Morongo’s Annual Rodney T. Mathews Jr. Scholarship has awarded more than $500,000 to Native American students, the most underrepresented group in higher education.

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION –Four Native American students from across California have each received a $10,000 scholarship from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians near Palm Springs as part of the 15^th Annual Rodney T. Mathews Jr. Scholarship Program.

Since the program’s launch, Morongo has awarded more than $500,000 to 53 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.

“Morongo is proud to support the Rodney T. Matthews Jr. Scholarship in its mission to reverse the trends that have left Native Americans as the most underrepresented group in colleges and universities,” Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin said. “In the past 15 years Morongo has been able to provide Native American students with more than a $500,000 in college scholarships.”

The 2019 recipients are:

• Minda Streamer of the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indiansis pursuing her A.M. in Clinical Social Work in the Trauma Responsive Program of Study at the University of Chicago. She currently interns at a child development center and charter school. She plans to return to her Native community and work as a health clinic counselor.

“I am extremely appreciative of this scholarship and the Morongo community for awarding it to me,” said Streamer. “It is a tremendous help to be able to focus on my studies instead of worrying about whether I’ll be able to pay for rent or groceries.”  

• Pectasan Qasil Feliz of the Yurok Tribeattends the University of Oregon where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Early Child Development. She hopes to return to her tribe as a Child Psychologist to provide children with a resource who better understands them.

“I am really grateful to Morongo for this scholarship that is helping me to succeed in my studies. It is really encouraging knowing that someone outside of my small community cares about Native American students succeeding in higher education,” Feliz said.

• Shayleena Britton of the Wailacki, Yuki Nomlacki Tribes is working towards her B.A. in 3D Animation at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Britton wants to use her animation and media skills to make a film about her reservation highlighting the Wailaki language, and to raise awareness of tribal culture and languages. She currently manages a Facebook page titled “Wailaki Kunnes Bakang Ishjii Naagai” to help give people access to the Wailaki language. “I want to thank the Morongo community for accepting me and providing me with this scholarship,” Britton said. “Paying for school has been the most difficult part of pursuing my degree, but thanks to Morongo I am able to continue pursuing my goal.”
• William Feather of the Round Valley Indian Tribesis pursuing a Master of Social Work at Humboldt University. He currently works as the Inmate Services Coordinator at the Mendocino County Jail where he runs a social services program for the more than 300 inmates. He intends to pursue a doctorate and become a Native American Spiritual Leader for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

“I’m so thankful to Morongo for helping me get closer to my dream,” Feather said. “Receiving this scholarship is helping me to continue my education and be a positive role model for my kids. I only hope that I can pay it forward one day.”

American Indians and Alaskan Natives comprise less than 1% of the nation’s college students, the lowest college enrollment rate of any ethnic group, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Similarly, only 15% of American Indians hold bachelor’s degrees, fewer than any ethnic group in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The scholarship program honors the late Rodney T. Mathews Jr., a Morongo tribal member and Hastings Law School graduate who passed away in 2004 after serving as a judge pro tem for more than a decade.

Scholarship applicants are considered based on their academic success and community service.  Candidates must be full-time students at an accredited college or university; complete 60 hours with a designated California Indian agency; and be actively involved in the Native American community.

More than 900 competitive dancers and 20 drum groups from across the U.S. and Canada joined with thousands of spectators to experience traditional dances, music, art and food.

Morongo Indian Reservation – More than 25,000 spectators gathered to reaffirm and celebrate Native American cultural traditions at the 29^th Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow, held Sept. 27-29 at the Morongo Indian Reservation.

One of the most anticipated powwows of the year, the annual three-day gathering hosted by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians attracted more than 900 Native American dancers and 20 professional drum groups from across the U.S. and Canada.

Throughout the weekend, dancers wearing intricate, handmade regalia of supple leather, fine beadwork and brightly-colored feathers competed in a variety of events that showcased different Native American dance styles and music.

“The Morongo Thunder and Lightning Powwow celebrates the diversity of Native American culture while helping to preserve our traditions and heritage,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “Every year, we look forward to welcoming so many families from across the region to experience Native American dance, music, food and art.”

More than 75 vendors took part in the Morongo powwow’s annual Indian Market, selling authentic Native jewelry, expert beadwork, pottery, clothing, and basketry. Native food vendors served up delicious foods such as Indian tacos and tasty Indian frybread.

As the highlight of each day, the spectacular Grand Entry drew hundreds of dancers wearing traditional regalia into the powwow arena where they danced together as competitive drum groups and singers performed. The remarkable display of music and motion transformed the arena as hundreds of men, women and children crowded the floor to dance.

The powwow also featured bird singing and peon games, which are the traditional songs and games of Morongo and other tribes in Southern California

The 29th Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow took place in the Morongo Outdoor Pavilion, located beside the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa.

The annual rodeo was also a qualifying event for the 43rd Annual Bob Feist Invitational Open Team Roping in Reno.

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION, CALIF. – Hundreds of spectators cheered on as professional and amateur riders and ropers competed for cash and prizes the 7^th Annual Morongo Open Ranch Rodeo, a free event held Saturday, October 5 at the Morongo Indian Reservation.

For the second year, the rodeo also included a qualifying event for the Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) Open Team Roping in Reno. Commonly known as ‘’The Feist,” it is the largest one-day annual open roping event in the country. This year’s qualifiers from the Morongo rodeo included two teams; Brooks Dehozy of Warm Springs, OR and Max Kutler of America Falls, ID; and Jake Barnes of Scottsdale, AZ and Cesar de la Cruz of Casa Grande, AZ.

“Morongo’s annual rodeo is always a great event for the family where they can see riders and ropers of all ages and skill levels compete,” said Morongo Tribal Council Member Brian Lugo, the rodeo president. “As a qualifying event for the BFI Open Team Roping, the excitement around our event continues to grow every year.”

The all-day rodeo at Morongo was open to the public who watched contestants compete for custom buckles and thousands in prize money in ranching events, including team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, among others. Younger competitors will also have a chance to compete in the youth barrel racing, mutton busting and steer riding events.

The annual rodeo is sponsored by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Morongo Cultural Heritage Department.

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Annual giveaway helps kids and their families get a head start on the upcoming school year.

(BANNING, Calif. July 31, 2019) – With the new school year fast approaching, 600 students in need from across the San Gorgonio Pass received new brand-name athletic shoes and new backpacks stuffed with classroom supplies, thanks to a $50,000 donation from the annual Morongo Charity Golf Tournament.

“We’re delighted at Morongo to be helping hundreds of local students and families again this year,” said Morongo’s Tribal Vice Chairman James Siva, who served as the golf tournament’s co-chairman. “The smiles on the kid’s faces today said it all, and we’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who made this year’s event possible by supporting the annual Morongo Charity Golf Tournament.”

Kids and parents with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass met on Tuesday morning at the Club’s Ramsey Street center in Banning to pick up their free brand-name backpacks filled with notebooks, scissors, pencils, pens, erasers, highlighters and other supplies assembled by Morongo, as well as free t-shirts. Hundreds of middle and high school students also received toiletry items such as shampoo, hair conditioner, body wash, deodorant and lotion. 

“Giving back to the community has always been a part of who we are at Morongo, and that will never change,” said Tribal Council Member Brian Lugo, also a co-chairman of the golf tournament. “We are excited to be helping local students by providing them with the tools to succeed in the classroom.”

Many of the students happily sported their new athletic shoes, which they picked up for free a few days earlier as part of the Morongo program.

Seven-year-old Helen Chavira and her 10-year-old brother, Adrian, sported new tie-dye colored backpacks as they described being excited for the new school year to start. “This is very helpful for us, especially when school starts as we don’t always have money for new shoes or school supplies, said their mother, Blanca Chavira of Whitewater. “I’m grateful that (Morongo) is helping the kids.”

Amy Herr, chief executive officer of The Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass, said the annual program by Morongo is an important lifeline for many families in need.

“This is always my favorite time of the year when our members get their new backpacks and shoes. For some of them, it’s the first time in their lives that they have had new shoes,” Herr said. “Every year, Morongo steps up to help local students start the school year on the right foot and we truly appreciate the tribe’s continued generosity.”

Parent Anabel Pulido of Banning also expressed appreciation, saying that buying school supplies, backpacks and shoes for her five children adds up quickly, and gets expensive. She especially liked that parents were asked to wait outside when the students selected their backpacks and shoe styles on their own.

Held in June at the beautiful Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon, the Morongo Charity Golf Tournament raised $50,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass and another $50,000 for The Unforgettables Foundation, which offers care to Inland families following the death of a child, as well as financial assistance to help pay for a dignified and respectful burial.

Since debuting in 1997, the Morongo Charity Golf Tournament has provided nearly $1.5 million to programs serving veterans, children, schools and hospitals. The tournament is one of several annual events sponsored by the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, which donate more than $1 million annually to local and regional nonprofit organizations.

Photo Captions:

• Photo 2: Adrian Montes, 10, of Whitewater decides which free backpack to select at Tuesday’s annual Morongo Shoe/Backpack Giveaway at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass.
• Photo 3: Morongo Tribal Council Member Anne Robinson (left) congratulates Helen Chavira, 7,  and her 10-year-old brother, Adrian Montes, of Whitewater at the annual Morongo Shoe/Backpack Giveaway at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass.
• Photo 4: Michael Haro, 8,  of Banning reaches for his new backpack at Tuesday’s annual Morongo Shoe/Backpack Giveaway at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass..

Hundreds of Morongo administration and enterprise employees and their families recently came together at the Morongo Community Center for an Employee Appreciation Carnival and Extravaganza, sponsored by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Inside the community center, attendees danced to tunes from a DJ, feasted on delicious food, and enjoyed mind-bending tricks by a masterful magician. Children and their parents posed for caricaturists and had their faces painted, transforming into everything from tigers to fairies.

“I love being able to bring the kids,” said Mitch Marquez, a tribal descendant who has worked for Morongo for nine years.

The all-day event was truly a family affair, complete with a churro cart, trampoline, and trolley rides. Festivities outside the community center included exciting carnival games and rides, an outdoor rock-climbing wall, and a petting zoo with pigs, rabbits, chickens, and a donkey.

“Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we want to celebrate their ongoing professionalism and dedication to helping our tribe thrive,” said Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “Our Employee Appreciation Carnival and Extravaganza was one small token of our appreciation to our employees and their families.”

Michelle Harris, who works in community outreach, said she felt Morongo was “honoring and respecting their employees” with the event.

The annual event has provided nearly $1.5 million to non-profits over the past 23 years.

BEAUMONT, Calif. (June 10, 2019) – Hundreds of golfers took to the fairways at the 23^rd Annual Morongo Charity Golf Tournament to raise $100,000 to support local schoolchildren and provide compassionate care to grieving families.

Held on Monday, June 10 at the beautiful Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon, the tournament raised $50,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass to provide hundreds of local schoolchildren with new Nike shoes and backpacks stuffed with school supplies for the upcoming 2019-20 school year.

The Morongo tournament also raised $50,000 for The Unforgettables Foundation, which offers care and support to Inland families following the death of a child, as well as financial assistance to help pay for a dignified and respectful burial.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass and The Unforgettables both do so much to aid families in need across our region,” said Morongo’s Tribal Vice Chairman James Siva. “Morongo is dedicated to helping these vital community organizations fulfill their mission, and we are grateful to the players and sponsors who helped make our annual charity golf tournament a success again this year.”

Since its launch in 1997, the Morongo Charity Golf Tournament has raised nearly $1.5 million to support dozens of local nonprofits that serve children, schools, veterans and hospitals across the region.

“Giving back to the community has always been important to Morongo, and we feel fortunate to be in a position to help others,” said Tribal Council Member Brian Lugo. “Our annual golf tournament is just one of the many events Morongo conducts every year to assist local families.”

Amy Herr, the chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass, thanked Morongo for its many years of support, saying “The families we serve truly appreciate the kindness and assistance that Morongo provides to ensure that local students start the new school year with the supplies and confidence they need to succeed.”

Tim Evans, co-founder of The Unforgettables, also thanked the tribe for its longstanding support of the foundation’s work. “Thanks to the generosity of Morongo, families who are suffering are able to take some comfort in knowing that their neighbors and their community care for them and want to help ease their burden when their child has died,” Evans said.

The Morongo Charity Golf Tournament is one of several annual community events conducted by the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, which donates more than $1 million annually to local and national nonprofit organizations and charities.

About the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon

Set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain views, the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon offers 36 world-class holes, state-of-the-art practice facilities, outstanding amenities and professional, personalized customer service. Ranked among the best courses in Southern California, Tukwet Canyon remains the regional home for the Southern California PGA, and host to the SCPGA Professional Championship. Since 2015, Tukwet Canyon has hosted the Symetra Tour, the official qualifying tour of the LPGA.

MORONGO CASINO, RESORT & SPA (Jan. 7, 2019) – Morongo tribal leaders and a host of dignitaries gathered on Monday to break ground on a breathtaking new renovation and expansion project that will transform the heart of the AAA Four-Diamond Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa.

With ceremonial shovels of dirt, Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin and members of the Morongo Tribal Council marked the milestone flanked by retiring Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley, Riverside County Supervisor-elect Jeff Hewitt and elected and business leaders from the cities of Banning and Beaumont.

“Morongo has come a long way from the tiny bingo hall we operated on the reservation back in the 1980s,” said Chairman Martin. “Today, we pen a new chapter in our story as we continue to nurture new opportunities for our people, our community and our region. Today, we take a step toward generating another 425 new full-time jobs to add to the more than 2,500 jobs that Morongo already provides.”

Set to be finished in 2020, elements of the expansion and renovation project include:

• An elegantly designed 65,000-square-foot expansion which will increase Morongo’s existing gaming floor by more than 30 percent, allowing for the addition of 800 new slots, new table games and new bar, lounge, and other guest amenities.
• Renovation of the casino’s gaming floor and amenities, and renovation and replacement of first-floor restaurants to elevate the dining offerings.
• Development of a free valet parking structure with 750 spaces, including premier parking and charging stations for more than 70 electric vehicles.

The project will also create more than 1,000 construction jobs.

“This beautiful new expansion is going to help power the economy for our region for many years to come as it will bring hundreds of new jobs and millions of dollars in new economic activity,” said Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley. “This project is the latest example of how Morongo continues to help move our region forward.”

Chairman Martin noted that two of the construction partners are Native American-owned companies, Banning-based Sage Mountain Construction and Hal Hays Construction, ranked as the 7th Top Native American-Owned Business in the U.S. by DiversityBusiness.com. Other construction partners include Yates Moorefield LLC.

“We’ve put together a top-notch construction team that brings together the best in the business,” Chairman Martin said.

The expansion and renovations were designed by Bergman Walls & Associates and Kenneth Ussenko Design, who have created palaces for royalty in Qatar and luxury resorts in Belize, Las Vegas and across the globe.

“At Morongo, our goal is always to exceed the expectations of our guests by offering an unmatched gaming and luxury resort experience,” said John James, Chief Operating Officer of the Morongo Casino. “With this exciting renovation and expansion, we are upping the ante to ensure that we stay true to that principle.”

About the Morongo Band of Mission Indians

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized American Indian tribe located in Cabazon, CA. As a sovereign nation, the Morongo government establishes tribal policy and operates numerous departments that provide fire, public safety, environmental, educational, cultural, healthcare and public works services to its tribal members and residents of the 36,000-acre Morongo Indian Reservation, set at the foot of the beautiful San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountains. Morongo employs more than 2,500 people and generates nearly $3 billion in regional economic activity across a diverse portfolio of business enterprises in gaming, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, tourism, dining and recreation. The tribe owns and operates the 27-story Morongo Casino Resort & Spa – the tallest building in Riverside County.

About the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa

The 4-Diamond Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa is located along the 10 Freeway near Palm Springs, Calif.  Owned and operated by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa offers the hottest slots and an array of table and high-limit gaming at one of the largest tribal gaming centers in the United States. The towering 27-story resort features five top-rated restaurants, a stunning swimming pool with private cabanas, a world-class spa, popular nightclub, legendary live entertainment and, nearby, the 36-hole championship Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon. For more information, visitmorongocasinoresort.com.

Tribe gives $100,000 for annual Christmas Cheer All Year shopping spree to benefit hundreds of disadvantaged children from across Inland Southern California.

Laughter and excitement filled the air as more than 3,000 disadvantaged children from across Inland Southern California took part in the annual Christmas Cheer All YearShopping Spree sponsored by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians on Monday, Dec. 17.

Throughout the morning, smiling children emerged from the Target Store in Rancho Cucamonga, CA happily clutching superhero action figures, dolls, stuffed animals, Lego sets, soccer balls, books, board games and other toys that they picked themselves during the three-hour shopping spree.

“The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is excited to be partnering once again with Christmas Cheer All Year to brighten the holidays for thousands of childrenin need,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “For some of these children, this will be the only present they receive this holiday. We really enjoy helping put smiles on all these happy young faces.”

Morongo served as title sponsor for the annual shopping spree for a ninth year, donating $100,000 to the nonprofit Christmas Cheer All Year organization. Children from across the Inland Empire, including more than 600 youth from Banning, Beaumont and Cabazon benefited from the program.

“It means a lot,” Joshua Dominguez, 9, of Beaumont said of being able to take part in the shopping spree. “I am really happy that they do this for us.”

Nearby, a beaming 7-year-old Savannah Buzoff of Cabazon sat cross-legged in a shopping cart as she eyed the brightly packaged L.O.L. Surprise dolls she was buying. “I Just love LOL dolls,” she proclaimed, her arms stretched skyward. “You can dress them up different ways and play with them.”

Her mother, Shannon Linton, said the shopping spree would help her daughter enjoy the holidays. “It’s amazing. She has really been looking forward to getting this toy for Christmas, and now she can.” 

Since 2010, Morongo has donated $850,000 to the annual shopping sprees organized by Rick Lozano, founder of Christmas Cheer All Year and a longtime Fox 11 News journalist.

“Every year, we can count on the generosity of the Morongo tribe to help bring joy to children and families in need during the holidays,” said Lozano, who credits Morongo with raising over $1 million for the non-profit group through direct donations and support of an annual golf tournament fundraiser.  

As in past years, dozens of children in protective care with the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services were involved in the shopping spree.

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians contributes more than $1 million annually to support communities and nonprofits across Southern California.
CaptionsPhoto 3: Children present a $100,000 check from Morongo to support the Christmas Cheer All Year Shopping Spree.Photo 2: 5-year-old Daniel Del Rio of Banning displays a book he purchased at the Morongo-sponsored Christmas Cheer All Year Shopping Spree.Photo 4: Yetta Riddle, 9, of Banning hunts for a toy at the Morongo-sponsored Christmas Cheer All Year Shopping Spree.Photo 5:  13-year-old Emiley Walker (left) and Rheanna Lara, 10, both of Banning,  take part in the annual Christmas Cheer All Year Shopping Spree sponsored by Morongo.

The tribe gave out 10,000 turkeys this week to help feed those in need as part of 33^rd Annual Morongo Thanksgiving Outreach Program.

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION — The Morongo Band of Mission Indians in Cabazon, CA. distributed 10,000 free turkeys this week that will provide an estimated 150,000 Thanksgiving meals to families, seniors and veterans in need across Southern California.

With this year’s donation, Morongo’s annual Thanksgiving Outreach program has provided more than 2.5 million holiday meals to the less fortunate since the program was formally launched by the tribe 33 years ago.

“At Morongo, giving is a part of who we are, and that will never change,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “We feel fortunate to be able to help provide holiday meals and comfort to those in need across Southern California.”

On Nov. 13 and Nov. 14, dozens of tribal members and volunteers gathered at the Morongo Community Center to distribute the Thanksgiving turkeys to 99 nonprofit organizations such as churches, food pantries, schools, veteran groups and homeless shelters from across Southern California. Groups receiving turkeys hailed from Banning, Beaumont, Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Coachella, 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 food baskets with all the fixings to help feed thousands of people who would otherwise not be able to afford and enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner.

Non-profit groups receiving turkeys ranged from the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission in Indio to the Los Angeles Rescue Mission, the Armed Services YMCA in Twentynine Palms, Carol’s Kitchen in Calimesa, Martha’s Village in Indio, the Kansas Avenue Resource Center in Riverside, and many others.

“Every year, Morongo steps up to help our organization provide hot meals and hope to thousands of people across the Coachella Valley, and we are deeply grateful for the tribe’s continued generosity,” said Darla Burkett, executive director of the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, which received 400 turkeys from the tribe.

Hundreds of veterans and military families benefitted from the tribe’s Thanksgiving Outreach program, which provided more than 425 turkeys this year to local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other military support groups.

“Thanks to Morongo, military families who have sacrificed so much in serving our nation will enjoy a holiday meal with their loved ones and friends,” said Todd Sieja, president of the Western Eagle Foundation in Temecula.

The Los Angeles Mission received 200 birds to help feed the homeless this holiday. Herb Smith, president of the Los Angeles Mission, said the Morongo donation will help feed those on Skid Row in Los Angeles.

“The Morongo Band of Mission Indians continues to bless the poor and homeless men, women and children we serve,” Smith said. “We are honored to be partnering with Morongo once again to provide food and care this Thanksgiving.” 

To receive turkeys, participating groups submitted applications to the tribe and were notified over the summer that they had been selected. Applications are typically due in March.