THE MAGAZINE OF THE YUHAAVIATAM OF SAN MANUEL NATION
It’s an absolute pleasure to share the Fall 2025/Winter 2026 issue of Hamiinat, the official magazine of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (YSMN) that showcases our culture, heritage, and enterprises. The title is an expression for greeting others in the Maara’yam (Serrano) language and extends friendship, goodwill, and hospitality, for which our Tribe is renowned.
Every fall for nearly three decades, hundreds of dancers, singers, tribal citizens, and community members have gathered for the San Manuel Pow Wow — the largest such event in Southern California. It’s a celebration of Native American culture, community, and connection. Our cover story showcases a selection of stunning imagery captured by Cherokee/Muscogee photographer Cody Hammer that encapsulates the beauty and pageantry of this annual tradition. We’re honored to share beautiful Native cultures that have been carefully preserved and shared since time immemorial with dancers, singers, and drum groups from throughout North America.
Another important aspect of YSMN’s story is tribal government gaming. We delve into this complex topic with the first component of what will be a three-part series. We also showcase our Tribe’s deep dedication to philanthropic giving across many fronts, from a $3 million endowment for California State University San Marcos’ California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center to the $450,000 raised through the fan-favorite San Manuel Golf Tournament in support of impactful charities to the worthy organizations recognized during the annual Forging Hope Yawa’ Awards.
This issue is also packed with exclusive interviews and stories about Native change makers. Golf great Notah Begay III (Navajo), who played in the San Manuel Golf Tournament, explains how sport can change lives. Chef Pyet DeSpain (Potawatomi/Mexican) honors her multicultural heritage through her fusion food. Las Vegas Aces rookie Aaliyah Nye (Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians) brings much-needed Indigenous representation to the Women’s National Basketball Association. And artist Fawn Douglas (Las Vegas Paiute Tribe) is building a creative community where underrepresented perspectives shine.
We also talk to R&B producer and musician Babyface, who has recently performed at Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas. His accolades are impressive, but he is far more concerned about the impact and impression he has made on his collaborators, from Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder to Beyoncé and Bruno Mars. For him, his life’s work is not about making hits; it’s about making meaning. That is a sentiment that resonates deeply with not only myself and my fellow Tribal Council members but with the entire Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, which is centered around the Spirit of Yawa’ — to act on one’s beliefs.
From all of us, thank you for being our guest. We’re eager to share our unique culture and our many exciting offerings and initiatives with you.
Chairwoman Lynn “Nay” Valbuena Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
H amiinat
FALL 2025 / WINTER 2026
YUHAAVIATAM TRIBAL COUNCIL OF SAN MANUEL
CHAIRPERSON Lynn Valbuena
VICE CHAIRPERSON Johnny Hernandez, Jr.
SECRETARY Audrey Martinez
TREASURER Latisha Prieto
CULTURE SEAT MEMBER Joseph Maarango
FIRST GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBER Ed Duro
SECOND GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBER Laurena Bolden
CONTRIBUTORS
Everton Clarke
Jacob Coin
LeeAna Espinoza Salas
Christopher Fava
Sonna Gonzales
Kristen Grimes
Angelica Loera
Anthony Lupian
Chelsea Marek
Laurie Marsden
Marcus O’brien
Noel Olson
Craig Orrell
Ashleigh Pisarcik
Jackie Powell
Tina Ramos
Chris Rosano
Ken Shoji
Corey Silva
Nikyah Thomas Pfeiffer
Gregory Vanstone
Oliver Wolf
Anothony Zervas
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING:
Vanessa AfraidofBear
Aiden Hernandez
Audrey Hernandez
Gauge Hernandez
Nekoli Hernandez
Roman Hernandez
Sophia Hernandez
Alfonso Martinez
Runningbear Ramirez
James Ramos
Tom Ramos, Sr.
Thank you to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the entire tribal community for sharing their stories: past, present and future.
EDITORIAL
MANAGING EDITOR Jessica Stops
PRODUCTION MANAGER Julie Lopez
PUBLISHER Peter Gotfredson
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lisa Thé
EDITOR Kate Nelson
PÜMIA’ CAKIMIV
8 / C OVE R
The San Manuel Pow Wow honors Indigenous heritage and resilience.
16 / NE XT G ENE RAT I ON
The San Manuel Youth Committee visits the Tribal greenhouse.
18 / HIS TORY
An in-depth look at the complex history of Indian gaming.
24 / T R IBAL H I GHL I G H TS
Music meets meaning with the iconic band Foreigner.
26 / FASH ION
WNBA player Aaliyah Nye shows off couture Indigenous designs.
PUYU’HOUPKCAV
38 / TEAM ME MBER
H IG HLIGHT
Meet a family bonded by a shared sense of service.
40 / R ECOGNITI ON
The Forging Hope Yawa’ Awards honor eight worthy organizations.
42 / FOOD
With a new cookbook, chef Pyet DeSpain is forging her own path.
58 / GIVING
The San Manuel Golf Tournament raises $450,000 for six charities.
M Ü CI S CK
62 / INTE RV IEW
R&B legend Babyface talks producing hit after hit, performing at Palms Casino Resort, and loving life in Las Vegas.
68 / SAVOR
Every day is a win thanks to these elevated game day eats.
74 / T RENDS
Kick off the New Year with these style, wellness, and beauty best bets.
78 / F ESTIVITY
Palms Casino Resort resurrects the World’s Best Mai Tai Competition.
46 / ARTIST
Las Vegas artist Fawn Douglas is cultivating a creative community.
50 / E DUCAT I ON
YSMN establishes a $3 million endowment at California State University San Marcos.
52 / HAPPEN I NG
A look back at California Native American Day.
54 / ICON
Pro golfer Notah Begay III is living proof of the life-altering power of sport.
80 / VENUE
Til Death Do Us Part Chapel is back and better than ever.
82 / ENT ERTAI NMEN T
An immersive new dining venue opens at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.
Kingpin Suite
Scotch 80 Prime
Ghostbar
PÜ MIA ’ C ˇ AKIMIV
(puh-mee-ah chah-kee-meev)
Our Heritage
Pümia' C�akimiv: What we came with. The phrase describes our heritage, traditions, culture and all the songs and dances our people have passed down over many generations.
In this section, we showcase the powerful San Manuel Pow Wow, which brings together dancers, singers, and other attendees in celebration of culture and connection. We also dive deep into the history of Indian gaming and shine a spotlight on Native American fashion, as modeled by Indigenous WNBA player Aaliyah Nye. We recap the San Manuel Youth Committee’s recent greenhouse visit as well as a magical musical moment with Foreigner for a good cause.
Photography by Coco McKown
BY KEN SHOJI
POW WOW LIVING TRADITION
BY CODY HAMMER
San Manuel Pow Wow celebrates 29 years of culture, community, and connection as excitement builds for the 30th anniversary.
PHOTOGRAPHY
IN MID-SEPTEMBER, the rhythm of the gourd rattle, the beat of drums, and the swirl of ribbons and regalia once again filled the air at California State University, San Bernardino, as more than 1,000 dancers and drummers came together to celebrate the 29th annual San Manuel Pow Wow. Hosted by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (YSMN), the three-day gathering is Southern California’s largest pow wow — and one of its most cherished cultural traditions.
From Friday evening through Sunday, the event welcomed champion dancers, drum groups, and families and friends from across North America. It was more than a competition — it was a reunion. A place where old friends reconnect, new friendships are formed, and generations come together to honor heritage and to remember those who came before through movement, music, and stories.
This year’s Pow Wow continued to reflect the Tribe’s journey of reclamation and identity. In 2025, the Tribe formally transitioned from the governmentassigned name “San Manuel Band of Mission Indians” to the name that honors its origins as the (continued on page 14)
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is preparing to honor three decades of cultural preservation, resilience, and community with a celebration that promises to be unforgettable.
AN UNFORGETTABLE VOICE
Wallace “Uncle Wally” Antone is honored in his final year as Pow Wow emcee. BY KEN SHOJI
After nearly 30 years of lending his powerful voice and spirit to the San Manuel Pow Wow, Wallace “Uncle Wally” Antone of the Quechan Nation was honored this September for his final year as Bird Singing Emcee.
With his signature wide-brimmed black hat and his deep baritone, Uncle Wally was more than an emcee — he was a cultural steward, a mentor, and a voice of unity. Each morning, he gathered bird singers and set the tone with songs sung to the rhythm of traditional gourd rattles — songs that have echoed across these lands for millennia.
Year-round, Uncle Wally traveled throughout the Southwest, sharing songs that carried communities through joy and mourning. At the Pow Wow, his voice connected generations, calling dancers and singers into the arena to be part of something timeless.
The Native American community was deeply saddened to learn of Wallace Antone’s passing in early October. He will be profoundly missed by all whose lives he touched through his singing, teaching, and presence. His legacy — like his voice — will continue to resonate in every song and every step.
Thank you, Uncle Wally.
The Mighty Wallace “Uncle Wally” Antone
The three-day gathering is Southern California’s largest pow wow — and one of its most cherished cultural traditions.
Yuhaaviatam Clan of Marra’yam — the People of the Pines. The restoration of this name marked a powerful affirmation of identity and sovereignty, and the Pow Wow served as a living celebration of that legacy.
Throughout the festivities, everyone savored the rich flavors of Native American cuisine, complemented by regional favorites — each plate offering a heartfelt taste of home from tribal communities across the country. The air buzzed with energy as attendees explored a vibrant marketplace featuring more than 100 artisans, where they discovered traditional artwork, colorful crafts, and intricate handmade jewelry. As the weekend unfolded, crowds continually returned to the arena to witness dancers and drummers compete for more than $250,000 in prize money.
As the countdown begins for the 30th anniversary in 2026, excitement is already building. YSMN is preparing to honor three decades of cultural preservation, resilience, and community with a celebration that promises to be unforgettable. The legacy continues — and the best is yet to come.
EVERY FALL, you can find a passionate group of people roaming through the San Bernardino Mountains on the hunt for acorns. These seemingly inconspicuous nuts are of vital cultural and culinary significance to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (YSMN). Tribal members gather to harvest acorns and return them to the community to celebrate their ancestors and make the traditional dish wiič (acorn mush in Serrano).
Acorns are not the only useful native plant for California tribal nations; many others have long had various utilities. However, a significant portion of the state’s more than 6,000 native species are considered at risk or endangered due to the changing climate and landscape. In response, Yuhaaviatam works to help safeguard these important plants. The San Manuel Youth Committee recently toured the Tribe’s greenhouse to learn about these preservation efforts. Youth Committee Vice Chairperson Audrey Hernandez recalls their greenhouse visit on a particularly sunny afternoon. “The greenhouse was really cute, and it was really humid in there,” she said. “It was nice to see all the different seeds and plants we have around and to hear about how they harvest them.”
Chairperson Nekoli Hernandez chimed in to explain how the greenhouse caretakers remain extremely dedicated to the plants. “They told us how it could all go wrong if they didn’t tend to them for one day or if there were bug infestations,” he said. Sophia Hernandez, Youth Committee Representative, recounted the different plants they saw in the greenhouse, including sage. The students had a round table talk about the plant’s many uses, including drinking as a tea as well as cleaning and sanitizing.
PLANT POWER
The San Manuel Youth Committee visits the Tribal greenhouse.
By Carolann Jane Duro / Photography by Tiffany Melendez
Fellow Youth Committee Representative Amethyst Hernandez and others discussed their favorite native plants, such as sage, sycamore, chia, acorns, and yucca. When asked about the importance of protecting native plants, Youth Committee Treasurer Gauge Hernandez brought up the benefit to the entire community. “Animals need the diversity of the plants to survive,” he said. “Keeping these plants alive also helps us do our cultural activities like the acorn harvest and the yucca harvest, and ensures
we have mahmahwc (California native palm tree in Serrano) seeds that we use in our bird song rattles.” Youth Committee Secretary Aiden Hernandez talked about the significance of native plants such as deergrass and yucca for traditional basket weaving. He also described the importance of understanding the difference between endemic and introduced species. “The non-native plants usually require more resources and water, often harming or even killing the native plants here,” he said.
“Keeping these plants alive helps us do our cultural activities.”
While there remains a threat to the native plant ecosystem, communities like Yuhaaviatam are endeavoring to bring life back to the hills, deserts, and various landscapes of California. Aiden and Gauge expressed that the San Manuel Youth Committee can help by spreading awareness and “sharing this information with our family and cousins.” Through these ongoing efforts, the Tribe is ensuring its youth continues to appreciate, use, and help save these plants for future generations to come.
HIGH STAKES
Inside the complex history of Indian gaming: the first in a three-part series.
BY RICHARD ARLIN WALKER
The fight to uphold tribal nations’ inherent right to conduct gaming on their own lands began with a raid of the Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians’ card room back in 1980.
Indio, California, officials had made it clear they considered the Cabazon Reservation to be within the city limits and therefore subject to city regulations, including a local gambling ban. They had visited with a police officer twice before, but nothing happened. When the raid went down the evening of October 19, 1980, it was shocking in its stealth and fury.
Brenda Soulliere was working that night and recalled that the card room seemed busier than usual. “It turned out that those were sheriff’s deputies,” she said.
Officers in helmets and riot gear “appeared simultaneously at exits,” the Desert Sun reported in its coverage the following day. Undercover officers “commandeered the casino microphone” and ordered everyone to freeze.
An elderly woman who had survived Auschwitz “had an absolute meltdown and was screaming,” recalled Soulliere, a two-decade Cabazon tribal
councilmember and a former chair of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA). “I remember one of the deputies was on a knee next to her, trying to calm her down. There was just mass confusion going on.”
Some 103 people were cited and three people were arrested, the Desert Sun reported. Police confiscated the card tables, card decks, gambling chips, and cash. The city manager and police chief monitored the raid from an unmarked car in the parking lot.
The raid was the genesis of a legal challenge that would wind its way over seven years to the U.S. Supreme Court, where the right of tribal nations to offer and regulate gaming on their lands was upheld.
The high court ruled 6-3 in California v. Cabazon that if states allow gaming to be conducted within their jurisdictions — California had a lottery and allowed bingo and card rooms — then the tribal nations with which they share geography can, too, and without state interference. The decision was followed by the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, which established a regulatory framework.
The ruling forced states to face an irrefutable fact:
Tribal nations are sovereign entities and have the same authority within their jurisdictions as state and federal governments do within theirs.
“Tribal gaming attracted such a reaction because tribes were viewed as a minority group that seemed to have these special rights to offer gaming to the public,” said Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (YSMN) Vice President, Speech Writer, and Executive Advisor Jacob Coin (Hopi). “But we know from both legislation and court cases that Indians are not a racial class of people — we’re a political class of people. And the federal government, on behalf of all American people, entered into agreements with tribes as a political class in order to acquire millions of acres of land.”
From Pushback to Prosperity
Cabazon had tried unsuccessfully to make commerce take root on its 1,700-acre desert landscape. They grew jojoba, only to see that market collapse before their own plants were ready for harvest. They tried selling alcoholic beverages by mail order, but the U.S. Postal Service shut that down. They then tried selling cigarettes but stopped after several months of feuding with the state over tax revenue.
“They were desperate,” said attorney Glenn Feldman, who represented Cabazon in the landmark 1987 Supreme Court case. “Only a small number of families lived on the reservation, because there was simply nothing out there. There was no electricity, no
water, no utilities. Their tribal office was in a rented motel room in a gritty part of Indio.”
Despite these limited resources, Cabazon officials were prepared to defend their sovereignty in any way possible. “Their view was, ‘If we are a sovereign government, let’s act like one and let the chips fall where they may,’” Feldman recalled. “They were a determined group who decided to assert their sovereignty and defend it — and that’s what they did.”
The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 1982 that the Cabazon Reservation was outside Indio limits, and therefore city regulations were not enforceable there. The next year, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office raided Cabazon’s card room, asserting that the reservation was certainly within the county and therefore subject to county regulations. The state intervened, filing California v. Cabazon.
Resistance continued even after the Tribe prevailed at a national level. “There were significant detractors in Congress who did not want to recognize tribal gaming,” Feldman said. For instance, U.S. Senator Chic Hecht (R-Nevada) claimed that states could lose as much as $123 million in lottery revenues and up to $199 million in bingo revenues annually to tribal gaming. Other policy makers and officials argued that tribes were incapable of keeping organized crime out of their gaming operations.
“Tribal card rooms had expanded dramatically in the 1980s,” said Feldman. “There were only a handful
“People can feel safe at a tribal casino knowing that they’re going to be PROVIDED WITH HONEST AND FAIR PLAY.”
when we started out; by the time we argued this case before the Supreme Court, there were more than 100, including 26 in California. So we had a fair amount of experience and could point out that there was no evidence to support this theoretical argument about organized crime.”
Established in 1988, the National Indian Gaming Commission works with federal, state, and tribal governments to develop policies and practices to ensure the integrity of Indian gaming. Additionally, each tribe has its own regulatory commission.
“Here in California, tribal gaming regulators have worked with their state counterparts to develop what I believe is the best gaming regulation system in the country,” said Coin, who served as the first CNIGA executive director. “There has not been a single
incident of unfair, rigged games. People can feel safe at a tribal casino knowing that they’re going to be provided with honest and fair play.”
“On the other hand, [non-tribal] California card rooms have been busted for money laundering and loan sharking,” he continued. “The state lottery has its own management issues from time to time. But tribal gaming in California is the best regulated gaming sector of any state in the country. We’re very proud of that.”
Guided by Principles, Not Profits Gaming has been empowering for tribal nations. In fiscal year 2024, the tribal gaming industry in the United States generated $43.9 billion in gross gaming revenue — a 4.6 percent increase over the previous
year, according to the Indian Gaming Association. That revenue has seeded economic growth and investments in public services, both on and off tribal lands.
At the time of the 1980 raids, most Cabazon citizens lived off-reservation and worked for GTE California and other utilities companies. In contrast, today the Tribe employs 1,200 people, has its own utility authority, and has an on-reservation gated community where many tribal members reside.
Additionally, Cabazon owns Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Eagle Falls Golf Course, Cabazon Cultural Museum, and a waste-management company. The tribal nation has reacquired ancestral lands and hosts the Cabazon Indio Pow Wow and an annual Native American Day celebration.
Similarly, YSMN owns casino resorts, hotels, a business park, and other commercial properties in three states and the District of Columbia. It too has reacquired ancestral lands.
“Commercial gaming is all about profit and maximizing wealth for shareholders,” Coin said. “For tribal gaming, the payoff is how we can improve roads, build schools and hospitals, develop youth centers, and provide elder services — all the things that governments are traditionally relied upon to provide.”
YSMN’s growing affluence has enabled the Tribe to take to a higher level its commitment to Yawa’, which means to “act on one’s beliefs” — a major tenet of Yuhaaviatam culture. To that end, the Tribe since 2003 has invested more than $425 million in public safety, fire protection, education, healthcare, and youth services in the region and in Indian Country.
Additionally, non-gaming tribes benefit from tribal gaming. In California, gaming tribes contribute to an Indian Gaming Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, from which non-gaming tribes each get $1.1 million a year.
“I’m not sure any other state has implemented that,” Feldman said. “It’s intended to provide financial benefit to all the tribes in California, even those smaller communities up in the mountains that can’t operate a casino because there’s no population base.”
Since California vs. Cabazon, Soulliere explains, an increasing number of local governments have come to understand what tribes are: sovereign nations with the inherent right to govern themselves. But the work is not done.
“We have to exercise our sovereignty, and that typically means defending it in courts of law,” Soulliere said. “This whole thing started because we were just trying to keep our 25-table card room open and keep our people employed. Local law enforcement and state officials were the ones that pushed it. We fought that fight, and we got through it. And look where we are today.”
IN PERFECT HARMONY
Music meets meaning with Foreigner and Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation.
By Ashleigh Pisarcik / Photography by Tiffany Melendez and Steven Robles
IN 1984, a restless Mick Jones, founding member of Foreigner, penned “I Want to Know What Love Is” at 3 in the morning. More than 40 years later, the opening pop-synth chords from that middle-of-thenight composition are still instantly recognized around the world.
In a rare blend of rock and resolve, Foreigner took the stage at Yaamava’ Theater at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in June to perform that iconic song — not just for concertgoers but for the annual Lead with Love telethon to benefit Project Angel Food.
Since 2021, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (YSMN) has supported the California-based nonprofit in its mission to provide healthy meals to vulnerable people facing critical illness across Los Angeles County. It’s an initiative that hits close to home for board member, philanthropist, and YSMN tribal citizen Runningbear Ramirez.
channeling its universal message: service to others.
He first became acquainted with Project Angel Food eight years ago, during a time when a family member was fighting a serious illness. Not knowing exactly what to do, he wanted to find a way to help.
In 2020, Runningbear established a $500,000 endowment for Project Angel Food to back research about how medically tailored meals can help Native Americans in Los Angeles County. In the six years he has served on the board, the nonprofit has formed its own research arm within the organization.
“Project Angel Food has grown so much, and I’ve seen just how many people want to help them help people,” said Ramirez. “If you were to look at Project Angel Food and take one thing away from it, it’s that healthy food is medicine.”
For Foreigner keyboardist Michael Bluestein, lending the band’s biggest song — one that transcended nations and languages when it hit No. 1 in 1985 — to Project Angel Food was about
“Love is service; love is giving,” said Bluestein. “If you’ve been in a relationship, you know that it’s about being of service to someone else. It’s putting yourself last. This is the perfect song to use for a campaign of service to people in need of food.”
With financial support from YSMN and musical highlights from Foreigner (among other star power), Project Angel Food raised more than $700,000 during this year’s Lead with Love telethon to expand the organization’s footprint in Los Angeles County. Playing Yaamava’ Theater was a local gig for area resident Bluestein, who shared the stage with the Inland Master Chorale on “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
“It’s always nice when we can do something closer to home,” he said. “I have no doubt we’ll be back; Yaamava’ Theater is a great venue.”
Keeping things local is one of Runningbear’s goals for Project Angel Food. He hopes that his work will allow for expanded services into the
Inland Empire, particularly in Indian Country. During the pandemic, he worked with YSMN tribal leaders to coordinate team member volunteer opportunities to ensure Project Angel Food could safely continue meal service during lockdown.
Ramirez finds purpose in a love for his Tribe and his community. The members of Foreigner, meanwhile, have wanted to know what love is for four decades now. So have they figured it out yet?
“Love is always a work in progress,” Bluestein thoughtfully explained. “You think you know what it is, and then it becomes elusive again. Love is an action. You don’t crack the code and contain it. You have to feed it and keep working at it.”
Runningbear Ramirez is doing just that. In addition to Project Angel Food, he works with other Indigenous-focused initiatives such as Indian Health Service (an agency that provides essential healthcare to Native Americans) and First Nations Experience (the only television network dedicated exclusively to Native content).
“As Native people, we always want to show that we are here to help the community,” he said. “At the end of the day, if we can’t use the resources we have to make the community better, what’s the point of having them?”
As a philanthropist and part of a Tribe that gives back, Runningbear encourages others to get involved however they can, likening himself to a bee. “I take pollen from where I can and stimulate it where I can,” he said. “From there, I watch to see what grows.”
While he is a fan of Foreigner, there’s another musician Ramirez would like to see grace the stage at Yaamava’ Theater to amplify Project Angel Food’s impact: Lady Gaga. Though for Runningbear and his passion for philanthropy — he doesn’t live for the applause. He was simply born this way.
Foreigner performs “I Want to Know What Love Is” with the Inland Master Chorale at Yaamava’ Theater on June 11, 2025.
Foreigner photography by Krishta Abruzzini
With financial support from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and musical highlights from Foreigner, PROJECT ANGEL FOOD RAISED MORE THAN $700,000.
Runningbear Ramirez poses inside Yaamava’ Theater, where Foreigner took the stage to benefit Project Angel Food.
Las Vegas Aces rookie Aaliyah Nye is bringing important Indigenous representation to the WNBA.
Model Role
BY KATE NELSON
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JERRY METELLUS
Midnight Blue Silk Basketball Shorts with Cut-Outs, and Silver Bandeau; vividussports.com | Sacrd Thndr Star
Laser-Cut Acrylic Blanket Bolo Tie in Pottery, Gold Mirror, Ivory, and Red Mirror, sacrdthndr.com
Styling by Christie Moeller
Styling Assistance by Tiffany Weekes Hair and Makeup by Etienne Lovelle
Vividus by Tierra Alysia Midnight Blue Italian Wool Cropped Jacket,
Vividus by Tierra Alysia Signature
Dress and Solidarity Top; vividussports.com | Sacrd Thndr Runway Snakes and Crescent Earrings, sacrdthndr.com
Aaliyah Nye (Match-E-Be-NashShe-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians) rarely saw herself represented in pro sports. Even today, as the 23-year-old suits up as a guard for the 2025 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Champion Las Vegas Aces, she is one of few female Indigenous pro ballers. That means that in addition to swishing three-pointers and grabbing rebounds, the recordsetting Native American athlete also endeavors to ensure young girls see players who look like them out on the basketball court.
“I just want to be a good role model on and off the court for people from the same background as me,” said Nye, who grew up in Huntsville, Alabama, before her family moved to East Lansing, Michigan, ahead of her high-school years. “It’s so important that we have Indigenous players in the WNBA to give little girls someone to look up to and to show them that they can pursue their dreams of playing basketball. When you see people who look like you doing this, you believe you can do it, too.”
The person who really drove that point home for Nye? Her two-year-old niece, Aiukli Aponi, who even at a very young age comprehends — and celebrates — that high-profile representation.
“We watch a lot of movies together, and these days she only wants to watch Moana, because Moana looks like her,” explained Nye with a laugh. “When she watched it for the first time, she kept pointing at the TV, asking if it was her. I explained that it wasn’t, but she has the same skin tone as Moana and the same curly hair as Moana. She doesn’t pay attention to any other movies like she pays attention to Moana. Honestly, that was pretty amazing and eye-opening for me.”
It’s safe to say that Nye is already setting a strong example for the next generation, even at this early stage of her career and even beyond the bounds of her own family. In high school, she was the 2020 Michigan Miss Basketball runner-up and was named the Associated Press Division 1 Player of the Year, earning back-to-back first-team All-Michigan honors. Then in college at the University of Alabama, she set the school record for three-pointers made in a single season during both the 2023-2024 (108) and 2024-2025 (109) seasons. Talk about inspirational Indigenous excellence.
Even with those impressive accolades, Nye approached the 2025 WNBA Draft with humility. She wasn’t invited to the draft but attended at the urging of her parents, who explained it was a oncein-a-lifetime experience and accompanied her to the April ceremony held in New York City. There, she sat in the audience to cheer on Alabama teammate Sarah Ashlee Barker (who was the ninth overall pick) — and on the chance that her own name might get called. It wasn’t long before Nye was selected by the Las Vegas Aces as the 13th overall pick.
“All night, I was pretty nervous because I didn’t want to feel embarrassed if my name wasn’t called, but I was trying to stay positive,” she recalled. “Then
when they told me my name was about to be called, I was like, ‘Wait, are you for real?!’ I was so nervous and excited at the same time, and I really had no words at that moment.”
Luckily her parents — who were equally as nervous as they sat beside her throughout the evening — had the words for her. Before Nye made her way to the stage, her dad reminded her to thank her family, her Tribe, her coaches, and all the others who have contributed to her success along the way.
When Nye stepped onto that stage and held up a Las Vegas Aces jersey with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, she was helping make history — or rather, herstory. Indeed, she is one of just a handful of Native WNBA athletes who have walked the trail first blazed by Ryneldi Becenti (Navajo) back in 1997.
For Nye, Las Vegas is the perfect fit. Although she hasn’t had much downtime to explore her new
hometown throughout her rookie season, she is already feeling a sense of community. “I have met a lot of Indigenous people, even just at games,” she said. “Little girls will come up to me and explain that they’re Native American, too. The other day, a teacher asked me to come speak to the Native American students at his school. I don’t love speaking in front of people, but I would definitely do it for them.”
What wisdom will her motivational speech likely impart upon the next generation? “I would say to pursue what you truly love — whether that’s sports, STEM, journalism, whatever it might be — because everything is going to have its ups and downs, even if it seems glamorous from the outside,” Nye said. “Believe in yourself, stay consistent, and give it your all. That way even if things don’t work out, you’ll know you did the best you could doing something you love.” Spoken like a true role model.
Vividus by Tierra Alysia White Wool Dress, vividussports.com | Jewelry, designer’s own vintage pieces
Opposite: Vividus by Tierra Alysia Lavender Italian Cashmere Wool and Mongolian Sheep Fur Collar Coat with Lambskin Leather Embellished Details, vividussports.com
STYLE FILE
With her Vividus brand, fashion designer Tierra Alysia exemplifies Indigenous excellence.
BY KATE NELSON
With her impressive wide range of looks — from streetwear to athletic wear to evening wear — Pomo/ Filipino fashion designer Tierra Alysia is making more than just a stylish statement. She’s also making a statement about Indigenous innovation, sovereignty, and resilience. It’s a mission that has been ingrained in her since childhood.
“I’ve wanted to be a designer since I was a little kid,” said the Seattle-based creative. “But early on in my career, I didn’t necessarily think I was going to focus on Indigenous fashion. I was just trying to get a seat at the table in what has predominantly been a white man’s world.”
To break into the fashion industry, Alysia began with a golf-centric line — an ode to a beloved pastime of hers — then over time she shifted her attention to more couture creations, which have hit runways and red carpets from New York to Los Angeles to Santa Fe, New Mexico. All of it reflects her own multifaceted, multicultural identity and lives under her Vividus brand, whose name means “life well lived.”
Her unconventional creative process is sparked by inspirations both big and small. “I can’t draw, so there are no drawings, no sketches, no renderings — it all lives in my head,” Alysia explained with a laugh. “I’m very emotional about how I design, and it all centers on what’s currently going on in my life and in the world. I typically work backward, building off a theme or starting with a fabric I find while shopping in London, Paris, or Milan.”
For this playful yet powerful photo shoot taking place at Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas, Alysia recognized the historic opportunity to outfit Native American WNBA player Aaliyah Nye in her looks. “This was such a unique experience because it’s an Indigenous athlete, an Indigenous designer, an Indigenous writer, and an Indigenous magazine, which doesn’t happen very often,” she said, emphasizing the importance of uplifting community.
“Aaliyah is so inspiring, and I could really feel her embracing her Indigeneity with so much pride during the photo shoot.”
Just like Nye, Alysia is making waves on a national level. As for her next move? She aims to produce a major solo fashion show as part of a Fashion Week calendar. But this isn’t about ego — it’s about elevating Native perspectives, voices, and issues.
“For me, the goal is to bring Indigenous fashion to the forefront on a global level,” she said. “It’s about making our fashion accessible for all people to experience so they can learn about our communities and support our communities.”
FROM THEN TO NOW
A look at the resilience and determination of the Yuhaaviatam to remain self-sufficient and sovereign.
1953
Since Time Immemorial
Maara’yam people inhabit the mountains, valleys and deserts of Southern California.
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.
1880s
Native American boarding schools are established in the U.S. with the primary objective of “civilizing” or assimilating Native American children and youth into EuroAmerican culture, while destroying and vilifying Native American culture.
Early to Mid-1900s Tribe adapts and adjusts to reservation life. U.S. government continues to dictate what the Tribe can and cannot do.
Congress passes PL-83-280, which transferred criminal and some civil jurisdiction over Indian Country from the federal governments to certain states including California. Today, 376 of 574 federally recognized tribes are located in PL 83-280 states.
1966
Articles of Association are adopted by
1850s-1860s
American settlers invade Serrano territory. CA governor instructs militias to exterminate Native people. Yuhaaviatam are killed and chased out of their territory.
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.
1879
Carlisle Indian Industrial School opens in Carlisle, PA. Thousands of Indian children are shipped from their homes and families to the school to “Kill the Indian, save the man,” to assimilate them into mainstream society.
December 29, 1891
U.S. President Benjamin Harrison signs Executive Order establishing the San Manuel Indian Reservation with 640 acres. Serrano ancestral territory encompassed 7.4 million acres in California.
1934
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.
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 selfdetermination rather than termination.
1975
President Ford signs the Indian SelfDetermination and Education Assistance Act, a federal policy of Indian selfdetermination, first declared by President Nixon.
A.K. Smiley Public Library, Gerald Smith Collection
Photo courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
1980s
SMBMI seeks new business opportunities to strengthen sovereignty and journey towards self-sufficiency.
1978
Indian gaming movement begins with Seminole Tribe of Florida.
SELF-DETERMINATION
1986
San Manuel Indian Bingo opens.
1987
California v. Cabazon: U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision affirms right of tribal governments to conduct gaming on their lands.
1988
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passes, creating statutory framework for Indian gaming.
1990s-2000s
Tribe takes an active role in passing Proposition 5 and Proposition 1A.
1994
San Manuel Indian Bingo adds gaming operations and advances goal of economic selfsufficiency.
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.
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.
2006
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians breaks ground on San Manuel Village in Highland, CA, a mixed-use, offreservation, commercial development.
2007
Residence Inn by Marriott opens in Sacramento, CA. The project is from the Three Fires intertribal economic partnership, which includes San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
2008
Hampton Inn and Suites Hotel opens in Highland, CA, at San Manuel Village, a development of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
2019
San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority forms to explore economic growth opportunities.
2021
San Manuel Casino becomes Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.
Yaamava’ expansion project opens, including gaming spaces, restaurants, lounges and hotel tower, as well as retail, spa and pool amenities.
After five years of tribal citizen collaborations over a charter of government, the San Manuel General Council ratifies the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Constitution on December 12.
Hamiinat magazine launches.
2022
San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority opens the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
2005
New San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino opens.
Residence Inn by Marriott opens in Washington, D.C. The project is from the Four Fires intertribal economic partnership, which includes San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
2016
SMBMI acquires sacred lands in San Bernardino Mountains with purchase of Arrowhead Springs Hotel.
2018
Opening of the Autograph Collection, The Draftsman Hotel, in Charlottesville, VA, a joint venture that includes the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA); opening door to stateauthorized sports gambling.
San Manuel leads defeat of sports gambling ballot initiative in California; 83 percent of voters reject Prop 27.
2023
San Manuel Landing opens.
Tribe invests in Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort.
2025
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians reclaims ancestral name, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation.
PUYU’HOUPKC ˇ AV
(poo-yoo-hope-k-chahv)
Together
Puyu’houpkcav: together. When all are together as one, we accomplish more. We strive each day towards unity of purpose and spirit.
In this section, we tell the stories of Native American notables like pro golfer Notah Begay III, celebrated chef Pyet DeSpain, and artist/activist Fawn Douglas. We also highlight a family who has dedicated themselves to service at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel and look back on important recent happenings, including California Native American Day, the Forging Hope Yawa’ Awards, and the beloved San Manuel Golf Tournament. Finally, we explain the importance of a new endowment for California State University San Marcos’ California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center.
TEAM MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
FAMILY AFFAIR
Meet a family bonded by a shared sense of service.
By Angelica Loera
by Steven Robles
AT YAAMAVA’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, the spirit of community runs deep. But for Priscilla Tsosie and her three children, that sense of connection is more than just a workplace value. It’s a lived experience, woven into their daily lives as they individually and collectively contribute to the casino’s vibrant operations across different departments.
Priscilla joined Yaamava’ 14 years ago and has held several roles throughout her career. She now serves as Assistant Manager of Food & Beverage, leading with dedication and grace. As a Navajo tribal citizen, she finds deep meaning in supporting a fellow tribe through her work — a value she has passed on to her children over the years.
With this in mind, she always supported her children’s choices after high school. “Whatever path they chose, I was always supportive, especially when they decided to start working at the casino,” she said. Today, she is proud they have all followed in her footsteps by joining the Yaamava’ team.
Her eldest daughter, Nelsharayle, joined the enterprise just two years after her mom. She currently thrives in the Slots Department and was recently promoted to slot relief floor manager. It was Priscilla’s work commitment and stories that sparked her interest.
“I could see her dedication to the enterprise, and because we are Native American as well, she often emphasized how well the Tribe takes care of its team members,” Nelsharayle said. “I think hearing about the enterprise’s values and opportunities is what drew us all in organically.”
For Nelsharayn, Priscilla’s second daughter, working at the casino offered both a fresh start and a built-in support system. She began in the team member dining room before transitioning to her current role as a table games dealer. “This has helped us grow as a family, and we all understand what we go through at work — on good days and on bad days,” she said.
Priscilla’s son, Nishonie, is the newest to the team. He joined the food and beverage department just over a year ago and currently works as a food runner. Having his mother and sisters nearby has made the transition smoother. “I’m very family-oriented, and working together has created a lot of learning moments for me,” he shared. “Since my mom is a manager, she’s able to show me how things work around the casino, and my sisters are also willing to help me.”
Though they serve in separate roles and rarely cross paths professionally, they cherish the moments when
they do bump into one another in the hallways or catch a glimpse of one another during shift changes. That shared experience at Yaamava’ has created a deeper bond. They know the demands, the expectations, and the pride that comes with being part of something bigger than themselves. That empathy has translated into stronger communication and a renewed sense of appreciation. For this foursome, truly understanding one another’s successes and challenges — whether it’s a tough shift, a new responsibility, or a moment of triumph — is a family affair.
Photography
Clockwise from top left: Priscilla, Nelsharayle, Nishonie, and Nelsharayn
HOPEFUL HONORS
A look back at the 2025 Forging Hope Yawa’ Awards.
By Kate Nelson
EARLIER THIS year, community members came together to celebrate the deserving recipients of the 2025 Forging Hope Yawa’ Awards presented by Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (now in their 15th and second years, respectively). Held at two spirited affairs at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel and Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas, both events were emceed by Nevada community advocate Punam Mathur and each recognized four notable organizations that reflect the spirit of Yawa’. This simple word describes a complex concept — a smile, a hearty handshake, a kind word. A call to manifest one’s beliefs through action, Yawa’ comes from the heart, from actions and intentions, from beliefs held since time immemorial. Here are this year’s worthy recipients.
YUHAAVIATAM OF SAN MANUEL NATION
Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino
Founded in 1958 by a group of forward-thinking attorneys, the Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino (LASSB) embarked on a mission to dismantle the barriers to justice faced by individuals unable to afford legal representation. Over the decades,
LASSB has evolved into an indispensable resource for underserved communities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, offering a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet clients’ diverse needs.
Providence St. Mary Medical Center
For nearly 70 years, Providence St. Mary Medical Center’s commitment to high-quality, whole-person
care for all — especially underserved communities — has made the nonprofit a leader in medical excellence for the High Desert community. With core values of compassion, dignity, justice, excellence, and integrity, the hospital now features the Victor Valley’s first trauma center and will launch the first internal medicine residency program and sexual assault response team this year.
Native American Land Conservancy
Established in 1998, this Indigenous-led land conservation nonprofit has evolved from safeguarding sacred off-reservation sites in California’s ancestral territories to protecting and restoring sacred sites throughout the state. The organization’s comprehensive approach includes educational initiatives for Native youth and the general public as well as scientific studies on biological, cultural, and
historical aspects of sacred lands. This unwavering commitment to preserving California’s rich Indigenous heritage remains paramount today.
University of California Riverside’s Native American Student Programs
Native students at the University of California, Riverside have been an active community since the 1960s. Their collective efforts led to the formation of the Native American Student Programs (NASP) office in 1980 — the first of its kind within the UC system — with a mission to provide educational, cultural, and social support through a variety of activities and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the unique identities and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
SAN MANUEL GAMING AND HOSPITALITY AUTHORITY
HELP of Southern Nevada
More than 55 years ago, HELP of Southern Nevada was founded by the Junior League of Las Vegas. Since then, the nonprofit has grown to offer a range of services to help clients increase their self-sufficiency and improve their lives. Its housing programs are especially impactful, offering case management and supportive services to those experiencing homelessness. Other initiatives help address mentalhealth and substance-abuse challenges.
Nevada Legal Services
Nevada Legal Services (NLS) provides a full range of legal services, including seminars, self-help clinics, direct client assistance, and more. The nonprofit’s Indian Law Program serves all 23 Indian reservations in Nevada, providing legal representation in civil cases in tribal, state, and federal courts and representation in criminal cases in tribal courts. Additionally, NLS’s
Pro Bono Program matches volunteer attorneys with clients who need legal representation free of charge.
Olive Crest
Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of more than 250,000 children in crisis across the western United States by providing safe homes, counseling, and education. In 1997, the nonprofit began serving Las Vegas, and then in 2009, it opened the crucial Family Resource Center to further uplift the community. Olive Crest also offers home-based programs and a teen/young adult independent living program.
The
Culinary
Academy of Las Vegas
A nationally recognized nonprofit institute located in Las Vegas’s historic Westside, the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas for more than 32 years has served the mission of training people for successful, familysustaining hospitality careers at several high-profile properties across the entertainment capital of the world. Through short-term, relevant training programs and wraparound student services, the organization has reduced poverty, eliminated unemployment, and provided opportunities for upward economic mobility for more than 60,000 people.
FOOD
FIRE CATCHER
With a new cookbook and docuseries, chef Pyet DeSpain is forging her own path.
By Kate Nelson
FOR STEPHANIE PYETWETMOKWE “PYET” DESPAIN, her fusion food isn’t just about combining complementary flavors on the plate — it’s about honoring her Potawatomi and Mexican heritage. That cultural duality was a constant during her childhood spent on the Osage Nation Reservation in Oklahoma then in Kansas City, Kansas. Food provided not only an outlet to express herself but an opportunity to explore her multifaceted ancestry.
From the very beginning, DeSpain had a passion and a natural talent for cooking, fueled by early experiences in her family’s taquerias. To hone her skills, she attended culinary school and earned a certificate in wellness and nutrition. Then in 2017, she packed up her life and left the Midwest for Southern California in pursuit of her dream: to become a private chef.
Her nonstop hustle during her first few years in Los Angeles getting her eponymous business, Pyet’s Plate, off the ground certainly paid off. In 2021, DeSpain was named one of the city’s top 25 private chefs by LA Entrepreneur Magazine The following year, she became the first-ever winner of the cooking competition TV show Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay, which really put her on the map.
Since then, she has continued to champion Indigenous food traditions and sovereignty in both tribal communities and in high-profile settings, such as the Today show (where she cooked a three sisters recipe alongside Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager) and a Hollywood Emmys party (where she treated award winners like The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White to bison sliders and other Native dishes).
Now, with a new cookbook, Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking, and a food-focused PBS docuseries, Spirit Plate — both out this fall — DeSpain is truly coming into her own.
“The inspiration behind the book was to educate people about not only Native and Mexican cuisines but more specifically about the Potawatomi tribe, our language, our belief systems, and our way of life,” said the 35-year-old chef. “It’s also a warm welcome for people to get a glimpse into my personal life beyond the TV appearances and social media posts, with all these stories about my multicultural family and the way my life really has been molded around identity.”
Fully embracing that identity hasn’t always come easily, especially in spaces where Indigenous perspectives are often left out, such as the culinary world. But DeSpain has realized the importance of standing in her truth.
“Through my journey as a female Indigenous chef, I’ve come to the realization that authenticity is actually my superpower,” she said. “Most of my life, my multicultural background was my biggest insecurity, because I didn’t know where I fit in. But I’m actually able to connect to so many different people in so many different spaces. Now in hindsight, I’m so grateful for my upbringing with both of my cultures and for being who I am.”
Moving to California, with its thriving Native and Mexican communities, has been instrumental in helping her make that mental shift. “L.A. is such a beautiful, diverse place,” said DeSpain. “The moment I really started leaning into my authenticity, I found so many people who were aligned with me, like other Indigenous and Latina folks. It’s been a really amazing journey to see not just how my friendship circle has grown, but also my craft.”
She’s referring to the abundance of year-round fresh ingredients available in California — from staple proteins like tuna and deer to keystone plants like
Photography provided by Pyet DeSpain
amaranth and acorn squash — that she showcases in Rooted in Fire. The book acts as an homage to both her Midwestern upbringing and her adopted West Coast home. Above all, it’s a tribute to the rich traditions of her ancestors, offering contemporary takes on customary dishes.
DeSpain shows no signs of slowing down, with a deep understanding of the importance of highlighting Indigenous and Mexican cultures through her
culinary storytelling. She has recently taken a turn at other storytelling forms, like trying her hand at acting in the short film Courage. Written and directed by her partner, renowned hoop dancer Eric Michael Hernandez (Lumbee), it centers on honoring one’s Indigeneity. It’s a fitting project for a Native thought leader who has dedicated her life to just that.
“I share a lot about my personal journey in the book, which I hope empowers others to show up as
their true self in any place, in any scenario, in any industry,” DeSpain said. “It’s a very vulnerable place to tell your story, because you’re sharing about private topics that at one time might have brought you shame or embarrassment. But the more I have been able to express my truth, the more liberating and therapeutic it has felt. That has also helped me clear space for other things in my life and work. Whether it’s cooking, writing, or acting, it’s all storytelling to me.”
Photography by Kristin Tieg
THREE SISTERS SALAD
MAKES 4 SERVINGS
½ teaspoon sunflower seed oil
¼ white onion, diced
1 cup fresh or frozen corn, thawed (or 11-ounce can)
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
15 ounces cooked black beans (or canned black beans, drained)
pinch kosher salt
pinch freshly ground black pepper
1. Coat bottom of a skillet with sunflower oil, and heat over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté until translucent. Add corn, zucchini, and thyme, and stir to combine.
2. Cook for 2 minutes, mix gently, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Add beans to skillet, and mix gently again. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve warm.
Excerpted from Rooted in Fire by Pyet DeSpain (pg. 91). Reprinted with permission from HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Copyright 2025.
Las Vegas activist and artist Fawn Douglas is cultivating a creative community.
THE ARTIST’S WAY
BY LISSA TOWNSEND RODGERS
ARTIST, ACTIVIST, EDUCATOR, and gallerist Fawn Douglas believes art is essential to a community. “When you look back and ask how a civilization lived — Who were these people? What were their values? — it’s always the arts that show you, from pottery to larger-scale work,” said the Las Vegas–based creative and member of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. “So when we think about community today, it’s the arts that really show how people are coming together and showing their souls.”
Douglas shows her own soul via a variety of mediums, from painting to weaving to graphic design to performance. That multifaceted approach is reflected in the community she has nurtured both at the Nuwu Art Gallery + Community Center and with the nonprofit IndigenousAF. With a gallery, studio space, community programming, youth outreach, and a storefront on the way, Douglas is showing how the arts can strengthen community. And the community has certainly taken notice.
“Fawn is a fierce advocate for our people, the land, and the arts,” said Nevada Department of Native
“The Message” (mixed media, 2018) by Fawn Douglas
American Affairs Director Tammi Tiger (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma). “By centering the intersections of creativity and activism, she ensures that art is a practice of healing, learning, and cultural preservation.”
It has been five years since Douglas’ dream of Nuwu became a reality. “I’ve always wanted my own studio, gallery, and community center — all the things,” she said. In 2020, she and her partner found the space, then a compound of abandoned buildings on Las Vegas’ Maryland Parkway. Although they were initially outbid on the property, when the pandemic hit, the duo snapped it up.
The studio provides a welcoming work environment for a wide range of artists. “We have everybody here — painters, drawers, printmakers, comic makers, mixed-media artists — and everybody has something to give,” said Douglas. “We also have people from very diverse cultures, because it’s not just a Native American place; we’re intersectional.”
One such featured artist is queer Guatemalan/ Mexican/American artist Justin Favela, whose work has been showcased at venues including the Denver Art Museum and the Petersen Automotive Museum. “I’m so proud of Fawn and the space she provides for brown, Indigenous, and art folks in our community,” he said. “In 2023, I had a big solo show at Nuwu. It was a bit of a homecoming for me and an honor to be one of the first artists to have a solo show in that space.”
The gallery is just one part of the community Douglas is cultivating. Another component is the nonprofit IndigenousAF. She explains the name “came out of a cheeky word from my pow wow T-shirt vending days” but that the organization’s mission is more serious and far-reaching. “IndigenousAF works to decolonize through arts and education, and we help fund artists from different backgrounds that align with our cultural practices and values,” Douglas said.
To support these efforts, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (YMSN) has awarded Douglas multiple grants throughout the years. For instance, a YMSN grant supported a project for the gallery’s inaugural celebration in 2022, dubbed Opening our Doorways to the Community. Several of the building’s original large wooden doors were saved from the scrap heap and transformed into a collaborative creation that helped establish the Nuwu Art community, both visually and spiritually.
“Every final Friday over the course of several months, so many community members would sit around a door and paint something,” Douglas said. “We had eight different doors — front and back — that were painted by so many different people, from children to elders.”
The convergence of different generations, backgrounds, and styles in the gallery reflects Douglas’ own multifaceted artistic approach. For example, she has taught at institutions like the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and collaborated with unconventional organizations such as Meow Wolf. She has created everything from abstract watercolors to graphic flash cards and utilized materials from animal sinew to pow wow number tags to make works that both celebrate and comment on the Native experience.
She also recently participated in Chemehuevi photographer Cara Romero’s First American Girl: Doll Box Series as a Paiute “doll” wearing necklaces she made. Romero explained that the piece “honors Fawn’s enduring leadership and her work at the confluence of art, identity, and Indigenous sovereignty, grounded in the power and presence of the Las Vegas Paiute Nation.”
While it might seem that programming a gallery, managing a studio, and running a nonprofit would distract or detract from Douglas’ own practice, it has actually provided inspiration. One such resulting
artwork is a series of baskets made with traditional techniques but unexpected materials: conduit wire scavenged from the building renovations.
“I saw them sitting out by the dumpster and at first wondered what they were,” she explained. “So I brought them into my studio and started working with them, weaving with these found materials. That’s what our people have always done — foraged and worked with what’s in our place, on our lands.”
Another way Nuwu Art will soon be fostering creativity is with a new gallery space and IndigenousAF collective storefront opening in late 2025 on Charleston Boulevard in the Las Vegas Arts District. There will be original art and fine jewelry on offer but also more
affordable pieces and pop-ups. “It’s going to be fun and have a little something for everybody,” she said.
Ultimately, Douglas sees all of this work as a new chapter of her activism. “How I stand up has changed,” she explained. “A few years ago, I would be out in the streets with my fist in the air. But now I have a space, a place where people can come. I felt the need to step off that stage and give other artists a chance to tell their stories and have their voices heard. Keeping in line with our Native way of thinking about seven generations — learning from seven generations back and preparing for seven generations ahead — this work is not about me; it’s about the community.”
“Water is Life” (watercolor on paper, 2023) by Fawn Douglas
“Nuwuvi Basket II” (2022) by Fawn Douglas | Photography by Mikayla Whitmore
VITAL TEACHINGS
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation establishes a $3 million endowment for California State University San Marcos’ California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY San Marcos (CSUSM) officials knew something was awry. Indigenous students account for about .02 percent of the California State University (CSU) student population systemwide, in line with the University of California system and nearby community colleges.
But why the dearth at Cal State San Marcos, which is located in Pauma Tribe territory in a county shared by 17 tribal nations? The university sought input from elected tribal officials, elders, parents, and culture bearers to try to address the issue.
It was a watershed moment. Tribal nations that share geography with California had long been ignored by academia — that is until their economies, often seeded by gaming revenue, afforded them affluence and influence. But CSU officials weren’t
By Richard Arlin Walker
asking for money. They wanted to know what they could do to better serve Indigenous communities.
A collaboration was born, resulting in the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC). Debuting in 2011, it is now one of the state’s leading research centers on Native American culture and sovereignty.
CSU funded construction of the center and hired teachers and staff. Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (YSMN) understood the importance of this initiative and contributed $1 million early on. Then this May, the Tribe established a $3 million endowment to help CICSC continue its crucial work.
The endowment continues more than $350 million in giving since 2003 to support programs focused on education, economic mobility, healthcare,
and homelessness. Other CICSC project partners and significant donors include the Henry Luce Foundation, Newman’s Own Foundation, Pauma Tribe, and Surfrider Foundation.
YSMN Chairperson Lynn “Nay” Valbuena explains that the endowment strengthens a vital partnership that is creating educational opportunities, cultivating future leaders, advancing transformative research, and honoring tribal sovereignty and cultural heritage.
“The center is enhancing the educational experience of students through advocacy, research, leadership, and systemic change,” she said. “It is fostering an environment where Native culture, tribal sovereignty, and progress can flourish.”
Some of the center’s noteworthy projects include an Indigenous studies curriculum for grades K-12;
EDUCATION
“The center is enhancing the educational experience of students through ADVO CACY, RESEARCH, LEADERSHIP, AND SYSTEMI C CHANGE.”
digital preservation of ethnographic works and recordings; study of possible cultural applications for artificial intelligence; and research that has led to the passage of legislation protecting students’ right to wear regalia at graduation and banning the use of racial mascots.
“Students in my class did the research and helped win passage of that legislation,” CICSC Director and Professor Joely Proudfit (Luiseño/Tongva) said of the mascot and regalia law. “Imagine how gratifying that must be for a student to be able to say, ‘I did that.’”
Students at the center have done that and so much more. Each success has prompted more attention, more funding, and more progress. Missy Magooshboy (Diné) graduated from CSUSM in 2013 and is now the center’s administrative coordinator. When she took
her American Indian Studies class, Proudfit was the university’s only Native professor; the school now has at least 17 Native professors, she notes.
“I get a little choked up talking about it, because it’s just amazing to see what has happened in the past 10 years,” Magooshboy said. “All the research we do and the impact we have — those opportunities weren’t always available. It’s so empowering for students to be able to get involved that way.”
And this is just the beginning. Of the growth in the Indigenous student population, Proudfit said: “I think this is a direct result of, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ We want to see exemplary programs supported and invested in so that students say, ‘That’s where I want to go. That’s where I will be supported. That’s where I’m going to be successful.’”
WORTHWHILE WORK
A sampling of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center’s projects.
“The State of American Indian/Alaska Native Education in California,” an 80-page report produced in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2024. “I have heard from tribal communities, nonprofit organizations, and tribal governments that they rely on these reports to get funding,” said CICSC Director Joely Proudfit. “People use them, read them, earmark them, and take them into legislators’ and superintendents’ offices.”
Dr. Henry Rodriguez Digital Archive Project, funded by a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation. Rodriguez served as La Jolla Band chairman and was a culture bearer and recipient of an honorary doctorate from Cal State San Marcos. His writings and audio recordings document ethnobotany, plant medicines, and songs.
Indigi-licious Project. This initiative, funded by a grant from Newman’s Own Foundation, brings together traditional Indigenous foodways and contemporary nutrition education. “Decolonizing our diets is much more than just what we eat and what it tastes like,” Proudfit said. “It is land management and stewardship, coupled with culture and language preservation.”
Indigenous Leaders Empowerment and Development Program (ILEAD) provides curriculum and learning opportunities to prepare students for successful careers. “We survey our tribal communities and design courses to help students prepare not only for what their tribal nations need, but what their state, their region, and their country need,” Proudfit said. “We want to give them the best fighting chance to have successful careers and, in the spirit of reciprocity, to give back.”
Indigenous Climate and Environmental Collaborative (ICEC), which employs Native knowledge to inform climate and environmental justice research. In partnership with the Surfrider Foundation, a faculty member (and avid surfer) is documenting the original titles of California beaches, “naming them in our languages so people are aware that we have been part of these places and water systems since time immemorial,” according to Proudfit.
California’s American Indian & Indigenous Film Festival showcases work by filmmakers, producers, directors, and actors working throughout Indian Country, promoting authentic Indigenous representation to Southern California audiences while uplifting Native voices in an industry that for too long has overlooked marginalized perspectives.
C OMMEMORATING C ULTURE
Culture, song, and storytelling shine at the California Native American Day celebration.
By Ken Shoji / Photography by Jaquai Herrera
DESPITE THE OVERCAST night skies, California State University, San Bernardino lit up with tradition and community spirit in late September, as hundreds gathered to celebrate California Native American Day — a vibrant tribute to Indigenous heritage hosted annually since 1999.
The evening featured Me-Wuk dancers, Northern California Yurok brush dancers, Southern California bird singers, and a Native theater company. The San Manuel Bird Singers opened the celebration with traditional bighorn sheep songs that welcomed all
to the Marra’yam (Serrano) ancestral lands, which largely cover San Bernardino County.
The event capped the weeklong California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference, where more than 1,500 students learned directly from tribal elders and educators. Since its inception, the program has reached more than 60,000 students, with parents now bringing their children to continue the tradition.
From dance to food to storytelling, the celebration was a living tribute to California’s First Peoples — and a reminder that culture thrives when shared.
BY RICHARD ARLIN WALKER
Driving Change
Notah Begay III is living proof of the life-altering power of golf.
Notah Begay III was in between tournaments in Endicott, New York, and Snoqualmie Ridge, Washington, but he wasn’t going to miss the chance to play in this year’s San Manuel Golf Tournament (sponsored by Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel).
The golf great was one of 920 players to participate in the tournament held in late July at Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point, California. At the five-day sporting spectacle, celebrity was secondary to the event’s mission: to raise $450,000 for six nonprofit organizations serving families and children.
“San Manuel has done an amazing job of mobilizing their resources to push forward key initiatives on behalf of Native American youth,” said Begay (Navajo/ San Felipe/Isleta), who has long called Albuquerque, New Mexico, home. “The Tribe has set a wonderful precedent for other communities to follow. These young people are going to be taking over and dealing with issues their communities face when they’re adults, and we need to equip them for that.”
One of few Indigenous pro golfers, he embodies all the traits of a top athlete: discipline, poise, skill. But Begay’s driving force is a belief that golf can change lives — whether that’s as a fundraising vehicle, like with the San Manuel Golf Tournament, or as a gateway to a college education and a rewarding career.
He has emphasized that point time and again. After he won the 2000 Canon Greater Hartford Open in dramatic fashion — sinking a 23-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to beat Mark Calcavecchia by a single stroke — he told the New Haven Register that he hopes his legacy is showing young people they can “achieve more in their life than they thought they were capable of.”
The next year, Begay’s younger brother, Clint (who golfed for the University of Hawai’i and for a time caddied for the pro) told Stanford’s alumni magazine: “He strongly believes he was made to play golf, that that was how he was going to make a difference in the world.”
Not for fame. Not for fortune. To make a difference in the world.
Begay first fell in love with golf at age six, tagging along with his amateur-golfer dad. Even early on, his athletic prowess was evident. In high school, he helped Albuquerque Academy win state titles in both golf and basketball in 1989 and 1990, and he was named New Mexico Athlete of the Year in 1990. By his senior year, he was the No. 1 junior golfer in the country, under the tutelage of teaching pro Leo Van Wart. Then in college, he and his Stanford teammates won the Pac 10 title in 1992 and the Pac 10 and NCAA championships in 1994.
When Begay went pro in 1995, he knew that seeing a Navajo name in the PGA rankings could “create a small swell of energy through our community.” Still, he didn’t want to be known as the Native golfer, but rather as a great golfer.
Sure, in tournaments Begay wore hoop earrings and applied red clay under his eyes as a form of prayer to help him face each challenge on the course. But it would be his accurate swing, his precise shots, and his ambidextrous putting that would determine his spot on the leaderboard.
A lot of our kids have this notion that they need to walk away from their traditional values in order to succeed in mainstream America, but that’s not the case. “ ”
Before long, Begay solidified his place in golf history. He won four PGA tournaments between 1999 and 2000 and placed eighth at the 2000 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky — his best finish in a major. That year, he was ranked 19th in the world.
That momentum was slowed by some roadblocks, including a DUI in 2000 (he owned it in court, telling the judge he wanted to be held accountable); a back injury in 2005; and a heart attack in 2015. But Begay’s career wasn’t derailed.
In the ensuing years, he would add two thirdplace tournament finishes, nine top-five finishes, and 14 top 10s to his PGA record, with total earnings north of $5.2 million. These days, he competes in the Champions Tour for golfers 50 and older and is ranked 67th, plus he serves as an analyst with the Golf Channel and NBC Sports.
Beyond the green, Begay in 2005 created the NB3 Foundation to provide physical fitness and cultural wellness programs for Native youth. He also started NB3 Consulting, helping design the Sequoyah National Golf Club (Eastern Band of Cherokee), Firekeeper Golf Course (Prairie Band Potawatomi), and Sewailo Golf Club (Pascua Yaqui).
Even with all these accomplishments, he has one disappointment: that there aren’t more Indigenous golfers in the pros. To his point, there are some 70 Native-owned golf courses across the United States yet only a few Native pros at this time: Rickie Fowler (Navajo), at one time ranked fourth in the world; Gabby Barker (Shoshone Paiute); Aidan Thomas (Laguna Pueblo); and Begay himself.
Photography by Steven Robles and Tiffany Melendez
“There just hasn’t been the interest or the talent development we need,” he said. “It’s expensive and a full-on commitment — I think those are the two biggest hurdles.”
Still, golf is helping to turn the tide for Native youth, with access and opportunities on the rise. For instance, Begay’s own NB3 Foundation has introduced tens of thousands of kids to the sport, and the organization’s Junior Golf National Championship is the second largest youth tournament in the country, with some 8,000 competitors.
But Begay’s greatest contribution — and his living legacy — is no doubt showing the next generation that they can climb as high as their talent and hard work can carry them. He is living proof of that, and he credits staying culturally connected as a major factor in his success.
“A lot of our kids have this notion that they need to walk away from their traditional values in order to succeed in mainstream America, but that’s not the case,” Begay said. “I still attend our traditional ceremonies and participate in our traditional dances. I’m very much invested in the values we’ve had as a community for thousands of years. We have to make time for these practices, because they are sources of strength that help us deal with all the challenges we face.”
HOLE IN ONE
The 26th annual San Manuel Golf Tournament raises $450,000 for six impactful charities.
By
Ashleigh Pisarcik / Photography by Tiffany Melendez and Steven Robles
GOLF LEGEND Arnold Palmer once said, “Success in golf depends less on strength of body than strength of mind and character.” Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (YSMN) — a Tribe whose character is deeply rooted in compassion for others — brought together more than 900 golfers to raise $450,000 for six deserving charities at the 26th annual San Manuel Golf Tournament, also sponsored by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.
In late July, kindness echoed across fairways of the beautiful oceanfront Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point, California, as players putted with purpose in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Orange County & the Inland Empire; California Fire Foundation; California Indian Education For All; Home Base Arizona; Tribal Oak Tree Foster Family Agency; and Restoring Ancestral Winds.
Deepening a legacy of community impact, the San Manuel Golf Tournament provides unrestricted gifts to carefully selected organizations locally, nationally, and across Indian Country. The friendly sporting competition has raised more than $4.5 million since its inception in 1999.
Attended by hundreds of companies, agencies, tribal partners — and this year, even notable guests like PGA pro Notah Begay III and celebrity chef Jet Tila
“The San Manuel Golf Tournament had all the right ingredients: GENEROSITY, COMMUNITY, AND A LOT OF FLAVOR.”
Chef Jet Tila
— the five-day event dazzled. In addition to a round of 18 each day, golfers were treated to delights like gourmet bites at the tee box, live music on the third hole, a glow-in-the-dark closest-to-the-pin contest, and chances to measure their skills against real pros.
A gorgeous ocean sunset was the picture-perfect backdrop for the Yuhaaviatam Reception, where members of the Yuhaaviatam Tribal Council of San Manuel presented each of the six charities with gifts of $75,000 to support their respective missions.
“The San Manuel Golf Tournament had all the right ingredients: generosity, community, and a lot of flavor,” said Chef Jet Tila, who has recently partnered with YSMN on other culinary collaborations. “I’m
grateful to be part of this event and for my friends at Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino. Everything they do to give back is nothing short of incredible.”
With prizes for accomplishments like straightest drive, most offline shot, most honest team, and even last place, golfers of all handicaps were welcome at Monarch Beach Golf Links, which the San Manuel Investment Authority holds a significant ownership interest in through its affiliated entities. Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino will be chipping in and driving change again next year, with 2026 tournament dates to be announced soon.
M ÜC ˇ I SCK
(muh-chish-chk)
Favorites
Müčisck: your favorite things. A word to acknowledge all those things in life you find yourself drawn toward.
In this section, we kick things off with an exclusive interview with the music legend Babyface, who has been loving performing at Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas. We also showcase elevated game day food from Palms and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel as well as top style, wellness, and beauty items available from Yaamava’. And we go inside two exciting venues, including the Til Death Do Us Part Chapel at Palms and bEATS, an immersive new entertaining and dining venue at Yaamava’.
Photography by Jerry Metellus
BY KATE NELSON
Man Music
In an exclusive interview, R&B legend Babyface talks producing hit after hit throughout the decades, performing at Palms Casino Resort, and loving life in Las Vegas.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERRY METELLUS
STYLING BY RIKA T.
in the R&B world,
there’s no bigger name than Babyface. His accolades are unmatched: 200+ top 10 R&B hits, 50+ top 10 pop hits, 16 No. 1 songs, 13 Grammys, and many more achievements. He has worked with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, and numerous others. By all accounts, he has left an indelible mark on music throughout his 45+ years in the industry (and counting). Yet the singer, songwriter, and record producer extraordinaire also known as Kenny Edmonds has remained grateful and grounded throughout it all, as we recently learned during our exclusive interview. Here in his own words, the living legend talks about making hit after hit, performing at the Pearl Concert Theater, and loving life in Las Vegas.
Let’s go back to the beginning. How did your childhood shape your musical career?
I started making music at a very early age; I learned how to play guitar in sixth grade. The reason why I wanted to play guitar in the first place was to write a song for this girl I had a crush on. That inspired me to learn to play some chords. My brother had a guitar in the house, so I picked it up and wrote this song, “Here I Go Falling in Love.” I never played the song for my crush; I was too shy for that and she had no idea. But nevertheless, I guess one could say it was love that got me into music, and I started writing these big heartfelt love songs early on.
When you and L.A. Reid established LaFace Records, did you set out to totally change the music scene?
I don’t know that it was so much about changing the music industry. It was really L.A.’s dream to start a record company. We were writing and producing music with so many different artists, and it got to a point where L.A. was like, “Why can’t we do this on our own, instead of just handing things over to other record companies?”
So we started our own record company, and we learned the ups and downs of the business in terms of what works and what doesn’t. It was a roller coaster in that way. We wanted to give artists a shot and provide an alternative to the major labels where we could give
them special attention and try to make things happen for them. It wasn’t really about changing the music scene; it was about being a part of it. We decided to go to Atlanta, because we wanted to be a big fish in a little sea as opposed to starting in Los Angeles, where we were going to be a little fish in a big sea. That was really the basis, and it worked out well for us. Ultimately, Atlanta became the place where so many musicians followed in our footsteps and created their labels, and it grew from there.
You’re responsible for writing and producing more than 200 top 10 R&B hits across multiple decades. What keeps you inspired creatively?
Just loving music in general and loving the creative process, whether I’m doing it myself or listening to other people who are doing it. I definitely get inspired by listening to other artists. It doesn’t matter what genre it’s from or what year it’s from — I’m always listening, especially as music is changing. People can be so critical of music today, saying that it doesn’t compare to yesterday. I have always been the kind of person that if I hear something and don’t quite like it at first but everybody else loves it, then I listen hard to try to understand what I’m missing and what it is that’s moving everyone else. Then ultimately, I get it. That allows you to open up your ears so you don’t get stuck on one particular thing, because your own opinion can put you in a box where you can’t grow and you don’t hear beyond one sound.
Looking back on your 45-year career, what are some moments that stand out to you as particularly meaningful?
There are so many moments to reflect on. When I look back at my career and think about some of the artists I have gotten to work with, I still pinch myself and really can’t believe it. I can’t believe I worked with Aretha Franklin. I can’t believe I worked with Whitney [Houston]. I can’t believe I worked with Barbra Streisand. I can’t believe I recorded with Gladys Knight. So many of these artists I grew up listening to and never could have imagined I would actually be in the studio with them. When that happens and it’s a success, it’s absolutely amazing.
What excites you about performing at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas?
The Pearl Theater is a great room — it’s on the bigger side yet still feels intimate at the same time. It’s very comfortable and just the right size for me. I don’t always love playing in larger rooms, because it can be harder to connect with the audience. The Palms is a really great property, and everyone there has treated me very well.
What keeps things interesting is that the Palms audience is always changing. Once you think you know who the audience is, then the next night, it’s a completely different crowd. Sometimes it feels like locals, then other times not at all. So you take a look at who you’re playing for that night and try to figure out, “Am I going to play ‘Change the World’ tonight?”
It’s a surprise every night when you walk out.
“So many of these artists I grew up listening to and never could have imagined I would actually be in the studio with them. When that happens and it’s a success, it’s absolutely amazing.”
At this stage in your life, what brings you joy?
In terms of music, the same things — going on stage and performing — bring me joy. I still have the same enjoyment that I had as a kid sitting and playing. And it’s definitely rewarding seeing people singing the songs I’ve written and produced. But I just love watching musicians in general, like all the acts performing here in Vegas. I love seeing the approach different entertainers take when they’re performing live — how they do their work, how they talk to the audience.
One of the best parts of Vegas is that it has become its own musical world, because you can see every kind of act. I’ve seen Bruno [Mars] and Adele, and there are always people coming in and performing — New Kids on the Block, Kelly Clarkson, Janet Jackson, Donny Osmond (who is a staple). I want to see everyone who’s here in Vegas. It’s such
a great place, because you can experience all kinds of entertainment all in one city.
What do you want your legacy in music and in life to be?
I just want to be remembered as being a nice person, as a good guy. That I was always kind and always fair, both in music and outside of music. That when I go in the studio and work with people, they walk away feeling good. Whether the record or song is successful doesn’t really matter. For me, it’s about the process of making the music and the camaraderie, so to speak, that comes along with that. So if there’s one thing that sticks with me more than anything, I hope it’s that people feel like it was a good run, that we had a good time doing it, and that they worked with a good guy.
Concert photo by Denise Truscello
LUXURY VILLAS
good goodsport sport
Every day is game day with these elevated eats from Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.
Chicken Wings in buffalo, Asian BBQ, and lemon pepper dry rub varieties and served with blue cheese or ranch dressing, carrots, and celery. Available at Serrano Vista Cafe at Palms. SVC Nachos featuring tortilla chips, triple cheese, jalapeños, and pico de gallo. Available at Serrano Vista Cafe at Palms. Pines Steakhouse Burger featuring Wagyu burger, truffle gouda, caramelized onion, arugula, and garlic aioli. Available at The
Pines Modern Steakhouse at Yaamava’
STYLED BY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAX MILLA
JUDEAN SAKIMOTO
Pizza of the Week featuring new, never-duplicated toppings and flavors weekly. Available at Palms Pizza at
Palms
Available at bEATS at Yaamava’
Kimchi Loaded Cheese Fries featuring crinkle-cut fries, cheese sauce, sriracha mayo, green onion, cilantro, sesame seeds, and radish sprouts.
40-Ounce Prime Dry-Aged Long-Bone Ribeye available at Scotch 80 Prime at Palms
Mexican Street Corn Dip with Corn Ribs featuring fire-roasted sweet corn, queso Chihuahua, spicy salsa macha, crumbled cotija cheese, and fresh crudités. Available at Serrano Vista Cafe at Yaamava’
START FRESH
Kick off the New Year with these style, wellness, and beauty best bets from Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAX MILLA / STYLED BY JUDEAN
Hedgren Cozy Shoulder Bag available at Cache & Carry. Juara Soothing Island Comfort Green Tea available at 1891 Boutique. Pins & Aces Waffle Knit Pullover and Waffle Knit Shorts in Cream; both available at HIS. Herschel Settlement Hip Pack available at HIS. Kate Spade Bookshelf Water Bottle, Lucky Day Perpetual Calendar, Book Club Rest & Relaxation Planner, and Colorblock Ballpoint Pen; all available at Yaamava’ At Home (yaamavaathome.com).
SAKIMOTO
Kendra Scott Daphne Crystal Frame Short Pendant Necklace, Daphne Crystal Frame Huggie Earrings, Daphne Bow Multi-Strand Necklace, Daphne Bow Drop Earrings; all available at 1891 Boutique.
107 Chaga Jelly Low pH Cleanser available at 1891 Boutique. Indie Lee Daily Vitamin Infusion and Radiant Glow Bundle; all available at 1891 Boutique. Juara Candlenut Glow Body Oil and Radiance Vitality Oil; both available at 1891 Boutique. Noshinku Eucalyptus Refillable Nourishing Hand Sanitizer available at Serrano Spa at Yaamava’. Ryan Porter Pampered & Unbothered Spa Candle available at 1891 Boutique.
TICKET TO PARADISE
Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas resurrects the World’s
Best Mai Tai Competition.
By Ryan Slattery / Photography by Think Blue Prints
BORN FROM THE TROPICS, the mai tai is one of those special cocktails. It’s a drink that demands to be sipped on the beach, by the pool, or at a tiki bar — a place where you can bask in the sun and savor the slightly sweet, rum-based libation. That’s what made Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas the perfect spot to host the World’s Best Mai Tai Competition, five years after it was last held in Hawaii.
“Las Vegas is considered the ‘Ninth Island’ because there are so many islanders here,” said event organizer Chris Rosano, a former competitor himself who helped resurrect the contest. “You couldn’t ask for a better venue than the Palms Pool; it is tropical-themed and located in one of the biggest cities in the world.”
As the legend goes, the mai tai was created by “Trader Vic” Bergeron in 1944 and made its debut in Hawaii in 1953 at The Royal Hawaiian hotel. It’s now that resort’s signature drink and a must-sip specialty of Waikiki Beach. In fact, the cocktail has become so
connected to the islands that it even played a supporting character in the 1961 Elvis Presley film Blue Hawaii
The World’s Best Mai Tai Competition previously ran for well over a decade in Hawaii and annually crowned a mai tai master. But like so many beloved happenings, the contest became a casualty of the pandemic and hadn’t taken place in recent years — that is, until this summer.
Leading up to the main event, finalists were selected at eight qualifiers held in places with strong tiki culture, such as Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Orange County; San Diego; the San Francisco Bay area; Scottsdale, Arizona; and of course Kona, Hawaii. “With that, the World’s Best Mai Tai Competition came back to life,” explained Rosano, who has a food and beverage background and has served as a program development specialist for Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation for nearly 10 years.
Happening at the Palms in late August, the finals
pitted the top 24 contestants against one another, with $20,000 in prizes at stake. A judging panel of beverage industry veterans ranked the craft cocktails in seven categories focused on factors like taste, scent, mouthfeel, and creative finish — such as serving the drink in a pineapple or using dry ice or a fire element for bonus points.
Eliza Woodman, representing Communion in San Diego, took home first place and $15,000, while Noa Gottesman, representing Pisano’s Woodfired Pizza out of Bend, Oregon, secured second place and $5,000.
So what makes for the perfect mai tai? “It’s all about the freshest, highest quality ingredients,” according to Rosano. That includes rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, and orgeat syrup.
While seemingly simple in preparation, the libation can taste vastly different depending on the ratio and types of ingredients used. The toughest part to nail is
“This was about bringing everybody together and having a good time.”
the balance; the drink needs just the right amount of freshness from the lime and nuttiness from the orgeat.
In addition to presenting sponsor Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, this year’s contest was sponsored by Myers’s Rum and Bols Liqueurs — giving participants access (but not limiting them) to products such as Myers’s Original Dark Rum, Myers’s Platinum White Rum, and Bols Blue Curaçao. Many competitors also infused ingredients and created custom rum blends.
All told, Rosano says the competition more than delivered on the event organizers’ goal to celebrate mai-tai culture and the master bartenders who excel at making this world-famous tiki drink. “This was about bringing everybody together, connecting people, and having a good time,” he explained. Mission accomplished.
LOVE SHACK
Til Death Do Us Part Chapel at Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas is back and better than ever.
By Lissa Townsend Rodgers / Photography by Erin Marie Photos
EXTRAVAGANT, OUTRAGEOUS, campy, quirky — a wedding in Las Vegas is unlike a wedding anywhere else in the world. But for a ceremony backdrop that stands out even in a city of blazing neon and splashing fountains, you can’t beat the Til Death Do Us Part Chapel at Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas. The oneof-a-kind venue was conceived by GuatemalanAmerican artist Joshua Vides, who is renowned for his monochrome line drawings that turn threedimensional objects into two-dimensional pop art.
On white walls, strokes of black delineate and detail stained glass, swag draperies, even the pews
that guests sit on to take it all in. “When you go into the chapel, it feels like you’re walking into a sketch,” said Palms Vice President of Sales and Catering Raul Daniels. “I have never seen anything like it in Las Vegas.”
The chapel originally threw open its starkly outlined doors in 2019, but it closed during the pandemic. Now, due to popular demand, it’s back.
“When the chapel first opened, it made worldwide news; we were getting calls from TV stations in England, Scotland, and Germany,” Daniels explained.
“It’s one of the most Instagrammable spots on the
property, and the amount of interest we get about it made the decision to reopen super easy.”
Indeed, once you see the Til Death Do Us Part Chapel, you can’t forget it. Vides has referred to his artistic style as “reality to idea.” With his unique blend of surrealist and cartoonish-style aesthetics, he takes everyday items such as sneakers and sports cars back to their origins as sketch concepts. He has been tapped by brands such as Fendi, Puma, Mercedes-Benz, and the NBA and has created work for charities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Lakers Youth Foundation.
VENUE
More than just a chapel, Til Death Do Us Part is an immersive artwork experience that appeals even to those with no intention of putting a ring on it — that is, if they know how to seek out the space. The venue is situated within the Pearl Concert Theater, a fitting locale for a room whose mixture of goth and whimsy evokes Tim Burton and Keith Haring vibes and where you can easily imagine a couple of rock stars tying the knot.
Why the semi-secrecy? “It’s an art installation, so
we don’t want hundreds and hundreds of people walking through it every day,” said Daniels, noting that cleaning involves wiping down all fingerprints and footprints after every ceremony and concert.
Even with its cool factor, Til Death Do Us Part Chapel is an inviting space for ceremonies of all sorts. “It’s exclusive and kind of hidden, but we also want it to be approachable budget-wise,” explained Daniels. To that end, packages include a dining credit as well
as a complimentary room upgrade and start at $750, with buyouts for up to 25 people.
“It’s geared for the edgy, artsy couple who wants something a little more original than the traditional chapel in Las Vegas,” said Daniels. What better way to write a one-of-a-kind love story than in a one-ofa-kind chapel?
FEEL THE BEAT
An immersive new entertainment and dining venue opens at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.
By Nikyah Thomas Pfeiffer / Photography by Tiffany Melendez and Steven Robles
ELECTRIC. CAPTIVATING. IMMERSIVE. Vibrant. Innovative. Delicious. These are just some of the words that describe bEATS, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel’s newest entertainment venue and fast-casual dining restaurant.
The energy was palpable during the opening night celebration on August 28 as Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Tribal leaders and team members opened bEATS in grand fashion. After a countdown and a dramatic Kabuki drop, guests entered a fullsensory experience of sights, sounds, and colors. From dancers adorned with disco balls and a pulsepounding live DJ to next-level bites and drinks, bEATS’ inaugural night did not disappoint.
“bEATS is where bold flavors and live entertainment collide,” said Yaamava’ General Manager Kenji Hall.
“We’re curating an experience that intrigues your taste buds and moves your soul — with chef-driven bites, electrifying performances, and a vibe that’s pure Yaamava’. There’s truly nothing else like it.”
A Symphony of Music and Food
Once you step inside bEATS, it’s clear this is not just another restaurant or concert space. It is a destination where food, music, and ambiance come together in perfect harmony. The walls come alive with 16K LED screens displaying live performances and vibrant, rhythmic music videos — transporting guests into a world where nostalgia and innovation collide. “With the latest modern technology and our culinary team’s creativity, we’re pushing the envelope to create an experience that’s truly unique,” said Hall.
MediaNews Group/The Riverside Press-Enterprise via Getty Images
/ Terry Pierson
But bEATS is much more than a place to grab a quick bite; it’s a space to engage, interact, and feel the energy of live, immersive shows. Imagine dining while your favorite hits from the 2000s or newer pulse through the speakers or enjoying a bite as a DJ spins the latest chart topper. Whether you’re enjoying the mellow vibes of indie music or the electrifying energy of Top 40 hits, bEATS is an ever-evolving sensory journey.
Not Just a Meal, But a Sensory Experience
Dining at bEATS is more than just satisfying your hunger — it’s about engaging with your environment. The atmosphere is electric, with an energy that intensifies as the evening unfolds. From the 220seat dining area to two full-service bars, there’s space for everyone. Guests can sip on signature cocktails, frozen drinks, or selections from Collection 86, a world-class cache of the world’s rarest wines, spirits, beers, and cigars.
For those looking to continue the fun, bEATS boasts 32 slot machines for the possibility of good fortune paired with good food. It’s a place where every moment is curated to deliver something extraordinary, whether you’re dining with friends, enjoying a solo
EIGHT BOLD CONCEPTS, ONE EXPERIENCE
At the heart of bEATS lies an innovative approach to dining. Rather than a traditional menu, bEATS features eight ghost kitchen concepts — each designed around a unique culinary theme, named in tribute to musical icons who have shaped pop culture. Whether you’re craving a savory burger or a vegetarian delight, bEATS has something for every palate.
Brieoncé: Cheesy creations that take comfort food to the next level.
Bun Direction: Stacked sandwiches that will have burger lovers coming back for more.
Chickira: A global chicken menu inspired by the flavors of the world.
Green Yay: The only all-vegetarian kitchen at Yaamava’, offering vibrant and wholesome dishes.
Mix Jagger: A playful twist on trending eats from the hottest food trends on social media.
Beastie Bowls: Fan-favorite dishes, served in hearty grab-and-go bowls.
Bennie & The Eggs: Breakfast all day — because why not?
Sweetie Wonder: Treats that put the exclamation point on an already perfect meal.
Guests can order meals through self-service kiosks or mobile devices, making for a seamless, convenient experience. And if you’re in a rush to get back to gaming, meals are available for pick-up from digital food lockers.
meal, or dancing to the beat of your favorite song.
“We’re not just a restaurant,” said Yaamava’ Vice President of Food and Beverage Christopher Fava. “Our highly skilled culinary team worked diligently and thoughtfully to create unique, mouthwatering dishes and drinks to complement the essence and flavor of the venue.”
An Ever-Changing Vibe
By night, bEATS transforms into an all-encompassing entertainment venue for up to 793 guests. The space morphs into a high-energy atmosphere for live performances, DJ sets, and immersive shows that span a range of genres, from pop and R&B to indie, country, and beyond. The performances aren’t just shows; they’re experiences that make bEATS the beating heart of Yaamava’.
“bEATS was designed to bring an immersive experience to our guests, while elevating live music
“WE’RE CURATING AN experience that intrigues your taste buds and moves your soul.”
performances,” said Yaamava’ Vice President of Entertainment Drew Dixon. “Our initial lineup will expose guests to performers that match the eclectic and whimsical energy of the venue, and bEATS has already attracted national touring acts like Jet, Santigold, and Gym Class Heroes. Each night has its own rhythm.”
A Must-Visit Destination
bEATS is open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., so whether you’re looking for a midday pick-me-up or a late-night feast, bEATS has you covered. From its innovative food concepts to its energetic live shows, it’s clear that bEATS is no ordinary dining experience. Come for the food. Stay for the music. Leave with the experience.
