
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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Morongo Awards Nearly $200,000 to Community Groups at 2nd Annual Community Outreach Luncheon
Members of the Morongo Tribal Council, the Morongo Community Outreach Committee, and officials from area non-profit organizations at the 2nd Annual Morongo Community Outreach Awards. The Tribe provided grants to 71 different organizations serving others across local communities, continuing its commitment to philanthropy
The Morongo Band of Mission Indians awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to dozens of non-profit organizations serving local communities as part of the Tribe’s 2nd Community Outreach Awards luncheon, held on Wednesday, April 19.
The 71 grant recipients 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 support groups for members of the military and military families.
“Morongo is a giving tribe, and helping others has been a core value of our tribe for generations. We are thrilled to be supporting dozens of exceptional non-profit organizations who inspire us by doing so much to serve those in need and to promote the wellbeing of others,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin.
Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin speaks at the 2nd Annual Morongo Community Outreach Awards. 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 $400,000 in grants in two years.
“We are so thankful to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for their generous support,” said Raven Hilden, Founder and CEO of MilVet, a Murrieta-based non-profit that supports deployed troops, veterans and their families. “This grant will help us provide care packages for our nation’s heroes both abroad and here at home.”
Patrick Froehle of Banning-based non-profit Hope, Empathy, Love, Prayer (H.E.L.P.), a food pantry that provides supplemental food to low-income families in the San Gorgonio Pass area expressed his gratitude to the Tribe for their focus on helping the community.
“We are so grateful to have a partner like Morongo and for their continued support of our community and groups like ours that help provide much-needed resources to those experiencing food insecurity,” Froehle said.
During the luncheon, award recipients were recognized for their exceptional service and partnership with Morongo.
“We deeply appreciate Morongo’s continued generosity and support,” said Maureen Girouard, Director for Development and Communications for ABC Recovery Center, an Indio-based addiction treatment center. “This grant enables us to expand our abilities in providing medical intervention technologies that when needed and deployed, could mean the difference between life and death for the very vulnerable population we serve.”
Groups that received awards from Morongo hailed from across the Inland region, ranging from Clearwater Residential, Inc., of Moreno Valley (a housing provider for low-income veterans) to the CARE Project of Riverside (breast cancer support), to Guide Dogs of the Desert of Palm Springs (providing service dogs to the visually-impaired) to Olive Crest of Palm Desert.
Morongo’s Community Outreach Awards Program aligns with the Tribe’s ongoing philanthropic efforts. Over the past decade, Morongo has provided more than $15 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 2024 Community Outreach Awards program, groups are encouraged to visit www.morongonation.org/donations/
Morongo Tribal leaders and elected officials from Riverside County and the San Gorgonio Pass celebrate the 2nd Annual Morongo Community Outreach Awards.
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New Morongo Tribal Ground and Air Ambulances Take Flight to Strengthen Regional Public Safety
Tribe’s historic partnership with American Medical Response & REACH Air Medical Services will save lives in the San Gorgonio Pass and beyond by providing new emergency medical transport services.
Officials from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and Global Medical Response at the launch ceremony for the new Morongo air and ground ambulance program. (left to right) Morongo Fire Chief Jason Carrizosa, Morongo Chief Executive Officer Titu Asghar, Morongo Tribal Council Members Jeanette Burns, Mary Ann Andreas, and Teresa Sanchez, Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin, and Samuel Flores, Donnie Wharton, Philip Forgione and Jeremey Shumaker of Global Medical Response. MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians gathered on March 31 with elected leaders and regional public safety officials to christen a new tribal ground ambulance and medical helicopter that will provide life-saving critical care and medical transport services on the Morongo Reservation, in communities across the San Gorgonio Pass and beyond.
The innovative partnership between Morongo and Global Medical Response companies, REACH Air Medical Services, and American Medical Response, is believed to be the nation’s first collaboration between a federally recognized tribe and an emergency medical service provider to provide both air and ground ambulances.
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Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health Inc.
Diabetes Program Presents
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SoCalGas – High Winter Bills PSA
LEARN ABOUT FACTORS THAT CAN LEAD TO HIGHER NATURAL GAS BILLS.
Unprecedented cold weather across the nation in part has caused natural gas market prices in the West to more than double between December and January – to the tune of 128% since December. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), several factors are contributing to higher natural gas commodity prices.
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Morongo Donates Winter Coats, Shoes and Toys to Children in Need
Santa helper Alana Allen (left) of Perris helps 9-year-old Zander Santos of Cabazon pick a toy. Zineidh Jimenez, 2, of Cabazon picks a pair of new shoes with the help of her mother, Genesis Jimenez Cabazon, (right) and Santa helper Elizabeth Perez.
Tribe supports Christmas in Cabazon Brunch with holiday gifts to local kids
CABAZON, CA – Holiday cheers and smiles were aplenty as hundreds of children from across the San Gorgonio Pass received gifts as part of Saturday’s Christmas in Cabazon Brunch with Santa, sponsored by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians at the James A. Venable Community Center in Cabazon, CA.
“We are delighted to be able to help children in need in our local communities,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “By partnering with our friends at the Venable Community Center again this year, we are brightening the holidays for over 200 kids.”
At this year’s event, excited children picked out their own brand-new winter coats, shoes and toys. They also received Target gift cards, enjoyed a visit with Santa Claus and other fun activities.
“For many years, our partnership with Morongo has helped thousands of children in need receive holiday toys and winter clothes that will help them brave the winter season,” said Community Center Manager Deana Mann. “We are grateful to have such generous partners in Morongo.”
Morongo’s support of the Cabazon Brunch with Santa follows the tribe’s efforts to help children in need each holiday season. Morongo contributes more than $1 million annually to support communities and nonprofits across Southern California.
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Morongo Helps Provide 300,000 Thanksgiving Meals for Those in Need
Volunteer Jorge Zamora help loads some of the 15,000 turkeys donated by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Volunteers gathered at the Morongo Indian Reservation to help pack and load some of the 15,000 turkeys donated by tribe to organizations across the Pass and the Inland Empire. Volunteers Desiree Lima, Banning, and Sylvia Motschman of Murrieta, helped load some of the 15,000 turkeys donated by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin conducts a TV interview at Morongo’s 36th Annual Thanksgiving Outreach Program.
The Tribe gives away a record 15,000 turkeys to 116 nonprofit organizations across the Inland Empire and Southern California.
MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians gave away a record 15,000 free turkeys this week to non-profit groups, churches and charities from across Southern California as part of the Tribe’s 36th Annual Thanksgiving Outreach Program.
The turkeys donated this year will provide nearly 300,000 holiday meals to families, seniors and veterans in need. Since the program began, Morongo has given away more than 175,000 turkeys, which in turn have provided an estimated 3.5 million holiday meals.
“Morongo launched our Thanksgiving Outreach program more than three decades ago to help those struggling to put food on the table,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “The last couple of years have presented unprecedented challenges for so many, and we are humbled to be in the position to help those in need.”
Tribal members and volunteers gathered at the Morongo Community Center from Nov. 14 – 16 to distribute Thanksgiving turkeys to 116 nonprofit organizations, such as food pantries, churches, homeless shelters, 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 Coachella Valley Rescue Mission is busier than ever this year, and with the economy the way it is, we’ve had to double the amount of those we are providing food boxes to,” said Darla Burkett, executive director of the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. “We are so very grateful to the Morongo Band of Missions for their generous support in allowing us to feed hundreds of people in need this holiday season.”
Other non-profit groups who received turkeys included the Los Angeles Rescue Mission in Los Angeles, Victory Outreach in Banning, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Food Pantry in Desert Hot Springs and Carol’s Kitchen in Beaumont among others.
The Healing & Hope for the Homeless in Los Angeles received 300 turkeys to help feed the homeless this holiday.
“During this very difficult and uncertain time, Morongo’s commitment to helping those who are less fortunate is always consistent,” said Karen Collins, Volunteer Coordinator of the Healing & Hope for the Homeless. “We are so thankful for the 300 turkeys that Morongo has gifted to Healing & Hope for the Homeless for those in need of a warm and delicious holiday meal.”
Pastor Victor Archuleta of Victory Outreach Church in Banning said the 300 turkeys provided by Morongo will help struggling families enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner together.
“Morongo’s Thanksgiving Outreach Program has been the gift that keeps on giving to the families in need across the San Gorgonio Pass,” Archuleta said. “The blessing of a warm meal from Morongo provides a light of hope to many who are struggling.”
For nearly 40 decades, thousands of veterans and military families have benefitted from the tribe’s Thanksgiving Outreach program with turkeys donated to local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other military support groups.
“Morongo’s generosity never ceases to surprise our military families, especially during the holiday season,” said Todd Sieja, President and CEO of the Western Eagle Foundation in Temecula. “Year after year, they help provide delicious thanksgiving meals for our veterans to enjoy and share with their loved ones.”
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 2023.
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Maintenance Power Outage Cancelled – Wednesday November 9, 2022
THE SCHEDULED OUTAGE HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Wednesday, November 9, 2022 Main Outage # 000800179852 – CANCELLED 11/8/2022 Due to Weather
Estimated Start 3:00 AM 11/09/2022
Estimated End 3:00 PM 11/09/2022
Outage Reason pole upgrade
This is an important safety message from Southern California Edison.Our thoughts remain with all those who have been affected by the Apple Fire. SCE crews are currently deployed in your area to complete damage assessments in all accessible fire-damaged areas. Our crews will then begin clearing fire-damaged equipment (including damaged poles, wires and insulators) and removing downed trees as they prepare to restore the system as quickly and safely as possible.
We understand how important it is for all our customers and their families to have access to electricity at home at this time. The crews in the field are wearing masks and following distancing health directives to minimize health risks to the public and to themselves.
SCE is evaluating scheduled outages in areas affected by the fires for possible cancellation. Customers who received a recent notification can check on its status by going to sce.com/outage.
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Morongo Awards $20,000 in Scholarships to Two Native American Students
The annual Rodney T. Mathews Jr. Scholarship has awarded $550,000 to Native American students, the most underrepresented group in higher education.
MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – Two Native American students from California have each received a $10,000 scholarship from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians as part of the 17th Annual Rodney T. Mathews Jr. Scholarship Program.
Since its launch, Morongo’s program has awarded 55 scholarships totaling $550,000 to Native American students attending universities across the nation. The scholarship program is open to enrolled members of any of the more than 100 federally-recognized tribes in California.
“Through our Rodney T. Mathews Jr. Scholarship program, Morongo is helping reverse the trends that have left Native Americans as the most underrepresented group in colleges and universities,” Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin said. “Students like this year’s recipients will be the tribal leaders of the future, and we are pleased to be helping them acquire the education and skills they need to guide and improve tribal communities for the next generation.”
…Morongo Awards $20,000 in Scholarships to Two Native American StudentsRead More »
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Professional and Amateur Ropers Kick Up Some Dust at 9th Annual Morongo Rodeo
Riders competed for prize money and a chance to qualify for the BFI Team Roping at the free rodeo held Saturday Oct. 8 at the Morongo Indian Reservation.
MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – Amateur and professional ropers and riders competed for cash prizes at the 9th Annual Open Ranch Rodeo, a free family-friendly event held on Saturday, October 8 at the Morongo Indian Reservation.
For the fourth year, the rodeo featured a qualifying event for the Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) Team Roping, commonly known as ‘’The Feist,” the largest one-day annual open roping event in the country held in Reno.
“The Morongo Open Ranch Rodeo is always an exciting event,” said team roping champion Derek Begay, a nine-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier. “I always have a great time here and it’s fun seeing all the fans come out to support the amateur and pro riders.”
The daylong rodeo at Morongo attracted dozens of riders and ropers who competed for thousands of dollars in prize money in numerous events, including open and team roping, Calcutta, ribbon roping, and ranch-style steer stopping, among others. Competitions for younger riders included mutton busting and youth barrel racing.
“Morongo’s annual rodeo is a great atmosphere for both fans and families, and we welcome ropers of all skills and ages to compete,” said Morongo Tribal Council Member Brian Lugo, the rodeo president. “Morongo has a long history of cattle ranching, and our rodeo offers a chance to honor our tribe’s past and the legacy of Indian ranching.”
Hosted by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Morongo Cultural Heritage Department, the event sponsors include Southern California Edison and the Barona Resort & Casino.
“The Morongo rodeo is always a first-class event and a great chance for fans to see some of the best riders in the country, as well as some up-and-coming riders,” said Erich Rogers, World Champion Team Ropers at the 2017 National Finals Rodeo. “It’s definitely one of my favorite stops and I look forward to it every single year.”
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Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration at San Diego Zoo Safari Park Monday, October 10, 2022
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