
Welcome to Morongo
Set at the foot of the beautiful San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Mountains, the Morongo Indian Reservation spans more than 35,000 acres and overlooks the vistas of the Banning Pass. Resilient and resourceful, the Morongo tribe has had to overcome many adversities.
Latest News
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30,000 Celebrate Native American Culture at the 33rd Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow
More than 900 tribal dancers and 20 drum groups from across the U.S. and Canada gathered to celebrate traditional Native American music, dance and art.
More than 900 dancers from across the country participated in the 33rd Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow. Morongo Indian Reservation – More than 30,000 spectators celebrated Native American music, art, and dancing at the 33rd Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow, held September 27 – 29 at the Morongo Indian Reservation near Palm Springs, CA.
As one of the nation’s most highly anticipated powwows, the Morongo powwow kicked off on California Native American Day and attracted over 900 tribal dancers and 20 drum groups from across the U.S. and Canada. Admission to the family-friendly powwow is free.
Throughout the weekend, dancers wearing intricate, handcrafted regalia of leather, fine beadwork and brightly colored feathers competed in a variety of events that displayed the diversity of Native American dance styles from across North America.
“The Morongo Thunder and Lightning Powwow celebrates Native American culture while helping tribes preserve our heritage and traditions for future generations,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “Our powwow is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to learn about the richness and beauty of Native American dance, music and art.”
The highlight of each day, the Grand Entry drew hundreds of dancers dressed in traditional regalia into the powwow arena which transformed into a spectacular display of rhythm, music and motion as men, women and children danced together to the music of competitive drum groups and singers.
Justis Wolfleader of Lawrence, Kansas as among the more than 900 dancers from across the country who participated in the 33rd Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow. Marshall Baker of Chandler, Arizona was among over 900 dancers from across the country who participated in the 33rd Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow. More than 20 competitive drum groups from tribes across the country took part in the 33rd Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow. The Powwow included traditional bird singing and peon games of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and other tribes in Southern California.
More than 115 vendors participated in the Morongo Indian Market, where artists offered authentic Native American crafts for sale, such as handmade baskets, beadwork, clothing, jewelry, and pottery. Native food vendors served customary homemade delicacies such as Indian tacos and tasty Indian frybread.
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Carol’s Kitchen with a Canned Food Drive
We’re excited to support Carol’s Kitchen with a canned food drive to help feed families in Beaumont, Banning, Cabazon, and San Jacinto.
Donation bins are available at the following locations: Morongo Tribal Admin- Reception , Upper Campus-Morongo School, Morongo Community Center-Reception, Credit Union, Morongo Travel Center, and Hadley’s.
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NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH PARADE
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Morongo Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Historic Supreme Court Victory for Native Children, Families, and Tribal Sovereignty
Tribes assembled at the former St. Boniface Indian School and Cemetery to recognize the landmark ruling affirming the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
Morongo Tribal leaders and elders accept a resolution from state Assemblyman James Ramos. (BANNING, CALIF. June 15, 2024) – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians gathered with tribal members from across the Inland Empire at the ruins of the St. Boniface Indian School and cemetery to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that affirmed the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
In a ceremony imbued with renewal and resilience, tribal members recognized the June 15, 2023 victory for tribes, tribal families, and Indian children when the Supreme Court overwhelmingly rejected arguments that sought to dismantle ICWA and undermine tribal sovereignty. Morongo was one of five tribes in the nation who defended ICWA before the Supreme Court.
Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin discusses the importance of the Indian Child Welfare Act at an event celebrating the one-year anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding this crucial civil rights legislation. Morongo Tribal Councilmember Mary Ann Andreas recounts her memories of attending the former St. Boniface Indian School in Banning at an event celebrating the one-year anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the Indian Child Welfare Act. “The watershed Supreme Court decision was a momentous victory for tribes, tribal sovereignty, and the best interests of Indian children,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “It protected Native American culture and heritage, and it guaranteed that tribes will continue to have a voice in our children’s future.”
Before Congress passed ICWA in 1978, an estimated one-third of all Native American children were being removed from their parents, extended families and tribal communities by state child welfare and private adoption agencies – even when safe homes with relatives were available. ICWA sought to end these devastating practices.
Morongo Tribal Elder Ernest Siva provides a blessing for the ICWA Day celebration at the former St. Boniface Indian School in Banning. Kawiya Bird Singers from the Aqua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians help celebrate ICWA Day. St. Boniface was one of the 367 Indian Boarding Schools that operated in the U.S. between 1860 and 1978 under federal policies of forced assimilation that sought to eliminate Indian people and culture. Studies show that by 1926, more than 80% of Indigenous school-age children were attending boarding schools run by the federal government or religious organizations.
“As we honor the importance of ICWA and the Supreme Court decision, we should pause to honor the victims, survivors, and descendants of Indian boarding schools,” said Morongo Tribal Councilmember Mary Ann Andreas, a former St. Boniface student. “We should acknowledge the generational trauma of these federal policies and we should remember the children buried here who did not have the protections of ICWA, and the parents and tribes who lost their children.”
The St. Boniface school site, cemetery and the rubble of the former Catholic church are being transferred to Morongo in perpetuity for care and preservation.
California Tribal Families Coalition Legal Director Kimberly Cluff discusses the path forward for ICWA. Tribal members from Morongo and across the state take turns watering an olive tree planted at the former St. Boniface Indian School in Banning as a symbol of their commitment to nurturing and protecting Native children. The tribal celebration included the planting of an olive tree among the rows of olive trees that have grown at the school for generations. A procession of tribal members from Morongo and other tribes took turns watering the tree as a powerful reminder of their commitment to nurturing and protecting Native children.
“This tree symbolizes new life, new hope, and the enduring resilience of our people. It symbolizes our ongoing obligation to care for future generations, to safeguard the wellbeing of Native families and to protect tribal sovereignty,” Chairman Martin said.
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Weaving Energy Podcast May 1, 2024 “THE (Energy) Podcast for Tribes”
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Morongo Gives $500,000 to Non-Profit Organizations at 3rd Annual Community Outreach Awards Luncheon
Member of the Morongo Community Outreach Committee with Morongo Tribal Council Member Mary Ann Andreas and leaders of several non-profit organizations at the 3rd Annual Morongo Community Outreach Awards Luncheon. The Tribe provided grants to 79 organizations serving others in the San Gorgonio Pass, the Coachella Valley and across Riverside & San Bernardino counties.
MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians awarded a record $500,000 in grants to dozens of non-profit organizations serving local communities as part of the 3rd Annual Morongo Community Outreach Awards Luncheon, held Thursday, April 18.
The 79 non-profits groups receiving grants represented a wide array of organizations across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including those involved with Native American culture, social services, education, hospitals or health organizations, and groups supporting veterans and military families.
This year’s grants totaled $500,000 – the largest amount ever given through Morongo’s annual Community Outreach Awards program. In 2023, the program gave nearly $200,000 in grants.
“At Morongo, our commitment to giving has always defined our Tribe as we help address societal needs, foster a sense of community, and bring about positive change,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “Our annual Community Outreach Awards program allows us to live our values by providing support to dozens of inspiring non-profit organizations who selflessly serve others in need throughout the Inland region.“
Morongo Tribal Council Member Mary Ann Andreas announces that the Tribe has awarded $500,000 to 79 non-profit groups at the 3rd Annual Morongo Community Outreach Awards Luncheon. Launched in 2022, the Morongo Community Outreach Awards Program supports the work of non-profit organizations across the Inland Empire and Southern California by providing grants of up to $5,000 each to recipient groups. With this year’s awards, the program has awarded nearly $900,000 in grants in three years.
“We are so thankful to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for their generous support of our work to provide low and no-cost services to support local patients, care partners and families navigating the challenges of dementia-related conditions,” said Dominick Calvano, Board President for Alzheimers Coachella Valley.
“We are honored to receive the Morongo Community Outreach Awards Grant which will help us provide educational youth programs, social-emotional development, food outreach services, health and wellness resources, and creative arts to underserved communities,” said Brittany Hunter, Founder/CEO of Power Speaks Louder of Moreno Valley.
Groups that received awards from Morongo hailed from across the Inland region, ranging from Carol’s Kitchen in the San Gorgonio Pass communities to Rainbolt RiteCare Childhood Language Center in San Bernardino to the Galilee Center in Mecca to Olive Crest of Palm Desert and Angel View of Cathedral City.
Brittany Hunter, founder of Moreno Valley’s Power Speaks Louder, addressed those gathered at the 3rd Annual Morongo Community Outreach Awards Luncheon During the luncheon, award recipients were recognized for their exceptional service to strengthening the quality of life in the San Gorgonio Pass, the Coachella Valley and across Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
“Morongo’s generosity will enable our group to continue our work to offer fun, welcoming activities to people with special needs in our community and their families to gather, socialize and support each other in a caring and safe environment,” said DeAnn Dobbins, president of DeAnn’s PAASS Kids in Banning, Calif.
Morongo’s Community Outreach Awards Program aligns with the Tribe’s ongoing philanthropic efforts. Over the past decade, the Tribe has provided more than $20 million to support local and national non-profit organizations that serve the San Gorgonio Pass and the surrounding regions, as well as greater Southern California.
For information about the 2025 Community Outreach Awards program, groups are encouraged to visit www.morongonation.org/donations/
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Morongo Gives $5 Million to San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Foundation to Enhance Women’s Health & Family Services
The donation will help establish a comprehensive Women’s Health Program; it follows Morongo’s record-breaking $5.6 million donation in 2022.
Members of the Morongo Tribal Council present a $5 million check to the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Foundation at a ceremony held on Thursday, March 14. BANNING, CALIF (March 14, 2024) – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians presented a $5 million donation to the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Foundation today to help the hospital establish a comprehensive Women’s Health Program and enhance its obstetrics, gynecology, breast health, and women’s wellness programs.
The $5 million donation is the second largest donation ever received by the Foundation, following Morongo’s record-breaking $5.6 million contribution to the Foundation in 2022.
“San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital is profoundly grateful for Morongo’s generous $5 million donation,” said Foundation President Allen Koblin. “This $5 million donation is a testament to Morongo’s commitment to the health and wellness of our community and will bring transformative change to the wellbeing of women and families across the San Gorgonio Pass.”
Morongo Tribal Council Member Mary Ann Andreas announces the Tribe’s $5 million donation to the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Foundation at a ceremony held on Thursday, March 14. Most of the Tribe’s donation will be dedicated to establishing a comprehensive Women’s Health Program at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital. This program will offer specialized services, including obstetrics and gynecology, breast health, family services, and women’s wellness programs. The donation will also upgrade critical patient monitoring systems, with $1.4 million dedicated to enhancing technological capabilities and patient care efficiency.
“Morongo is delighted to be building on our partnership with the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Foundation to advance healthcare in the Pass,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “It is crucial that we continue to support new advancements at our community hospital to ensure women, mothers and families have access to high-quality care that addresses their unique healthcare needs.”
Dr. Karan Singh of the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital speaks at the March 14 ceremony where the Morongo Band of Mission Indians announced a $5 million donation to help establish a comprehensive Women’s Health Program at the hospital. Dr. Karan Singh of San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital highlighted the significance of the Tribe’s donation, saying “Today’s gift by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians will bring profound and positive changes to local healthcare, allowing us to expand our services and improve the wellbeing of women of all ages in our community. Morongo is helping us set a new standard for healthcare excellence across the San Gorgonio Pass.”
San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Board Chair Susan DiBiasi also thanked the Tribe for the donation, saying “Words can’t express our thanks to Morongo and for the incredible support you continue to offer to our Foundation and our hospital. This donation will improve the lives of women and children across the Pass communities and puts our hospital in a position to provide innovative new healthcare services to our patients.”
Bird Singers from the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians at the March 14 ceremony where the Morongo Band of Mission Indians announced a $5 million donation to help establish a comprehensive Women’s Health Program at the hospital. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians’ continued generosity not only fortifies the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital’s capabilities but also underscores a shared commitment to fostering healthier, more resilient communities across Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
This latest donation aligns with Morongo’s long-standing tradition of supporting vital community resources and services. Over the past decade, Morongo has given over $20 million to support local and regional nonprofit organizations that help seniors, families, veterans, youth and those in need.
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The Pass Chorale is Calling All Singers for the 2024 Spring Concert!
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Morongo Fire Station Groundbreaking Marks New Era for Public Safety
Morongo tribal leaders, administrators and area elected officials break ground on the new Morongo Fire Station #1. The Dec. 8 ceremony signifies a milestone step for strengthening public safety in the region as the Morongo Fire Department marks its 25 anniversary.
Morongo Tribal Council Member Mary Ann Andreas (left) and Tribal Chairman Charles Martin (right) present Congressman Raul Ruiz (center) with a ceremonial blanket. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians gathered with public safety officials and elected leaders on Dec. 8, 2023 to break ground on a new state-of-the-art Morongo Fire Station #1 that will strengthen public safety on the Morongo Reservation and across the San Gorgonio Pass.
Morongo Fire Department personnel break ground on the new Morongo Fire Station #1. The new facility being built at Morongo and Santiago Roads will replace the former station that has housed the full-time, full-service Morongo Fire Department since 1998. At over 15,000 square feet, the station will be more than twice the size of the current location and will feature two apparatus bays and living spaces for up to twelve firefighters and ambulance personnel per shift.
…Morongo Fire Station Groundbreaking Marks New Era for Public SafetyRead More »
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Morongo Provides 300,000 Thanksgiving Meals with Free Turkey Giveaway
Morongo Fire Department Paramedic Chris Bui helps load some of the 15,000 free turkeys given away by Morongo Band of Mission Indians this week. The Tribe’s 37th Annual Thanksgiving Outreach gave 15,000 turkeys to 115 nonprofit organizations to provide holiday meals to families, seniors and veterans in need.
MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians gave away 15,000 free turkeys this week to non-profit groups, churches and charities across the Inland Empire and Southern California as part of its 37th Annual Thanksgiving Outreach program.
The turkeys donated this year will provide nearly 300,000 holiday meals to families, seniors and veterans in need from the Coachella Valley to Los Angeles. Over the course of the program’s history, Morongo has given away almost 200,000 turkeys, which have helped provide an estimated 3.8 million holiday meals.
“Morongo is a giving tribe, and our annual Thanksgiving Outreach program is a reflection of our tribe’s core values to help others,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “These are challenging times, and we are committed to supporting those in our communities who are struggling so that they can enjoy the holiday with friends and loved ones.”
Dozens of volunteers helped distribute 15,000 free turkeys from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Tribal members and volunteers gathered at the Morongo Community Center for three days starting on Nov. 13 to distribute the 15,000 Thanksgiving turkeys to 115 nonprofit organizations, including food pantries, churches, senior centers, schools and veteran groups from across Southern California. Groups receiving turkeys hailed from Banning, Beaumont, Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Redlands, Los Angeles, and other communities.
The groups will use the turkeys to provide hot holiday meals to those in need or will distribute the birds in holiday meal gift baskets with additional side dishes to help feed thousands of people who otherwise would not have been able to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner this year.
The Janet Goeske Foundation in Riverside received 200 turkeys to help feed senior citizens this holiday.
Morongo Fire Department Paramedic Chris Bui helps load some of the 15,000 free turkeys given away by Morongo Band of Mission Indians this week. “Morongo’s gift of 300 free holiday turkeys is a blessing that exemplifies the Tribe’s dedication to the community,” said Dana Johnson, Director of Family Services of The Desert in Desert Hot Springs. “Thanks to Morongo’s generosity, our organization can help those in need experience the warmth and togetherness of the holiday.”
Churches, food pantries and veteran groups were among the 115 organizations that received free turkeys from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. “Morongo’s generosity brightens the season for our senior community, ensuring they can enjoy special and nourishing meals this holiday season,” said Danielle Nelson, Executive Director of Janet Goeske Foundation in Riverside. “Morongo’s commitment to enriching the lives of our seniors is truly heartwarming.”
“Morongo’s unwavering generosity enriches the lives of our military families, especially during the Thanksgiving holiday when some veterans struggle,” said Todd Sieja, President and CEO of the Western Eagle Foundation in Temecula. “Year after year, Morongo’s support ensures that our veterans can share a delightful Thanksgiving feast with their friends and loved ones.”
Morongo Fire Department Battalion Chief Barry Owens helps load turkeys given away by the Tribe. Other non-profit groups who received turkeys included the Los Angeles Mission, Victory Outreach in Banning, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Food Pantry in Desert Hot Springs, and Carol’s Kitchen in Beaumont, among others.
Thousands of veterans and military families have benefitted from the tribe’s Thanksgiving Outreach program with turkeys donated to the VFW Post 1956 in Menifee and the Ysmael Villegas Memorial VFW Post 1984 in Riverside.
To receive turkeys, participating groups submitted applications to the Tribe and were notified over the summer that they had been selected. For organizations interested in receiving turkeys next Thanksgiving, applications for next year are due in Spring 2024.
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