBULL (NEXT Toronto)

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 29

Ginew Medel Bandana Indigo + Cream

by Ginew available at ginewusa.com Smoked Midi Dress in Poppy by B.Yellowtail available at byellowtail.com Crush Bootie Western Boot by Durango Boots available at durangoboots.com Signature TVHC Custom Hat by Thundervoice Hat Co. available at thundervoicehatco.com OPPOSITE PAGE:

Signature TVHC Custom Hat by Thundervoice Hat Co. available at thundervoicehatco.com Upcycled Vintage ‘50s Military Jacket by 4Kinship available at 4Kinship.com, designed in collaboration with Diné artist Jay Smiley – All profits support Stronghearts Native Helpline, providing lifesaving tools and immediate support for Native Americans to find safety from violence and abuse.

Vintage ‘70s Velveteen and Gaucho Set and Navajo-Made Juniper Bead Six Strand Yoo’ (Necklace) by 4Kinship available at 4Kinship.com

West Fork “Red” Jean and Mohican Crew Shirt in Chambray by Ginew available at ginewusa.com Crush Bootie Western Boot by Durango Boots available at durangoboots.com Signature TVHC Custom Hat by Thundervoice Hat Co. available at thundervoicehatco.com Upcycled Vintage Remnant Sash Belt by 4Kinship available at 4Kinship.com OPPOSITE PAGE:

Crush Bootie Western Boot by Durango Boots available at durangoboots.com Upcycled Vintage Pendleton Blanket Coat, Upcycled Vintage ‘80s Crochet Top and Limited-Edition Ribbon Pant by 4Kinship available at 4Kinship.com

Signature TVHC Custom Hat by Thundervoice Hat Co. available at thundervoicehatco.com Vintage Lace ‘80s Rodeo Pearl Snap Top, Vintage ‘80s Velvet Devoure’ Corset and Vintage ‘80s Norma Kamali Velvet Skirt by 4Kinship available at 4Kinship.com OPPOSITE PAGE:

Ginew Medel Bandana Navy + Cream by Ginew available at ginewusa.com Off-The-Shoulder Maxi Dress in Mountain Wildflowers by B.Yellowtail available at byellowtail.com Crush Bootie Western Boot by Durango Boots available at durangoboots.com Signature TVHC Custom Hat by Thundervoice Hat Co. available at thundervoicehatco.com

Crush Bootie Western Boot by Durango Boots available at durangoboots.com Upcycled Vintage ‘80s Crochet Dress Set, Upcycled Vintage Mid-Century Military Jacket and Upcycled Vintage Lace Hat by 4Kinship available at 4Kinship.com OPPOSITE PAGE:

Signature TVHC Custom Hat by Thundervoice Hat Co. available at thundervoicehatco.com Vintage Lace ‘70s Prairie Top and Upcycled Vintage ‘50s Cropped Jacket by 4Kinship available at 4Kinship.com

Legislation

ALL IN ON TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY The ongoing struggle to protect tribal sovereignty and its latest battle front – online sports wagering

BY WALTONA MANION

38 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

You start with nothing and build from there.

T

hat has been the history of the

The Golden State has lagged behind as legislators

Yuhaaviatam. From the days of

wrangled over who could operate sports books.

welfare trucks, powdered milk and

With 40 million residents, another 40+ million

government commodities, the San

annual tourists, and more professional sports teams

Manuel Band of Mission Indians has

than any other state, California has remained the

leveraged the promise of tribal government gaming

elusive Holy Grail for legal sports betting in the U.S.

into a self-sustaining economic development

Gaming research firm Eilers & Krejcik projected

engine.

California could generate some $3 billion in annual

The trouble is the tribe’s progress is built on a

revenue with on-property sports betting and online

promise in the California state constitution. One

wagering combined, at market maturity.

that says tribal government gaming is to be operated

The Supreme Court decision signaled to tribes

exclusively by the state’s tribes. A promise that is now

that they would need to be pro-active. Tribal leaders

under challenge.

could see the oncoming wave of sports wagering,

Indian Country’s twin challenges have always

both on-site and online, was inevitable. It would be

been not only to find and adapt new resources, but

crucial to get out front and ensure tribes had a place

to keep them once they were established. Having

at the table as California tried to navigate the issue.

life’s essentials taken away is integral to American

But the question was how to proceed.

Indian history – land, natural resources, language,

deep, heartfelt resonance that is difficult to convey to

THE PLAYERS TAKE SHAPE: TRIBES, SPORTS BETTING CORPORATIONS AND CARD ROOMS

someone not familiar with Indian Country.

In 2019, four tribes – Pechanga, Agua Caliente, Yocha

operators aim to break

family, culture. There is a long list of things stolen, denied or suppressed. But at the very top of the list is tribal sovereignty. The word sovereignty evokes a

“The out-of-state sports wagering

Which brings us to now, and the current battle

Dehe Wintun and Barona – file the Tribal Sports

tribal exclusivity

about sports wagering in California. On the face of

Wagering Act, a ballot initiative to allow Indian

it, it would seem to be a fight about gaming. And it is.

tribes to offer sports wagering, roulette and craps

and undermine

But at the very heart of this high-stakes struggle is

in-person at casinos on their tribal lands. It does not

everything we have

the protection of tribal sovereignty.

allow for mobile betting and, in a new development,

worked for. Prop 27

partners with California’s racetracks. (Due to a

would accelerate the

This is the behind-the-scenes story of how and why San Manuel brought together Indigenous

pandemic-induced delay, this measure – now called

leaders from 34 diverse California tribes, in the

Prop 26 – is scheduled for the November 2022

largest statewide tribal coalition since the historic

ballot.)

Seeing these new developments unfold,

Prop 5 and Prop 1A ballot measures, to combat outof-state, mega-corporations attempting to invade the

California’s card rooms announce they will have a

California market.

measure as well. But they never move forward and instead announce they will attack the Pechanga

THE DOORS OPEN

initiative with an aggressive NO campaign.

The story begins in 1992. Congress passes the

In August, 2021, an alliance of seven sportsbook

Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act

operators – DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Bally’s,

legalization of online gaming by non-tribal interests and threaten the existence of Indian gaming as we know it.”

– Pala Tribal Chairman Robert Smith

(PASPA), which bans legalizing sports gambling in all but a few states.

But then, In 2018, as the result of a New Jersey legislator’s lawsuit, the U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA. The sports wagering industry and state lawmakers immediately recognize this major, gamechanging milestone.

Before the Supreme Court’s decision, sports betting was illegal in the majority of states. The American Gaming Association (AGA) estimates a sports betting in the U.S. So, in 2018, the Supreme Court’s decision opens the doors. And many states made a rush to legalize sports betting in their jurisdictions. But not California.

Maine Beacon

staggering $150 billion was spent annually on illegal

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 39

Nick_Nick / Shutterstock.com

Barstool Sportsbook, WynnBET and Fanatics –

measure. Voters would be seeing “YES” campaigns

size up California and jumped in with their own

from two entities and various “NO” campaigns

ballot proposal. Unlike the Pechanga measure, this

from opposing camps as they strive to compete

initiative – now named Prop 27 – calls for online

for support. As of now, 2022 is promising to be a

mobile wagering.

confusing year for California voters.

But this new measure is deceptive. The outof-state operators promise funding to solve the

A NEW OPTION

homelessness problem and to work with tribes.

Meanwhile, leaders from California’s other tribes,

But the fine print reveals only a 3% increase in

both large and small, deliberated their best options.

assistance on the homelessness program and, even more seriously, requires tribes waive their tribal

“This is an effort to

the sports wagering juggernaut. But what about

sovereignty if they wish to participate in offering

educate Californians

the 2021 tribal proposal? Was there another

sports wagering.

California Nations Indian Gaming Association

that this ballot

option to Pechanga’s Tribal Sports Wagering Act measure? Some tribal leaders felt it set a dangerous

Chairman James Siva warned, “Don’t be fooled, this

measure doesn’t just

measure is not a fix to homelessness, but rather

harm tribes. It’s a

provisions. Others felt there should be more input

a massive explosion of gaming that will directly

serious threat to all

by a broader spectrum of California tribes. Tribal

undercut tribal sovereignty and self-sufficiency.”

“The real goal of the commercial interests is

Californians. We

clear: full online casino gaming. The playbook

are partners in our

is to open up new states with online/mobile

communities. And we

sports betting and then expand into online casino gaming,” said Enterprise Rancheria

are thankful to be able

Tribal Chairwoman Glenda Nelson. “That’s why

to give back. But we

expansion of outside gaming corporations into

need to make voters

California would damage tribal gaming. Ours is a sovereign right affirmed by California voters.”

At the end of 2021, there was now one tribal initiative and one corporate sports betting initiative. Looming is the card room group pledging to spend millions to oppose one tribal

40 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Clearly it would be essential to bring down

precedent by including California racetracks in its

leaders met, discussed and debated. Out of these discussions, a new larger, diverse tribal coalition took shape led by San Manuel, Rincon and Wilton Rancheria.

“There was a lot of debate but we were all unified on a couple of very basic tenets – gaming exclusivity, tribal sovereignty and inclusiveness,” said Rincon Tribal Chairman Bo Mazzetti. “We

aware of what we

agreed to oppose any proposition that had the

contribute.”

We agreed it was critical to put tribal sovereignty

– Enterprise Rancheria Tribal Chairwoman Glenda Nelson

potential to take something away from the tribes. first in all of our considerations. Lastly, we felt it was crucial to work with as many tribes as possible to ensure the widest sharing of benefits.”

Wilton Rancheria Tribal Chairman Jesus Tarango, who has become a TV spokesman for the campaign, asserted, “The main fight for us is to ensure we keep the out-of-state corporations from coming in. That’s the best thing for all tribes here in California. If the betting platforms prevail, tribes may get a piece of it, but it would not be the same as if it was safely and responsibly operated.”

The 2022 countdown to November was ticking and the tribes needed to move fast. San Manuel CQ Researcher Library

moved quickly to assemble a top-flight team of political strategists, campaign experts, pollsters and lobbyists for the newly formed tribal coalition.

What became evident immediately was there would need to be two efforts – one to combat the out-of-state corporate alliance and one to create a new ballot option. In January, 2022, the group filed

“Defeating Prop 27 means we have to educate

“The gaming landscape in California has changed dramatically

the Tribal Online and In-Person Initiative with the

Californians that this ballot measure doesn’t

state and launched the necessary campaign to collect

just harm tribes,” said Enterprise Rancheria’s

signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Nelson. “It’s a serious threat to all Californians.

decades. Right now the

We are partners in our communities and we

debate is over sports

MAY, 2022 BRINGS A SHIFT IN STRATEGY

provide funding and support for education, health services, fire and safety services and so much

over the past two

wagering because it

From the beginning, the 34-tribe coalition led

more. And we are thankful to be able to give back.

promises such great

by the San Manuel, Rincon and Wilton tribes

But making voters aware of what we contribute will be important.”

potential. But there will

engaged a campaign team that used survey data more extensively than any other campaign to date

The campaign moved forward. Polling showed

always be the new next

to develop its strategy. This would prove to be

that every week San Manuel and its partners were

thing. In weighing new

invaluable.

delivering fresh damage to the Prop 27 campaign.

options, we must guard

With TV advertising in aggressive, statewide

against any possible

In late May, that polling feedback made it apparent that California voters were showing little

media buys along with print and social media, the

enthusiasm for sports wagering measures. The

coalition’s messages resonated with voters. Survey

current economy, COVID, war and other factors had

data revealed a steady decline of public support for

cooled citizen interest. Clearly not a good time to be

the corporate sports betting measure.

on the ballot.

Defeat of Prop 27, the corporate measure, needed

The original commitment to tribal unity by San Manuel, Rincon and Wilton is paying off. Thirty-

infringement on tribal sovereignty.”

– San Manuel Vice Chairman Johnny Hernandez

to take priority.

“Make no mistake – they are not coming for sports wagering alone,” said Rincon’s Mazzetti. They are coming for full gaming so this is a battle, not for this immediate issue, but for our economic future. “ “If DraftKings/FanDuel’s Prop 27 measure passes in November 2022, tribes would lose their exclusivity to class III gaming in California,” said San Manuel Vice Chairman Johnny Hernandez.

“Passage would accelerate the legalization of online gaming by non-tribal interests, threatening the existence of Indian gaming as we know it.”

In an astute move, tribal leaders unanimously resolved to concentrate on the critical “NO” campaign against the out-of-state operators, and are committed to pushing a tribal-led initiative in 2024.

In the meantime, this pivot allows the campaign to focus on continuing to build the tribal coalition and turn its sole attention to the defeat of the sports wagering cartel.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 41

SO, WHO ARE THE PLAYERS? THE PLAYERS: DraftKings, FanDuel,

BetMGM, Bally’s, Barstool Sportsbook, WynnBET, Fanatics GROUP NAME: Californians for Solutions

NYCStock / Shutterstock.com

to Homelessness and Mental Health Support

four California tribes now make up the largest

by thousands of advocates, both tribal and

tribal coalition in the state on this issue. In addition,

non-tribal, and the commitment of millions of

the Northern California Tribal Chairpersons

dollars by the tribes. The election will decide

Association (NCTCA), California Nations Indian

whether Prop 27 will undermine tribal gaming or

Gaming Association (CNIGA) and the California

whether the tribes will prevail in defending their

Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA) have all voiced

sovereignty against invasion.

their opposition and endorsed the “NO” campaign.

The campaign will be active throughout the

Tribes across the state are stepping forward

summer, building in intensity toward November’s

with donations ranging from Elk Valley’s $6,000

vote. There’ll be an upswing in news coverage on

contribution to Pala’s $3 million donation.

this issue, and both the Internet and TV airwaves

“We understand every tribe’s ability to give will be different based on their economic realities,” said Pala Tribal Chairman Robert Smith. “The campaign to stop the out-of-state sports wagering operators’

will be saturated with advertising.

Three tribal leaders summarized what lies ahead in what is a new fight, and also a very old one.

BALLOT MEASURE NAME: Prop 27 – California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act PREPARED TO SPEND: $100 million+ BALLOT STATUS: Confirmed for

November 2022 ballot CAMPAIGN: Active THE PLAYERS: Pechanga, Agua

Caliente, Barona, Chumash, Wintun GROUP NAME: Coalition to Authorize

Regulated Sports Wagering BALLOT MEASURE NAME: Prop 26 –

Tribal Sports Wagering Act PREPARED TO SPEND: $100 million BALLOT STATUS: Qualified to be on the

November, 2022 ballot CAMPAIGN: Two active separate

campaigns. One for this year’s 2022 initiative. One to defeat the Draft Kings/ FanDuel measure

San Manuel Vice Chairman Johnny Hernandez

Prop 27 will cost upwards of $100 to $140 million

reflects, “The gaming landscape in California has

dollars. To date, the San Manuel, Wilton and Rincon

changed dramatically over the past two decades. Right

Wilton and 31 other California tribes

tribes have generously given $38 million so we are

now, the debate is over sports wagering because it

GROUP NAME: Californians for Community

continuing to appeal to tribes to give what they can.

promises such great potential. But there will always

Safety, Equality and Reinvestment

If this destructive measure passes, it would forever

be the new next thing. At every turn, we must guard

break open tribal exclusivity and undermine

against any infringement on tribal sovereignty.”

BALLOT MEASURE NAME: The Tribal Online and In-Person Initiative

everything we have worked for.”

THE PLAYERS: San Manuel, Rincon,

“Defending tribal gaming exclusivity as put into

PREPARED TO SPEND: $100 million

law by California voters – that’s the whole ball game

BALLOT STATUS: Pending submission

the coalition’s campaign. Elected officials, county

right there,” said Bo Mazzetti. “We are facing a

for 2024

and city governments, Chambers of Commerce,

serious battle to keep what we have – gaming is the

health care organizations, veterans groups,

first serious economic tool for California tribes in a

non-profits and local governments are coming

century. It’s no secret that sports wagering is simply

forward in support of the “NO” campaign. In May,

a crowbar for corporate operators to gain entry into

CAMPAIGNS: Two active separate campaigns. One in favor of a 2024 initiative. Second campaign to defeat Prop 27 – the DraftKings/FanDuel measure

groups like the California Teachers Association

the California market. Once in, they will not hesitate

(CTA), the largest public sector union in California;

to undermine what has taken California tribes years

the Communications Workers of America; and

to build. The biggest difference is that now we have

and card room city elected officials

the civil rights leadership of the NAACP voted to

the strength and resources to defend our rights.

GROUP NAME: Taxpayers Against Special

support the “Protect Tribal Sovereignty” campaign

The biggest gift of gaming has been the blessing and

Interest Monopolies

against Prop 27.

strength of self-sufficiency.”

BALLOT MEASURE: None

Major groups across the state are endorsing

LOOKING TOWARDS NOVEMBER

THE PLAYERS: California card rooms

“Tribal solidarity is more important than ever,”

PREPARED TO SPEND: $50 million

said Cahuilla Tribal Chairman Daniel Salgado. “Just like our people, our land and our culture, we were

directed against Prop 26 – the Tribal Sports Wagering Act

November 8 is decision day for California voters

always told that someday they will try to take it from

CAMPAIGN: Active

and the culmination of months of arduous work

us. But just like before, it won’t be without a fight.”

42 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

TUESDAYS - SATURDAYS | 10AM - 6PM

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 43

NOVEMBER 2022

In November, Indigenous communities across the United States celebrate Native American Heritage Month. We remember the values, struggles, and triumphs that define our shared history as Native peoples.

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians are proud of our deep-rooted Serrano culture and history in the Inland Empire.

Join us this month in reflecting of what we have done together to make this region and country a stronger place for all future generations.

44 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Puyu’houpkcav (poo-yoo-hope-k-chahv)

TOGETHER

Puyu’houpkčav: together. When all are together as one, we accomplish more.

We strive each day towards unity of purpose and spirit.

Learn how AISES making it easier for Native students to get into STEM fields as well as new legislation that aims to give all California students the true history of our state’s Indigenous people. Hear about the iconic Rose Bowl stadium as it turns 100, and what we can expect in its next century. And meet a team member who creates wonderful experiences for guests at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 45

Philanthropy

FORGING

HOPE San Manuel Band of Mission Indians honors those who help others in their own communities.

BY STEVE BORNFELD

A

guiding principle of the San

Valbuena added.

its recent history, the Tribe experienced Yawa’

Manuel Band of Mission Indians

And, as explained in the event’s program:

is to do good whenever possible

“Yawa’ is a simple word that describes a complex

so that others may be lifted

concept: a smile, a hearty handshake, a kind

up. To use a Serrano term, this

word. These are the building blocks from which

century when Dr. Lyra George from Loma

Yawa’ springs forth. Yawa’ also comes from the

Linda Health would journey to the Reservation

heart, from actions and intentions, from beliefs

by horseback to help deliver our babies,”

held since time immemorial.”

Valbuena pointed out. “We also saw Yawa’ in

belief is called Yawa’.

“Yawa’ is a Serrano cultural concept that has been passed down through generations since our creation,” explained Lynn Valbuena,

This year the Forging Hope ceremony

from others through periods of hardship on the Reservation.

“Our Tribe saw this in the early 20th

the ’60s when then-San Bernardino Mayor

Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of

recognized The Cheyenne River Youth Project,

Al C. Ballard worked with our tribal elders to

Mission Indians, addressing the crowd at the

Assistance League of San Bernardino, Time for

help repair the pump to our only source of

12 Annual Forging Hope Yawa’ Awards on

Change Foundation and Victor Valley College

drinking water.”

th

We are committed to fulfilling our legacy by being leaders to make positive changes.

With the help of everyone in this room and beyond, we focus our resources on services, programs and initiatives that will yield positive economic, cultural and social impacts.

May 13 at the Yaamava’ Theater. The ceremony

Foundation. It also marked the return of the

Such demonstrations of Yawa’, she

celebrates organizations that exemplify

awards ceremony, which had been cancelled

explained, heal and create a stronger

the altruistic nature of Yawa’ in their own

in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19

community.

communities.

pandemic.

“Yawa’ is a Serrano term meaning ‘to act

Elaborating on the true spirit of Yawa’ – the

“These acts of human kindness that our family experienced from our neighbors,

on one’s beliefs,’” she said, and giving back

cornerstone of the Tribe’s giving program in

together with our tribal values and beliefs,

is certainly one of those beliefs. “Giving is a

surrounding communities and across Indian

has led San Manuel to carry on the traditions

part of who we are as a people and a nation,”

Country – Valbuena explained that for much of

of giving back,” Valbuena said. “We are

46 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

committed to fulfilling our legacy by being

Johnny Hernandez Jr., Secretary Audrey

leaders to make positive changes. With the

Martinez and Business Committee members

help of everyone in this room and beyond, we

Edward Duro and Laurena Bolden greeted

focus our resources on services, programs

each winner, all who expressed gratitude for

and initiatives that will yield positive

their partnership with San Manuel.

economic, cultural and social impacts.”

Addressing the award winners

Turning toward the day’s honorees, the

collectively, Valbuena praised them as

Yawa’ Award – an encased Serrano gourd

partners who answer the call of Yawa’ to

rattle created by San Manuel youth – was

care for the basic needs of at-risk groups,

presented to the recipients. Each award

inspire students onto the path of education,

represented one of the Tribe’s Giving Pillars:

support indigenous communities and

Inspiring Communities Through Education;

address healthcare disparities,” Valbuena

Empowering Lives; Reinforcing Healthy

said.

and Resilient Communities; and Preserving

“The diverse groups gathered here

Cultural Traditions and Empowering Indian

today demonstrate that it takes all of us

Country.

– nonprofits, governments, public safety

Each of the organizations, and the work

agencies and businesses – working together

they did, were highlighted in a video before

to make a better tomorrow,” Valbuena said.

representatives came onstage to accept the

“We challenge you to never stop acting for

award. Valbuena and SMBMI’s Vice Chairman

the benefit of others.”

SMBMI’s strategic philanthropy program has donated more than $300 million to the local region, Indian Country and beyond since the early 2000s.

In the last two years, with focus on relief from the impacts of COVID, the Tribe has been able to give back to the community with the following: •H osted seven blood drives, collected 757 pints of blood, impacting 771 lives.

•P rovided 8,368 meals to Loma Linda University Hospital, SAC Health Center, Mary’s Mercy Center and the Highland Senior Center.

•C ollected 3,600 pounds of food for the Family Services Association.

•D onated 80,000 pounds of food and supplies to Feeding America Riverside.

•G ave 21 pallets of food to three Southern California tribes.

•G ave 8,986 masks to local hospitals and clinics.

• Donated $1MM to small businesses.

•R aised $350,000 for nonprofits at SMBMI’s annual golf tournament.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 47

Meet the honorees of the 12th annual Forging Hope award: Cheyenne River Youth Project: Founded in 1988 in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, this is the community development organization on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. The grassroots initiative is designed to meet the needs of the Lakota community, with a campus including youth and teen centers, family services, arts education, a teen internship program, public art park, a 2.5-acre organic garden, farm-to-table café, seasonal farmers’ market and public events.

Assistance League of San Bernardino: Established more than 70 years ago, the league has provided critical services to the city’s most vulnerable children. Through programs such as the Children’s Dental Health Center and the Dental Sealant & Fluoride Varnish program, more than 900 San Bernardino City United School District students, as well as uninsured/underinsured patients from ages 5 to 25, have received preventative dental services. A kindergarten oral health education program provides 1,500 students with dental education and oral hygiene kits.

Time for Change Foundation: Headquartered in San Bernardino since 2002, the foundation empowers disenfranchised, low-income individuals and families by building leaders through their programs, plus offers housing opportunities that lead to self-sufficiency and thriving communities. The goal is to break intergenerational cycles of poverty, homelessness and incarceration through their myriad programs.

To date, the organization has reunited 311 children in foster care with their mothers and helped more than 2,600 homeless women and children reach self-sufficiency.

Victor Valley College Foundation: The Fire Technology Accredited Regional Training Program, headed by the foundation, is the premier destination for training all-risk firefighters. The program educates more than 600 students annually in entry-level and wildland firefighting, apparatus operations, truck company operations and urban search and technical rescue. Students can earn certificates of achievement in firefighting or an associate degree in fire technology. Those who complete all required courses can earn a position on one of eight federal urban search and rescue teams throughout California.

48 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Relax and rejuvenate in a boutique hotel environment nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains.

Enjoy an exquisite selection of American-style bistro specialties, 24/7 in-room dining, and complimentary 24/7 shuttle service to Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. www.bearspringshotel.com | 27959 Highland Ave, Highland, CA 92346 | 833-258-4745 HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 49

Education

Setting the

Record Straight An education bill to teach students the truth about the Indigenous people of California. BY HEATHER JACKSON

G

enerations of Native Americans

brighter future, but this trust leaves the adolescent

acknowledged but so must the diverse languages,

have reached adolescence facing

vulnerable. To make sure future generations do

rich heritage and honored customs of each of the

an identity crisis, caught between

not share the same pain, in early 2022 Assembly

109 federally recognized tribes in the state.

two cultural forces: the depiction of

Member James Ramos (D-Highland) introduced

The distortion of history can lead to intolerance

Native Americans taught in schools and the cultural

Assembly Bill (AB) 1703, the California American

or insensitivity. Last fall, a math teacher from

heritage passed down from their ancestors – and

Indian Education Act. The bill is currently on track

Riverside, CA made headlines by mocking Native

woven into their very being.

to passage with significant bipartisan support and

Americans during a lesson. Additionally, Native

is expected to be signed into law.

American students have been prohibited from

San Manuel Vice-Chairman Johnny Hernandez Jr. remembers vividly the battle he faced as a

AB 1703 will ensure all students in the state

student. “I remember the feeling of betrayal

have an opportunity to learn the factual history

towards my own family when I listened to a teacher

of Indigenous people of California. It will delete

minimize the horror that took place within the walls

incomplete stories and add accurate accounts.

Gavin Newsom took a major step in the right

of the California missions and the plight of Native

The measure also creates California Indian

direction by offering a public apology for the

Americans in this country,” he recalled. “When

Education task forces between tribes and schools

mistreatment and genocide of the state’s Native

the curriculum challenges the reality at home, an

to advise schools on Native American affairs and

people. AB 1703 is another positive step as it will

internal struggle often leads to the child yielding to

help the schools adopt culturally appropriate and

provide accurate historical context to current social

the teacher.”

historically correct curricula.

issues, creating a better educational future not just

Youth want to believe their teachers because they are the trusted guides who can lead them to a

To learn the true story of California’s tribes, the pain and suffering they endured must be

wearing Indigenous regalia during graduation ceremonies.

Things are beginning to change, and Governor

for Native American students, but all California children.

San Manuel Vice-Chairman Johnny Hernandez and Tribal Youth Committee members traveled to Sacramento to speak in support of AB 1703 when it was heard in the Assembly Education Committee in March. Tribal Members accompanied Assemblyman Ramos on the Assembly floor for a group photo.

50 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 51

Giving Back

REACHING FOR THE

STARS The nonprofit organization helping to put Native children not only in space, but also on the map – for their contributions in the fields of math and science.

BY STEVE BORNFELD

F

or the nonverbal fourth-grader who uttered not a syllable in

said. “I didn’t have many educators

self-expression, but lit up in class as

who pushed me to be my best beyond

something clicked during a math and

my graduation date in high school. It takes having

science lesson, the moment heralded

passionate people involved.”

something huge.

“I was talking to her and, even though she wasn’t

Those passionate people include the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

verbally responding to me, she was nodding and I

As one of the significant AISES donors, San

saw a spark in her eyes and she was having so much

Manuel has given over $500,000 since 2008 to

fun with the robots,” said Stacy Smith Ledford,

support the mission in Southern California schools

upon witnessing the academic awakening.

with majority Native student populations.

Smith Ledford is a program officer for American

“Continuing to invest in the education of our

Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), the

children and youth is important for the future of

national nonprofit devoted to increasing Indigenous

the next seven generations,” said Laurena Bolden,

representation in science, technology, engineering

Business Committee Member. “AISES works towards

and math, also known as STEM education.

equipping and preparing our kids to be the next

“She was brilliant with them,” Smith Ledford

generation of scientists who can use science, math

said. “She just found her niche, someplace she was

and technology to continue to be good stewards of

comfortable and could shine. She could display all

our lands.”

of her smarts in one session, and it was amazing. It brought us to tears.”

Through student classroom introductory

San Manuel’s donation funds the AISES Pre-K through 12th-grade program in a half dozen Southern California schools, providing robotics and computer

sessions, on-site teacher training, career fairs,

programming instruction, training, hands-on

panel discussions, supplies/resources, internships

robotics and supplies, plus Bluetooth-ready tablets

and other events tailored to students from pre-

for students.

school all the way through college, AISES has

The Tribe’s donation makes a massive difference

been promoting STEM-centric careers among

in what AISES can offer. “It’s a huge expense, if you

Indigenous people since 1977 – long before the term

think of how much these robotics supplies cost, how

STEM was even coined.

much tablets cost, how much travel and training and

“I grew up on the Reservation and I never really understood that STEM careers were something

52 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

I had access to,” Smith Ledford

continued education costs,” said Smith Ledford.

In the program, dubbed “SPRK-ing Interest,”

AISES partners with the toy company Sphero to

who wanted to change their under-representation

use its spherical robot named BOLT, allowing even

in science, technology, engineering and

the youngest students to learn programming,

mathematics fields – for which, historically

Yazzie (Navajo Nation), a mechanical engineer for

bridge technology and the arts, while enjoying

speaking, they should be well-qualified.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Yazzie and his

creative discovery.

“Indigenous people are the first scientists

served on the AISES board.

Another accomplished AISES alum is Aaron

team created the drill bits and other hardware on

“The robotics program is an introduction to

of this land, of this country,” said Montoya

coding. We’re showing the kids how important

Whiteman, Senior Director of Marketing at

programming is to our day-to-day lives, showing

AISES. “Our generations were the first to

and came to our science fairs. They got feedback as

they can do it at a very young age and take it to a

know about the land and the animals and the

children about their interest in space,” said Whiteman.

different level if they need to,” said Smith Ledford.

environment. I think that was part of the interest

“They decided in high school they were going to

“I can sit down with a preschooler and do coding by

of these visionaries. It’s part of our DNA – so

college and major in a STEM field and it turned into

drawing, and I can go all the way up to a 12th-grader

how can we make STEM even more successful for

a career. Aaron will literally give kudos to AISES

the Mars Rover.

“These people came up through the ranks of AISES

We plant the seeds early. Seeing the work that we do from preschool all the way up to career-focused individuals, it is amazing. and do java script coding or text coding. The

future generations of Indigenous people? We’ve

because it helped him realize his dream. We gave him

neat thing about the robotics program is that it’s

always been in that arena, just not as recognized.”

scholarships in the beginning. He’s one of many.”

flexible, so I can meet kids where they’re at.”

Critical to the AISES mission is educating

Key to the success of AISES is that the

Schools are vetted for participation by

students about successful STEM-focused Native

organization accompanies the kids all the way

AISES, with the goal of serving those whose

professionals, many who come to AISES events

through their education. “At any stage in your

student populations are at least 75% Native, and

to inspire the kids, such as Dr. John Herrington

career you can be involved in AISES and that is

preferably 100%.

(Chickasaw Nation).

something I take pride in,” said Smith Ledford.

“We never say that non-Native students are not

Herrington became the first Native American

“We plant the seeds early. Seeing the work that

allowed to participate,” said Smith Ledford. “But

in space by rocketing to the International Space

we do from preschool all the way up to career-

we want to know the resources are making it into

Station via the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2002,

focused individuals, it is amazing. If you get into one

the hands of our target audience.”

carrying the Chickasaw flag with him. During the

of these tracks, we have all the resources you would

Now in its 45 year, and operating throughout

mission, he performed three space walks. And in

need. We have networking opportunities, education,

America and Canada, AISES traces its beginning

2004, he commanded the NEEMO 6 Aquarius Lab,

scholarships, internships – you name it. We can help

to a handful of college-educated, Native engineers

working underwater for 10 days. Herrington also

you get there.”

th

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 53

Action

54 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

The beloved Southern California stadium celebrates a century defined by historic moments – while fans of the arena help to ensure a century more.

BY MATT JACOB IMAGES PROVIDED BY THE ROSE BOWL STADIUM

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 55

N

estled in the Arroyo Seco at the foot

and quiet and you looked around, you could just feel

of Southern California’s majestic

it,” said Darryl Dunn, whose 27-year tenure with

have made their mark on the Rose Bowl’s hallowed

San Gabriel Mountains, folded into a

the Rose Bowl Stadium, including a 23-year-run as

emerald field. Everyone from Knute Rockne

quaint city whose population remains

General Manager/CEO, ended June 30. “You can’t

and Jackie Robinson to Troy Aikman and Terry

south of 150,000, sits a structure that is so iconic

put your finger on it. It’s like Fenway Park, Wrigley

Bradshaw to Diego Maradona and Brandi Chastain.

that those who pass through its gates admit to

Field, Lambeau Field and Augusta National – there

Stories about unforgettable sporting events, the

getting chills as they harken back to the people and

are just a handful of venues that make you feel that

highlights of which include: two Summer Olympics,

moments responsible for creating the history over

way. And the Rose Bowl Stadium is one of them.

two World Cup Finals (men’s and women’s), four

the past 100 years.

“So, yes, I still get chills.”

That includes the man who was in charge of

college football national championship games, five Super Bowls and, of course, a certain annual college

the building for nearly a quarter century, until his retirement earlier this summer.

Stories about sports legends, hundreds of whom

football clash that kicks off every New Year’s Day, The saying, If these walls could talk, is thrown

the Rose Bowl Game®.

“Legendary college football broadcaster Keith

around hyperbolically. But in the case of the Rose

And stories about A-list music acts, spanning

Jackson was a friend, and he used to talk about how

Bowl Stadium, if only these walls could talk, just

multiple genres, that have performed through the

when you walked into the stadium, and it was empty

imagine the stories they would tell.

years under both a canopy of stars and lights that

56 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

were installed during FDR’s first term. Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Pink Floyd, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, U2, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake (with and without *NSYNC), Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, One Direction, BTS – all have played the Rose Bowl.

Collectively, these legendary figures and memorable moments are forever part of the 100-year-old stadium’s DNA. Moreso, though, the venue itself is what has inspired reverence among multiple generations around the world – both those who have been fortunate enough to walk into history and those who have witnessed it from afar.

Just ask Dedan Brozino.

“You talk to people and they’re like, ‘Yeah, I was at the Rose Bowl Game in 1963 between USC and Wisconsin, and the popcorn vendor was so loud.

But it was delicious popcorn, and my seats were right on the 38-yard line and the sunset was so beautiful,’” Brozino said. “The memories of this place are so vivid for people.”

As Chief Development Officer, Brozino is

completed a multiyear, $183 million renovation in

years before breaking baseball’s color barrier); and

charged with corralling donations for the Rose

2016. Its primary tenant remains UCLA football, and

Brandi Chastain (whose penalty-kick goal for Team

Bowl Stadium through the nonprofit Rose

its marquee event remains the annual New Year’s

USA won the 1999 Women’s World Cup).

Bowl Legacy Foundation. The foundation’s

Day Rose Bowl Game. Dunn said partnerships with

straightforward mission: to preserve, protect and

both are secured through the mid-2040s.

home to the California High School Football Hall of

enhance the future of the Rose Bowl as a National

In all, Dunn said the stadium hosts about

Fame. There’s also a plan to erect various historical

300 events per year, including wildly popular

markers, including naming tunnels in honor of key

international soccer matches, concerts and music

individuals and moments from its first century.

Historic Landmark.

Since it was founded in 2010, the Legacy

Additionally, the Rose Bowl Stadium soon will be

Foundation has raised a little more than $50 million

festivals, community gatherings (including job

from roughly 5,000 donors around the country.

fairs and cultural celebrations), and a monthly flea

regardless of what tunnel you walk through or

That money has been used for much-needed

market that has been a stadium staple for more than

what gate you enter, you learn something about

upgrades.

50 years.

our history,” Brozino said. “It’s important to

As with any philanthropic endeavor, it’s not

Yet even as they prepared for a star-studded 100-

“Ultimately, the goal is to get to a point where

embrace our future, which is going to continue

always easy for Brozino and his team to secure

year Party of the Century gala – the first and only

to be UCLA football, the Rose Bowl Game®,

a signature on the dotted line. But getting the

fundraising event hosted by the Rose Bowl Legacy

international soccer matches and music festivals.

proverbial foot in the door? That’s a different story.

Foundation – Dunn and Brozino acknowledged

But we can’t forget where we came from, and a lot

the multilayered challenges of operating the

of the projects around the property support that

Brozino said of the stadium. “Whether I’m playing

beloved venue in modern times. The only game in

mission.”

a round of golf or on vacation with my family,

town when it was built with a 57,000-seat capacity

when it gets to the point of people asking what I do

in 1922, the Rose Bowl Stadium now faces stiff

our biggest strength, because of the great history

and I tell them, ‘I raise money to protect the Rose

competition from sports and entertainment venues

and great events and what our venue has meant

Bowl Stadium,’ it makes everybody childlike –

throughout Southern California.

to sports entertainment in this country, if not the

“It’s a conversation starter for everybody,”

Adds Dunn, “Ultimately, the Rose Bowl brand is

entire world. There’s no doubt this is one of the most

from celebrities to ordinary individuals. Because

Of course, the structure that was carved into

everybody has a Rose Bowl story or moment that

the arroyo in little ol’ Pasadena has one thing its

iconic stadiums ever. Sometimes I have to pinch

resonates with them.”

competitors can’t match: a storied history cherished

myself to realize I’ve had a front-row seat to it for

by millions young and old. That history continues to

the last 25 years.”

be celebrated through Legacy Foundation-funded As it begins its second century, the Rose Bowl

statues of icons such as Keith Jackson (whose voice

For more about the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation –

Stadium, which is owned by the City of Pasadena,

soundtracked dozens of Rose Bowl Games ); Jackie

including celebratory testimonials, video dedications and

is still going strong as an active venue, one that

Robinson (who played at the Rose Bowl for UCLA

details on how to donate – visit rosebowlcentennial.com.

®

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 57

Hello

t ar t S

HERE FROM THE When Karen Knight was hired to work at the new San Manuel bingo hall, she knew nothing about gaming. Today, she’s three decades into a career at the tables – going from dealer to table game supervisor. Here’s a look at how Karen got her start with San Manuel.

By Lissa Townsend Rodgers

“It’s like night and day,” table games supervisor Karen Knight said about the changes she has seen while working with San Manuel.

“It’s unbelievable the way we’ve grown – and continue to grow.” From a humble neighborhood bingo hall to the luxurious Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, Karen finds the transformation astounding and is so grateful to have been a part of it.

How did you begin working in the bingo hall?

My friend told me there was a new bingo place that was hiring. I didn’t know anything about bingo – I had never played! But I went with her to the interview thinking, it would be great if I could get a second job. We both got hired. I’ve been here 36 years!

What was your first position?

I was a Pull Tabber – that’s what they called it. I walked around the bingo hall selling these little tickets. They were 50 cents or a dollar and there were about 10 kinds.

People playing bingo could buy them for a chance to win money. They could win $75 or $100. Some were $250, $500.

We even had one that paid $1,000.

I sold those all night long.

Are there any memories of that time that stand out?

When someone won the big jackpot, they would bring the money out – straps of money – all piled up on a big silver platter. The head manager would bring it out and hold it up in the air.

It was crazy to see money like that.

58 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Could you tell us a bit about some of the things you do now on a typical day?

As a supervisor in table games, I’m on the floor with the customers and dealers. It’s perfect for me because I like to be around people. I usually watch four tables – either blackjack or carnival games. I make sure everything is going according to the rules, that players are playing by the rules, the dealer is making payouts correctly. I know what’s going on with the racks – where the purple chips are, where the black chips are. I fill the racks when they need chips, call surveillance for a $5,000 or higher payout and call the cage to let them know someone’s coming to the window with money.

I also change the cards every few hours on all games.

What was your journey from selling tabs at the bingo hall to supervisor on the floor at Yaamava’?

While I was doing pull tabs, the manager told me they were thinking about opening a poker room. I didn’t know anything about poker because I hadn’t played that either! [laughs] But he said they would hire someone to train me. The deal was that I would pay for the training but if I liked it, and stayed with the job for six months, they would reimburse me. I liked it so much I was a poker dealer for 25 years.

What has kept you at San Manuel for 36 years?

There are so many opportunities here and the Tribe treats everyone with respect. Every time I talk to people who’ve worked at other casinos, they all say this is the best. The Tribe lets us know we’re important to them. And I like all the people I work with, it’s fun to come to work every day. Working here is like being a part of a family.

(muh-chish-chk)

FAVORITES Müčisck: your favorite things. A word to acknowledge all those things in life you find yourself drawn toward.

This section explores all the things you might be daydreaming about: lavish brunches – and the to-die-for Bloody Marys that go hand in hand, shopping at high-end boutiques and epic entertainment events. We also explore how you can earn points toward perks at both Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel and the newly reopened and revamped Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, which is brimming with dining, entertainment and relaxation experiences.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 59

On Trend

CO OL +

collected As triple-digit temps give way to shorter days and crisp nights, we’ve found a collection of apparel, gifts and treats to help you embrace the change of seasons, all available at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

60 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

colors season OF THE

Find menswear, as well as gifts for the men in your life, in the quintessential autumnal palette of woodsy green, rich merlot and warm gold at HIS Men’s Boutique.

Mistral Bourbon Vanilla Marseille Hand Soap

Fundamental Coast Andy Reversible Vest in Oxblood

Bulova Marine Star Mens Stainless Steel Watch

Fundamental Coast Andy Henley in Yukon Gold

Bugatchi Olive Jacket

Torino Leather Wallet

John Varvatos Sunglasses Torino Leather Braided Belt

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 61

mood season OF THE

After a few months of living life to its fullest during the glory of summer, fall signals a time to turn inward and recharge. Here’s a few things from Serrano Spa to nourish your body and soul.

BABOR Spa Energizing Body Lotion and Salt & Sugar Oil Scrub

Karma and Luck Burst of Courage Tiger Eye Feng Shui Tree

Karma and Luck Renewed Optimism Ombre Emerald Evil Eye Wrap Wild Air Skincare Eucalyptus & Mint Body Butter and Body Lotion with Shea Butter

VitaJuwel Via Forever Young Glass Water Bottle

62 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Taste season OF THE

There’s more to the world of chocolate than white, milk and dark.

In fact, there’s a galaxy of gourmet flavors waiting to be discovered at the gourmet candy and chocolate store, Decadence.

Norman Love Confections Signature Gift Box

Hammond’s Assortment of Chocolate Bars

Hammond’s Chocolate Vanilla Caramel Treat

Hammond’s Chocolate Carmel Marshmallow Treat Neuhaus Belgium Dark Chocolate Collection

Neuhaus Belgium Classic Pralines Assortment

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 63

Cover

New BEGINNINGS The reopening of Palms Casino Resort heralds a fresh era of entertainment and service in Las Vegas

BY MELINDA SHECKELLS

T

he saying goes “It starts at the top,” and the newly reopened and re-envisioned Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas is a shining example of this leadership philosophy. At the helm, General Manager Cynthia Kiser Murphey has been the guardian of the history-making resort – the first in Las Vegas fully owned and operated by a Native American tribe.

Located just west of the Las Vegas Strip, Palms, under the leadership of the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (SMGHA), swung open the doors on April 27, 2022, just four months after receiving approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Machines on, tables packed, restaurants cooking, rooms neatly made up and powered by a staff of more than 50% former employees – after having been closed for 25 months – we see a true testament to the allure of the storied resort.

64 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 65

I

f they had taken other jobs, they were waiting to come back. We have approximately 78 day-one employees from 2001. There's a real passion for the property,” said Kiser Murphey. “There's a

love of the Palms and each other and a commitment to the customers, which matches the ethos of the Tribe – a family that's very committed to people.”

Having received a $690 million remodel in 2018 by its previous owners, Palms Casino Resort by all accounts is a Ferrari waiting to be driven. And Kiser Murphey gladly grabbed the keys.

Encompassing two towers – the Fantasy and Ivory towers – with 766 hotel rooms and suites, at every corner of the boutique-size resort there are engaging bars, restaurants, live entertainment venues and lifestyle experiences across a 95,000-squarefoot reimagined casino.

“It’s the best of the best – the design, the amenities, the square footage, the attention to detail.”

O’Brien, who opened Palms and stayed for

play, order drinks and talk. In this era, people

menu redesigns. In addition

12 years, only to return for this new era, said

want smaller gathering spaces. The casino is

to the Serrano Vista Cafe

his team is working on secret specials

set up so it builds energy for the players and

and steakhouse Scotch

for each restaurant. The concept

All the restaurants received

80 Prime, guests

launched with Send Noodles, which

find Mabel’s BBQ

now has an off-menu oxtail soup

by Chef Michael

available on Sundays.

Another Palms alum, Kevin

Symon; Send

Glass, returned as Vice President

Noodles featuring Peking duck,

of Hospitality. He started in

house ramen and

December 2001 and, after working

Singapore noodles;

on and off The Strip, said there’s something magical about what

A.Y.C.E. Buffet with

happens at Palms for both guests and

its popular theme nights

employees.

such as lobster and prime

“People love this place, and we love to serve,

rib; and legendary Michelinaward winning dim sum palace Tim Ho Wan, among others. In late summer, the legendary Ghostbar returns to top off the Ivory Tower.

program to provide the best guest experience.

When you walk into this building, it just feels different,” Glass said. “For the guest, free parking

As for what to eat,

is a big factor, and we also have a buffet, which is

everyone has their

unique now for a Vegas property.”

favorites.

In re-envisioning the casino floor, Kiser

“Wednesday is

Murphey said the team strove to create key

lobster night at the

excitement points, highlighted by dynamic

buffet. It’s crazy. We

entertainment offerings from dancers to live

go through 4,000

music to art. The casino floor features redesigned

whole lobsters, so

slots and table games areas as well as high-limit

around 8,000 tails,”

wagering. There is also a William Hill Sportsbook

said Marcus O’Brien,

and Lounge.

Palms Executive Chef.

“The layout is intended to be very

“Palms Pizza features

comfortable, very inviting and have open sight

22-inch New York-style

lines. When you come in any of the doors, we are

pizzas with dough made in

very deliberate. We want you to see the bars and

house, filled with air bubbles

restaurants along the path. And in the casino, if

and a good crunch.”

66 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

and we're continuing to evolve our training

you are playing slots with friends, you can sit and

each area has its own music and bars.”

The accommodations have a reputation for being some of the most well-appointed in the

city at 460 to 620 square feet for standard

and the Cinema Suite. The all-pink Revolve

and deluxe rooms, 650 to 1,000 square feet

suite is ideal for bachelorette parties and the

for suites, and the crown jewels, six 6,000-

penthouse suites with shuffleboard tables are

9,000 square-foot villas.

perfect for bachelor parties.

The Don’t-Miss List With its grand reopening, Palms Casino Resort brings playful exuberance and unexpected twists to all its offerings from dining to entertainment to relaxation. Here are a few more reasons to check in.

Palms recently launched a “Guest of the

“It’s the best of the best – the design, the

Day” program, where a customer is randomly

amenities, the square footage, the attention to

SERRANO VISTA CAFE

picked to receive a handwritten note from

detail,” Glass said.

With five casual dining options to choose from, this one draws its name from the signature cafe at Southern California’s Yaamava’. The desert version of this popular all-day eatery features the comfortable coffee shop classics such as the Club Sandwich and juicy Wagyu Burger but for those who want a little spice, try the Hummus and Tabbouleh, Spicy Thai Salad, Cauliflower Tika Masala and Pho’Rench Dip, which all add a multicultural culinary kick. Choose from breakfast, all-day dining or late-night menus.

Kiser Murphey, a VIP check in and room upgrade.

“It’s the little, and the big, things that make a difference,” Glass said.

One of the big attraction points are the remodeled themed specialty

The resort also includes over 190,000 square feet of meeting, convention and event space; the Pearl, a 2,500-seat theater; a pool and spa area; wedding chapel; the Brenden Theatres, a 14-screen cinema; and nearly 600 units at Palms Place condominiums.

suites, which have been

“Everything in this building

popularized in

is entertainment – even the

television and film

check-in process can be

including the

entertaining if you’re

basketball-

having a good time.

inspired

It’s all about providing

Hardwood

an experience for

Suite, the

guests where they

bowling-lovers

feel like they must

Kingpin Suite

return,” Glass said.

PALMS POOL A whole new way to cool off, this multi-level pool complex is one of the largest in Las Vegas with two glistening main pools and 39 cabanas, many with their own private pool and jacuzzi. Lounge in a daybed or swim up and mingle with new friends, just don’t forget the shareable Spring Rolls, a platter of Wings and Things or a pitcher of Pink Senoritas – made with tequila and prickly pear.

UNKNOWN BAR There’s no other bar in Las Vegas quite like Unknown, as this is the only space that features a major work from top contemporary artist Damien Hirst. Positioned in the center of the Palms, the focal point is the artist’s 1999 piece The Unknown (Explored, Explained, Exploded) featuring a 13-footlong tiger shark sliced into three parts. The cocktail selection is equally as intriguing.

For those who need a little kick, the Night Shark pairs cold brew coffee with Jägermeister.

BRENDEN THEATRES After a two-year hiatus from catching a movie on the big screen, it’s time to relax in a leather recliner, buttered popcorn in hand, and watch the latest release at the six-story IMAX theater. The recently renovated 14-screen movie-plex features Dolby Atmos sound and a location right off the casino floor.

And if you’re into art, ISI Group, a Las Vegas artist collective, commissioned 40 graffiti artists to tag the theaters into a street art gallery.

THE SPA AT PALMS Serenity awaits at the tri-level spa with 15 treatment rooms, including two tailored for couples. A variety of rejuvenating treatments engage the mind, body and soul and a co-ed social space invites you to relax with friends before heading into the same-sex sauna, steam, whirlpools and heated lounges. For those who remain dedicated to their fitness no matter what outside temptations they face, find a gym with state-of-the-art equipment including Woodway Treadmills, Ellipticals, StairClimbers, Peloton Bikes, a Water-Rower and Zen Studio for yoga, meditation and wellness retreats.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 67

Hottest

N

ADDRESS IN TOWN

The signature steakhouse experience.

amed in homage for Las Vegas’ historic

of Japanese wagyu from olive-fed to snow beef.

triple bone pork chops take a starring role, and

luxury neighborhood, Scotch 80 Prime is

Lopez is also bolstering the theatrical

Lopez loves to finish them tableside au poivre or

more than just the signature fine-dining

tableside presentations for every section of the

doused in bourbon applesauce. The Long Bone

experience at Palms, this space also is

menu. Start off with a Bjork Oscietra Caviar

Marrow makes for a great photo op when turning

an institution for both guests and locals. Not your

presentation with all the accoutrement and two

into a chute for your favorite liquor. As an added

average steakhouse, this restaurant has been a focal

shots of chilled Belvedere vodka – the perfect

touch, Scotch 80s' premium steak knives are

point for more than two decades with countless

pairing for these luxurious bites. Then, move on to

handmade by Town Cutler, a shop in Reno, and you

celebrities partying the night away at its bar and

the towering seafood display stacked with lobster,

can choose yours based on handle color and style.

within its banquettes. In its new chapter, it continues to be the type of room where you never

crab, shrimp, oysters and a variety of sauces to kick up the chilled delicacies.

Even if you’re not a millionaire, the Millionaire’s Maccheroni – with prosciutto, black truffle, poached

know who you’ll see and where

For the main course, fine

egg, Parmigiano-Reggiano cream and gold leaf –

everyone wants to be seen.

cuts such as the Snake

lives up to its name as the ultimate side dish. Live

The entrance moment

River Farms Wagyu

action desserts, like the decadent Bananas Foster,

strip steak and Duroc

is punctuated by an impressive floor-toceiling glass enclosed wine room stocked with thousands of bottles.

Guests glide down the long hallway, flanked by artworks of holographic orchids, and into the lounge with contrasting tones of black marble, geometric chandeliers, textured white walls and mustard-colored seating.

In the lounge, discover a large statement window overlooking Flamingo Road and a hedgeenclosed outdoor patio. Scotch 80s’ U-shaped bar serves as the equator between the lounge and dining room, providing two environments, one focused on imbibing, flirting and revelry and the other on tableside culinary extravagance.

Scotch 80 is only one of a handful of restaurants in Las Vegas to offer real Kobe beef, which comes from Tajima black cattle born, raised and harvested in the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan. Given that the product is highly allocated, there is no telling how much will be available, making it the crown jewel of the menu. But even if it’s not available, Chef de Cuisine Marty Lopez is bolstering the steak program with multiple types

68 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

round out the experience with lots of fire and smoke.

Memorable MOMENTS

There are so many elements to creating an epic event, and Palms makes it easy to hit each one.

W

hether planning a wedding, conference or unique gathering

“Ghostbar is probably the best place in town for a wedding.

that brings like-minded individuals together around a

If you get married on the patio, we can accommodate 100 people, overlooking the

common purpose, where you meet and what you eat is

city with an incredible photo backdrop. Then inside, you can do about 150 for the

nearly as important as why. For almost two decades, Raul

reception. People have memories of those venues from other times they were in

Daniels, Vice President of Event Sales & Catering, has lived this motto at Palms Casino Resort.

Vegas, and there’s a certain amount of nostalgia.”

Palms is also best in class when it comes to the culinary offerings.

With its meetings, conference and ballroom spaces measuring 60,000

“Interactive food stations are part of the entertainment. We have chefs onsite

square feet – including Pearl Concert Theater – Palms comfortably hosts

making custom dishes and finishing them off. You don't have to spend a ton of

boutique events, but Daniels said the resort’s venues really shine when they

money on decor if you're having an event in Moon for example, the view is your

act as an event destination for larger groups who want to go off-site from

decor,” he said. “Also, every single venue on property has a full-size catering

their host hotel.

kitchen, which is an enormous advantage.”

“We want to be the destination event resort,” he said. “We have intimate

In terms of trends, the pendulum has swung to individually plated dishes and

and unique spaces that really create a stand-out experience for gatherings,

live stations. Paella and empanada presentations are all the rage, while doughnut

and we can do a gala dinner at Kaos or a cocktail party at Ghostbar.

walls have been replaced with ice cream and cannoli stations. Cocktail carts

Why would you want to throw a party for 2,000 people in a giant ballroom instead of Kaos, where you’ve got $5 million in audio-visual equipment?”

Other non-traditional event spaces include Moon with its retractable roof, the

are appearing more and more, as are tequila- and mezcal-based drinks. Also, Daniels said groups want a taste of the Palms, and he is happy to give it to them.

“I challenge my chef to spend a few weeks in each restaurant and learn the signature items that they have

View with panoramic views of the city

and then bring that into the catering environment so we

and the legendary Ghostbar, perched

can execute it in high volume,” said Daniels. “We serve

on the 55th floor. While known for its

restaurant quality food in a catered environment.”

celebrity guestlist, Ghostbar is famous for the stunning view of the entire

Since Palms controls all its venues, the process to secure a restaurant or bar space is streamlined. “We

Strip, enjoyed from either the chic

have the flexibility to book any restaurant, any nightclub,

indoor lounge or the rooftop deck.

any unique space, anything on property,” he said.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 69

LET THE Music MOVE YOU

From local acts to big name headliners, there’s live entertainment beaming from every corner of Palms.

T

ake groundbreaking performers like Pat

holders and featuring a stage just four feet from

Benatar and then add top touring acts in

the floor, every show at Pearl is an intimate

several genres and you begin to get a feel

experience. For those who want the VIP treatment,

for what Pearl Concert Theater, one of

skyboxes line the venue and come with access to

Las Vegas’ top music venues, brings to the table.

your own private bars, lounges and restrooms.

This storied venue is once again welcoming

Even when the Pearl isn’t rocking, there’s

performances to its stage this fall and Crystal Robinson-Wesley, Vice President of Entertainment and Activation,

always entertainment popping up in every corner and Robinson-Wesley, a Las Vegas native who performed in

said they are creating a

various acts on and off The

who’ve been staples in the city a stage on which to

lineup that will showcase

Strip herself, said she

perform and also to discover new talent, to help

both up-and-comers

loves to incorporate

them share their creativity and get their music out

and legacy acts.

local talent into the

there,” Robinson-Wesley said.

“We’re bringing

mix. And in her

Mabel’s BBQ comes alive with music at

in acts that align

role at Palms, she’s

7 p.m. while a pianist scores a memorable meal at

with our core

able to use those

Scotch 80. Mid-week, live entertainment featuring

demographic,”

deep industry

different formats – including saxophonists,

she said.

connections.

guitarists and duo and trio combinations – sets

Accommodating up to 2,500 ticket

“It’s great to

the tone at Unknown Bar. Then on the weekends,

be able give those

DJ sets carry the energy to the next level. Guests will find a DJ at the pool complex as well. Kaos also serves as a space to host music, comedy or other production shows due to the advanced technological capabilities of the space.

On the weekends, the west end of the resort, which Robinson-Wesley characterizes as the locals’ spot, features a party pit with pulsepumping DJ sets and dancers who hit their marks as the night progresses. And throughout the property, guests can even see special performances and events supporting the professional teams in the city: Raiders, Vegas Golden Knights and Vegas Aces.

“Throughout the resort, you’re taken on a journey, and music is a key part of that,” said Robinson-Wesley.

70 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

CLUB SERRANO

TWO DESTINATIONS. ENDLESS REWARDS. In welcoming Palms to the San Manuel Family, Club Serrano members can qualify for discounts and special offers just by playing their favorite slot and table games.

Visit any Club Serrano booth or yaamava.com/club-serrano to learn more.

M U ST B E 2 1 O R OV E R TO E N T E R . P L E AS E G AM B L E R E S P O N S I B LY. 1 - 8 0 0 - G AM B L E R .

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 71

Savor

BRUNCH is BACK

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is bringing brunch back in a big way.

Here’s a look at the extravagant options awaiting you.

Brunch is all about relaxed decadence, and Yaamava’s Vice President of Food and Beverage, Chris Fava, knows just how to deliver that vibe: creative menus built by the brilliant culinary minds at Yaamava’, top-notch produce from California farms and unexpected ingredients – all served up in atmospheres worth a post on your social. But Fava isn’t just delivering an unforgettable guest experience.

In fact, he’s shooting for the stars: “We want to be the number one destination for brunches in Southern California,” Fava stated.

BY DANNY PALUMBO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAIME BIONDO

Grilled Prime Filet & Sunny-Side Up Egg with red wine demi, slow roasted tomato, wilted spinach & micro greens

72 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Daytime Decadence At Pines Modern Steakhouse, guests have come to expect luxurious food and drink in the evening. But the sophisticated brunch, only available on Sundays, sets a new standard for luxury when the sun is still high in the sky. Beef and pork from Snake River Farms and Brandt Beef, produce from local farmer’s markets and extravagant plated and buffet offerings that manage to strike a balance between fine dining and old favorites make this the destination for a high-end brunch experience.

Lobster Hash with fingerling potatoes, poached egg, sautéed spinach & hollandaise

Chef-attended stations – like HandCarved Prime Rib, with au jus and horseradish créme fraîche, and an omelet station, featuring extravagant items like buttery lobster, Nueske’s Canadian bacon, pungent truffle gouda and creamy comté cheese – sit next to a seafood display mounted with king crab, poached shrimp, oysters and saffron tartar sauce.

You’ll also find plated options like a Lobster Hash with fingerling potatoes and hollandaise, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Benedicts with a Ritz cracker crust and classic steakhouse Petite Filet of Beef, served with creamy spinach, confit cherry tomato and a cabernet demi glace.

Sophisticated, Signature

COCKTAILS

Pines Modern Steakhouse offers a world-class, thoughtfully curated wine list and top-shelf cocktails like the Smoke & Mirrors, made with Partida Tequila Blanco, fresh lime juice, Giffard Orgeat and El Silencio Mezcal; the Better Together — featuring Figenza Fig Vodka, muddled fresh blueberries, fresh lemon juice and white cane sugar — is sweet, but not too sweet and bruised to perfection by Pines’ talented mixologists; the Gold Rush is a take on a classic cocktail, that’s made with Bulleit Rye, Amaro Montenegro, honey, lemon, acidulated pasteurized egg whites and finished with a fleur de list made from Angostura bitters.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 73

A Tropical Paradise At Radiance Cafe, immerse yourself in a tropical poolside environment and enjoy an exquisite brunch featuring Polynesian and Southeast Asian flavors with a Southern Californian influence. The best part? You’ll enjoy it all while soaking up the rays on Yaamava’s beautiful pool deck – with a curated playlist in the background.

If you have a sweet tooth, the Ube Halo Halo Pancakes celebrate all the best of Filipino dessert with a parade of candied components. And good luck trying to pass up the Ultimate Berry French Toast, made with a deliciously perfumed Grand Marnier batter, seasonal berries, Tahitian vanilla syrup, sweetened mascarpone, candied orange and 100% pure, unadulterated maple syrup.

As much as Radiance nails the sweet stuff, it also hits a homerun with an enticing variety of savory options. The Sope Benedict is an absolute flavor bomb made with conchita pibil pulled pork (a traditional Yucatán preparation), poached eggs, cilantro-lime hollandaise, smashed avocado, crispy onions, cilantro and frijoles negros. You can also simply settle down with some flavorful Chilaquiles or a stacked Avocado Toast with poached eggs and briny feta cheese.

Furikake Seared Hawaiian Ahi Salad with avocado ginger-lime vinaigrette

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Berry French Toast with seasonal berries

An International Experience At Serrano Buffet, guests get to travel around the world while sampling over 100 different brunch items with both Eastern and Western influence. This is the true, international, all-you-can-eat dining experience that we’ve all missed the last few years.

In addition to buttery crab claws and sumptuous Chicken and Waffles, you can also choose between several stations like the made-to-order omelet station and a prime rib carving station. Sushi is available too on Saturdays and Sundays. And if you’re into salad bars, be sure to check out the salad station, which offers dozens of salad options and housemade dressings.

Serrano also offers a special, secluded VIP section that includes special teas, condiments, white tablecloths and warm towel service. The great American buffet is an institution of culinary excellence and innovation, and nowhere is that spirit celebrated alive than at Serrano Buffet.

Breakfast Quiche, Bacon, Biscuits and Sausage

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 75

Drunken Short Stack with caramelized bananas & bourbon caramel sauce

Down by the Bayou At Rock N’ Brews, enjoy Cajun and Creole classics alongside craft beverages and a live blues band for a one-of-a-kind brunch experience. The food at Rock N’ Brews is best described by Fava as “the Cajun bayou meets the French Quarter.” Think chicken gumbo, a loaded Andouille Sausage Omelet and creamy, buttery Shrimp Grits. All the Cajun classics come loaded with the signature flavor of Louisiana home cooking. Where else in Southern California can you enjoy elevated New Orleans pub fare with a live blues band playing in the background?

Brunch + Booze One reason to love brunch? Bottomless drinks.

Why eat your breakfast when you can drink it instead? Rock N’ Brews has taken the Bloody Mary and turned it into a hearty meal – enjoyed entirely through a beef stick straw. Case in point: the Surf and Turf, with five shrimp skewers, two slices of bacon and a chili pepper, lime and cilantro garnish. The Caprese is stocked with garlic cheese toast, fresh mozzarella and basil, lemon and lime. And for the ultimate bar experience, get the Ain’t No Wing Butta Chicken Thing, garnished with three chicken drummettes, celery, carrot and cherry pepper. And if you prefer your breakfast with beer, all of Rock N’ Brews are available as Micheladas.

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And, if you’re looking for more brunchcentric items, Rock N’ Brews has a Brioche Pain Perdu – egg-dipped bread, golden raisins, mixed berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar and maple syrup. The Breakfast Pizza – served with sausage gravy, applewood bacon, caramelized onions, parmigiano, mozzarella and sunny side up eggs – is a deliciously decadent riff on brunch pies. The real standout at Rock N’ Brews though is the Gastropub Burger – a thick patty with double-melted Swiss, baconcaramelized onions, baby greens, tomato, garlic aioli and a sunny-side up egg. Wash it all down with one of the many delightful craft beers on tap.

Breakfast Pizza with sausage gravy, bacon, caramelized onions & sunny-side up eggs

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Entertainment

Nearly 40 years into their career, the Red Hot Chili Peppers embarked on a first-ever North American stadium tour this summer, proving the band has reached scorching new heights.

BY MELINDA NEWMAN

T

he trademark blend of vocalist Anthony Kiedis’ often stream-of-consciousness lyrics and the unrelenting groove informed by the members’ love of funk, rock and jazz has allowed The Red Hot Chili Peppers to

carve out its own space in the rock pantheon.

And now the band’s recently released Unlimited Love, a vibrant and wide-ranging album, has debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in April, making it the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers’ first chart-topper since 2006’s Stadium Arcadium – and the best-selling rock album by any act in more than a year.

Additionally, guitarist John Frusciante, who has cycled in

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

and out of the Red Hot Chili Peppers over the years, returned after a decade-long absence for the new set and to join the band as they embarked, unbelievably, on their first-ever North American stadium tour in July.

“We’re in a good place right now,” drummer Chad Smith said to Hamiinat. “We’re firing on all cylinders.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 79

L

ead singer Kiedis and bassist Flea formed

In late March, the band received a star on the

“We were honored,” Smith said of inaugurating

the band in 1983, with guitarist Hillel Slovak

Hollywood Walk of Fame, just blocks from where

the new venue at the private event. “We don’t do too

and drummer Jack Irons. Following Slovak’s

Kiedis and Flea met at Los Angeles’ Fairfax High

many of those type of shows, but we thought this

death and Irons’ departure, Smith and

School.

was a special occasion and we were very happy to

“We started out playing dive bars up and down

come down and play our songs.” He gives the new

for 1989’s Mother’s Milk, the band’s commercial

the street and making a handful of people dance

venue his stamp of approval. “It was a really nice

breakthrough.

and come to life,” Kiedis said at the ceremony. “But

place. The sound was great, and the people were

as time went on, we stuck together as a team and as

friendly. Hopefully, everyone enjoyed it.”

Frusciante joined the Chili Peppers in time

With 1991’s Blood Sugar Sex Magik, which

Drew Dixon, Vice President of Entertainment

spawned such hits as “Under the Bridge” and “Give

a band and now we can make everybody dance and

It Away,” the quartet rose to superstar status and

feel joy, and we’ve been connected to this life and

at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, said the Red Hot

launched a relationship with legendary producer

this experience.”

Chili Peppers was the perfect first band – and

In April, the band, renowned for its infectious,

an example of the top entertainment guests and

The group’s most beloved album, 1999’s classic

frenetic shows, brought that joy to a packed house

the community will find at Yaamava’ Theater.

Californication, has sold more than 15 million

to open the all-new 2,500-seat Yaamava’ Theater,

“We’re proud to have built a venue that provides

copies worldwide, bolstered by melodic hits like

the final piece of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San

an intimate and thrilling experience that can’t be

“Otherside” and “Scar Tissue.”

Manuel’s $760 million expansion.

replicated,” Dixon said.

Rick Rubin, which now spans more than 30 years.

The band is playing much bigger venues as it

“MOST BANDS LAST FIVE OR SIX YEARS AND MAKE A COUPLE OF RECORDS, IF THEY’RE LUCKY...WE’RE SO GRATEFUL THAT WE GET TO DO WHAT WE LOVE TO DO. MAKING MUSIC IS FUN.

continues its global summer tour. Of headlining stadiums for the first time in the U.S., Smith said with a laugh, “If you stick around long enough…” But the truth is, it was a huge achievement for the band.

“This is a big thing for us. I feel great we put a great package together with St. Vincent, Beck, The Strokes, Thundercat and others…. People spend their hard-earned money, so we want to put on a great night of entertainment. That was important to us.”

Smith admitted there was the smallest nagging doubt they could pull off the huge venues – a notion quickly dispelled as several dates sold out quickly. “We’ve played festivals in stadiums in North America, but never have we done our own stadiums in North America,” Smith said. “So, I have to say, we wondered if we could pull it off.”

But the excitement about returning to the road after a 2½-year pandemic hiatus, Frusciante rejoining the band and the fact that Smith would happily play to four, 40 or 40,000 people because “to them, it’s sacred” led the band to say, “Let’s get our balls out there and do it.”

Smith said Frusciante‘s return brought a needed energy back to the band. “We were feeling a little stagnant, but once he came back, it was invigorating,” he said. “He brings up everyone’s game. He makes me a better drummer, makes Flea a better bass player.

It was kind of new again because he hadn’t been in the group in 10 years, so it had this dual effect of familiarity, but fresh. He’s an incredible artist. To

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

have him in our group again has been just great. He’s

80 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

an integral part of the chemistry.”

Unlimited Love received rave reviews from outlets like Rolling Stone, which called the album, “vintage RHCP: a jammy, melodic effort…. More than anything, this record feels like a coming home.

There’s a certain magic that happens with these four musicians,” and England’s NME, which wrote, “On their 12th album, Red Hot Chili Peppers not only

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

get comfortable with their own impressive legacy

positive energy out in the world. We need it more

but prove there’s plenty more to come.”

than ever now in the world we live in.”

The No. 1 debut – with the opening soulful single

Working with Rubin for the first time since 2011’s

ecstatic about Frusciante’s return.

“He wasn’t in producer mode; he wasn’t talking about song arrangements. He just walked around

“Black Summer” – was a welcome reminder that

I’m With You, Smith said Rubin knows how to bring

the room, smiling. He was so happy to see us

the band’s music still resonates with its millions of

out the best in the quartet. “He can push us. That’s

together again and making that special sound that

fans, even if rock music in general isn’t as dominant

important because you want to grow and change

only the four of us can make,” Smith said. “It just

a force as it once was on radio airwaves.

as an artist to get better. He’s really good at that in

warmed his heart so much, he told me he left, and

“You want people to love what you do,” Smith

the right way,” Smith explained. “He doesn’t put

he cried. It was heavy.”

said. “We’ve been a rock band for a long time and

his stamp on it. If anything, he gets out of the way.

As the band approaches its 40th anniversary, Smith finds the milestone both unimaginable and

“WE’VE BEEN A ROCK BAND FOR A LONG TIME AND NOW ROCK MUSIC IS KIND OF A NICHE IN THE BIG WORLD OF POPULAR MUSIC CULTURE, SO FOR A BAND LIKE US TO GET A NO. 1 RECORD AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, IT’S PRETTY AWESOME...”

reassuring.

“Most bands last five or six years and make a couple of records, if they’re lucky,” he said. “I know I can speak for the other guys, when I say we’re so grateful that we get to do what we love to do. Making music is fun. This is beyond my wildest dreams that I ever had as a little kid looking up at my Kiss and Led Zeppelin posters on my wall.”

Smith looks toward veteran acts like The Who,

now rock music is kind of a niche in the big world

There is a kind of unspoken, musical telepathy thing

The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney – all of

of popular music culture, so for a band like us to

that we have with him. He’s not a man of a lot of

whom are still thrilling fans with their live shows

get a No. 1 record after all these years, it’s pretty

words, but when he does say something, it has merit

– and sees a similarly long road ahead. “I don’t

awesome. It gives me hope that people still love

and weight.”

have a crystal ball, but I see us doing it as long

something that’s real and authentic – just four guys

The Peppers’ friendship with Rubin is so deep

as everybody’s happy and healthy and wants to

that Smith said Rubin is “as close to the fifth

do it for the right reasons. You reach people and

member of a band as you can get.” Fittingly, the

play that music and it brings joy to them – that’s a

relevance to “people connecting with the humanity

producer, known also for his work with Weezer,

real gift to be able to do that,” Smith said. Then he

of what we do.” When writing and recording the

Johnny Cash, Tom Petty and Adele, was the first

added with a laugh, “Besides, what else am I going

album, as the title implies, the impetus was to “put

to hear the new music for Unlimited Love – and was

to do?”

in a room playing their instruments.”

Smith attributed the band’s longevity and

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 81

Benefits

JOIN THE

CLUB There are a myriad of reasons to become a Club Serrano member.

And now those reasons just doubled.

BY DAKOTA KIM

Two Resorts; One Membership

tier members receive six times the

If there’s one thing Club Serrano members are experts

rewards. Diamond and Turquoise

at, it’s getting the most out of their experience at

members also skip the lines at check

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, the Inland

in for a VIP experience instead. And, if

Empire’s newest luxury resort. With each bet, poolside

they wish, a casino host can arrange an evening

cocktail, spa service or dinner, they earn points toward

of dining, gaming or entertainment – all while they

luxurious benefits.

sip cocktails in the VIP lounge.

And with the reopening of Palms Casino Resort

interactions with people who know what they drink.”

got better. Members can earn and use points for

Resorts That Stand Out From The Crowd

dining, entertainment and more at both Yaamava’

When listing the assets of the Palms, Vice President

philanthropy. “We have the opportunity to bring that

and the Palms.

of Marketing Jennifer Johnson said, “We have a pool

level of engagement and care for our community here.”

in Las Vegas, being a Club Serrano card holder just

Perks at Every Level

Johnson said guests also love that the San Manuel Tribe is known for its community engagement and

that overlooks the Vegas skyline, luxury suites – one even has a basketball court – multiple venues and

At Yaamava’, guests find an exceptional new spa, fine

Each Club Serrano membership tier – Classic, Emerald,

we’re reopening the legendary Ghostbar, where

dining, an ambitious bar program and unparalleled

Amber, Diamond and Turquoise – offers multiplied

Club Serrano members have a private entrance, VIP

gaming, with more slots than any casino in the West.

rewards and special offers such as invite-only card

passes and reserved seating. We have everything

“When you play with Club Serrano, you get access to

tournaments, access to new slots, private events,

the Strip has…and they get specialized attention.”

a lot of things other players don’t have,” said Jennifer

priority reservations and chances to win luxury cars.

From slot ambassadors and environmental

Anthony, Vice President of Marketing at Yaamava’. “As

In fact, lucky members of Club Serrano regularly walk

services staff to valet attendants, Johnson said every

you go up, the perks get better – like access to The Vault,

away with the keys to luxury cars such as Maserati,

team member understands the importance of Club

our premium high limit gaming room, for our Diamond

Range Rover and Mercedes during the weekly giveaways.

Serrano. “One-on-one attention from one of our

and Turquoise members.”

Members also get retail and dining discounts, free self

fantastic casino hosts is the biggest perk,” Johnson

and valet parking and discounted movie tickets at Palms’

said. “They’re your point of contact on property to

most enjoyable is with the mobile app. “It’s a great way

IMAX Brenden Theaters 14 and the 2,500-capacity

be your personal concierge the entire trip.”

to track your rewards while playing, because you can

The best way to make your Club Serrano journey the

Pearl Theater, as well as pre-sales for shows at the new

Casino hosts can arrange transportation, Vegas

3,000-seat Yaamava’ Theater, which hosted Red Hot

tours and dinner, spa and cabana reservations, as

Chili Peppers as its inaugural private show, and hosts

well as activities and itineraries for families with

According to Anthony, the future of Club Serrano is

top-billed comedy, theater and music acts, such as

young children. On the gaming side, casino hosts

filled with unexpected surprises. “We might have a well-

Sammy Hagar & the Circle and Erykah Badu.

work with the gaming team to ensure the players’

known band show up and surprise guests at a party

favorite games are available for play.

at the Y Lounge, our VIP bar with sweeping views. Or

But once guests reach the Diamond and Turquoise levels, they reap rewards beyond anything they

“Our program speaks to true care for our

see how close you are to the next level, and it can almost become a challenge,” Anthony explained.

maybe it’s a special poolside brunch at Radiance Cafe or

could’ve imagined. Turquoise tier members receive

guests in a way that a lot of people in Las Vegas are

an exclusive dinner at The Pines with an NBA legend,”

eight times the points on earned gaming rewards for

missing,” Johnson said. “Guests miss having those

Anthony said. “You never know what we’re going to

dining, entertainment and hotel stays, while Diamond

team members who know their names, and those

come up with, but you know it’ll be great.”

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BR U NCH AT YAAMAVA’

Fou r b r u n c h exp e r i e n ce s c re ate a u ni que a nd u nfo rget t ab l e weekend .

F ro m o u r s i g n at u re br u nc h bu f fe t to a po o l s i de di ni n g exp eri ence at R a d i a n ce C a f é , t h e re ’s no be tte r way to s avo r t he weekend t han at Ya a m ava ’ Re s o r t a nd C a s i no.

V I SI T YAAMAVA.CO M/BRUNC H

M U ST BE 2 1 O R OVE R TO E NTE R . PL E ASE GAM BL E R E SPO NSI BLY. 1-8 0 0 -GAM BL E R .

Last Bite

A Quick

CUP

Chef Oliver Wolf, VP of Culinary Operations at Yaamava’, began his career at an Alpine resort in Bavaria. It was here he first learned this version of Bircher Muesli, now commonly known as overnight oats. Grab a cup at Serrano Buffet and then make this effortless breakfast treat at home.

BIRCHER MUESLI Serves four 2 cups Quaker Oats ¾ cup Vanilla Yogurt ¼ cup Golden Raisins ¼ cup Orange Juice 1 Apple (shredded with skin on box grater) 1 Banana (shredded on box grater) ½ cup Mixed Berries 2 tbsp Honey (sweeten to taste, add more if desired) 1 cup Whole Milk (Half & Half for extra creamy consistency) Combine ingredients in a large bowl.

Cover tight with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Add more milk if needed (should be the consistency of oatmeal).

Divide among four glasses, garnish with berries. Serve cold.

84 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Inspired by the unique properties of crystals and gemstones, Serrano Spa connects your spirit along an inner journey to peace and serenity. Our spa is a sanctuary in which to feel centered, at peace with nature, and provides a sense of strength and resilience.

Visit yaamava.com/spa to explore the various health journeys available.

M U ST BE 2 1 O R OV E R TO E N T E R . P L E AS E G A M B L E R E S P O N S I B LY. 1 -8 0 0 -G A M B L E R

Crystal Energy Connection

Journeys to Wellness

Organic Healing

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 85

Acting on our beliefs

Building a brighter future for all

For generations, our Tribe has answered to Yawa’—the call to act on one’s beliefs. It’s the reason we donated $300M over the last 20 years and why we continue to partner with communities across California.

Because when we work together, we all prosper.

Connect with us at www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov