Hamiinat Issue 7

H A M I I N AT

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

S A N

M A N U E L

Fall 2023

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

SEP 15-17, 2023 CAL STATE SAN BERNARDINO d | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

SOCALPOWWOW.COM

Welcome

I am delighted

to share the Fall 2023 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 happy to offer you a glimpse into our Tribe, enterprises and our vision for our Tribe and community.

Our cover story is about perhaps the most serious issue facing Indian Country today: Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP). We explore the tragedy of Native people who go missing and the challenges faced by law enforcement to solve MMIP cases, some that have been on the books for decades, as well as the efforts to raise awareness about the disparity and policy efforts made to bring about change. We also look at how federal and other Indian boarding schools nearly destroyed Indigenous culture, languages, families and communities over more than a century. Turning our attention to the Tribe, we learn how the people of San Manuel are fulfilling their duties as caretakers of their ancestral lands.

We meet tribal citizens who have made impacts on micro and macro levels through their desire to help and create community; we spend time with an elder who shares memories from his childhood; and we see how members of the San Manuel Youth Committee are learning to become effective philanthropists. We also learn how members of a local church stepped up in the midst of a natural disaster to help their neighbors when they needed it most.

Finally, we get a behind-the-scenes look at a groundbreaking Indigenous fashion show experience, which was also an opportunity for the Tribe to support Indigenous art, language and culture; we prime our palates for two new dining destinations at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and embrace the warmth that comes from our favorite fall ingredients. We also meet up with three bands that played high-energy, fan-favorite shows at Yaamava’ and learn what we can expect from them in the future.

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

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

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 1

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2 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Contents

Puyu’houpkcav 6

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An in-depth look at the many facets of the violent crisis impacting Native people and what advocates and lawmakers are doing to change it.

A new documentary explores the history and harm of Native American mascoting.

Fall flavors and comfort food go hand in hand. Find a few dishes to make you feel like you’re home again.

COVER

CULTURE

SAVOR

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An elder recalls growing up next to the Reservation and how he came to live there with his family.

A personal connection and a passion for helping in the community led one tribal citizen to play an active role in the fight against breast cancer.

A curated collection of gifts and treats – all available at Yaamava’.

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The Serrano people use modern ecology and traditional methods to protect and preserve natural resources on their ancestral lands.

Only one employer in the Inland Empire says thank you with a day of fun at one of Southern California’s most iconic destinations.

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The Bacon Brothers break the confines of genres to create their own style.

Members of the Youth Committee prepare to carry on the Tribe’s mission by getting a comprehensive education in philanthropy.

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians honors the organizations that work to create healthier and happier communities.

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PERSPECTIVE

HERITAGE

NEXT GENERATION

TRIBAL HIGHLIGHT

FAMILY

PHILANTHROPY

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With sustainability at the soul of the business, two brothers find success making customized hats – just as their grandfather did.

Yaamava’ revamps the hiring process, creating an immersive experience to find the right person for the right job.

PROFILE

RECRUITMENT

ON TREND

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WELL READ

A tribal community member shares her top five current titles by Indigenous authors.

ENTERTAINMENT

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TRAVEL

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino’s prestigious Forbes Star ratings herald a new era for Inland Empire luxury.

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STAY

These suites at Palms Casino Resort offer the ultimate indulgent experience.

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Warm childhood memories and a love of edgy, luxurious style inspire a tribal citizen to build a business where everyone feels like family.

A community church steps up to help neighbors trapped without food, heat or medicine.

A new cigar lounge at Yaamava’ beckons connoisseurs with rare offerings.

TRIBAL HIGHLIGHT

GIVING BACK

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Indian boarding schools tore families apart and nearly killed Native American language and culture. A government program looks to heal those wounds while one of those original schools transforms into a place of healing and hope.

Through unwavering commitment, San Manuel team members conquer goals together.

HISTORY

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TRIBAL HIGHLIGHT

A young tribal citizen expresses her dedication and passion through the traditional Native artform of beadwork – and creates a burgeoning business in the process.

TEAM

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INNOVATION

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians works with Claremont Graduate University to find new approaches to healthcare for vulnerable populations.

INDULGENCES

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ENTERTAINMENT

New Kids on the Block stops at Yaamava’ Theater for two unforgettable nights.

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TASTE

New dining concepts bring Cali vibes and Mexico City energy to Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Nearly five decades into its lifespan, Doobie Brothers are still pushing boundaries.

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RECIPE

A chef shares the right way to serve up the fall favorite: roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of maple.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 3

Hamiinat Fall 2023

TRIBAL COUNCIL CHAIRWOMAN Lynn Valbuena VICE CHAIRMAN Johnny Hernandez, Jr. SECRETARY Audrey Martinez TREASURER Latisha Casas CULTURE SEAT MEMBER Karina Torres FIRST GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBER Ed Duro SECOND GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBER Laurena Bolden

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING:

CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Abbinante Peter Arceo Summer Barron Afsi Bird Elizabeth Brierty Nicole Canfield Celeste Casas Everton Clarke Jacob Coin Christopher Dennis Drew Dixon Nicholas Dukes Christopher Fava William Fulbright Kevin Glass Darcy Gray Lydia Guerrero Celena Haas Kenji Hall Serena Harper Juan Herrera Alberto Jasso

Jennifer Johnson Cynthia Kiser Murphey Tyler Lesch Angelica Loera Chelsea Marek Tiffany Melendez Marcus O’brien Anthony Olivas Luke Palladino Tina Ramos Steven Robles Michael Rubinstein Ken Shoji Jasmine Takeshita Kelley Tucky Trevor Tyler Gregory Vanstone Brandi Vega Laurens Vosloo Jessica Washington Oliver Wolf

Presley Calderon Raven Casas Carolann Duro Tray Henry Anabella Hernandez Audrey Hernandez Nekoli Hernandez Roman Hernandez Sophia Hernandez George Murillo Ken Ramirez Thank you to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the entire tribal community for sharing their stories: past, present and future.

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

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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 explore the epidemic of violence against Indigenous people and how Indian Country is working together with non-Natives to bring about change. We then look to the past to see how government-funded institutions attempted to destroy Indigenous culture; we learn how the Serrano people are acting as stewards of their ancestral lands; and we get a look at how tribal youth are growing and learning to make a positive impact on the community. Finally we meet two brothers who have taken what they learned from their grandfather and turned it into a thriving business with sustainability at its core.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 5

Cover

‘We want to keep our community safe’ The fight to give voice to thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous people.

BY DAINA WARREN AND RICHARD ARLIN WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARA ROMERO

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W

ilma Colhoff, Oglala Sioux, wiped her

for Indigenous women and girls… We need to make

Justice’s federal missing persons database, NamUs,

eyes as she told a reporter for KELO-

sure that their voices are being heard in the state

listed 116.

TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, about

Legislature and that law enforcement and our people

the deaths of three of her children.

are working together.”

To date, about 1,500 Native American and Alaska Native missing persons have been entered into the

Colhoff’s daughter, Shelly Poor Bear, was beaten to

Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. have

National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and about

death. Her killer was sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison.

been historically slow to respond, if they respond at

2,700 cases of homicide have been reported to the

Colhoff’s son, Daniel Bad Milk, was beaten to death

all, to reports of missing Native Americans and slow to

federal government’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR)

with a baseball bat. His killer was sentenced to five

investigate Indigenous homicides for complex reasons.

Program, the U.S. Department of Interior reports.

years. Another daughter, Annie Colhoff, was shot

One, there is jurisdictional conflict in several states,

However, the Bureau of Indian Affairs estimates

three times at close range. Her killer was sentenced to

including California, to which the U.S. ceded civil

there are about 4,200 unsolved murdered and missing

12 ½ years.

and criminal jurisdiction over tribal lands in a 1953

Indigenous person cases. “These investigations

“An Indian kills an Indian – three years,” Colhoff

law known as Public Law 280.1 The law affected 376

remain unsolved often due to a lack of investigative

said. “An Indian kills a wasicu (non-Native person) –

tribal nations – 65 percent of Indian Country. And

resources available to identify new information

15, 30, 40 years. I just don’t think justice is good.”

it created a law enforcement structure that slowed

from witness testimony, re-examine new or retained

response to MMIP and other criminal cases on Indian

material evidence, as well as reviewing fresh activities

reservations.

of suspects,” the Department of Interior reported.

The perpetrator who kidnapped and threatened to kill Joanna Saubel, a Morongo Band of Mission Indians citizen, and her three children in 2017 received a

State jurisdiction “added to a complex matrix of

Three, there is a lack of resource and

prison sentence of 7 ½ years for attempted murder and

jurisdictional conflict that defined the prosecution

information sharing between local and tribal

domestic violence assault. He was brought to justice

of crimes and civil litigation at the end of the

law enforcement agencies. While city police

because of an advocate who learned authorities

20th century,” the U.S. Administration for Native

departments can call upon neighboring police and

were going to drop the charges due to erroneous

Americans, a division of the U.S. Department of

county sheriff’s departments for assistance, tribal

documentation that Saubel was not willing to testify.

Health and Human Services, reported. “In various

police departments are on their own.

In October 2014, actor Misty Upham, Blackfeet, was

states, a mix of local police, tribal police, Bureau of

State law enforcement agencies argue that even

reported missing by her family at the Muckleshoot

Indian Affairs police, and the FBI are the arms of a law

though PL 280 gave them criminal jurisdiction over

Reservation in Auburn, Washington, a suburb

enforcement system that enforce laws of tribes, states

Indian lands, the federal government didn’t give them

of Seattle. Upham, who had been undergoing a

and the federal government.”

any resources to implement that law.

mental health crisis stemming from a sexual assault

States impacted by Public Law 280 have, at best, a

Sixty-five percent of all federally recognized tribes

by someone in the film industry, was last seen at

confused law enforcement structure, especially as it

are potentially impacted by PL 280, and that’s one of

her sister’s apartment. Auburn Police declined to

affects tribes. This is one of the biggest problems with

the biggest reasons MMIP continues to be such a big

investigate, saying she didn’t fit the department’s

the MMIP crisis – no one takes responsibility for MMIP

problem. The 35 percent or more of Indian Country

missing-person criteria.

investigations, prosecutions, cold cases and others .

that retains criminal jurisdiction and authority to have

As a result, MMIP cases fall through the cracks.

their own law enforcement, jurisdiction and courts,

But law enforcement is just one of three elements to

don’t have resources to handle their workload.

A search party organized by the family found Upham’s body 11 days later in a wooded area at the bottom of a cliff, not far from the sister’s apartment.

the MMIP issue. Often prosecutors aren’t aggressive

They believe she fell and that her death could have

enough and court systems don’t always understand

been prevented by a quick response to her family’s

the extent of the crisis affecting Indian Country.

missing person report.

Consider a 2014 case from South Dakota. (South

TRIBAL NATIONS RECLAIMING JURISDICTION Tribal nations have the jurisdictional authority to

The stories go on and on – 5,712 of them – of

Dakota is an “optional” PL-280 state, meaning the

investigate, prosecute, convict and sentence Native

missing Indigenous women and children crying out

invocation of the state criminal jurisdiction on tribal

Americans ¬– but not non-Natives – who commit

to be found and several thousands more who have

lands was made possible by Congress, but the law

crimes within their territory. The 2013 and 2022

been killed and are crying out for justice and closure

does not, in fact, currently apply there.) A non-Native

reauthorizations of the Violence Against Women Act

for their families.

man attacked his Native wife in the parking lot of a gas

(VAWA), with expanded powers, changed that.

“More than four in five American Indian and

station on a tribal reservation. When she ran out of

VAWA reaffirmed tribes’ inherent sovereign

Alaska Native women have experienced violence in

the car and into a women’s restroom, he followed her

authority to exercise criminal jurisdiction over non-

their lifetime and more than one in three in the last

and continued the assault, according to a report on the

Indians who commit domestic violence against Native

year,” Assemblyman James Ramos, D-San Bernardino,

National Congress of American Indians website. An

spouses or dating partners or violate a protection

said at a Feb. 7, 2023, rally on the MMIP Day of Action

apparent jurisdictional misunderstanding by local law

order within their territory. As of 2022, 28 tribal

at the State Capitol. (MMIP is the abbreviation for

enforcement, that only the federal government had

nations were exercising authority under VAWA.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, a term

criminal jurisdiction over such a case, meant that the

Wizipan Garriott, principal deputy assistant

that encompasses Indigenous peoples of all genders

assailant was never arrested or criminally charged.

secretary for Indian Affairs, told the U.S. Senate

The second reason law enforcement is slow to

Committee on Indian Affairs that VAWA authority

and ages.)

“Our people – one in three in the last year. Other

respond is data is seldom collected. And if they are,

has resulted in increased enforcement and

areas, other groups would be marching in the streets

they are not standardized. The Urban Indian Health

protection on Native lands and is likely preventing

to make sure their voices are being heard. We’re here

Institute reported that in 2016 there were 5,712 reports

new MMIP cases.

at the State Capitol to bring awareness to these issues,

of missing Native American and Alaska Native women

that homicide is the third-leading cause of death

and girls in the U.S. – but the U.S. Department of

According to the National Congress of American Indians website, one suspect awaiting trial in

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 7

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian

murdered Native Americans, clarify the responsibilities

women and the small number of suspects that are

Reservation court made serious threats of

of tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement

prosecuted. Their testimony is credited with building

further violence. A defendant in Choctaw

agencies responding to cases of missing or murdered

momentum for AB 3099.

Nation court had beaten his wife in front of

Native Americans, and empower tribal governments

their three children. On the Tulalip Tribes

with resources and information necessary to

citizen of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and

Reservation in northwest Washington,

effectively respond to such cases. The law also directs

the only Native American in California’s legislature

authorities arrested and prosecuted a suspect

the Justice Department to review, revise, and develop

– requires the California Department of Justice to

who had 19 prior contacts with tribal police.

law enforcement and justice protocols to address

provide training to law enforcement agencies and tribal

A defendant in Pasqua Yaqui court had three

missing and murdered Native Americans.”

governments to reduce uncertainty regarding criminal

That bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Ramos – a

felony convictions, including one for domestic

The federal Not Invisible Act was passed by

jurisdiction and improve public safety on tribal lands.

violence. On Eastern Band of Cherokee lands, a

Congress and later signed into law on Oct. 10, 2020

It also includes funds to study challenges related to the

domestic violence assault suspect made threats

– the first bill in history to be introduced and passed

reporting and identification of missing and murdered

of a mass shooting and assaulted a tribal law

by four U.S. congressional members enrolled in their

Native Americans in California, particularly women

enforcement officer.

respective federally recognized tribes, led by then-U.S.

and girls.

Rep. Deb Haaland, Laguna Pueblo. As secretary of the

California is investing nearly $12 million over three

101 investigations of domestic violence

Interior, Haaland is working to implement the law and

years in law enforcement training to improve public

perpetrated by 64 non-Indian defendants,

further address the MMIP crisis in the United States.

safety on tribal lands and study challenges related to the

resulting in 37 convictions,” Garriott told the

Haaland, in coordination with U.S. Attorney

reporting and identification of missing and murdered

Senate committee on Dec. 8, 2021. “Similarly,

General Merrick Garland, established the Not

the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian

Invisible Act Commission – an advisory committee

For their advocacy work, Calderon, Casas, Duro

Reservation has prosecuted 16 non-Indian

composed of law enforcement, tribal leaders, federal

and Hernandez received “30 Under 30” awards in

defendants for domestic violence or protection

and service agencies and survivors. Among the

2020 presented by Assemblymember Eloise Gomez

order violations. Additionally, the Choctaw

commission’s tasks, it will track data on MMIP and

Reyes. The awards recognize the achievements of 30

Nation of Oklahoma increased its [special

human trafficking cases, coordinate tribal-state-

residents under the age of 30 who live or work in the

domestic violence criminal jurisdiction] cases

federal resources to combat MMIP and human

47th Assembly District.

from 5 to 54 cases in one year.

trafficking on tribal land and increase information

“The Pascua Yaqui Tribe has conducted

“The number of domestic violence cases investigated and prosecuted are significant across Indian Country, and they highlight that

Native peoples.

Assemblyman Ramos authored AB 1314, which

sharing with tribal governments on violent crimes

established the Feather Alert system; similar to

investigations and other prosecutions.

the Amber Alert, the Feather Alert requires law enforcement agencies to immediately broadcast to the public when an Indigenous person is reported

before the implementation” of VAWA’s

YOUNG LEADERS, LEGISLATORS ARE DEMANDING CHANGE

jurisdictional expansion.

Other initiatives are increasing awareness of the

Newsom with overwhelming bipartisan support.

these crimes were generally not prosecuted

Garriott added, “The special domestic violence criminal jurisdiction provisions

missing. This bill was signed into law by Governor Gavin

crisis and improving response to missing person reports and homicides.

Hernandez spoke in June 2022 in support of Assembly Bill 1314. The Feather Alert system “brings

affirmed the inherent sovereign authority

The U.S. Senate proclaimed May 5, 2018, as Missing

of tribal governments to exercise criminal

and Murdered Indigenous People’s Awareness Day, and

shadows by allowing for proper identification of, and

jurisdiction over certain non-Indians who

every May 5 since there have been call-to-action events

creating visibility for, Native American victims of

violate protection orders or commit domestic

from coast to coast. Many participants wear a red

violent crime,” Hernandez said. “This alert system will

or dating violence against Indians in Indian

handprint across their face to represent the thousands

restore faith in law enforcement and judicial systems

Country. This limited restoration of inherent

of women who have been silenced and display red

for Native people across California and allow our voices

tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians on

dresses from trees to represent missing and murdered

to be heard. This alert system will help save many Native

tribal lands has allowed tribal governments to

Indigenous women who have been forgotten.

American lives.”

violence against Indigenous people out from the

significantly increase safety throughout Indian

Young women leaders from San Manuel Band of

Country and effectively find justice for victims.”

Mission Indians created an advocacy group in 2019

Indigenous people are being heard, but there is a lot

Hernandez said the voices of missing and murdered

to bring awareness to the MMIP crisis and connect

of work to be done. “I’m happy to see this issue is being

116-165, also known as Savanna’s Act, which

affected families with resources; and in February 2023

taken more seriously throughout California,” she told

directs the U.S. Department of Justice to

the Tribe donated $350,000 toward the hiring of an

Hamiinat magazine. “It makes me feel like we could

review, revise and develop law enforcement

investigator to solve MMIP cases.

eventually end the MMIP crisis.”

In 2020, Congress passed Public Law

and justice protocols to address missing

The advocacy of Presley Calderon, Raven Casas,

or murdered Native Americans. The law is

Destiny Duro and Annabella Hernandez spurred the

Manuel Band of Mission Indians, said, “We want to close

named for Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind of

non-profit research center Sovereign Bodies Institute

those years of so much hurt and so much agony. We

the Spirit Lake Nation of North Dakota, who

to document MMIP cases in Central and Southern

want to think of policy solutions and to raise awareness.

was murdered while she was eight months

California. The report documented 259 MMIP cases in

And we want to keep our community safe.”

pregnant. She was 22 years old.

those regions.

1

The National Indigenous Women’s Resource

Calderon, Casas, Duro and Hernandez testified in

Center summarized the law: “Savanna’s Act

2019 before the Assembly Select Committee on Native

aims to improve data collection of missing or

American Affairs regarding crimes against Native

8 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Lynn “Nay” Valbuena, chairwoman of the San

There were six mandatory states (CA, AK, MN, OR and WI) and up to 10 optional states (AZ, FL, ID, IA, MT, NV, SD, UT and WA), however subsequent amendments to PL 280 in 1968 provided an avenue for the retrocession of state jurisdiction, and the passage of TLOA in 2010 authorized tribes to request the re-assumption of concurrent federal jurisdiction.

Ramos legislation designed to improve MMIP prevention, response

BY RICHARD ARLIN WALKER AND DAINA WARREN

HISTORICALLY, WHEN AN INDIGENOUS PERSON was

“It’s now that it’s gaining momentum and

reported missing, precious time was lost as information made its way

gaining allies [that we’ve been] able to

through various jurisdictions before trickling out to the greater public –

bring legislation forward.”

if it made it out to the general public at all.

Other bills authored by Ramos include

That has changed.

Assembly Bill 273. This bill is currently

The California Statewide Feather Alert Program, established in

working its way through the legislative

2022, ensures that information about a missing Indigenous person – of

process and has received bipartisan support.

any gender or age – is immediately issued by California Highway Patrol

The bill is expected to reach the Governor’s

over radio, television and social media.

desk. AB 273 requires social workers or

The Feather Alert was established by Assembly Bill 1314, authored

probation officers to immediately report to law

by Assemblymember James Ramos, D-40th District, and is similar

enforcement when a child is missing from foster

to Amber Alert for missing children and Silver Alert, for older and

care or the child’s wellbeing is suspect.

developmentally challenged individuals.

Assembly Bill 44 unanimously advanced in May to the

Many law enforcement agencies say the first 72 hours after someone

state Senate, where it was scheduled for committee hearings over

is reported missing – and a mere 24 hours for a child – are critical. That’s

summer. AB 44 would give tribal law enforcement and tribal courts

what makes the Feather Alert and other alert systems so important.

access to the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System,

Law enforcement agencies, including tribal police, can ask CHP

or CLETS, “so we can know who’s coming onto [tribal lands] and where those

to initiate an alert when an Indigenous person has been kidnapped,

serious offenders are in our communities,” Ramos said at the MMIP Day of

abducted or reported missing after certain criteria have been met:

Action.

• The missing person is an Indigenous person.

Tribal governments have law enforcement jurisdiction over tribal peoples

• Investigators are using available local and tribal resources.

but not over non-Native people, and there is often a breakdown in the sharing of

• The person has gone missing under unexplainable or suspicious

information about non-Native suspects and offenders. Thirteen states have laws

circumstances.

that empower tribal police departments to enforce state law if they meet their

• The missing person is believed to be in danger.

state’s accreditation requirements, but California doesn’t have that.

• Information is available that, if disseminated to the public, could

“AB 44 would close that gap,” Ramos said.

assist in the safe recovery of the missing person.

California has the largest population of Native Americans in the

In addition, the state budget invested $12 million over three years in law enforcement training to improve public safety on tribal lands

United States, according to data from Ramos’ office, yet cases of

and study challenges related to the reporting and identification of

murdered and missing Indigenous women are seven times less likely to

missing and murdered Native peoples, particularly women and

be solved than any other demographic.

MMIP advocates say anytime any person is reported missing it’s cause for public concern and swift response. They hope public awareness and initiatives like Feather Alert will improve the chances that missing

girls. The state earlier invested $5 million toward that effort.

Indigenous people will have an equal chance of returning home.

The dome of the State Capitol was lighted red this past May 1-5 to call attention to the state’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.

A candlelight vigil took place May 3 on the Capitol’s west steps, and the next day Ramos opened a session of the Assembly with prayer and song.

Ramos then introduced a resolution designating May 2023 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month in California.

“For many years, we have known that MMIW has always been an issue in Indian Country,” Ramos said on Feb. 7 at a MMIP Day of Action press conference at the state Capitol. Commending legislators from both political parties who are working together on this issue, he said,

At the Day of Action, Yurok Tribe Chairman Joseph James told those in attendance that there is a lot of work still to do – in California and across the United States.

“You’ve heard their stories,” James said of the individuals whose stories were shared at the Day of Action. “This is about us and we together as a family. When you travel home – north, south, inland to the mountains – hug your family, give prayer, give thanks, thank the Creator.

We’ve got some work yet to do and that’s why we’re here today. It’s us and we’re moving this forward – as tribes, as a state, as advocates, as organizations coming together, ringing that bell.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 9

Racing for $YCTGPGÎ MANY PEOPLE HAVE NO IDEA that murder is the third highest cause of death among American Indian and Alaskan Native women, and 82% of Indigenous men are victims of violence in their lifetime. They also don’t know that these people often fall through the cracks, their disappearances, assaults or murders never coming under investigation due to jurisdictional confusion.

That’s all changing.

In the past two years, several bills have been signed into law that will make it easier to act quickly when an Indigenous person goes missing or is harmed, increasing the odds that the person will be found or the perpetrator brought to justice.

But legislation is only one part of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) equation. The other is awareness.

On May 6, 2023, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ MMIP advocacy group held its first annual 5K walk/run at California State University, San Bernardino to shine a spotlight on the epidemic of violence and injustice that Indigenous people face.

The event – held during MMIP Awareness Month and a day after Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Day – raised funds to support the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women and Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition, Inc., two organizations that advocate for native communities.

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HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 11

Perspective

Tribal community member, George Murillo, Sr. holding a photo of his late wife, tribal member, Pauline Murillo

12 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Reflection

By Jessica Villano

George Peña Murillo grew up next to the San Manuel Reservation in Highland, CA. The young man spent so much time there, exploring the canyons and mountains with the children who lived on the Reservation, that he eventually became like part of their families. It was at a young age that he met tribal citizen Pauline “Dimples” Ormego; later Pauline and George got married and created a family of their own,

You grew up near the Reservation. What was it like when you were growing up?

Well, I was born in 1931

having two daughters, one son, eight grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and seven great, great grandchildren.

many years. I took

Pauline and George went on to become philanthropists in their own rights, donating time and money to hospitals and schools with the goal of improving the lives of

and I lived down the road

those who live in the local community. George gathered with his daughters and

in a house where the hotel

reminisced about life near, and later on, the Reservation from the 1930s until today.

apprenticeship, graduated, got up in the world. You could get good pay at that time.

I retired from Santa Fe Railroad and went to

and casino are now. The house I lived in is gone and I was born in that

Roy Manuel and Richard Manuel. They all lived

work at Kaiser Steel in Fontana. When I retired

house. I think there were about eight homes on

here. I came up here all the time and we became

from Kaiser Steel, I worked at the San Manuel

the Reservation at that time. Across the wash

good friends, like family. I spent a lot of time on

Bingo Hall for a while. When it opened in 1986,

was York Nursery where they grew fruit trees,

the Reservation. I ended up on the Reservation.

we got a big crowd. The place was packed. You

plants, small trees. They had a good business

wouldn’t believe it.

going. And the boys and myself, we used to work

Did you ever explore the land here?

there. Poor kids, they’d hire us to pull weeds and

Yes, deer hunting. We just walked up the

do little odd jobs. We were raised right there,

mountain just for the hell of it. You could hike up

Do you remember when things started to change on the Reservation?

where the casino is. And we played on the whole

Sand Canyon as far as you can go. Tommy. Alton.

Oh, everything changed. Everything got more

mountain.

We went hiking all the time…way back in the

modern. People changed. Some stayed around

canyon and then climbing up the hill to the top.

here, some left and went their own way, but most

What did the Reservation look like then?

There’s a lot of Indian people that live up there.

of ‘em stayed around here. Some went to college

People don’t even know because they don’t come

down in San Bernardino. Some got married,

It used to be just groves. Down this way, there

this way.

moved off.

were orange trees, some homes and the apricot grove there. Water came down from Big Bear

Tell us about the Big House.

and the Tribe used it to water the groves. Certain

It’s where the tribal families got together for

rows belonged to different members of the Tribe.

meals, meetings, ceremonies and funerals.

They had different sections. People would come

When I was 15, the tribal elders had a meeting

up to the Reservation just to buy apricots. So,

there and said since Pauline and I were together

they made a little money off of it.

so much, we should get married. We finally got married in 1952. And then I went to the service

Tell us about your family.

My parents’ names were Emilio and Vivian. They were married a long time. Pauline and I were married for 58 years before she passed away in 2011. We have three children: Audrey, George “Boy” and Lynn “Nay”.

Did you spend time on the Reservation?

and was stationed in Alaska.

I was here a lot because there were kids here

What did you do after the service?

my age. And we used to hang around together.

I worked at Santa Fe Railroad. I was a car

All three of your children have been on Tribal Council over the years. What is it like to have your children work for the good of the Tribe?

I was a little bit older than they were. Not much

man. I started as a laborer, then got promoted

Well, I’m proud of them. Everything we do is to

– a couple years or so. We used to hang around

and worked on railroad cars, repairing

keep the Tribe going. Yeah, everything we do is

together. Tommy Manuel, David Marcus,

railroad cars. I worked at Santa Fe for a good

to better the Tribe, and to help out people.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 13

Heritage

Land Management the Ancestors’ Way San Manuel exercises its sovereignty, and honors its sacred duty, by how it cares for its traditional lands.

BY RICHARD ARLIN WALKER

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T

he Maara’yam people are caretakers of

“San Manuel Serrano ancestral lands are a

lands that have sustained them since

record of our existence and our interactions with

ancient ancestors of today’s Yuhaaviatam

2017. So, the loss of a yucca plant to vandalism is significant.

the natural world,” said Tribal Council Culture Seat

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is

entered into a covenant with the Creator that put

Officer Karina Torres. “These lands hold the remains

working to protect cultural resources and enhance

their ancestors here. It’s an incredible responsibility.

of our ancient ancestors, our sacred places, religious

plant and animal habitats on its lands. The work gives

The aboriginal territory of the Maara’yam, or

sites and places where we gathered food, medicines

Laurena Bolden, Second Governing Tribal Council

Serrano, people is 7.4 million acres, or 11,562 square

and materials for clothing and shelter.”

Member, confidence that plant and animal habitats

miles – an area almost as large as Belgium.

It’s also a sacred responsibility. The people’s

But those lands are under increasing threat from

will continue to thrive.

changes in climate and from modern developments.

“The plants across our lands are resilient and

creation story is rooted in these lands. One

Once-predictable rain seasons have been replaced

despite being pushed by extremes, they thrive. The

Maara’yam clan became the Yuhaaviatam, or People

by unpredictable rain events, altering the harvesting

same could be said of our Tribe and its history,” said

of the Pines, for the tears they shed for the dying

times for chapparal yucca, white sage, buckwheat,

Bolden, who oversees activities that enhance and

Creator – tears from which the pine trees grew at

black oak acorns and other plants that seemingly

strengthen the Tribe’s culture, language, history,

Big Bear Lake. The people followed the plants each

hide in plain sight in the washes and hillsides.

religion, spirituality and cultural resources. “There

season from valley to mountains, harvesting at each

Orange County Register reporter Brooke Staggs

is a cultural and spiritual connection behind why we

elevation as food plants emerged amid warming temperatures.

The land could always be counted on to produce plants that were used for food, medicine and for making shelter, clothing and utilitarian objects. This timeless tie between the people and the land that sustained them is told in their oral history. These

“Caring for native plants and maintaining the land through culturally and ecologically appropriate means ensures that our culture endures, and the environmental uniqueness of these lands is preserved for generations to come.”

ancestral lands and the Yuhaaviatam people, who now comprise the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, are one.

“Every culture, every people across the face of

wrote in May of several large flowering yucca

are so intent on preserving and propagating these

that had been vandalized. The region’s Indigenous

plants. The people and the plants are connected.”

this world have a connection to land,” said Deron

peoples harvest the yucca’s spring blossoms for

San Manuel established departments and

Marquez, former San Manuel Chairman who

food and use fiber from yucca fronds to make

programs to protect, manage and consult on the

currently teaches tribal administration at Claremont

rope, sandals and clothing. A research team from

sustainable use of land within its ancestral territory,

Graduate University. “If you don’t have land, you

University of California, Irvine found that vegetation

including thousands of acres of ancestral lands in

don’t have culture. That connectedness to land is key

cover in the region’s desert ecosystems had

the San Bernardino Mountains and foothills, Cajon

to your existence.”

decreased by about 35 percent between 1984 and

Pass, the high deserts and the Summit Valley. The Tribe actively pursues habitat restoration, including stream restoration and reintroduction of native plants.

As weather fluctuates wildly from year to year, plants can’t be counted on to be in the same locations, so the Tribe is incubating native plants in a full-time greenhouse nursery and reintroducing those plants to its 1,100-acre Reservation and its 1,700-acre Arrowhead Spring Resort property for future harvests. Seeds for the greenhouse are supplied by a seed collection managed on site by San Manuel’s Environmental Department.

“Over the next few years, visitors to the Reservation and Arrowhead Spring Resort property may notice more native plants, particularly the tall yucca stalks dotting the hillsides,” said Torres. “The Tribe has cultivated 72 species of native plants, including yucca plants, whose spring and summer blooms will bring both color and pollinators to local hillsides.”

San Manuel works with state and local fire agencies to protect the lands it manages against wildfires through the Community Wildfire

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 15

Protection Plan, a plan developed in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

In addition, San Manuel staff members and consultants trained in biology, ethnobotany,

An Appetite for

geology and cultural monitoring work with neighboring governments and agencies to identify and preserve Serrano cultural resources on ancestral lands. This cooperative work helps neighbors become

Preventing Wildfires

more knowledgeable and sensitive stewards.

San Manuel Fire Department uses goats to eliminate fuels and reduce fire risks.

“This expertise – coupled with philanthropic partnerships with conservation groups like Native American Land

Foundation – are extending the stewardship

T

that include grasses, shrubs, trees, dead leaves

short of the museum grounds, which had been

ethic and support across the ancestral

and fallen pine needles can help guard against

cleared of dry brush by goats. Goats were

territory for the benefit of all,” said Torres.

catastrophic wildland fires. The OWF adds that

brought in to do preventive work again the

when conditions are right, excess fuels on the

following year after rains resulted in a burst of

forest floor allow fires to burn hotter, larger,

chaparral growth.

Conservancy, National Parks Conservation Association, The Wildlands Conservancy and the Southern California Mountains

“If you don’t have land, you don’t have culture.

That connectedness to land is key to your existence.”

Preservation of the Tribe’s traditions and

he Office of Wildland Fire (OWF)

Grazing goats were credited with helping

within the U.S. Department of

save the Reagan Library and Museum in Simi

Interior states that removing fuels

Valley in 2019. The so-called Easy Fire stopped

longer and faster – making the fires more difficult to manage and extinguish.

Indigenous peoples across the hemisphere

And in June 2013, the U.S. Forest Service put 1,400 goats to work to remove vegetation – specifically, chamise – in the Cleveland

historically used differing methods to prevent

National Forest in San Diego County. The forest

catastrophic wildland fires and manage

is within the ancestral territory of the Cahuilla,

wildfires when they occur within their lands.

Cupeno, Kumeyaay, Luiseno and Northern

Most well known is controlled burning to keep

Diegueño peoples.

culture has always been of utmost importance

lands clear of dry brush and other wildfire

The goats thinned a 100-acre swath of forest

to Vincent Duro, former San Manuel Vice

fuels. Now there’s a new fire prevention tool

at Cleveland and cleared a 300-foot fuel break

Chairman and Tribal Unity and Cultural

being deployed on lands owned and managed

between the forest and the communities of San

Awareness co-founder. He joined with other

by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians: goats.

Vicente and Barona Mesa. “This community

Nearly 400 goats are used in spring and

fuel break was designed to help defend the

programs in the 1990s to preserve and

summer by the San Manuel Fire Department

communities from wildfires originating on

revitalize many aspects of Serrano language,

to clear grasses and brush on the 1,100-acre

forest land and those that originate on private

culture and traditions so it all can be passed

Reservation and tribal properties, including

lands and spread onto the forest,” Palomar

on to a new generation. Key to these efforts is

the 1,700-acre Arrowhead Spring Resort,

District Ranger Joan Friedlander reported at

regularly visiting culturally significant places

to help minimize wildfire risk. The San

the time.

that bring to life the world of the ancestors to

Manuel Fire Department is rated a Class 1 fire

tribal citizens and their families.

department by the Insurance Services Office,

collies and protected from coyotes and

tribal citizens to create cultural awareness

The goats were kept on task by six border

or ISO, an organization that provides property

mountain lions by two Anatolian guard dogs,

We’re not just visitors to the Big Bear Lakes

and casualty insurance risk information

the USFS reported.

region and Arrowhead Springs. These are our

to insurance companies. ISO placed San

ancestral homelands; our origin and future as

Manuel Fire Department in the highest tier for

effective, conserves resources and is easier

a people are in these lands.”

training, equipment, fire prevention activities

on the environment, according to the U.S.

and overall capabilities.

Department of Agriculture.

“Being in these spaces stirs my spirit.

Proper management of ancestral lands is a critical part of that cultural preservation.

Goats have a history as effective firefighting

Using goats for fire prevention is cost-

“Clearing a fuel break normally means a

Duro said, “Caring for native plants and

tools in drought-prone Southern California.

lot of human power and machinery, including

maintaining the land through culturally and

The San Bernardino County Fire Department

chainsaws, hand tools and burn piles,” the

ecologically appropriate means ensures that

used goats in July and August 2020 to gobble

agriculture department reported. “Goat-

our culture endures, and the environmental

up potential wildfire fuel in the East Little

powered fuels reduction cost between $400-

uniqueness of these lands is preserved for

Mountain area. The goats cleared about 32

$500 per acre, nearly one-third of the cost of

generations to come.”

acres in eight weeks, the department reported.

more labor-intensive methods of brush clearing.”

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An Effective Alternative Studies support what scholars and federal agencies have long suspected: Indigenous methods

reduced the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

According to the University of California,

proving to be an effective alternative.

“Goats may seem like an unlikely choice

of land management make for healthier forests

lack of controlled fires since the arrival

for removing fire fuel, but they are well suited

and prevent wildfires.

of Euro Americans and accompanying

for this crucial task,” said Karina Torres,

development have led to a denser forest

Culture Seat Officer for the Tribe. “Because

Indigenous peoples’ way of life,” the National

canopy and overabundant plant growth that

they prefer their food at eye level, they target

Park Service reported. Native Americans, Alaska

sucks up water, making drier trees, bushes and

brush as a food source. And their ability to

Natives and Native Hawaiians used fire to clear

plants vulnerable to parasites. The result: fuel

navigate terrain makes them a better and

areas for crops and travel, to manage the land for

that has fed the massive wildfires that have

less disruptive option than heavy machinery.

specific species of both plants and animals, to hunt

consumed whole communities.

Using a natural brush clearing also helps

“For many millennia, fire was integral to many

game and for many other important uses. Fire was a tool that promoted ecological diversity and

Controlled burns are difficult to conduct in areas where urban and rural meet. Goats are

preserve the land and any cultural artifacts that have yet to be uncovered.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 17

Next Generation

Youth Give Back Members of the Tribal Youth Grantmaker program awarded $100,000 to support community organizations in 2023.

S

By Nika Bartoo-Smith

ince 2021, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ Tribal Youth Grantmaker program has worked with young tribal citizens to foster

substantial budget for charitable donations given to community nonprofits.

During the two-month program, the youth took workshops that covered

a sense of community responsibility – and provide them with a

topics including: why the Tribe gives back to the larger community; a

chance to give back in a meaningful way.

presentation from nonprofit Academy GO discussing community needs in the

The Strategic Philanthropy Department along with tribal leadership,

worked together to create the program to teach tribal youth about the importance of philanthropy and the positive impact it can have on the broader community.

Inland Empire; what makes a good nonprofit; how to select a nonprofit to fund; and mock presentations to the Tribe’s CEO. “With this recent cohort, we were able to introduce new concepts such as the importance of storytelling and volunteering in the community,” said

“I was inspired to be a youth grantmaker because I like to help people,”

Johnny Hernandez, Jr., Vice Chairman of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

said Audrey Hernandez, 13. “And when I had this opportunity, I said, ‘I’ll do it!’”

“It’s important for us to continue to bring forward new learning opportunities

This year, the Tribal Youth Grantmaker program was made up of five participants, all siblings and cousins, ranging in age from 11 to 16. In an eightweek program, running March 6 to April 24, the team selected two local organizations to help fund.

All funding from the Tribal Youth Grantmakers program comes from the Strategic Philanthropy Department of the Tribe, which already has a

18 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

that can further expose tribal youth to the rapidly changing landscape in philanthropy.”

The team also had the opportunity to go on a field trip to Garner Holt Productions to learn about the history and value of the partnership between the foundation and the Tribe – a partnership stemming from the Tribe’s charitable giving program.

In November 2022, the Tribe approved a $400,000 grant to support the Garner Holt Foundation. The nonprofit organization aims to cultivate curiosity and imagination for youth through career-focused learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

Funding from the Tribe supported a project through the foundation called Garner’s Garage – the STEAM Learning and Career Exploration of the Future. The grant went toward purchasing technological equipment to serve 10,000 youth K-12 in the San Bernardino and Riverside Unified School Districts.

In March, the Tribal Youth Grantmakers received a tour from Garner Holt himself and learned about why the funding and partnership with the Tribe is important for the foundation.

“During the program, the youth learn about the importance of supporting the local community and how the Tribe works closely with nonprofit organizations to help address the core issues impacting the community,” said Hernandez, Jr.

“I was inspired to be a youth grantmaker because I like to help people.”

In week six of the program, the youth participated in a session called “Nonprofit Review and Nonprofit Presentations.” In a discussion following the presentations, the youth grantmakers identified community needs and had a conversation about which of the organizations they had learned about were working to address some of the most pressing issues impacting the community.

Ultimately, the cohort nominated the Special Olympics Southern CaliforniaInland Empire and SAFE Family Justice Centers for grant funding.

On April 24, the group presented to the San Manuel Tribal Council,

The $50,000 donation will go toward providing more opportunities

recommending $50,000 in funding for each organization. Both organizations

for community members through the Special Olympics Southern California-

were approved.

Inland Empire chapter.

Since its founding in 1968, the Special Olympics has provided sports

“We selected these organizations because they help those who can’t really

training and athletic competition in Olympic-type sports for both children and

help themselves,” Annabella Hernandez, 16, said. “This grant will help them

adults with intellectual disabilities. According to its website, the organization’s

[kids and adults] participate and compete in sports.”

mission is to foster acceptance, inclusion and well-being through sports for people with intellectual disabilities.

The other organization nominated by the youth grantmakers was the SAFE Family Justice Centers to help fund their client-support efforts, with an

Offering 13 sports through all four seasons, the organization serves

emphasis on youth services. Funds from the $50,000 grant will help establish a

thousands of athletes in the broader community and in school-based programs

youth program coordinator position to provide clerical support to the agency

in 11 counties across Southern California.

and youth within its programs.

Founded in 1998, the organization works to provide a safe space for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking and child abuse.

The organization provides support and advocacy to those at risk, with four regional locations in California across Riverside County: Riverside, Murrieta, Temecula and Indio.

“I hope the grant for SAFE Family Justice Centers helps them protect more people from domestic violence,” Sophia Hernandez, 12, said.

In just two months, the five tribal youth grantmakers of 2023 got a chance to experience what it is like to give back to their community and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to funding and tribal community partnerships.

“I remember when it was just me, my brother and sister doing the program for the first time. Donating the money to the organization felt really good,” Nekoli Hernandez, 14, said. “So I wanted to continue doing it. I’m happy more Youth Committee members joined us this year.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 19

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.

20 | 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

Tribe invests in Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach.

Leasing begins at San Manuel Landing.

2022

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

2023

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 | 21

Photos provided by Thunder Voice Hat Co.

Profile

22 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

A Tip of the Hat

The influence of their father and grandfather leads two brothers to build a successful business fueled by sustainability, creativity and heritage.

Q: Why did you start repurposing hats?

LTV: Our dad always wore a cowboy hat and encouraged us to do the same.

As kids we weren’t into it. We wanted ball caps. We thought cowboy hats were for old people, but as we grew up we found our own hats and I was really drawn to the style my grandfather

T

By Christie Moeller here is just something about a hat. The way it makes you feel, the way it makes you walk. The mystery, charm and style it adds in a

and the way that we interact, is all based

way that nothing else can. This was the lesson that Thunder Voice

around that. So if we’re building our

Hat Co. founder Lehi Thunder Voice Eagle Sanchez and his brother

own business, we’re gonna build it

Moroni Freedom Eagle Sanchez, Master Hatter for Thunder Voice

Hat Co., learned from the generations that came before them.

The brothers, of Diné and Totonac descent, are known for their rustic, high-

quality, reclaimed and repurposed hats, which are hand sourced, steamed, shaped creatively and lovingly made. Each hat holds stories, purpose and meaning.

around those ideas.

Q: What is the process of creating one of your hats?

MFE: When we get a hat, we remove the insert and the sweat band and then clean and sanitize. We heat it up and, if

wore. I remember going to Boot Barn

We sat down with the brothers to talk about what it’s like being a sustainable

it's really roughed up, do some sanding

with him as a kid. He would buy a hat

milliner, how their culture influences what they do and why sustainability is so

and burning. I spray alcohol in certain

and ask to use their steamer. He would

important to them and the Native community.

spots then light it. It gets off all the little

reshape that hat and make it his own

before he purchased it. So I was familiar with the idea that you can customize a hat.

Q: How did your business get started?

LTV: The style of hats I was making for myself were reminiscent of the generation before our parents and a lot of people in the Native community were like, ‘I want a hat like that!’ At the time, I was an artist, I was traveling and involved with Native advocacy. I was making a lot of friends in the community and through my travels, I would find old hats, dust them off, clean them up, shape them and give them as gifts.

MFE: People wanted to know where they could get one. And that’s how it all began.

Q: Why is reclaiming and repurposing so important to you?

LTV: Because we're from Navajo Nation. We’ve experienced a lot of harm to our community –

stuff. Then I scrub, stretch and shape it.

Depending on the felt and hat, I’ll add stiffener to ensure it holds its shape.

Then I’ll make a band that harmonizes with that hat. The only new things we add are the sweat band and the liner. Even the hat band that we put on is from reclaimed leather from old saddle straps, belts and saddles. Things that have been worn and have a patina already on it, which makes it look really rugged, just beautiful worn leather.

We build out one-of-a-kind art pieces and showcase it as something that you can wear, but also if it’s sitting on the wall, it’s gonna be the centerpiece of conversation.

And everything is done by hand. It’s a very intimate way of building a hat.

Q: What is something you want everyone to know about your designs?

LTV: That everyone can wear them.

people taking resources, the uranium mines and

MFE: A lot of people feel hesitant because they're afraid

lack of water. So we know how precious natural

of appropriation, but we actively tried to fight that. Our

resources are. Everything in the fast fashion

designs are for everybody to wear.

industry is the exact opposite of my beliefs. The way it was built, how workers are treated, etc. As

Q: How has social media helped grow your business?

humans we carry a lot of weight from the things

LTV: Social media is so great because it’s an open source.

we do and so repurposing is one way to lighten

Something really interesting about our upbringing is that

that load so we can coexist with the idea that all

we also built computers, and I used to work for a company

life is sacred. We want to create things that will

in Camarillo where we hosted servers, so I’m really in touch

last a long time.

with technology. A lot of people think Native, they think

Q: How do your culture and heritage impact your designs?

wilderness and outdoors. But we’re fluent in technology, so

LTV: As Navajos, every decision we make is

what that offers to us, is what we built from. It has given us

based on how it impacts the 10 generation from

a leg up on being able to get out there and showcase what

now. Our professions, the way we build our life

we have.

th

understanding the open source, what is available online and

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 23

Tribal Highlight

Hairajuku Salon 606 N Eureka Street Redlands, CA 92374 909-463-3439 @hairajukusalon

24 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Looking Good, Feeling Good

,Žǁ ƚƌŝďĂů ĐŝƟnjĞŶ dƌĂLJ ,ĞŶƌLJ ďƌŽƵŐŚƚ ůƵdžƵƌLJ ĂŶĚ ĐƵƫŶŐͲĞĚŐĞ ƐƚLJůĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ /ŶůĂŶĚ ŵƉŝƌĞ ʹ ĂŶĚ ĐƌĞĂƚĞĚ Ă ǁĂƌŵ ĂŶĚ ǁĞůĐŽŵŝŶŐ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ ǁŚĞƌĞ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ĨĞĞůƐ ůŝŬĞ ĨĂŵŝůLJ͘ LJ :ĞƐƐŝĐĂ sŝůůĂŶŽ ͮ WŚŽƚŽŐƌĂƉŚLJ ďLJ dŝīĂŶLJ DĞůĞŶĚĞnj

When did you open Hairajuku Salon?

Are you a stylist as well?

Hairajuku was always a dream of mine and, in 2008, we opened our doors in the Victoria Gardens district of Rancho Cucamonga, CA – during the market crash. I said I’d give it a year and see how it went. I learned hair is recession proof, and we made a name for ourselves. After a few years we relocated to a new building, quadrupling our size and, in 2020, I decided to bring Hairajuku home to Redlands. I purchased a unique building in the growing downtown area, and after a year of renovations with the help of my husband Andrew Henry (owner of Henry Plastering), we moved into our forever home. There was always concern about changing locations, but Redlands welcomed us with open arms and currently all of my stylists have waiting lists, which is just incredible.

I went to school to learn because I wanted to know the business and craft.

But I learned this is a relationship business and I’m a bit shy. With my attention to detail and organization, I was drawn to a behind-the-scenes role. I knew this was the business I wanted to be in and that I could lead a successful team. Especially in Redlands with my huge family and our crazy schedules I am still able to be in the salon daily with my staff and guests.

Tell us about the name?

Hairajuku is a homage to the Harajuku district in Japan known for its eclectic, funky, cutting-edge style. Anything goes in Hairajuku and I wanted to translate that to our clientele. We have guests of all ages and styles, no matter how on trend, conservative or even if they want to shave it all or dye it purple… I want our guests to feel welcome and at home.

Why did you choose to open a salon?

My passion for entrepreneurship started with Miso Fly, a high-end clothing store I owned in downtown Redlands. But the desire to have a salon goes back to my childhood. My grandmother (Tuut), a tribal elder, was a “beautician.” She took us to work and I was always so intrigued by her clients’ transformations – from how they walked through the doors to the confidence they had when they left. I have seven children and they’re always here hanging out, sweeping hair etc. So it’s exciting to know they will carry the same childhood memories. When people walk into Hairajuku its like therapy, you watch their whole mood change; they walk out happier.

What’s your favorite thing about Hairajuku?

The camaraderie! We are like a family, we are very tight knit and everyone is always willing to help one another out. Almost two years ago our family was hit hard with tragedy when we lost one of our own to COVID. Chandara (Chanee) Rou was our front desk and brand manager. He was an essential part of our day-to-day operations and we will never be the same; he loved it here and we can still feel him in the salon.

Losing him was hard on all of us but it brought us closer and I can’t thank them enough for being such troopers during that horrible time. My staff has been with me through all their major milestones and watching them get married, have children and grow in their careers has been a real joy in my life.

Your mission is to bring something new and fresh to the Inland Empire. Do you feel you’ve accomplished that?

The Inland Empire needed a luxury salon like you’d find in Beverly Hills, Vegas and Scottsdale. When we first opened, the area was lacking that.

In the last 15 years, the area has grown but we stay at the forefront of service, talent and guest experience. I’m proud of offering the highest quality work at competitive prices. We also are passionate about giving back. We run a successful toy drive during the holidays and offer a discount on services for donations that benefit local food pantries and Redlands family charities.

What kind of experience do you hope your clients have?

I want them to feel like part of the family. Our guests are like family to us and I want them to feel like it is a safe place to come and unplug, have a snack, enjoy a glass of champagne, watch their favorite movie and get a therapy session with their favorite stylist.

You opened a service-based business in an economically ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐŝŶŐ ƟŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǁĞƌĞ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ƚŚƌŝǀĞ͘ Ž LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ĂŶLJ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ ĨŽƌ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ƐƚĂƌƟŶŐ Ă ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͍ Start small and scale up. When we moved into the larger location we did steady business but we could have been booming with lower overhead. If I could go back I would keep it small. Start with what’s manageable for you.

dĞůů ƵƐ ŚŽǁ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ Ăƚ ,ĂŝƌĂũƵŬƵ ŝƐ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ƚŚĂŶ other salons?

We are one of the only commission-based salons in the area. We offer a turnkey business model with competitive pay for stylists. If a stylist is part time, new to the area or building their career, they don’t have to worry about overhead like booth rental or product. We provide the color and product, front-desk booking, a team environment, refreshments and an overall experience for their guests. Our stylists have the option of hourly pay until their books outweigh a wage. We also offer free education throughout the year. It’s important to master your craft and offer the latest knowledge and trends. We also offer incentives. Our top retail stylist this year earned a trip to New York City to further her education at the respected Vidal Sassoon academy. I love my team, they spend a majority of their time here and I want them to not only like where they work but love where they create.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 25

History

THEAND LONG DIFFICULT ROAD

Photo provided by Sherman Indian Museum Archives

The U.S. faces up to the unfathomable pain and losses caused by the boarding school era.

By Richard Arlin Walker

26 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

F

rom 1819 to 1975, hundreds of thousands of Native American children were removed from their families and placed in boarding

languages, cultural and religious practices.

After the initiative’s report was issued, Haaland visited reservations across the U.S. to listen to the

confinement. At Haskell Indian School, children were handcuffed and placed in a so-called confinement room, which was akin to a jail cell.

schools, operated by the U.S. government and

experiences of Native people who attended federal

“Rampant physical, sexual and emotional abuse,

churches.

Indian boarding schools. The report recommends

disease, malnourishment, overcrowding, and lack

Many children didn’t return home alive. Some

that the remains of Native children buried at

of health care in Indian boarding schools are well-

did not return at all, leaving families to wonder

boarding schools be returned to their homelands for

documented,” the Initiative reported.

to this day what happened to their children who

reburial; funding be provided for Native language

were taken from their homes under the guise of

revitalization programs; and a federal memorial

the white economy. Boys were taught carpentry,

education. Those that did return were shells of

be established to recognize the generations of

painting, plumbing and tailoring; girls were taught

their former selves.

Indigenous children that experienced the federal

cooking, dress making and laundering. Schools

Indian boarding school system.

made the children available locally as laborers

An army of 408 federal boarding schools were deployed across 37 states, or then-territories,

The Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative’s

Children were taught trades that were useful in

in a program called an “outing system.” It was a

including Alaska and Hawai’i. Just one more link

initial report details the harsh treatment

system of child labor that today would be called

in the chain of unspeakable attempts to break up

experienced by Native children, many as young as

exploitation.

Native families and communities and finish the job

5: each child was stripped of traditional clothing

In testifying before Congress in support of

that treaties, wars, forced relocation, termination

and personal belongings, they were bathed with

establishing a Truth and Healing Commission on

and introduced diseases had failed to complete:

lye soap or kerosene, their hair was cut, and

Indian Boarding School Policies in the U.S., ethnic

take Native lands by every means necessary and

they were dressed in uniforms. Children were

studies professor Jean Pfaelzer of the University

make the lands available to whites.

forbidden from speaking their native languages

of Delaware said the outing program transformed

and practicing their religion.

Indian boarding schools into employment agencies

“Beginning with President Washington, the stated policy of the Federal Government was to

Many schools were overcrowded – at White

that matched white settlers with child workers

replace the Indian’s culture with our own,” a U.S.

Earth Boarding School in Minnesota, for example,

who, the schools promised, were accustomed to

Senate committee reported in 1969.

there was one bed for every two children, the

taking orders.

Boarding schools where Native children would be forced to abandon their cultures and adopt

Initiative reported. At Kickapoo Boarding School in Kansas, children slept three to a bed.

Within a year from opening their doors, Pfaelzer testified, most of the Indian boarding

white ways were considered “the cheapest and

Violation of a school rule drew a slap, a

safest way of subduing the Indians, of providing a

whipping or the withholding of food. At times,

‘compliant’ young workers who could be ordered

safe habitat for the country’s white inhabitants, of

older Indian children were made to punish

to dig ditches, pick fruit, or scrub kitchens.” To add

helping the whites acquire desirable land, and of

younger children, the Initiative reported.

insult to injury, the federal boarding school system

changing the Indian’s economy so that he would be

Repeat offenses might draw flogging or solitary

was funded in part by Indian trust funds and from

schools “were offering up a reliable stream of

content with less land. Education was a weapon by which these goals were to be accomplished.”

Social justice advocate Amanda Blackhorse, Navajo, said in the PBS film Unspoken: America's Native American Boarding Schools: “I think that was a time when the government really felt like that was their last option with the so-called ‘Indian problem’ they had to deal with. It was the last option – to go for the children.”

In the end, Native cultures survived. But the assault was devastating.

Five hundred children are documented to have died in residential boarding schools, but investigators with the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative – launched in 2021 by U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Laguna Pueblo – believe the death toll may number in the tens of thousands.

Haaland launched the initiative to recognize the troubled legacy of federal Indian boarding school policies, address the intergenerational trauma they caused and facilitate healing. The initiative is documenting marked and unmarked burial sites of Native American children, and locating records regarding the health and mortality of Native children and the oppression of Indigenous

Photo provided by Sherman Indian Museum Archives

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 27

Photo provided by Sherman Indian Museum Archives

the sale of lands that the First Peoples ceded to the

dressed differently, their hair was short, they

Act, which sought to relocate Native people into

United States.

had forgotten their language, they forgot the

urban areas with promises of jobs.

For most, if not all, children, the forced removal from loving family and community to a harsh, uncaring place was too much to bear. Virginia Antelope, Arapaho, from Wind River, Wyoming, had

ceremonies.

Forrest S. Cuch, Ute, is former Utah state director of Indian Affairs.

“Assimilation affected the Utes in a very tragic

In the ensuing years, more than 100 tribes were terminated by the federal government and 2.5 million acres of land removed from trust status and made available for sale to non-Natives. Meanwhile,

been at Sherman Institute – called Perris Institute

way,” he said in the PBS film Unspoken. “It was

an estimated 750,000 Native Americans migrated

then – for three months when she broke through a

so ineffective that it did not train us to become

to cities.

fence and hitchhiked all the way home.

competent in the white world, and it took us away

“When my cousin and I went to visit her one summer – she could barely speak English – and I told her I was going to Sherman, she got really

“For us, it was a declaration of war on our

from our own culture so much so that we weren’t

culture,” Cuch said of the boarding school era. “We

even competent as Indians anymore.”

were forbidden to speak our language and practice

The statistics bear that out. Of the 334 students

our religion. It’s like our war was prolonged and

scared for me,” said her great-grandson, TJ

who graduated from Sherman Institute between

assimilation policies were how they implemented it,

WhiteAntelope, Lummi/Arapaho, Sherman class

1951 and 1954, 43.11 percent were employed off-

how they carried it out, and it was very destructive

of 2009. “She asked me, ‘Why would you want to

reservation, according to statistics in the school’s

and it caused historical trauma among most of our

go there?’

archives. Some 17.37 percent of graduates had

people, including myself to this day.”

“She had been there for three months and she

returned home but were unemployed; only 7.78

Dr. Jennifer Nez Denetdale, Diné, is a professor of

hated it and ran away. She went to gas stations

percent of graduates were able to find work on their

American Studies at the University of New Mexico.

and people would pick her up. Back then, it was

reservations. Nearly 10.5 percent of graduates went

She echoed Cuch’s sentiments, but said, “More

different. People just understood she was trying to

into the military and 4.5 percent continued their

accurately it should be called ethnic cleansing,

get home to where she was from – to Wind River –

education. Nearly 11.5 percent of female graduates

rather than assimilation. And it has had devastating

and would give her a ride.”

reported being housewives.

effects on my people.”

The young girl hitchhiked from distant gas

Reform-minded sociologist John Collier,

station to distant gas station, making it home in

commissioner of Indian Affairs in President

RECOGNITION AND RESTORATION

about two weeks – 995 miles, in two weeks, at age

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, began

Federal policies came under new scrutiny before

eight.

implementing changes in how federal boarding

the decade ended. “[It is] absolutely unthinkable . . .

schools operated between 1933 to 1945. After a

that consideration would be given to forcing upon

up to her home at Wind River, she’d run out to the

decade studying the results of federal Indian policy

an Indian tribe a so-called termination plan which

canyons and hide, fearing they were coming to take

on reservations and in boarding schools, he wrote:

did not have the understanding and acceptance of a

her back to the school, WhiteAntelope said. “They

“The administration of Indian affairs is a disgrace,

clear majority of the members of the affected tribe,”

could never find her. She told me, ‘I never wanted to

a policy designed to rob Indians of their property,

U.S. Interior Secretary Fred Seaton said in 1959.

go back to that school. It was horrible’.”

destroy their culture and eventually exterminate

When an unfamiliar white person would drive

Some students died trying to get home. Sherman

them.”

In 1961, the Kennedy administration created a special task force on Indian affairs, which recommended that the termination policy be

Institute student Olin Zhe be nulli, 19, fell to his death

But the self-determination and educational

from a freight train in 1921 while running away to

reforms for which Collier advocated were blunted

abandoned. This happened in 1970, when President

his home in Keams Canyon on the Hopi Reservation.

in 1953 by the federal Termination Act, in which the

Richard M. Nixon condemned the forced

U.S. considered certain tribes terminated and began

termination of tribes, reiterated the federal

to sell their lands; and the 1956 Indian Relocation

government’s responsibility to Native Americans

Children who returned home often felt like foreigners in their own tribal communities. They

28 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

and proposed new policies to encourage Native self-determination.

In 1972, Congress enacted the Indian Education Act providing increased federal aid for Native education. In 1975, Congress enacted the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, which enabled tribes to contract with the federal government to provide certain federal services and programs to tribal members. In 1978, Congress enacted the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, which states: “It shall be the policy of the United States to protect and preserve for American Indians their inherent right of freedom to believe, express, and exercise the traditional religions of the Indians.”

Today, the Bureau of Indian Education operates four off-reservation schools: Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma; Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, California; Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon; and Flandreau

THE EVOLUTION OF SHERMAN INDIAN HIGH SCHOOL Once a symbol of cultural oppression, it’s now a center of education and opportunity.

Indian School in Flandreau, South Dakota.

Additionally, there are three tribally controlled

A review of the Perris Indian School band’s

shoes, the ground once again knows the sound

boarding schools: Sequoyah Schools in Tahlequah,

performance in the 1898 Fourth of July Parade in

of dancers in ribbon skirts and shawls, of hand

Oklahoma; the Pierre Indian Learning Center in

Los Angeles reflected the prevailing view of the

drums and big drums and ancestral songs.

Pierre, South Dakota; and the Circle of Nations

day toward Native American children, even those

School in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Haskell is now

being taught white ways, albeit without choice, in

it was back up to 250 in 2022-23, said longtime

Haskell Indian Nations University.

the nation’s Indian boarding schools.

counselor Stephanie McMorris, Hidatsa/Ho

But the impacts of the boarding school era and

“The Perris Indians were also well received,

Sherman’s pre-pandemic enrollment was 400;

Chunk/Potawatomi. Of 55 seniors, all graduated.

other federal policies are still felt today. Since

and in addition to playing excellent music,

“A lot of it is legacy and opportunity,” McMorris

the beginning of the boarding school era, Native

they made a creditable showing in their new

said of the reasons why students choose to attend

peoples and communities have lost ownership and

uniforms,” the Los Angeles Herald reported on July

Sherman. “There’s still a lot of racism out there

control of two-thirds of their reservation lands.

5, “and many persons who saw them went home

and our students want to learn more about their

All told, lands considered to be Indian Country

thinking that after all there must be a few good

culture and be around other Native students.

comprise 56.2 million acres, according to the

Indians, besides dead ones.”

Just because we’re Native, we’re not all the same.

U.S. Census – down from the estimated 1.5 billion

Cultural genocide was the mission at Perris

acres ceded to the United States by the lands’ First

Indian School and other Indian boarding schools

Peoples. About 175 Indigenous languages remain

in the United States and Canada. “Kill the Indian

today of more than 300 Indigenous languages

but save the man,” said Brig. Gen. Richard Henry

once committed to cultural genocide is now a

spoken at the time the United States was founded,

Pratt, founder of the U.S. Indian boarding school

center of cultural education, opportunity and

according to the Indigenous Language Institute.

system. Force Native Americans to abandon their

pride. Any day of the week, you’ll find students

The boarding school era left generational

This year we had 53 tribes represented. We’re a diverse population.”

There’s a beautiful irony in the fact that a place

Indigenous ways in favor of American ways. The

at Sherman studying uses of native plants and

trauma in its wake as well, with memories that, for

breakup of Native families and communities,

traditional uses of tobacco, learning traditional

many, are hard to shake.

Pratt and other federal policy makers said, would

values from Indigenous leaders and culture

speed the availability of Indian land.

bearers, participating in cultural resource field

To help bind the wounds, Interior Secretary Haaland launched “The Road to Healing,” a year-

Ultimately, however, Native cultures survived

trips and visiting local archeological sites, tribal

long commitment to travel across the U.S. to

– although at great cost and unfathomable pain.

allow survivors of the federal Indian boarding

Indian boarding schools – including Perris

school system the opportunity to share their

Indian School, which became Sherman Institute

Lorene Sisquoc, Cahuilla/Fort Sill Apache, said

stories, help connect communities with trauma-

in 1903 and Sherman Indian High School in

the school’s journey toward indigenization gained

informed support and facilitate the collection of a

1971 – became indigenized. On these grounds,

traction in the 1960s as the U.S. Department

permanent oral history.

where there once was sadness, there is now

of Interior and members of Congress began

drumming and singing at weekly pow wow

recognizing the injustice of U.S. Native education,

difficult,” Haaland said when she launched the

nights. Where children were once punished for

termination and relocation policies. One high-

initiative. “I know that this process will be painful.

speaking their languages, students participate in

profile visitor to Sherman in 1965 was U.S. Sen.

It won’t undo the heartbreak and loss we feel.

language study groups in the school’s Indigenous

Robert F. Kennedy, D-New York, who remarked

But only by acknowledging the past can we work

Language Center. Where students once marched

on the dearth of school library books on Native

toward a future that we’re all proud to embrace.”

in starched shirts and dresses and uniform

American culture and history.

“I know that this process will be long and

museums and cultural centers.

Sherman Indian High School Museum curator

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 29

“People were asking questions then,” Sisquoc said. “It was the 1960s – the Civil Rights Movement, the Red Power Movement. Then came the 1970s and it got stronger with the American Indian Movement, the Self-Determination Act and the Native American Religious Freedoms Act.” The 1970s was a transformative time. The U.S. loosened its policy grip on Sherman and other BIE-operated boarding schools, and Sherman was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 1971. Teachers began teaching Native American studies and literature, Sisquoc said.

Boys grew their hair long in accordance with their cultural customs. Students wore eagle feathers in their graduation caps. A teacher and Navajo Nation citizen, who as a Sherman student in the 1960s had

Photo provided by Sherman Indian Museum Archives

been punished for speaking her language, began teaching Navajo language and culture.

TJ WhiteAntelope, Lummi and Arapaho, grew

continue supporting the program through June

up at the Lummi Nation in northwest Washington

2025. Students who complete courses offered

“We’re a residential boarding school, but

state. He graduated from Sherman in 2009 and

in the Pathways program receive achievement

students choose to come here and they have

went on to earn a sociology degree from University

certificates in their related fields. Those who

to reapply each school year,” McMorris said of

of California, Berkeley.

participate are also eligible for student internships

Sherman. “Because we’re Native people, there’s

and job-shadowing opportunities.

stuff that happens where a student might not

His home was unstable and he saw Sherman Indian High School as a place where he could

are invaluable.

About 3,000 students from Sherman have

return because they decide they need to be home

attend school with other Native American students

participated in the Pathways program since its

to take care of family or responsibilities there, and

and get the educational support he couldn’t get at

inception, according to the school, and many

they finish school at home.”

home. And there certainly were no public schools

students have secured summer employment,

that taught subjects such as treaty rights, hosted

begun careers in their chosen fields or gone on to

Academy graduates not return to Sherman for

an annual pow wow or offered cultural activities

post-secondary education in fields related to their

2023-24, they still carry a certificate from the BIA

as part of campus life.

Pathways experience.

Wildland Fire Academy. “There were 12 graduates

“There’s a reason that Sherman stayed open,”

In the 2022-23 school year, 12 Sherman students

Should one of those 2022-23 Wildland Fire

of the academy this year and not all were seniors,”

WhiteAntelope said. “There’s a purpose for that

interned for six weeks at Hal Hays Construction,

McMorris said. “That training was the first step

place and it’s more than just the teachers saying

a Native-owned company in Riverside, setting

toward working on a crew back home. They’ve got

‘We need this place open.’ It’s for people like me

up their own mock company and learning about

the experience and we’re going to build on that. The

who had a tough time. I wouldn’t be here today if

the business and human resources side of the

BIA [Division of Wildland Fire Management] wants

not for that boarding school. I don’t know where

industry, including accounting, estimating,

to build on that and use our site for training.”

I’d be, maybe sitting on the couch worrying about

purchasing and jobsite safety. One student earned

what I was going to do for a job. It’s all thanks to

her forklift operator certification; another was

construction “is not just swinging a hammer,”

Sherman and those staff members and teachers

offered a job with Hal Hays in Tucson, Arizona.

said Lori McDaniel, the company’s controller.

that sparked my mind to think about things. And

Eleven other Sherman students earned

At Hal Hays Construction, students learned

“They spent a week with each of the departments

I know they’re still doing it. They’re still there,

certification in animal care. Others competed in a

and learned about estimating, bidding, project

snapping through all the kids who need that push

Culinary Boot Camp at Cal Poly Pomona, studied

management and job-site safety. We try to expose

on the right path.”

health and fitness at Western University, interned

them to everything. We want them to see that they

at the Indian Health Service Riverside Sports

can have a career in construction, even if they

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESSFUL CAREERS

Clinic or graduated from the BIA Wildland Fire

choose to go into human resources or marketing

A program established by the school and the San

Academy.

or estimating. And they’re good-paying jobs. We

Manuel Band of Mission Indians is elevating the

The program is of particular benefit to Sherman

encourage them to find what’s interesting to them

education experience for students and providing a

students, many of whom are from rural Native

bridge to careers in eight in-demand fields.

communities where access to such training may

(The hammer-and-nails end of the business

be limited. Sherman’s 2022-23 student body came

pays well too. The median annual pay for an entry-

contributed approximately $12.1 million since

from 53 tribal nations and from states as far

level apprentice carpenter is $48,260, according to

2009 to the school’s Career Technical Education

away as Mississippi and Florida, said counselor

the Pathways program.)

Pathways Program, which was founded to address

Stephanie McMorris, Hidatsa/Ho Chunk/

a skill shortage within Indian Country by linking

Potawatomi. Sometimes, family needs preclude

students,” McMorris said. Noting that Sherman has

a student’s academic courses to real-world

returning for the following school year, so the

a 100 percent graduation rate, she added, “We’ve

experiences. In 2022, $2.7 million was approved to

opportunities provided by the Pathways program

got great kids. We’ve got great, great kids.”

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has

30 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

and pursue that.”

“There are a lot of opportunities for our

EXHIBITION NATIVE STORIES AND DANCERS OF POW WOW Wednesday, September 6, 2023 | NOON & 3PM | Yaamava’ Theater FREE EVENT NEW CLUB SERRANO MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE $10 FREE PLAY AFTER ATTENDING THE EXHIBITION Free Play offer is for new Club Serrano members that sign up on the day of the event.

Team members and guests 21 and over are welcome to attend.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 31

Tribal Highlight

With Love,

PRESLEY

By Angelica Loera

T

o Presley Calderon, beadwork is a mix of life’s shiny little moments and her entrepreneurial spirit. Every piece she makes by hand represents a part of her that was inspired, challenged or eager to learn. And each piece is charged with love and hope for the person it adorns. From balancing schoolwork to her creative influences, the young tribal citizen shares how she learned to bead and what keeps her going.

How did you start your beading business?

I started posting on Instagram and eventually people asked, “Can you make this for me?! I’ll pay you!” It was just for fun because I really liked it and then it turned into a business. I started off with simple loom work and then went to making medallions and earrings for pow wow.

Did you have a mentor?

My teacher helped me a lot. We did Zoom calls every Wednesday during COVID and she helped me learn everything I needed to know. And there is still so much more I can learn.

What inspires your designs?

Not that long ago I went to throw the first pitch for the Dodgers game, and I made blue earrings to wear on the field. Little things like that inspire me.

Who are some artists that you look up to?

Cheyenne Faulkner and my teacher, Bridgid Pulskamp.

How do you balance your orders with school?

I see beadwork as a reward. I’ll do my homework first, or whatever I need to do, because I want to bead without stress.

Do you make and sell other jewelry?

I make little charm earrings, necklaces and bracelets that I also give as gifts. It doesn’t have to just be beadwork. I also sew. I love to use a thread and needle. But beadwork for me is my main gift because it comes from the heart

Photo by Tiffany Melendez

and shows how much time I put into the gift.

32 | 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.

In this section we hear from documentary filmmakers who have turned their lens on Indian mascots in popular culture in an effort to change something deeply ingrained in society. We learn why philanthropic efforts are critical to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and see these efforts in action. We also meet two tribal citizens who are helping their community members lead healthier and happier lives, both in their own way. And we see how the leadership at Yaamava’ has not only committed to creating a healthy culture, but also a unique way to build a successful team at the resort and casino – and how the Tribe says thank you to that team.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 33

Culture

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) during her interview in Washington DC

REFRAMED How one film is changing the way we think about Native American mascots and helping to end racial stereotypes.

BY TONY TEKARONIAKE EVANS

T

he practice of using Native American

We can now say goodbye to the Washington

states. And yet the fight for cultural awareness and

people, symbols and racial slurs as

Redskins and the Cleveland Indians, as well as

sports mascots is coming to an end

the Squaw Valley Ski resort, which now goes by

The award-winning documentary Imagining the

thanks to a decades-long effort and a

Palisades Tahoe. New York State recently banned

Indian: The Fight Against Native American Mascoting,

recent groundswell of activism on the part of

the use of Native mascots such as braves or chiefs

captured and amplified this nationwide movement,

leading Indigenous scholars, artists, athletes and

at 60 schools, adding to similar efforts in 20 other

winning hearts and minds across the country and

government leaders.

Such mascoting has impacted the emotional

sensitivity goes on.

positively impacting Native communities.

Major newspapers, including the New York Times

and psychological health of Native people for

and Los Angeles Times, have given critical acclaim to

generations, while reinforcing racial stereotypes

the film. The Washington Post recently listed it as “one

in mainstream society. The San Manuel Band of

of the best films so far of 2023.”

Mission Indians is playing a role in bringing the use of such harmful mascoting to an end.

The film was completed with an essential donation of $1 million from the San Manuel Band of Mission

“For years now, pleas from Indian Country for

Indians, which served as co-executive director along

schools and professional sports teams to stop using

with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The donation

Native Americans as mascots, and their negative images,

also provides for educational materials to continue

have not been heard,” said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman

the mission of enhancing mainstream society’s

of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. “All

knowledge of Indigenous perspectives.

ethnicities and cultures that contribute to the strengths of America deserve to be respected and honored.”

34 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

“We supported Imagining the Indian because it can be a great tool to help develop understanding and

teach others about humanity,” Valbuena said. “San

cartoons. The film also captures the stubbornness

Manuel was proud to support the production.”

of some sports fans and politicians unaware of

“Native American mascots are a public health

the shifting sympathies and increasing awareness

issue,” said co-producer and co-director Ben West,

and sensitivity of a new generation of Native youth

Cheyenne. “This is not political correctness or

activists and their non-Native allies.

wokeness. It’s a scientific fact.”

Legendary Native American activist Suzan

The Indian supplies a powerful history lesson

Shown Harjo is shown in one clip on Oprah

for sports fans and others

Winfrey’s television show

who might not be aware

addressing the inherent racism

of the genocidal policies, dehumanization and erasure that Native communities have endured for many generations. Mascoting is an extension of those policies: it

This award-winning

at the core of the Native mascots;

documentary captured

Oprah stands speechless, reflecting

and amplified this

when faced with such a stern lesson

nationwide movement,

the surprise of many Americans in cultural sensitivity. Harjo has been a stalwart advocate for Native

reduces living human beings

winning hearts and

with rich cultural histories to

minds across the country

A poet, lecturer and curator, she

mere logos, tokenizing actual

and positively impacting

served as executive director of the

owner’s name and legacy were removed from the

National Congress of American

Ring of Fame at FedEx Field and from the team’s

human beings who continue to thrive in America but have

Native communities.

American Rights since the 1960s.

Indians in the 1980s, and helped

history wall outside the locker room at their practice

been marginalized by society.

Congress develop the American

facility. Marshall’s statue was also removed from

As a result, many Americans

Indian Religious Freedom Act and

RFK Stadium after city leaders in Washington D.C.

think Native American culture and identity is a thing of the past. This is a self-serving colonial idea

the National Museum of the American Indian Act. Some professional athletes and politicians appear

publicly denounced his racist legacy.

U.S Rep. Jamie Raskin spoke during an interview

that followed years of genocidal policies meant to

in the film to be undeterred by recent changes

for the film about his own personal experience as a

eradicate Indigenous people.

sweeping the nation, while others, including

Redskins’ fan while growing up. The term was used

“It’s as though we were in the way of progress,”

sportscasters, change their views after realizing

historically as an allusion to the taking of Indian

said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in the film. “And

how important the issue is for Native Americans.

scalps.

that we should get out of the way so that innocent

The Washington Redskins (now Commanders)

“I feel a little ashamed that I went through my

provide a flashpoint as the nation’s representative

whole childhood without thinking of the meaning of

in the National Football League. The team was

the association with it,” Raskin said.

pioneers could tame the land.”

Imagining the Indian reveals the egregious practice of stereotyping Native Americans over generations

owned by George Preston Marshall when it was the

Marshall McKay, former Yocha Dehe Wintun

in the media, including television shows like The

last team to be racially integrated in 1962. During

Nation Chairman, recalled in the film California’s

Lone Ranger, Disney’s Pocahontas and 20th century

Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, the former

grotesque policy of offering cash bounties for Indian scalps during the Gold Rush of the 1840s and 1850s.

“I was born only a generation and a half away from that,” remembered McKay. Adding that the historical trauma he experienced as a young man has been exacerbated in others by the ongoing use of Native mascots and stereotyping more generally.

“The trauma has caused us to try to lessen our pain by drinking, drugging and abuse, self-abuse and family abuse. And our young people are paying the price,” McKay said.

San Manuel’s donation stemmed from the nations’ Four Pillars of Charitable Giving, which amount to $300 million in funding for programs that: 1) inspire future generations through education 2) empower lives 3) reinforce healthy and resilient communities and 4) preserve cultural traditions and empower Indian Country.

Co-producer Yancey Burns (a non-Native ally) said the San Manuel donation came through at a time during the COVID pandemic when the Washington Redskins had already decided to change the football team’s name to the Commanders following a great

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 35

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Ben West (Cheyenne), Amy West (Cheyenne), W. Richard West, Jr. (Cheyenne),

Mary Beth West, Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena (San Manuel), Yancey Burns, Aviva Kempner

deal of social change in the U.S. Burns said some

is a huge part of that,” West said. “And it’s important

supporters thought the film had lost its purpose as

for Native people to tell their own stories.”

a result.

people,” West said.

Many professional teams, including the Atlanta

The film has been screened dozens of times,

Braves and Chicago Blackhawks, continue to

“What’s so wonderful about their support is

from major film festivals like Sundance to an event

use Native mascots and gestures, while some

that they understood exactly why the film was still

at the National Museum of the American Indian in

college teams, like the University of Utah Utes

important,” Burns said. “They understood right

Washington D.C. (NMAI), which was held in part to

and the Florida State Seminoles, have entered

away that this is an issue that’s still ongoing, that

celebrate the activism of Suzan Shown Harjo.

into agreements with tribes to use them in ways

the fight continues. We’re incredibly appreciative

“The NMAI event was most memorable for me,”

of San Manuel’s financial support, but we are just as

said Burns.

appreciative of their emotional support.”

“To have that opportunity to

West said the donation will help develop a

celebrate the woman who is

considered beneficial to tribal nations.

The fight to retire insulting and misappropriated Native mascots

“One of the things we are

continues alongside a broader

curriculum to be used by PBS and other

the most underknown civil

organizations to continue the educational mission of

rights hero of our time. This

proudest of is that this

the film. “One of the things we are proudest of is that

made it just such an incredibly

film came out of Indian

have survived for hundreds of years,

this film came out of Indian Country and San Manuel

special moment for us.”

Country and San Manuel

to become leaders on the national

West said some of the smaller screenings in Native

is a huge part of that.

communities moved him the

And it’s important for

most, including one at the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing

Native people to tell

Society in Edmonton, Alberta.

their own stories.”

The screening was preceded by a soup lunch with bannock,

social injustices that tribal citizens

stage in politics, land stewardship and economic development.

But as many as 2,000 high school teams still use mascots.

“It’s not easy to fight cultural fights because you don’t have a lot of victories,” said Harvard Professor Philip Deloria, Dakota, in the film. “You

a traditional Native bread made from roots, followed

need incredible amounts of endurance, resilience,

by a discussion circle.

good humor and character.” Imagining the Indian can

“We talked about what we’d seen and what we thought – and that’s where it really hit home for me, during an intimate gathering with other tribal

36 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

reckoning of historical and ongoing

surely be counted as one such victory.

Watch the trailer and follow the film’s progress at www.imaginingtheindianfilm.org.

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Tribal Highlight

a g n i m Beco

G I W BIG

This past spring, San Manuel tribal citizen Ken Ramirez stepped up big time for breast cancer research and awareness by becoming a Susan G. Komen Big Wig. His requirement? Setting a fundraising goal and meeting it in a three-month time frame. It only took a few days for Ramirez to blow right past that goal, so he set his sights higher. And met it again – and again.

By the time the fundraising window closed, Ramirez had brought in close to $70,000 on his original $15,000 goal. Now he shares why he got involved with the foundation and what he hopes to see in the future.

By Jessica Villano

The Big Wig program raises awareness and funds for the

What kind of hope can you share with people who have loved ones with a cancer diagnosis?

resources Susan G. Komen offers to women and men with

Nowadays there are so many treatments out there so there’s

breast cancer – as well as their families. These funds go

hope: cutting-edge treatments that minimize the growth and

Tell us about the Big Wig program?

to breakthrough research, patient care centers, financial

maybe even stop or capture it sooner so they can live a happy,

assistance, education and advocacy for their clients.

healthy life. I met a woman last year named Patti Calderon, who was stage four. When we came together for the final Big

Why did you get involved with Susan G. Komen?

Wig bash in June, she had started a new treatment and was

In 2017, my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, stage

stabilized. That’s the kind of research and programming Susan

two. And at that time, I didn’t know where to start. My first phone call was to Jill Eaton, who I have known since she was 16 years old when she came to work for San Manuel as a food runner in the bingo hall. That was in 1986. Jill heads up the Inland Empire and Las Vegas chapters of Susan G. Komen and it was a

G. Komen funds, for cutting-edge medications so people can have better quality of life.

Do you also work with the American Cancer Society?

natural fit for me to reach out to her. Through Jill and

My focus with the American Cancer Society

Susan G. Komen, I found resources and counseling

is to bring awareness to the Native American

so I could help my daughter and my grandkids as

community. Native Americans often go

we were going through this journey together. Since

untested and therefore untreated. So I did

then, I’ve helped with

a recording to bring awareness to Native

smaller fundraisers

Americans, but my work around awareness

here and there

and advocacy is with Susan G. Komen.

because it was in alignment with my vision for community

What work will you do this coming year?

awareness. So when Jill and my sister,

My hope is to be an ambassador in the

who was a Big Wig for 2022, asked me

cancer arena. I want to bring awareness to

to be a Big Wig for 2023, I was happy to participate.

the general public to encourage them to get screened sooner so they can get treatment

Tell us about the support the foundation offers.

earlier. My work with Susan G. Komen will

There is a lot of fear when someone is diagnosed. It’s

coming up in October and I’ve nominated

continue. We have the Three Day Walk

traumatizing for the patient to navigate the system.

Johnny Hernandez, Jr. the Vice Chairman for

Susan G. Komen is a resource to help them through

San Manuel, and my daughter, Tray Henry, for

the journey, help the family members understand

the class of 2024 Big Wigs. I’m looking forward

what they might encounter. I was very happy with

to helping her and Johnny with their campaigns.

the counseling I received to help my own family so I wanted to raise funds to help other families through the trauma.

38 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

For information on the Susan G. Komen foundation or to participate in fundraising, visit komen.org.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 39

Family

TEAM MEMBERS MAKE IT HAPPEN San Manuel Band of Mission Indians says thank you to its team members with an epic day of fun for the whole family.

By Jessica Villano

S

an Manuel Band of Mission Indians knows it’s the team members that

is held at one of the most popular attractions in Southern California – and the

make the Tribe’s enterprises successful. Here’s one way the Tribe shows

whole family is invited along.

gratitude.

Throughout the year, the Tribe acknowledges the people who work

to make the resort, casino and other ventures great: handshake greetings, positive feedback and expressions of thanks are just part of being on property.

There are also programs such as Employee of the Year, High 5 days at Yaamava’

Team members choose the location by vote and for the fourth time in a row, Universal Studios won hands down.

This year, like every year, the Tribe covered parking and meals, as well as treated team members to extended hours to explore the park and hit the premier attractions without crowds. A dedicated picnic area provided a chance to relax

and food truck events at the office spaces that create camaraderie and rapport

while enjoying DJ-hosted games and entertainment; photos, face painting,

within the organization. The Tribe has even forged partnerships with local

balloon artists, temporary tattoo artists and character visits; and ice-cold

colleges and universities so team members can pursue higher education and

beverages and ice cream.

personal development while receiving tuition reimbursement.

But there is one event that is hotly anticipated every year, especially for team members with children: Employee Appreciation Day. The all-expenses-paid event

40 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

And just like every year, team members were able to create memories with family and friends, connect with colleagues and leadership – without the hustle and bustle of work – and enjoy the Tribe’s sincere appreciation.

g n i g r o F

Philanthropy

Hope San Manuel Band of Mission Indians honors four organizations that help to improve the lives of Native people as well as the communities surrounding the Tribe’s ancestral lands.

BY DAN NINHAM

42 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

T

he spirit of Yawa’ is a simple word that

students onto the path of education, support

has provided medical, surgical and rehabilitative

describes a complex concept: a smile, a

Indigenous communities and address healthcare

services to hundreds of thousands of people in

hearty handshake, a kind word. These

disparities,” said Valbuena.

Southern California since 1938. This year’s Yawa’

are the building blocks from which Yawa’ springs

The Tribe presented the Yawa’ Award under

Award recognized the new Interactive Musical

forth. Yawa’ also comes from the heart, from

the Empowering Lives pillar to The Academy

Playground. “The overarching goal of the Musical

actions and intentions, from beliefs held since time

for Grassroots Organizations (AcademyGO), an

Playground is to enhance our ability to provide

immemorial. To the Yuhaaviatam, Yawa’ is a call to

independent, nonprofit management support

pediatric therapies while increasing access to

manifest one’s beliefs through action.

organization working to strengthen the capacity of

music for children with disabilities - a historically

At the 13th annual Forging Hope Awards this

community organizations and their leaders in the

marginalized population,” said Director of

past May, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Inland Empire. “We are honored to have received

Children’s Services Center Michele Alaniz.

Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena said, “Yawa’ is

the Yawa’ Award,” said President and CEO Debbie

Walking Shield, Inc was honored under

the cornerstone of our giving program in the

A. Cannon. “We rely on thoughtful and forward-

the pillar of Inspiring Our Future Through

surrounding communities and across Indian

looking organizations like San Manuel who enable

Education. For more than 30 years, Walking

Country…We gather as one community today,

us to grow and strengthen our services.”

Shield has worked closely with urban Indian and

united to recognize some incredible nonprofit

For its efforts under the pillar of Preserving

tribal leaders to provide a variety of services to

organizations that are making huge and positive

Cultural Traditions and Empowering Indian

American Indian families throughout the United

impacts in the Inland Empire and Indian Country.”

Country, the Tribe presented the Yawa’ Award

States. “We started about 12-14 years ago,” said

At the event, traditional Serrano gourd rattles

to the California Indian Museum and Cultural

Executive Director Dr. John Castillo, Apache.

– crafted by members of the San Manuel Band

Center, a Native nonprofit that tells the story of

“We have over 100 American Indians that now

of Mission Indian’s Youth Committee – were

California Indians from a Native perspective.

have college degrees, some are lawyers, some

given to each of the four organizations that

“The Tribe supported our Healing Through

are medical doctors and some are working for

exemplified one of the Tribe’s philanthropic pillars:

Cultural Arts programming,” explained Executive

nonprofits. It’s just been an incredible program

Empowering Lives; Preserving Cultural Traditions

Director Nicole Lim, Pomo/Miwok. “This program

with a lot of young people giving back to the

and Empowering Indian Country; Reinforcing

engages our tribal communities in strengths-

community.”

Healthy and Resilient Communities; and Inspiring

based education ranging from harvesting and

“We are honored to stand here on behalf of our

Our Future Through Education. More than 250

preparing traditional foods to basket weaving

tribal community and team members to recognize

attendees from many organizations gathered as

and regalia making.”

all of you gathered here today for the important

partners in following their call of Yawa’.

Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare

work you are doing,” said Chairwoman Valbuena.

“We are proud to have partners that work to

were recognized under the pillar of Reinforcing

“We challenge you to never stop acting for the

care for the basic needs of at-risk groups, inspire

Healthy and Resilient Communities. Casa Colina

benefit of others.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 43

Recruitment

FOR BUSINESS It wasn’t always that way. In the past, Takeshita said her team noticed applicants were applying for five or

At the San Manuel Recruitment Center, hiring is a full-time job.

even 10 roles at once. That led them to personalize the process and help match people to jobs with the belief that it would be better in the end for both the employer

Last year, at the Taste of Yaamava’, 13 restaurants handed out decadent lobster

and the employee.

rolls, buttery croissants, fresh poke and other bites from Yaamava’ Resort & Casino

‘Who are you? Where are you strong? What do you

at San Manuel to nearly 500 attendees. To an unsuspecting visitor, it looked like a posh gathering held in an airy event space. In reality, it was a job fair hosted by the San Manuel Recruitment Center. BY KATE SILVER

“What if we just brought a person in and asked, want to do?’” Often, there are surprises: a person might have come in expecting to apply for a casino position, only to learn they were a great fit for a position as a public safety officer in tribal government or even entry-level IT. Whether the Recruitment Center is hosting

The goal was twofold: to give prospective

“We’re open 10 to 6 Tuesday through Saturday,

over-the-top hiring events – often punctuated with

employees a literal taste of Yaamava’ Resort &

and we advertise for walk-ins,” said Jasmine

musical performances – or sharing opportunities

Casino and to fill job openings. Many of those

Takeshita, Director of Talent Acquisition. “When we

with curious shoppers, the methods are working. In

attendees indeed went home with a full belly, and an

were mass-hiring, we’d go into the mall and say ‘Hey,

a little more than two years, the center has met with

employment offer.

you may have come here for lunch with your friend,

more than 20,000 visitors and hired more than 6,000

but you can actually leave with a job.’”

of them.

“The Recruitment Center at Ontario Mills allows us to create unique events for our applicants to

The Recruitment Center is designed to be casual

“It truly has been a team effort and speaks volumes

experience and truly get a taste of our culture, as well

and welcoming to anyone – no suits required. That,

to what we can do collectively to achieve goals and

as the multitude of career options we have to choose

said Takeshita, puts visitors at ease so they can focus

continue to take things to the next level,” said Hall.

from,” said Kenji Hall, General Manager, Yaamava’

on their talents and goals and share those with the

Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

recruiting team, whose philosophy is “recruit to

level of retention, because people now feel as though

include.”

they did get the right job. They’ve been placed in a

It wasn’t exactly a traditional hiring fair, but the San Manuel Recruitment Center has been anything

“It presents a different kind of first impression

Takeshita added, “We’ve been able to increase our

better position suited to their skills.”

but traditional since it opened in April 2021. At that

that we feel allows for candidates to be the

time, Yaamava' was expanding and opening its resort,

best version of themselves, instead of feeling as

stories all the time: people whom her team hired

and thousands of jobs were available in the casino

though they're on pins and needles for us,” said

who’ve been promoted to supervisor or gracious

and resort as well as in tribal government.

Takeshita.

messages from people saying that a job changed

Rather than asking prospective employees to

In this day and age, when automated recruiting

Anecdotally, Takeshita said she hears success

their life.

travel to the casino, the talent acquisition team

software relies heavily on AI and keywords, the

“It just makes everything you do and all the hard

instead opted to open a stylish, 8,000-square-foot

approach here is surprisingly human. Rather than

work worth it,” she said. “It’s meaningful, it’s impactful

space about 20 miles away: in the center of the

asking a prospective employee what skills they have

and we get to see the fruits of our labor. There’s not a

shopping action at Ontario Mills. Tucked between

for a specific position, Takeshita said the talent

lot of jobs where you can actually say that.”

Ulta and Marshalls, it would serve as a veritable

acquisition team asks visitors about skills they have,

billboard for employment possibilities with the San

in general, and then they explore job possibilities

The San Manuel Recruitment Center is currently hiring. To

Manuel Band of Mission Indians and also offer access

together.

learn more, visit sanmanuelcareers.com or visit the center,

to a constant stream of people who may be looking for jobs.

44 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

“We took recruiting to a consulting level,” said Takeshita.

located at Ontario Mills, 1 Mills Circle, Suite 115, Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. No suits required.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 45

Giving Back

Coming Together A local church, with help from San Manuel, orchestrates delivery of critical supplies to stranded residents during a snowstorm that brought this mountain town to a halt.

By Jessica Villano

F

or the people of Lake Arrowhead, trudging

People lost power, gas leaks caused house

through snow is just part of living on the

fires, roofs and decks collapsed under the sudden

mountain. But this past February, things

weight of the snow and the roads couldn’t be

turned deadly as a record amount of snow

plowed with the equipment on hand, so it just kept

fell within several days. By early March, residents

mounting up. And once roads were blocked, the

faced 10-foot walls of snow, collapsed roofs, house

community was paralyzed.

fires and empty grocery shelves – with no help from emergency services in sight.

For many it was literally life or death as elderly and ill residents were trapped in their homes

“When the snow started rolling in, it was fun

with no heat, food or medicine. Families ran out

at first,” recalled Dan Zimbardi, Executive Pastor

of diapers and formula. For more than a week,

of Sandals Church. “Two inches, four inches,

residents pleaded for help. Many prayed for a

six inches…the kids were out of school, we were

miracle.

sledding on the streets and having snowball fights.

“Fire department couldn’t help; police and

But very quickly, six inches turned into two feet,

sheriff couldn’t help; emergency services couldn’t

said Zimbardi. “A real panic set in and

three feet, four feet.”

help. You can’t get down the road. You can’t move,”

that’s when we decided to mobilize our church and people on the mountain.”

They started by emailing the 1,000 or so people in the church database and asking them to fill out a form, stating if they needed help or if they were able to get out of their homes and provide help to others. By then, a few roads had been cleared and San Bernardino Sheriff approved the request to bring equipment and people up the mountain. Zimbardi and members from the church set up an emergency operations center at the Sandals campus in Lake Arrowhead and the team started to map the responses to the form, matching up the people who needed help with those who could provide it.

The command center is also where volunteers who had come up the mountain with shovels, chainsaws and picks ate, slept and prepared to make, what Zimbardi called, strategic strikes. “We sent people in on these strikes to deliver food and medicine. While county services were starting to ramp up, we were crawling through snow, climbing up balconies and walking across beams to deliver whatever people needed.”

Pretty soon the church’s form made its way around the mountain, and before they knew it, thousands of people had responded. Then other

46 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

churches and people joined Sandals’ efforts. “It didn’t matter if they went to our church, who they were or where they were from. Someone’s in desperate need of insulin, we couldn’t ignore that.

It was a united effort to meet the needs of folks.”

Zimbardi’s role was to identify critical requirements and get the resources to make it happen. Other members of the church were key in getting the help where it was needed most: Mike Huntsman, a retired sheriff, ran the logistics from the operations center on the mountain; Kelwyn Wild, retired from the fire department, ran the operation center down the hill, coordinating up to 30 trucks a day filled with food, shovels, medication and more. Megan Renck matched those in need with those who could help, while Pastor Ian Price mobilized them; and Scot Camden, Advancement Director at Sandals Church, made strategic strikes and helped dig people out of homes with collapsed roofs.

After seeing what residents of Lake Arrowhead were living through, Scot reached out to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for help. Former Chairman Ken Ramirez traveled up the mountain to assist with the relief effort and see how the Tribe could be most effective.

Ultimately, the Tribe gave funds for critical supplies to fill the gap until the government could respond with its resources.

This isn’t the first time San Manuel and Sandals have partnered to help the community.

The Tribe also made a philanthropic gift for the first-phase launch of The Hill, a teen center on Sandals’ San Bernardino campus that offers hearty meals, clothing, counseling, job skills and more.

“Teens are struggling in that community so we asked educators what they needed most.

Turns out the number one reason kids don’t go to school is because they don’t have clean clothes,” Zimbardi explained. “So, in partnership with San Manuel, we built a beautiful laundry facility at The Hill with brand-new washers and dryers. It was the most pressing need, and we couldn’t have met it without San Manuel.”

Reflecting on the experience this past winter, Zimbardi said the thing that struck him the most was how unifying it was. “People donated what they could; they grabbed cans from their pantry or made runs to the store and filled up three or four carts with food and diapers. We even had a helicopter deliver the first round of supplies,” Zimbardi said. “It was just beautiful to see the community come together.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 47

Team

MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE JOINED THE SAN MANUEL TEAM TO SUPPORT AND STRENGTHEN ONE ANOTHER IN THEIR QUESTS TO OVERCOME LIMITATIONS AND ACHIEVE WHAT SEEMED IMPOSSIBLE.

BY JESSICA VILLANO

48 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

I

n preparation for the 2023 OC Marathon

heavily invested in the team…seeing him find his

a personal best, it was about the relationships they

– and through 37 training events over the

motivation kept me going,” Castellanos said. “It felt

made or strengthened along the way.

course of six months – members of the San

great knowing we were both trying to do the best

Manuel running team, aged 13-67, logged enough

for our future selves.”

“We were a group of mere acquaintances when we started our training. We became a unified team

miles to run around the world at the equator and

San Manuel covered the cost of entry as well

by the time of the marathon. Over 23 weeks, we

enough elevation to climb Mt. Everest four times.

as the coaching, which was provided by elite and

laughed together, experienced pain together and

That’s a lot of ground to cover. And a lot of self-

experienced marathoners and ultrarunners.

helped each other achieve the goal of crossing the

doubt, pain and fatigue to push through. Especially

These coaches – who consistently focused on

finish line at the 2023 OC Marathon,” Saria said.

for people who are not runners at heart, or by

mindset, motivation and perseverance – helped

nature.

participants develop habits of success that will

agreed, stating that the experience was

carry over into other areas of their lives.

transformational for her family. “I was especially

“I was coping with grief and loss and signed

Liberty Reyes, Chief of Staff at San Manuel,

up to improve my mental health – and instantly

“I see a high correlation between training

happy that I was able to experience this training

regretted it. I am not a runner!” Inna Bagaeva

for a marathon and achieving goals, especially

with my twin daughters, KK and Nanie. It was such

Watson, Graphic Designer at San Manuel, said and

in work life,” said Brigitte Saria, Chief People

a wonderful experience for me to share with my

laughed. “But in these six months, I’ve entered local

Infrastructure Officer for the San Manuel Band

girls and I will forever be grateful to San Manuel

races, pushed my dad and husband to run with me,

of Mission Indians. “The marathon training

for creating this opportunity.”

made new friends and finally finished my first half

journey shares the exact same things as a career

marathon…turns out I am a runner!”

journey…you set consistent, incremental goals

breaking down internal barriers and connecting

For others, joining the running team was about

Diana Castellanos, VIP Services Concierge

and then commit to improving your abilities. If

with people for the support and motivation to

at Yaamava’, signed up because she wanted to

you have a plan, follow through on it, prepare for

make it through. “Anything worth doing is difficult,

get more involved with the San Manuel culture,

contingencies, stay committed, help others and

and our team met the challenge head on with this

something executive leadership is committed

ask for help, you will be successful; even if it’s an

marathon!” said David Kopasz, Chief Operating

to fostering. She has a passion for community

incredibly difficult goal.”

Officer, Hospitality at Yaamava’. “The sheer

organizing and volunteering but hadn’t yet focused

All in all, 138 people on the San Manuel team ran

positivity and commitment shown by everyone

that same energy on herself. As a self-described

the OC Marathon this past May, with 59 people

was inspiring, and I am so proud to learn and grow

“couch potato,” Castellanos wasn’t sure she’d be

completing the half and 74 crossing the finish

alongside so many talented and caring people. We

able to hold herself accountable – until she was

line for the full marathon. For many, training had

are all only as strong as our support systems, and

inspired to keep going. “My father-in-law became

nothing to do with winning the race or even hitting

you guys showed up big time!”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 49

Innovation

Photos Courtesy of Claremont Graduate University

THE QUEST TO LIVE BETTER Seeking to improve the lives of vulnerable populations in the Inland Empire and Indian Country, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians partners with Claremont Graduate University to create space for innovation in healthcare.

W

By Jessica Villano

hen San Manuel made a $14 million philanthropic gift to Claremont Graduate University (CGU) – the largest the university has received to date – it was to fulfill the vision of advancing the health and wellbeing of underserved populations.

The funds allowed for the purchase of the Huntley building, which served as the university bookstore for half a century. Now, the iconic mid-century building has been transformed into the Yuhaaviatam Center for Health Studies, an interdisciplinary research hub and living laboratory.

50 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

“The people of San Manuel are proud to support the new Yuhaaviatam Center. This may be among the most vital initiatives that San Manuel has supported in some time,” said San Manuel Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. “We believe there is a great benefit when we work in partnership to find solutions to the challenges we face as a society. We also believe the Yuhaaviatam Center can be a stellar initiative for bringing the various partners together for this important purpose.”

Deron Marquez, former San Manuel Chairman, CGU alumnus and CGU board member, expanded on this by saying, “The types of health and well-being research that will be tackled by the center are relevant to the needs of so many today. Its benefits will ripple out.

healthcare policy and social justice; persuasive

and collaborate. That’s the hallmark of our

To bring together the university’s pioneering

technology; and identifying the root cause of

transdisciplinary philosophy,” CGU President

approach to research with San Manuel’s

chronic disease, including addiction. The university

Len Jessup said, “and the purchase of the Huntley

philanthropic vision is truly exciting.”

also works with more than 300 health-related

makes it possible to create such a space for that

organizations in its quest to improve quality of life

kind of engagement on our campus.”

lives by focusing research on positive health psychology, which explores maintaining wellbeing despite harmful conditions; understanding

and redefine what is possible.

“Real, substantial breakthroughs happen when people from many disciplines come together

“

We believe there is a great benefit when we work in partnership to find solutions to the challenges we face as a society.

“

CGU is a leader in helping others live healthy

The Tribe understands the obstacles facing many of the region’s underserved communities because of its own past economic and healthrelated struggles. For San Manuel, the center’s research focus won’t be on the Inland Empire alone but also extend to the L.A. Basin, which is home to the largest population of Native Americans found in an urban area of the U.S. “More and more people are falling into the category of vulnerable and underserved populations when it comes to healthcare,” said Chairwoman Valbuena. “In the most powerful country on earth, many Americans cannot access quality healthcare. The Yuhaaviatam Center for Health Studies has the potential to help find solutions to overcome these disparities.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 51

SCAN TO BOOK UPCOMING EVENTS

P O O L

52 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

A T

P A L M S

C A S I N O

4321 W. FLAMINGO ROAD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89103 | 866-752-2236 | PALMS.COM

R E S O R T

(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 the indulgences found at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel and the newly revamped Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Both resorts offer delights at every turn: food and cocktails chock full of the comforting flavors of fall, an upscale cigar lounge with offerings you’ve only dreamed of, iconic bands from every era and high-end accommodations that range from whimsical to refined.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 53

Savor

Warm and Welcome The harvest season is upon us – and with it come our favorite comfort foods.

Written by Danny Palumbo | Photography by Alan de Herrera | Styled by Judean Sakimoto

A

utumn brings vibrant colors and brisk temperatures that hint at the chilly Winter Solstice just around the corner.

Don’t look too far ahead though, because fall is best

when you enjoy every moment of the fleeting season. And there’s no better way to do that than by embracing the deep satisfaction of comfort food served up at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Highland, CA and Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Chef Christopher Dennis at Yaamava’ said, “To me, comfort foods are those that remind me of home as a child during the holiday. From apples and maple syrup to venison and pork.”

Fall’s harvest season celebrates the delicious dichotomy of seasonal produce by providing emotionally resonant dishes that make our collective hearts beat; it’s the type of food that sustains not just our bodies, but our spirits.

“Using parsnips, celery root and squash for roasting, purees and sauces is a win-win,” said Chef Marcus O’Brien of Palms. “Other ingredients that work well are new varieties of apples, fresh figs, chanterelle mushrooms and whole artichokes.”

Foraged mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, walnuts, apple cider, tart cranberry and root vegetables all take center stage. And at Yaamava’ and Palms, both the kitchen and bar programs are prepared to execute a memorable fall menu to leave you feeling sentimental.

“We are hoping to bring back memories of childhood with a touch more technique and skill,” said Chef O’Brien.

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Butternut Squash Rigatoni with Sausage No fall menu would be complete without two things: butternut squash and pasta.

At Serrano Vista Cafe at Palms, the Butternut Squash Rigatoni with Sausage tantalizes with its comforting fall flavors. The savory Italian sausage, hand-picked from only the best butchers and sausage makers, gives depth while a coconut milk reduction adds something unexpected to the butternut squash puree.

While not traditional in Italian cuisine, the result is a deeply satisfying twist that is just right for the shorter days and cooler nights.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi Marc Vetri is an icon in the world of pasta; a celebrated chef and restaurateur whose impact on modern Italian food in America cannot be overstated. And at Vetri at Palms, guests discover nothing less than pure pasta perfection. Take the Sweet Potato Gnocchi, for instance. Delicate gnocchi are untraditionally prepared by combining sweet potato puree, eggs, breadcrumbs and Parmigiano Reggiano.

The sweet potato filling is then placed into a piping bag before being pinched into boiling water, spaetzle style. The gnocchi are served with a rich, butter sauce and another load of parm creating ethereal, cloud-like pillows that melt in your mouth. And it’s one of those things you’ll want to savor when you can – they’re only on the menu once a year.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 55

Pumpkin Cranberry Walnut Salad with Chicken Salads aren’t just for summer, like this hearty salad at Serrano Buffet at Yaamava’, which satisfies without slowing you down. Great for a robust lunch or light dinner, this dish elevates fall ingredients to their highest. Hearty pumpkin is cubed, roasted with olive oil, honey, salt and pepper to bring out its autumnal flavors; grilled marinated chicken is sliced and fanned out on a bed of greens with toasted walnuts and tart cranberries; and a simple agave syrup, fresh lemon juice and olive oil dressing is drizzled over the top.

56 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Iberico Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato, Iberico Chorizo and Brussels Sprouts Iberico ham is the prize of Spain. The black Iberian pig is freeroaming and only eats acorns, giving “a complex flavor similar to venison with a higher minerality and earthy tones,” explained Chef Dennis. In this dish from The Pines Modern Steakhouse at Yaamava’, imported Iberico ham is used in two ways: tenderloin and chorizo. The pork tenderloin is seared, roasted to perfection, then served with sweet potato puree, spicy Iberico chorizo and Brussels sprouts. A hint of maple syrup and apple cider ties the flavor profile together nicely.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 57

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Autumn Spiced Vanilla Sauce When it comes to concocting a memorable fall dessert, warming spices and pure decadence must be embraced lovingly, and perhaps no dessert does it better than this British classic: Sticky Toffee Pudding available at Scotch 80 at Palms.

Medjool dates, cinnamon and vanilla work together to layer in spice, sweetness and richness. But the real star is the toffee sauce. The buttery, sumptuous sauce flows over the pudding like a river of candied joy. This quintessential British classic celebrates all the wonderful flavors of fall wrapped into a single sweet dish.

Pear and Almond Tart Is it a dessert or a breakfast pastry? Perhaps both.

The light, sweet pear and almond tart from Big Mo’s at Yaamava’ is a classic French short crust pastry.

With a dollop of fragrant frangipane (almond cream) custard, a layer of thinly sliced pears and a touch of melted butter, this pastry is baked until golden then sprinkled with granulated sugar and cinnamon. An apricot glaze and choice of berry sauce or ice cream finishes off this tart that tastes like it came out of Grandma’s kitchen, if your grandmother was a decorated pastry chef.

58 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

1

2

4

5

3

1. Berry Nostalgia This martini is based on Tito’s vodka, to which Créme de Mure Blackberry Liqueur, Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur and cream are added. A citrus smoke bubble tops it off.

“It’s youthful and reminiscent of nighttime milk and cookies,” explained Nicholas Dukes, Assistant Manager of the beverage program at Yaamava’, like an adults-only late-night snack in a glass.

2. Orchard Thyme Cider’s light, tart taste and slightly carbonated impact on the palate make for a refreshing beverage. The Orchard Thyme available at Serrano Vista Cafe at Palms takes hard apple cider and adds a bite with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, loved for its smoothness and slightly sweet notes, cinnamon thyme syrup and fresh lemon juice.

3. Brown Butter Manhattan

4. Pears Perfectly

Fresh pear is a quintessential fall flavor, so naturally the In its 100-plus years of existence, award-winning bar team at the Manhattan has always been a Yaamava’ built this cocktail quintessential American cocktail. around it. With El Silencio It’s wonderful as is, but the notes Espadin Mezcal, St. George of vanilla, toffee and caramelized Spiced Pear Liquor, Giffard brown butter from Taffer’s Brown Butter Bourbon transform the classic Orgeat and fresh lemon juice, the Pears Perfectly is layered into something covetable. Antica with sweet and tart elements.

Formula Sweet Vermouth, AngosBut the pièce de résistance is the tura Bitters and a Luxardo cherry garnish round out the flavor-forward torched cinnamon stick, adding smoky, spicy earthy notes. iteration available at Vetri at Palms.

5. Campfire Ember You could gather around a campfire on a brisk fall night…or you could sip a Campfire Ember and get the same feel – but without the mosquitoes. Made with Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey, maple syrup, Aztec chocolate bitters and an orange and Luxardo cherry garnish, the drink from Yaamava’ stands tall on flavor alone. “Pair it with a hearty steak dinner or sip it as a dessert on a cold night,” suggested Dukes.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 59

On Trend

COOL +

collected Each issue we gather a few things that stand out from the rest.

This time we’ve found accessories that add low-key luxury.

Find elegant pocket squares, exquisite jewelry and chic scarves to add color and texture for a finishing touch, all available at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.

Photography by Robert Kley | Styled by Christie Moeller

MEDICIS Mini Toi & Moi Vermeil Pink Ring by Baccarat available HERS MEDICIS Silver Riviera Solitaire Ring

by Baccarat available HERS

60 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

MEDICIS Mini Toi & Moi Vermeil Pink Ring by Baccarat available HERS HARMONIE Whisky Decanter

by Baccarat available HERS Everyday Tumbler set of 6

by Baccarat available HERS HARCOURT Etched Glass set of 2

by Baccarat available HERS Pocket Squares by Bugatchi available at HIS

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 61

AccessorizeIt Statement Earring

by AccessorizeIt available at 1891 MEDICIS Silver Riviera Solitaire Ring

by Baccarat available HERS

62 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

MEDICIS Mini Toi & Moi Vermeil Pink Ring by Baccarat available HERS MEDICIS Silver Riviera Solitaire Ring by Baccarat available HERS Wild Spinach Chiffon Scarf

by Virgil Ortiz available at 1891

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 63

Well Read

Carolann’s

INDIGENOUS

BOOK REVIEW Carolann Jane Duro, Maara’yam-Kumeyaay descendant, is the founder of the pop-up bookstore Quiet Quail Books and host of podcast NDN Book Nerd, both of which feature Native authors from around the country. Here she shares her top five Indigenous-authored reads of the past year.

The Sentence by Louise Erdrich If I stay up into the waking hours to finish a book, that book always makes my favorites list. The Sentence was one of those books. Set in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tookie – a recovering incarcerated woman – gets out of prison and starts to work in a Native bookstore in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Tookie has an Ojibwe background and finds herself working in one of her dream jobs: surrounded by fellow Native coworkers and books. However, Tookie’s ideal working environment takes a turn when a recently deceased customer begins to haunt Tookie and the bookstore, searching for something Tookie does not understand.

This novel is based on the author’s life, as she is the owner of Birch Bark Books, a Native bookstore in Minneapolis. Erdrich even writes herself into the book as the owner – who is also a prolific writer. Though I usually don’t enjoy recent pandemic media because of how close to home it feels, I did enjoy this novel for the unique exploration of Native literature and believe it gives accurate insight into the joys of being a bookseller. I also was not expecting the ending and would urge you to explore what Tookie discovers for herself!

At the Mountain’s Base by Traci Sorrell I would be remiss to make a list of book recommendations without including a children’s book, by far the most beloved genre by customers in the bookstore. I meet so many Native mothers and parents who are looking for the next nighttime read for their children. Months ago, I found myself in my living room with my great niece looking for things to do. I pulled out At the Mountain’s Base to entertain her and show her Native characters like herself.

At the Mountain’s Base tells the story of a Cherokee grandmother who was a pilot for the American military. The story weaves throughout generations of Cherokee women, with beautiful art by a California Indian artist named Weshoyot, Tongva. It is the perfect amount of text for a three-, four- or even five-year-old child who is beginning to read. It sparked a lot of joy to see my niece enjoy the book so much, often trying to turn the page before I could get the chance!

64 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Postcolonial Love Poem by Natalie Diaz Though poetry books are not always my first pick, when I found out a California Indian woman, Mojava, won the Pulitzer Prize for her work with Postcolonial Love Poem, I was quick to show my support and learn more about how to enjoy poetry. This collection of poems is so relevant for its contemporary approach to the Native reality. Diaz even finds a way to bring both humor about Native basketball and a poignant tone to calling into question the pollution and environmental disasters that are affecting California rivers and waterways. Diaz also spends most of her collection reminiscing on her deep dives into love, which encourages the reader to contemplate their own expressions of affection.

Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley One of my dad’s favorite genres is mystery but I never understood the appeal until I explored Firekeeper’s Daughter. This novel is a great young-adult perspective that follows Daunis, an Ojibwe teen girl, on her journey to discover who’s terrorizing her community with harmful substances causing tragedies among her people. My favorite aspect of this novel was how connected Daunis was to her traditional plant knowledge and how often she used medicine to guide her mental space. Of course, you must read to figure out who Daunis discovers is the mastermind behind the crime, while also uncovering Daunis’s romantic interest, which is a unique closure to a young woman’s relationship. Boulley has just released her second novel Warrior Girl Unearthed, which you can pick up after finishing this one!

Soldier’s Unknown by Chag Lowry Of all the recommendations put forth, none had me crying like Soldier’s Unknown. The best part about a comic book is witnessing the characters and scenery right before your eyes, transporting you even more so, like a film.

Soldier’s Unknown tells the forgotten story of Yurok World War I veterans, who were tasked with fighting for a country they weren’t even considered citizens of. The story follows a group of young Yurok cousins who left their traditional way of life and ceremony to fight a brutal and traumatizing war in an unfamiliar land.

This comic book brings the journey full circle and discusses my favorite takeaway: our Native veterans can physically return from war, but it will take time for their spirit to follow suit. The other message is that healing is not just the responsibility of the veteran; the community has to be part of that work. I absolutely adored the artwork in this comic and the details on the Yurok regalia and crafts were so stunning, I included this in one of my bookstore’s mystery boxes for spring. Don’t miss out on this newly released special edition of this comic book!

Join Carolann as she connects with Indigenous authors, publishers, bookstore owners, bookstagrammers and illustrators as well as people who uplift Indigenous voices and efforts via @NDNBookNerd on Instagram and her podcast NDN Book Nerd on Spotify!

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HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 65

Photography by Jeff Fasano

Entertainment

66 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

A Family

fA fair

BY RUSS WEAKLAND

AN A BAND BE ON THE RISE, NEW TO A WHOLE GENERATION

called ‘Angelina,’ which we’ve gotten

gives listeners a glimpse into their

OF FANS, EVEN AFTER BEING TOGETHER THEIR WHOLE LIVES

mail about for years…some kind of

lives.

AND PLAYING TOGETHER FOR CLOSE TO 30 YEARS? WHEN IT

who hear it. I think if you

COMES TO SIBLINGS KEVIN AND MICHAEL BACON OF THE

can write a song that

BACON BROTHERS, THE ANSWER IS A RESOUNDING YES.

checks someone

THROUGH THEIR SONGWRITING PROCESS, THEIR GENUINE NATURE AND INTIMATE PERFORMANCES, THE BACON BROTHERS HAVE FORGED A SPECIAL BOND WITH THEIR DIEHARD FANS. AND THEY ARE ALWAYS REACHING FOR MORE.

Photography by Jeff Fasano

a spiritual remediation for people

“There’s two ways to look at performing: If you’re going straight rock and roll, you’re sending out

in a visceral way

things that demand

and helps them,

a really intense

and isn’t just an

response, crowd

entertainment

cheering and all

thing, I am

that kind of rock

very proud of

and roll-y stuff.

that. And both

The other way,

When asked about introducing

to pinpoint a single representative

of those songs

and the people I

new listeners to their music, Kevin

track. But Michael identified two

did that,” Michael

acknowledged the challenge of

songs that stand as a testament to the

explained.

selecting a single song to represent

power of music to heal and connect

their style. “Good question. That’s

with others.

As with their music, The

admired when I was growing up, is kind of personal and I guess a little

Bacon Brothers performances

more folky. I think the best thing my

tough to answer. People’s idea of what

“Over the 27 years we’ve been

resonate deeply with their audiences.

brother and I can do is try to reveal

makes a ‘good song’ is vastly different.

doing this, we’ve gotten responses to

By sharing stories and bantering

ourselves on stage through our music

And one of the reasons the band has

two songs that have been therapeutic

between songs, the brothers strike

because a lot of people haven’t heard

evolved is because we have two different sensibilities. A lot of our songs are super different.”

How different?

The Bacon

our songs.”

By sharing stories and bantering between songs, the brothers strike a balance between entertainment and personal connection.

Brothers’

In discussing their unique creative process and collaboration, The Bacon Brothers are committed to being open to new ideas and exploring every concept, whether it originates from Kevin or Michael. In

span genres –

in a way,” he said. “One is called ‘Don’t

a balance between entertainment

cases of musical disagreements, the

including rock,

Lose Me Boy’, which I wrote about my

and personal connection. Michael

songwriter ultimately has the final

country, soul

son. There’s a woman who lost her son

emphasized the importance of

say. This collaborative approach,

and folk. Each

who keeps in touch with me on email

providing insight on stage into the

combined with their distinct musical

composition brings

and comes to shows. And I feel like

stories and events that inspired their

sensibilities, creates a harmonious

something unique to

that song has in some way helped her.

music, which becomes a form of

dynamic that enriches their

the table, making it difficult

‘’The other is a song Kevin wrote

storytelling, weaving a narrative that

compositions.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 67

T

he Bacon Brothers kicked off their summer tour during Yaamava’ Resort & Casino’s On The Pool Deck Series. For Michael, the evening marked the start of the season. “The first gig out is always kind of nerve-wracking but also special because you’re launching new stuff,” he said. “These are really exciting things and I feel like that was the start of the summer.”

Kevin echoed the enthusiasm by saying, “The dream is to look out and see somebody that knows the music and is actually singing along. And that happened a couple of times. You don’t always get that if you’re playing in an indoor space because you don’t really have a view of the audience in the same way you do when they’re standing right by the pool in front of your face.”

And while Michael loved the quintessential California vibe of the pool stage, it was the Yaamava’ Theater that caught his eye. “They have that beautiful theater, and I said to the people there, ‘We’ll get a hit song. We’ll come back and play at the big theater.’”

Kevin laughed and said, “I can’t improve on that perfect answer my brother just gave.”

“Even though we’ve never specifically laid this out as a philosophy, when it comes to bringing music live, performing or recording it, we try every idea. It’s like, let’s try it at least and see if it works,” Kevin said.

“And if there’s a disagreement about where something should go musically, the songwriter has the final word. If

to say, ‘Okay, that’s great,’ but I don’t

People say, ‘Wait a minute, you had

want to make a movie that nobody

the most amazing life. What are you

sees just because I had a good time

worried about? You have so many

making it. Right? I’ve never been that

great things, you’ve had so many

I just try to keep the day-to-day practical: have a good show, play well, get better at singing, write a song.

Mike’s doing the lead vocal, he’s the main songwriter. I’m doing lead vocal, I’m the main songwriter and we just collaborate. That’s part of what’s fun about it.”

Looking to the future, writing and performing that numberone song on the charts is on their list.

And while recognition is a goal, they acknowledged the complexities of achieving widespread acclaim. “I do think artists want to share their art. I mean, if you write a song and your wife and your dog like it, that’s nice. You have

way. I want it to catch fire. You write

achievements.’ It’s the beast you have

a song, it’s the same thing. You want

to keep up with as it takes you in all

people to hear it.”

different directions.’’

Just like those different directions,

Michael added, “It’s a human foible that

there were different influences as

we want to be

well. Kevin said, “I wouldn’t pick one

recognized for

famous artist. One of the things that

what we do.

was great in my childhood – being

Most people

the youngest of six kids, born in

who get

1958 – was my ears got tuned up

enormous

with the sixties music that my older

amounts of

siblings were playing. That’s what

recognition,

made its way into my brain: rock and

and certainly

roll and the British Invasion, but also

my brother is one

Motown and the sound of [hometown]

of those people, would

Philadelphia. And I feel grateful to have had that kind of exposure as a

probably say it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. In all the years I’ve

little kid.”

been doing this, trying to get a hit

Attending live concerts from a

song, and it’s never, ever happened.

young age further influenced their musical tastes. Michael expressed admiration for Pete Seeger’s timeless anti-war anthem, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone.” Calling out its ability to resonate with people across generations and its powerful message of universal suffering, he noted it as one of the songs that shaped him as an artist. “That’s my song,” he said.

At the end of the day, The Bacon Brothers keep evolving – and that is rewarding, not only for themselves but their fans. “I never would’ve

Photo courtesy of The Bacon Brothers

imagined we would still be playing or writing songs – or have 10 or 11 albums. And we’re going to put out another EP, maybe sometime this fall,” Kevin said. “I just try to keep the day-to-day practical: have a good show, play well, get better at singing, write a song. If we ever had a song that made its way into popular culture, that would be super exciting. But in lieu of that, we’re just making the best music we can.”

68 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Photo on left by Charles Chessler

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Travel

With its Forbes Star ratings, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is confirmed as the first truly luxury destination in the Inland Empire.

BY DAKOTA KIM

Y

aamava’ Resort & Casino is heralding

including QMS collagen products and Natura

a new era for Inland Empire luxury

Bisse skincare.

travel, entertainment and dining

Best of all, when guests leave Serrano Spa,

– first with its comprehensive

they don’t truly leave it behind, as their spa

rebranding and renovation in 2021, and now by

technician provides homecare solutions that

garnering three prestigious Forbes Star ratings

go beyond products, such as a stretch or sleep

for the resort, Serrano Spa and The Pines Modern

regimen, or even an SD card with the relaxing

Steakhouse. Yaamava’ is now one of only three

sounds played during their treatment.

Four-Star tribal-owned properties in the country,

The Pines Modern Steakhouse, which

and one of only two properties that also holds a

received a Four-Star rating, provides a flawless

Five-Star spa and Four-Star restaurant.

dining experience, fit for everyday dining or

Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating

special occasions. The refined restaurant was

system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and

named “Best Restaurant” by Inland Empire

ocean cruises; all of its ratings are ascertained

Magazine for three consecutive years. “The key

anonymously based on hundreds of demanding standards, with a focus

elements are always service first, and an amazing culinary experience,”

on exceptional service. Hard work, strategic planning and superior

Bird said.

hospitality were the mortar that built this luxury house, according to

The Pines serves handcrafted pastas, fresh seafood, rare Japanese

Yaamava’ VP of Hotel Operations, Afsi Bird. The San Manuel Band of

Wagyu and dry-aged beef, superior wines and signature cocktails. The

Mission Indians, which owns and operates the resort, is proud of these

restaurant was honored by Wine Spectator with the 2022 Award of

developments, Bird said.

Excellence, which is no surprise considering its diverse international

“Achieving our Forbes rating in the first year of our operation is

collection, from traditional to natural and biodynamic bottles, old

one of the most accomplished times for all of us,” Bird said. “Yaamava’

world to new world. The Pines also is one of only two restaurants in the

is the Tribe’s first luxury hotel, and we have demonstrated our best-in-

Inland Empire to earn a Four Diamond rating from AAA’s travel guide.

class service and received accolades for that service, which has been very rewarding for our team members and the Tribe.”

The setting and service at The Pines brings Old Hollywood elegance, where guests can perch at the splashy cocktail bar, nestle

A first for the Inland Empire, these prestigious ratings for Yaamava’

deep into curved booths or enjoy the buzz of a lively main dining room.

bring distinction not only to San Manuel, but also to the region, elevating

Throughout, there are subtle motifs of the Tribe, including a ceiling

its profile for hospitality and tourism, according to Bird. “Yaamava’

design that emulates a woven basket, which also serves a functional

will play a big role in raising awareness of the tourism industry in the

purpose of absorbing sound. These warm, thoughtful elements

Inland Empire as we are the only luxury hotel and casino establishment

combine with a knowledgeable, talented hospitality staff that provides

in this area. This will increase traffic for the local community,” she said.

tableside service unparalleled in the Inland Empire.

It’s no wonder that Serrano Spa can now boast a Forbes Five-Star

Forbes Travel Guide has recognized the glamor, best-in-class luxury

rating, since its hospitality team is at the forefront of creating the luxe

service and timelessness of this desert retreat. And Bird said, “the

spa of the future, fearlessly innovating new techniques for optimal

Tribe is grateful for the hard work the team has put into the resort to be

relaxation and wellness. A destination for guests seeking a luxurious

acknowledged with this most prestigious accolade.”

day, Serrano Spa implements the latest avant-garde technology, from

When guests visit Yaamava’ they will experience the glory of the

infrared, ergonomic ceramic loungers to Oculus headsets that allow

Forbes Four- and Five-Star experience. Whether they come for a

spa guests to travel the world or float in a meditative sphere.

Solid Gold Facial featuring Japanese Kane products at Serrano Spa,

The ultimate hideaway space, the spa offers a water sanctuary,

to enjoy fresh oysters, Japanese Wagyu steak and California Queen’s

terrace with a fireplace, tranquility spa and treatment rooms with

Reserve caviar at The Pines or to rest their heads on the luxury linens

symphonic massage tables that provide calming sound and light

at Yaamava’ Resort, they will feel the warmth of the Yaamava’ family.

therapy using state-of-the-art Bose speakers. For shopping, the spa

“At Yaamava’ we provide a genuine and heartfelt service, consistently,

offers top-of-the-line skincare and haircare products guests can trust,

to all guests,” Bird said.

70 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 71

Stay

Real World Suite

72 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Hardwood Suite

Stay

Lavishly Palms Casino Resort creates the ultimate luxury stay with attention to detail, whimsical design and best-in-class service. LJ >ŝƐƐĂ dŽǁŶƐĞŶĚ ZŽĚŐĞƌƐ

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ake up in your queen-sized bunk bed and bowl a few frames in your personal alley before the massage therapist arrives for your morning treatment. Take an afternoon dip in an infinity

pool with a view that stretches from Circa to South Point as your butler lays out your robe and shakes your martini. Host a half-dozen guests with a meal catered from three restaurants in a dining room full of multimillion-dollar artwork. Return to your penthouse after a night on the town to play a few hands at your personal poker table knowing your favorite pizza and the newest local beer will arrive within minutes. This is what it’s like to stay in one of the Palms Casino Resort’s luxury suites.

Kingpin Suite

Empathy Suite

“A normal hotel may have a standard room and three or four suite types. But in the Fantasy Tower alone, we have multiple specialty suites,” said Kevin Glass, Vice President of Hospitality at Palms. And he does mean special: Palms’ themed suites range from spaces with basketball half courts and whiskey tasting rooms to blush-pink girls’ retreats with a cocktail bar and salon setup. There’s even a suite created by acclaimed artist Damien Hirst. “Nothing like it exists as far as I know, not just in Las Vegas, but in the world,” added Glass.

Indeed, it doesn’t. Hirst’s “Empathy” suite features unique artwork, from a prominent butterfly motif seen throughout the suite’s design to a pair of sharks in formaldehyde that require a single feather to be cleaned. The artist personally chose everything, from the lamp on the bedside table to the cage-like hanging chair that gives a view of The Strip. Turn your attention to the floor and you’ll see the dozens of multicolored butterflies in the marble quarried in China, then inlaid into the tiles in Italy and polished in California before being installed in Las Vegas.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 73

The sleek, 10,000-square-foot hardwood basketball suite not only includes the court, but a pair of professional-quality locker rooms for the full “I wanna be like Mike” experience. The “Kingpin” suite leans into bowler kitsch with orange glitter vinyl, red neon signs and vividly painted portraits of Bill Murray and Woody Harrelson from the eponymous film. Even the suites that don’t have a specific motif offer unique color schemes, artwork and epic views, as well as only-in-Vegas amenities like steam rooms, foosball tables and mini-cinema setups.

two do overnight. The two that do overnight are trained to do cocktails. We’ll often get a call like, ‘Hey, we just came back from the club, can you bring champagne and make cocktails?’ Absolutely we can.”

They also handle more youthful – yet no less sophisticated – desires. “We had a family who wanted a tent for their child,” James explained, “So we got the tent, the cushions, a little night light and books. And because it was an animal-themed tent, we even brought animal crackers for a snack.”

Butlers attend to scheduling in-room spa

One thing we really pride ourselves on here is the service; we pay attention to our guests. You don’t get lost at Palms.

But the suite life at Palms is about more than just the space. For those in the penthouses, a butler is also available to attend to guests’ every want and/or need. James (no last name needed), one of several on staff explained, “We have six butlers who are here 24 hours. Generally, two of us do the mornings, two do the evenings and

treatments and booking front-row show tickets – and everything in between. “We do a bath service with champagne. We’ll have a massage brought up to your room. We pack, unpack, polish, iron and press.”

But a big part of James’ job is taking a guest’s simple request and turning it into an experience.

Blush Suite

74 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Cinema Suite

“We recently had a guest who was part of the NFL draft,” James recalled. “The parents called down for food and, based on each of their tastes, we planned an entire menu from three restaurants and brought it into the same room. Mom and Dad wanted steaks from Scotch 80, the girls wanted noodles and pho from Send Noodles and the football guys wanted pizza. They loved it.’”

Does this star treatment draw in, well, stars?

“Quite a few,” said Glass, “We often get A-list celebrities, professional athletes and professional teams that stay here because they know their privacy will be respected.” He explained that instantly recognizable faces can remain unseen while staying at Palms. “We have a private entrance where celebrities can take a private elevator right up to their room – they don’t have to go in public unless they choose to do so.”

One celebrity who has stayed in the suites is Gwen Stefani – and some of her habits have lingered as part of the Palms’ experience. “In the evenings we have seven options for turndowns – and each comes with its own story,” explained James. “Gwen Stefani opened the Pearl. She played it for two nights, sold out both nights and she was our first guest. She believes in the healing properties of chamomile tea, so her turndown includes chamomile tea with homemade biscuits or cookies.” Other turndown treats include chocolate petit fours from Scotch 80 and an Elvisinspired dessert with peanut butter and candied bacon.

Of course, suites aren’t just booked by people; businesses choose them to make a corporate retreat or convention meeting unforgettable.

“Anyone can book a meeting in a boardroom or restaurant,” said Glass, “But when a corporate client wants to do something new, fresh and outside the box, they come here.”

They can even combine spaces for a truly special event. “On the 25th floor, we have the Kingpin suite, one of the Loft Suites right across from it and then a Blush Suite,” he explained. “If a corporate client wanted to rent that floor out, they could open the doors, set up food and drink stations and create a truly special event.”

Empathy Suite

But one of Palms’ best-known suites remains unoccupied: the Real World Suite where the MTV reality show filmed in 2002. “That was a really popular suite in the early 2000s and people still ask about it,” said Glass. “It’s still themed and in its original state. As it relates to the decor, it definitely needs a refresh,” he said and laughed. (Or maybe just wait a few more years until ‘90s nostalgia turns to ‘00s throwbacks.)

All of the changes and comings and goings are what James enjoys most about being a butler. “No day is ever the same,” he said. “Some guests check in, take the keys, tell me they’ll call me if they need me and then check out. For some guests I spend the whole week running baths, booking shows, bringing food, mixing cocktails and really being part of their experience.”

“We take the time to make people feel special,” said James. Kevin Glass agreed – and extended the idea from the penthouse to the Palms in general with the property’s guest-focused philosophy, “One thing we really pride ourselves on here is the service; we pay attention to our guests,” he said proudly. “You don’t get lost at Palms.”

Loft Suite

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 75

Indulgences

76 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Smoking Hot Exclusive cigar lounge to establish new levels of coolness for Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

i

By Matt Villano

t’s no secret that Yaamava’ is a world-class

Fava said the lounge has a real “sense of place”

destination for gaming, dining, food and

and delivers a vibe guests can’t find elsewhere. “We

beverage. With the opening of a new, ultra-

want to create an experience,” he said. “Something

exclusive cigar lounge on the 17th floor, the

guests can only have at our resort, in our lounge.”

resort will become a world-class destination

for cigars, too.

One-of-a-Kind Selection

The Cigar Lounge, inside the Y Lounge, opened

The experience at the Cigar Lounge is exceptional

summer 2023, and is a partnership between

and the cigar offerings are eclectic.

Yaamava’ and Fumar Cigars, a Phoenix-based

Arceo asked Haddad to create a menu with a

company that specializes in curating stellar cigar

selection of cigars unlike any other – an inventory

menus.

that had a mix of staple cigars and different options

Christopher Fava, Vice President of Food and

from some of the most varied collections and rarest

Beverage at Yaamava’, said the objective of the

editions anywhere on Earth.

lounge is to have best-in-class cigars available

Haddad knew just where to look.

to give guests a bespoke experience and is an

“I've been collecting rare cigars for almost 30 years

extension of Collection 86 – a world-class cache

now and I had items I’d been saving for just the right

of rare, vintage and one-of-a-kind premier and Grand Cru Champagnes, Bordeaux, Burgundy and California cult wines; as well as spirits and the largest collection of 50-plus-year-old Scotches, cognacs and international whiskeys from all over the globe.

“It’s part of our goal to procure items that together make up one of the rarest collections in the world,” Fava said. “This way, when people come to see us, they know they can have access to spirits, wines and now cigars they won’t find anywhere else.”

occasion,” he said. He added that some of the cigars he resort’s 128 suites and other invited guests. Select

pulled for the Cigar Lounge collection were 50 or 60

players with casino hosts also may gain access on

years old and came from Haddad’s private and personal

certain weeknights, depending on availability.

cigar lockers in London and Geneva, Switzerland.

Outside, the Cigar Lounge has a bit of a speakeasy

Some of the standout cigars in the collection are

feel; if you don’t know the entrance is conveniently

Opus X Aged, Selection 1998-1999; Alfred Dunhill

positioned behind a wall of liquor lockers, you might

Partagas Seleccion: #150, Vintage 1969 Cuban; Alfred

walk right by it.

Dunhill Havana Club Coffins Double Corona, Vintage

Inside, the vibe is luxurious and cool: seven humidors flank a main seating area. Tufted leather

1987; and the Cohiba Spectre, 2021 release.

This means beginners who want flavored or

couches and suede-covered chairs provide

mild cigars will find options they like. It also means

Humble Beginnings

comfortable thrones from which to enjoy a delicious

connoisseurs who want the very best will find

The cigar project began in early 2021, when Chief

smoke. A swanky bar serves up craft cocktails

options they like as well.

Gaming Officer at Yaamava’ Peter Arceo reached out to

to enhance the experience. And the liquor locker

David Haddad, President of Fumar, and said he wanted

program gives celebrities and high-profile regulars

will keep the air clean 24/7, eliminating odors and

to build the best cigar program in the United States.

the opportunity to store their favorite top-shelf

preventing the space from being overwhelmed by

elixirs for next time.

a cigar scent that may turn off certain guests. Also,

Fumar certainly has experience in this area –

State-of-the-art air filtration and HVAC systems

These amenities are only the beginning.

service in the lounge will be second to none, and

in about 39 markets across the country and has

Panoramic views of San Bernardino stretch for

servers will strive to make guests feel like royalty.

developed more than 150 lounges over the years.

miles. There’s even an open-air patio – the only

“The exemplary level of service is off the charts,”

rooftop lounge in Highland, CA – for those who

Fava said. “That’s another part of this desire to create

was ultra-exclusive – accessible only to the highest-

wish to smoke outside. And there’s even food

a room that’s unlike anything else – we received our

level members of Club Serrano, guests staying in the

prepared by Y Lounge chefs.

Forbes awards for a reason, now let’s show them off.”

the company provides services to about 400 resorts

For Yaamava’, the plan was to create a lounge that

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 77

Entertainment

New Kids on the Block Looking Back, Living in the Moment and Embracing the Future

BY RUSS WEAKLAND

78 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Members of legendary boy band New Kids on the Block

each other, and often reflect on how lucky we are. And

have forged a brotherhood and bond unmatched

of course we wouldn't be anywhere without our fans.

in the music world, one that is equal parts beautiful

They have such a good time and really are the sixth

and challenging. Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey

member. Their enthusiasm and how much fun they

McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood have

have with each other and how much they're there for

had the honor of walking a path not many other

us…We feed off each other."

groups have had the pleasure of experiencing. And

Wahlberg added, "The legacy part is secondary

they choose to embrace everything that with it, step

to the relationship with the fans…We have so much

by step.

fun doing shows and doing them with a really deep

As the group prepared for their highly anticipated

connection to our fans… I don't think any of us are

two-night stint at Yaamava’ Theater, the conversation

really thinking about the legacy, we're just living in

quickly turned to their achievements, aspirations, the

the moment as the band."

secret to their enduring brotherhood, the unwavering

In fact, each band member expressed a desire to

bond they have with their dedicated fans and their

live in the present, avoiding distractions that might

legacy.

take them away from their relationship with their

When they looked back over the past few decades,

fans. "It's the way we were brought up, our families.

Joey McIntyre noted why they still work so well

My family always made it about family," Danny Wood

together. “So many bands don't have the benefit of

explained. "So when the five of us got together, it was

staying together. We took 14 years off but we had the

another family. And I think even when we were young,

opportunity to get back together. And we got better

we treated fans that way. We always tried to go out of

at staying together. That could look very simple – like

our way for them, but now we're older and it's easier

leaving each other alone or letting people have their

to have that connection with them. Everyone's grown

say and rolling with the ups and downs,” McIntyre

up, everyone got families. And I think we can relate to

explained. “It ends with gratitude. We really do love

them and they can relate to us."

“Our fans just want to see us. I don’t think they want to see a show about us. They want to see us! Like what

Considering they have performed on countless

Springsteen did, he actually was there every night,

stages throughout their career, Donnie Wahlberg

that would be amazing.”

and Joey McIntyre and the rest of the band reflected

As the group navigates the future, while reflecting

on why Yaamava’ served as a canvas for their never-

on what they have achieved, McIntyre acknowledged

ending career dreams to come true, and the New

it hasn't always been easy. "It's not the most talented

Kids were determined to paint a masterpiece that

people that make it. It's the people that show up

would leave a lasting impression for everyone in

every day and roll with the punches,” he said. “The

attendance.

rollercoaster of creating something that's important

McIntyre was first to note Yaamava’ Theater

to you and sharing it with the world is a trip. But

helped put that special touch on their performances

retirement? Not an option."

saying, “Just sitting here is cool because it's a very

With their hearts in the right place, NKOTB continues to thrive, united in their mission to deliver unforgettable performances and keep the spirit of

big stage, so an act can do their thing just as big as an arena, but it’s also very intimate.”

Wahlberg noted there was still an element of

their brotherhood alive.

surprise and excitement for them, even after years

One More Night

of performing. He confessed that when they walked

On their second night at Yaamava’ Theater, New Kids on the Block share how the intimate venue enhanced

Photo by Paris Visone

Theater – for a couple of key reasons.

the synergy with their fans.

into new arenas, they often experience those "wow" moments, taking in the magnitude of the space.

"I definitely had that here…what a beautiful room.

When I realize we're going to play in it, it's going to

“We aren’t even having a little bit of a tour,”

be full of people cheering for us, it's very easy to

NKOTB’s Donnie Wahlberg noted, holding back a

tap into that feeling of being a kid and not knowing

chuckle while he and the iconic boy band were getting

what to expect,” he said. “Realizing we're going to be

ready for their fan meet and greet on stage hours

the ones on stage…It’s what we always wanted to do.

before their anticipated second sold-out performance

So whether it's a tour or a one-stop show or 20,000

at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.

people or 5,000 people, there's an energy. And

Instead of having a summer tour behind them, they chose to do a couple of concerts at Yaamava’

sometimes, a more intimate room like this can be even more exciting than a larger room.”

Wahlberg agreed, saying, "Absolutely. We've matured over the years and are grateful for all of it.

Maybe when we were 25, and tired of touring for five years straight, and we walked out of a hotel and there were 50 fans there, it was like, ‘Oh gosh!’ But now it's like, ‘Oh wow!’ And that comes from gratitude."

That gratitude also makes them strive to do even more. As much as they live in the present, they all have a vision of how the future should materialize, agreeing timing is crucial and emphasizing waiting for the right moment to pursue such endeavors.

Jordan Knight acknowledged a Broadway production in the vein of Jersey Boys chronicling the band's journey would be very special. "Those are things we've definitely talked about. And we've talked about a biopic, but I think we're all waiting for there are definitely things we've seen other acts do that we think our group would be able to do."

Having a Broadway show like Springsteen on Broadway might be the direction they end up taking. McIntyre, the only member of the group with Broadway experience under his belt, would love to see them dive into a similar show saying,

Photo provided by 226 Collective

the right time to do those things,” he explained. “But

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 79

Taste

Eat + Enjoy Palms Casino Resort adds two new spots to its already robust selection of restaurants with the Laguna Pool House & Kitchen and La Popular CDMX.

By Melinda Sheckells

I

n just a few months since opening, Laguna Pool House & Kitchen, which

“She said, ‘you have a compelling culinary vision for this beautiful and

sits on the 6th floor of the 600-room Palms Place tower, has rewritten

unique space’ and the team asked me to bring Laguna back to Palms Place!”

Las Vegas history. The space – formerly home to the iconic Simon Restaurant and Lounge by late Chef Kerry Simon – had big shoes to fill

in the eyes of locals and frequent guests. But Chef Luke Palladino and his Meta Hospitality are leading the poolside enclave into a new era.

Since Laguna also powers the in-room dining program at Palms Place, Palladino created a menu of global cuisine that would appeal to all palates throughout the day and night.

Menu highlights include pizza, from Margherita (roasted tomato, buffalo

Laguna Pool House & Kitchen is the place for meeting friends for a meal,

mozzarella, basil) to Mediterranean (peppers, mushrooms, red onion, olives, feta

sipping cocktails by the pool, working quietly in the lounge and getting social in

cheese), with dough made from scratch; rotisserie chicken (lemon, honey, thyme

the evenings. Offering lunch and dinner on weekdays, and brunch and dinner

brine); Creekstone Farms filet mignon and bone-in ribeye and, what Palladino

on weekends, as well as a poolside menu, the natural light-filled oasis promises

says, is “the most amazing burger.”

an experience with every bite and sip.

“It’s a special blend of brisket, chuck and short rib, which I find are the three

Palladino first joined forces with San Manuel Entertainment Authority

meats that really make up different textural and flavor notes from juiciness

(SMEA) as a consultant to develop new food and beverage concepts at Yaamava’

to richness, marbleization and fat content – they really make the burger

Resort & Casino and then was recruited over to Palms for the same purpose.

wonderful,” Palladino said. “We grill it and use a potato bun, which I love. It has

When Cynthia Kiser Murphey personally asked him to take on Laguna, it was

the right meat-to-bun ratio. Then we have a pimento cheese spread, American

a request he couldn’t deny.

cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and house-made pickles, which are sweet and snappy.”

At lunch, catch Palladino eating the Buddha bowl with Tuscan kale, tricolored quinoa, black beans, chickpeas and crispy Brussels sprouts, dressed in yuzu vinaigrette.

And for the most important meal of the day, brunch, he says it’s all about the Hot Cakes. “I guarantee they are the best you’ll ever eat anywhere.

They’re not made on a griddle. They’re made in pans. Every single pancake is a la minute. They’re buttery, they’re airy, they have a beautiful texture,” Palladino said.

Even the classic breakfast fare gets a spin, like the Challah French Toast with Frosted Flakes crust, mascarpone cream, dulce de leche and mocha coffee crumble; and the Smoked Salmon Dutch Baby with cucumber, boursin cheese, avocado, red onion, crisp capers and salmon caviar.

The bar program, created by Yaamava’ alum Chris Rosano and best enjoyed at Laguna Bar & Lounge, effortlessly transcends the varied menu, featuring the highest quality ingredients in every glass – freshly made juices, tinctures, mixes and syrups. Top sellers include the Laguna Blue made of coconut rum, blue curaçao, coconut purée, pineapple and fresh lime sour and the Put the Lime in the Watermelon, with tequila, fresh watermelon, lime and hibiscus sour.

Order a few drinks and then settle in for Friday Night Karaoke, with a live band, cocktails, prizes and more. “We now have a live karaoke band every Friday night along with our amazing menu.”

80 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

“La Popular means: for everyone. It means ^o^kr[h]r l p^e\hf^' Bm f^Zgl ^o^kr[h]r l ahf^'

N

ew to Palms Casino Resort, La Popular CDMX serving

can also get a vegetarian taco with a beer and have the same experience

authentic Mexican cuisine with an agave-centric cocktail

because it’s very bold and flavorful. That is what La Popular means: for

program, is a partnership between Mexico City’s premier

everyone. It means everybody’s welcome. It means everybody’s home.”

restaurant group, Grupo Carolo, and California-based Eureka!

Restaurant Group. Las Vegas is their third U.S. location, following Roseville, California and Austin, Texas.

Grupo Carolo Chef Cesar de la Parra from Mexico City passionately said

La Popular is all about tacos.

“Tacos are in our DNA as Mexicans – they are our day to day – ’sin maíz no hay país (without corn, there is no country),” de la Parra said. “They’re tasty.

Must-try menu items include the Tuna Tostada, Al Pastor Tacos and Ribeye Fajitas. The corn tortillas and salsas are all made fresh.

“Twenty-five percent of the menu was made for Vegas. You can have the perfect ribeye taco. You can have an enchilada or giant prawns from the grill,” de la Parra said. “We’re not selling Mexican foods or drinks. We’re here for the Mexico City experience. That energy is what we’re trying to achieve.

It’s a place that you walk in, and you know it ignites you a little bit.”

They’re delicious. But they are wildly underrated as far as what you can get

The agave-centric beverage program, overseen by Trevor Tyler, Vice

from a really good taco, or for really good Mexican food. It is probably one of

President of Beverage Operations, features more than 80 labels of tequila

the few foods that can be dated back 2,000 years. We have endemic products

and mezcal, sourced from a variety of small-batch distilleries in Oaxaca,

like chocolate, vanilla and tomatoes. Then we had a crossover of our technique,

Jalisco and Guadalajara and showcases experiential craft cocktails.

ancient foods and flavors that became refined by Europeans. Then we got pork

Walking through the menu, he hopes guests approach it three ways.

and now we have al pastor. We started getting vegetarian oriented, and now we

“We want to highlight Mezcal and tequila and then our premium

have every single protein. We have fish from the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf of

margarita, made with Vulcan from Jalisco; and the Oaxacan Jellyfish that

Mexico. The diversity in food and geography has just exploded.”

comes in a jellyfish glass with a lemongrass smoke bubble,” Tyler said. “We

Staying true to the mission of the original location, de la Parra said you can

take a very culinary approach to our beverage program. Prep, character

always count on La Popular to have a fantastic ambience, to be a place where you

and attention go into these recipes – whether it’s making clarified punches

can party if you want to – with straight up Mexican flavors, no shortcuts.

or caviar pearls from passion fruit – really focusing on the small details.

“You can hit so many different regions of Mexico with a taco concept that

The flair and the presentation element, whether it be the glassware, or the

embraces different cooking styles – everything from the affordable to the

garnish, brings a certain level of excitement that matches the Vegas market

decadent,” he said. “You can have Ribeye Tacos and really good tequila. But you

and being in an exciting place like Palms.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 81

The Doobie Brothers kick off the current leg of their 50th Anniversary Tour, three years late, at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

BY RUSS WEAKLAND

82 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Photography by Clay Patrick McBride

Entertainment

I

n the world of rock ‘n’ roll, few bands have

to be better and explore new ideas for fans new

better on the instruments I play, and I’m inspired

reached the milestone of 50 years together.

and old. Nevertheless, he remains grateful for the

by all kinds of stuff.”

The Doobie Brothers, however, have not only

enduring support of their fans, acknowledging

The Doobie Brothers continue to create and

achieved this feat, but have left an indelible

that the band’s ability to continue performing and

inspire, leaving an enduring mark on the fabric of

creating music is a privilege they cherish.

rock ‘n’ roll. But when it comes to Tom Johnston,

mark on the music industry and their fans in the process. As they embark on their ongoing

“I was a fan of The Doobie Brothers before I

Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons and, of course,

50-ish Anniversary Tour, singer, songwriter

joined the band, and one of my standard jokes is,

John McFee, the blessings they are counting are

and guitarist John McFee reflected on the latest

‘Hey, I’ve been there almost 45 years. I’m still the

more of a celebration for us all – as their five-

landmarks in his and his bandmates’ careers, and

new guy.’ I always admired The Doobies. And one

decade legacy is a testament to their unwavering

what they would change if they could.

of the reasons was because they incorporated

dedication to the craft of making music.

“Time will tell!” McFee said jocosely, but

so many styles. It wasn’t like this one formula of

then reverted to a serious tone. “Well, this is a

song or arrangement or approach to music. It was

to have actually played a role in people’s lives.

continuation of our 50th Anniversary Tour, right?

multifaceted,” McFee explained. “I always admire

He finds it challenging to fully grasp the impact

Now it’s the 50-ish anniversary. One thing I would

that about the band, and I hope that when people

the band has made but acknowledges the

change would be that everybody could have seen

hear us for the first time, they can enjoy that.

appreciation and attention they receive from

it with no COVID, no lockdown. Because we were

I think it’s important, as musicians, to promote

fans and fellow musicians. “It’s hard to conceive

going to start the 50 Anniversary Tour and then

quality and variety and freedom of thought in

of being important or being perceived that way.

COVID hit, and we couldn’t perform. There was

music as far as styles and approaches. If we can

The way I think of The Beatles or something…

no tour, so by the time we started up, it was past

keep people’s minds open to that, they can

but I have encountered people that feel that way.

50 years. That’s the one thing I would change.

realize, ‘Hey, this can all work together.’ That’s

It’s humbling. I just feel like I’ve been lucky.

But of course, we can’t change that.

something I hope they take away and enjoy about

I snuck in.”

th

“Otherwise all of us just feel so fortunate that

the group.”

But McFee remains humble, feeling fortunate

While The Doobie Brothers have garnered

people have liked the music to begin with, but

McFee’s hopes appear to be a reality as the

numerous accolades, including induction into

the fact that people still want to see The Doobie

group is clearly at an all-time high point in its

the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, McFee remains

Brothers play is just something we’re thankful

career as far as its influence on fans and the

grounded. He reveals a personal goal of

for and that I wouldn’t change for the world.”

music industry, McFee referred to his influences

completing his long-awaited solo album. “The Holy

first saying, “I actually grew up playing country

Grail is to finish my debut album, my first solo

ongoing passion for making music and touring

music. My idols were Joe Mathis, a multi-

project. I’ve been working on it for a while now,

with it, McFee explained the band’s constant

instrumentalist, and guys like that. But then The

and I’m trying to finish that. So that’s a personal

quest for improvement and their love for the

Beatles came along, boy did they open up things

goal,” he said. “And when it turns back to the band,

creative process were the major catalysts to keep

in a major way for me. They were an influence.

who knows what the future holds. We just want

the dream they all have been living, for 50-plus

And great jazz guitarists like Howard Roberts.

to keep making new music, doing good music,

years, alive and thriving. The desire to push

We were also influenced by a group called Moby

and hopefully getting better. We’ve done a lot and

boundaries and discover new musical horizons

Grape back in the ‘60s, which was a pioneering

we’ve been really lucky, so we’ve just got to count

keeps them engaged as a band, always striving

San Francisco group. I’m always trying to get

our blessings.”

The iconic band has played on many stage throughout the world. So, what was it about Yaamava’ Theater that made McFee and his bandmates choose that stage over any other to start the current leg of their 50 th Anniversary Tour?

“We like to play where our fans can get to the shows without too much travel pain,” McFee said, sharing the band’s perspective on why Yaamava’ Theater was the perfect venue.

The Doobie Brothers, who recently played in Los Angeles and San Diego, want to connect with fans in different regions and make the experience more accessible and convenient for their loyal audience.

The allure of the on-property casino added to the band’s excitement, as McFee knew the crowd’s exuberant mood would create an extraordinary energy during their performance.

McFee expressed even more enthusiasm for

Yaamava’ Theater’s size, saying it was a significant draw for the band. “It’s my favorite sized venue,” he revealed.

“It’s not too big, but it’s not jammed up, too small.”

The band had also heard positive feedback about the theater’s recent construction, with special attention given to the acoustics, ensuring an unparalleled concert experience for its devoted fans. “They’ve learned a few things on what to do to make things acoustically appropriate for concerts,” he said. “And we’ve heard good things about Yaamava’ Theater.”

The band firmly believes in delivering its best, acknowledging the privilege of performing for its passionate supporters. McFee described the thrill of witnessing the audience’s enjoyment as a powerful energy boost, driving them to

exceed expectations and create a memorable experience for everyone in attendance. McFee also emphasized fans’ dedication and financial investment required to attend concerts in today’s world. “We better give them everything we have, everything we can!” he declared.

When asked about the motivation behind their

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 83

RETREAT FROM THE DEMANDS OF EVERYDAY LIFE AT SERRANO SPA

gift of tranquility

The Serrano Spa at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is inspired by the Earth’s natural elements to create memories to last a lifetime. It’s the area’s finest destination for hair, nail, makeup and full-body treatments.

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Photography by Alan de Herrera | Styled by Judean Sakimoto

The Last

Bite

Recipe

Ever tried to recreate the Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple dish we’ve all fallen so hard for, only to find it tasted so much better at the restaurant? Maybe there was an ingredient or two you didn’t realize had that much impact but most likely, it was technique.

Now Chef Chris Dennis at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino shares his method for making on-the-mark Brussels sprouts so you can finally add them to your holiday table with confidence.

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON AND MAPLE Serves 6 18 oz. Brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise 2 tbsp. vegetable oil or olive oil blend

Directions: • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Ű 2NCEG $TWUUGNU URTQWVU QP DCMKPI VTC[ FTK\\NG YKVJ QKN CPF UGCUQP YKVJ UCNV CPF RGRRGT

4 slices bacon, thick cut

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• Cut bacon in ¼ inch strips and sauté in large non-stick pan on medium heat for 4 minutes

2 tbsp. butter

• Add shallots and butter, sauté until shallots are golden brown, season with salt and pepper

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salt and pepper to taste

Ű #FF TQCUVGF $TWUUGNU URTQWVU VQ OCRNG U[TWR KPEQTRQTCVG YGNN CPF UGTXG JQV 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 b | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE