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As part of a long-standing tradition, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians is celebrating the academic achievements of its 2025 high school and college graduates by displaying large commemorative banners along Morongo Road, the main throughfare into the Morongo Indian Reservation.

The large banners featuring the names and photos of all 27 Morongo graduates have been installed to honor their hard work, perseverance, and academic success, and the support and encouragement of their families and loved ones.

The display pays tribute to both high school and college graduates, some of whom earned degrees from Stanford University, Harvard Business School, Arizona State University, and the University of Redlands, and stands as a public testament to the Tribe’s deep commitment to education.

“For decades, Morongo has honored our students with banners to show them—and the entire tribal community — how proud we are of their academic excellence, and how much we value education,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “Supporting the academic success of Native youth and adults is a top priority for our Tribe, and we believe in recognizing those who are taking bold steps toward brighter futures for themselves, their families, and our community.”

The students included:

In addition to the banner tribute, Morongo also offers robust educational support programs, including scholarships, academic enrichment services, and higher education assistance, as well as a tribally-centered curriculum at the accredited Morongo School, the first college preparatory school of its kind on an Indian reservation.

The banners will remain on display throughout the graduation season as a source of pride and inspiration for all who pass through the heart of the Morongo Reservation.

 MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians awarded nearly $400,000 in grants to dozens of non-profit organizations serving local communities across Riverside and San Bernardino counties as part of the 4th Annual Morongo Community Outreach Awards Luncheon, held Wednesday, May 14.

The 80 non-profit groups, which each received grants of up to $5,000, provide a wide array of services across the San Gorgonio Pass, the Coachella Valley, and the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, Redlands, Palm Springs, Palm Desert and elsewhere. The Morongo program focuses on groups that provide social, education, or healthcare services, support for military and military families, or that preserve Native American culture.

“The Morongo Community Outreach Awards are about celebrating and supporting the life-changing work performed by dozens of remarkable non-profit organizations dedicated to the service of others across the region,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “At Morongo, giving back to the community has always been a part of who we are, and our hope is that these grants will advance the missions of many deserving groups in local communities.”

Launched in 2022, the Morongo program has awarded over $1.3 million in grants to nearly 300 non-profit organizations with diverse missions and backgrounds.

“The grant from the Morongo Community Outreach Program is truly a blessing that will strengthen our work to help feed those experiencing homelessness in the San Gorgonio Pass,” said Pastor David Kieffer of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Banning. “This support allows us to extend compassion and dignity to our neighbors in need and reflects the strength of community partnerships in addressing hunger and hardship.”

Groups that received grants from Morongo hailed from across the Inland region, from Carol’s Kitchen and the Friends of Banning Library in the San Gorgonio Pass to the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center and the Riverside Police Foundation in Riverside; to Destiny Care Foundation in Moreno Valley, Cruz Chacon Foundation in San Bernardino, Assistance League of Redlands, Shelter from the Storm in Palm Desert, California Indian Nations College in Palm Desert, and the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City.

“We are excited to be receiving a grant again this year from the Morongo Community Outreach Awards Program which will support the health and wellness programs we offer to enrich the quality of life of those 50 and older in the local community,” said Janice Peguero with the Janet Goeske Foundation of Riverside.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for their generous grant, which will have a meaningful impact on the children and families we serve,” said Heidi Maldoon, executive director of Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert in Palm Desert. “This grant will help support our programs and services that promote mobility, independence, and inclusion for children with special needs throughout the Coachella Valley.”

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 2026 Community Outreach Awards program, groups are encouraged to visit www.morongonation.org/donations/

The funds will support the first major expansion of the Beaumont Library in 60 years, which will help the facility better serve the region’s growing population.

(BEAUMONT, Calif. – April 21, 2025) – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has donated $250,000 to the Beaumont Library District to support its first major expansion project in 60 years which will nearly double the library’s size and provide critical educational resources to a fast-growing region.

The Beaumont Library has served the community for more than a century, with the oldest part of its current structure dating back to 1914, built with a $10,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The only addition occurred in 1965, when the local population was just 6,500. Today, that number exceeds 65,000 — yet the library still operates out of the same limited space.

Despite its limited size, the Beaumont Library continues to be the busiest library from Calimesa to Cabazon, with nearly three times the number of materials checked out to the public as the other three public library locations in the San Gorgonio Pass Area.

“Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books — they are hubs of knowledge, opportunity, and community that provide a variety of diverse resources and services,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “We are delighted to support the Beaumont Library’s expansion to help empower students, families, and lifelong learners across the region.”

Beaumont Library is the only “Family Place Library” between Rancho Cucamonga and the Arizona border with developmental play spaces for children and their caregivers, and training classes for parents.  It is also considered the best library from Redlands to Rancho Mirage, providing many services that others do not, such as literacy tutors for adults, activities to promote family literacy, and conversation classes for adults who are trying to learn English as a Second Language. 

“The incredible support from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians brings us significantly closer to realizing our vision of a modern, inclusive library for all,” said Beaumont Library District Board President Margaret Coleman. “We appreciate this contribution, which reflects Morongo’s dedication to strengthening the communities of the Pass.”

“Morongo’s support of our Expansion & Renovation Project is a testament to their commitment to preserving local cultural heritage and supporting programs that enhance the quality of life for the residents of our region,” said Beaumont Library Director Kelly Van Valkenburg.

The library’s expansion, which broke ground on February 12, will be completed in two phases. Phase one, adding 8,300 square feet, is expected to finish late this year. Phase two—set for completion by mid-2026—will restore and preserve the historic 1914 Carnegie building. New amenities include an all-new children’s room, family area, teen space, multiple study and conference rooms, a Friends of the Library bookstore, and a large community room for up to 100 people.

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BANNING, CA – The Banning Chamber of Commerce recently honored Morongo Tribal Historian and Cultural Advisor Ernest Siva with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing Native American culture, history, and language.

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Morongo Tribal Elder Ernest Siva Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Banning Chamber of CommerceRead More »

Patella’s career spans 26 years of police experience with a variety of leadership positions at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION, Calif. – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has named veteran Orange County Sheriff’s Captain AJ Patella as the Chief of the Morongo Tribal Police Department, effective immediately.

A 22-year resident of the San Gorgonio Pass, Patella joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in 1999 and worked as a deputy sheriff, serving in Custody and Patrol Operations as a Drug Recognition Expert, a Field Training Officer, and the Administrative Deputy, coordinating public safety for special events. As a Sergeant and a Lieutenant, he worked numerous details including Internal Affairs, the Sheriff’s Response Team, and the All-Hazards Incident Management Team.

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Morongo Names Veteran Lawman AJ Patella as Tribal Police ChiefRead More »

The Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health Inc.’s state-of-the-art clinic will improve access to healthcare for Native Americans by offering comprehensive services.

Returning to where it all began, leaders from the Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc. and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians recently gathered to break ground on a new 10-acre clinic on the Morongo Indian Reservation.

Scheduled to open in late 2026 near Hathaway Street and Morongo Road, the state-of-the-art Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc (RSBCIHI) clinic will span nearly 61,000 square feet. Funded by RSBCIHI, the $55 million clinic will nearly triple the size of the existing Morongo Indian Health Clinic and will include larger medical exam rooms, a drive-thru pharmacy, an x-ray ward and expanded dental, optometry and behavioral health services.

“RSBCIHI began our journey in 1968 on the Morongo Reservation, and we are excited to be returning with a new clinic that will strengthen Indian healthcare services across our two counties,” said Sherri Salgado, president of the RSBCIHI Board of Directors. “This important project furthers our mission to provide culturally sensitive healthcare services that respect the traditional customs of our Indian communities.”

Now the largest Indian health program in the state, RSBCIHI provides healthcare services to federally recognized Native Americans and Alaskan Natives across Riverside and San Bernardino counties through its network of eight Indian health clinics.

“This groundbreaking marks a historic step forward in ensuring that Native Americans across our two counties have access to high-quality healthcare and preventative services that promote health and wellness,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “By investing in healthcare, we are investing in the wellbeing of our people and building a healthier future for generations to come.”

The recent groundbreaking celebration began with a blessing by Morongo Tribal Elder Walter Holmes as dozens of Morongo and RSBCIHI officials gathered beside the rocky field where the clinic will be built by S+B James Construction.

“Our new clinic will allow greater access to health care services for our patients in a setting that is comfortable, culturally important, and designed to provide a comprehensive healthcare experience,” said Bill Thomsen, CEO for RSBCIHI. “Providing healthcare to Native Americans is an obligation of the federal government under treaty commitments. RSBCIHI is dedicated to fulfilling this responsibility and ensuring access to quality healthcare for Native communities.”  

New 200-room four-story hotel being built beside the iconic Morongo Casino Resort & Spa will serve business and leisure travelers alike.

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians, in partnership with Marnell Hospitality and Tharaldson Hospitality, recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a new 200-room hotel set to rise alongside the iconic Morongo Casino Resort & Spa near Palm Springs, CA.

Scheduled to open in early 2026, the dual-branded Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites hotel will bring dozens of permanent new jobs and new economic opportunities to the San Gorgonio Pass. The four-story hotel, a landmark 50-50 joint venture between Marnell and Tharaldson, is being constructed on the Morongo Indian Reservation.

Designed to meet the needs of both leisure and business travelers, the hotel will circle a relaxing resort-style pool and spa while offering a blend of modern accommodations and conveniences, such as studio suites, plush guest rooms, a bar/lounge, dining, fitness center, two large meeting/conference rooms and ample lobby and lounge areas.

“We’re beyond excited to be partnering with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians as one of the recognized leaders in tribal gaming and hospitality,” said Greg Wells Manager of Marnell Hospitality. “This new location will enhance the world-class amenities already offered by Morongo, while also providing new accommodations for travelers to the region.”

The new hotel evolved from a shared vision of the Morongo Tribal Council and the Morongo Economic Development and Planning Committee to continue to advance the Tribe’s retail and tourism offerings along the bustling Interstate 10 corridor.

“Working together, the Morongo Tribal Council and the Morongo Economic Development and Planning Committee successfully moved this innovative project from concept to reality and identified the perfect partners in Marnell Hospitality and Tharaldson Hospitality,” said Morongo Tribal Council Vice Chair James Siva, who also chairs the Economic Development and Planning Committee.

About the Morongo Band of Mission Indians

Located at the foot of the San Gorgonio Mountains of Riverside County, the 36,000-acre Morongo Indian Reservation is home to more than 1,000 members of the resilient Morongo Band of Mission Indians. As a sovereign nation, the Morongo Tribe has overcome decades of adversity to become a model of self-reliance and self-determination. Today the Tribe provides over $3 billion in regional economic activity and more than 2,500 jobs as the region’s largest employer. Morongo has built upon its successes for the benefit of generations to come and the surrounding communities, all while honoring and preserving the rich traditions of its past. For information, visit https://morongonation.org/

About Marnell Hospitality

Marnell Hospitality is an affiliate of Marnell Companies who celebrated its 50th year of unparalleled accomplishments in 2024 in the world of Gaming, Hospitality, Master Planning and Real Estate. Delivering a host of iconic projects and executing countless unique ideas into reality, we work as Architects, Designers, Constructors, Consultants, Managers, Owners, and Investment Partners for the industries’ leading companies as well as our own portfolio of real estate and casino assets. Three generations provide Marnell Gaming exceptional experience in ownership and tribal management and provides leadership for continued success. For information visit https://MarnellCompanies.com

About Tharaldson Hospitality

Since 1982, CEO and Founder Gary Tharaldson has opened over 400 hotel properties throughout the United States. He has been instrumental in developing prototype properties for the likes of Marriott and Hilton and has received numerous “Developer of the Year” awards from the same highly respected franchise companies.  Tharaldson Hospitality currently owns and operates nearly 90 hotels in 19 states for some of the world’s most well-respected and beloved brands. For information visit www.tharaldsonhm.com

Announcing the Winter 2025 Law Student Scholarships!
Scholarship awards ranging from $1,000 – $5,000 to support Natives on their Pathway to Law, generously sponsored by California Change Lawyers!
Applications close February 28, 2025

The Tribe’s 38^th Annual Thanksgiving Outreach gave 15,000 turkeys to 120 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 38^th 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 contributed almost 215,000 turkeys, which have helped provide an estimated 4.1 million holiday meals.

“The roots of Morongo’s Thanksgiving Outreach program stretch back decades to a time when our tribe sought to help others even as we ourselves faced adversity,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “This year, we continue our Tribe’s legacy of giving to others by providing tens of thousands of holiday meals to those who are struggling across the region.”  

Tribal members and volunteers gathered at the Morongo Community Center on Nov.18 and Nov. 19 to distribute the 15,000 Thanksgiving turkeys to 120 nonprofit organizations, including food pantries, churches, senior centers, schools and veteran groups from across the Inland Empire and 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.

Family Services of the Desert in Desert Hot Springs received 300 turkeys to help families in the Coachella Valley this holiday.

“Morongo’s donation of 300 holiday turkeys truly exemplifies the Tribe’s constant commitment to uplifting our community,” said Dana Johnson, Director of Family Services of the Desert in Desert Hot Springs. “This generosity enables our organization to bring joy and the spirit of the holiday season to over 600 families who are facing challenges. By giving these dinners to families, we’re doing more than just providing food, we’re fostering hope at a time when it’s most needed.”

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 generous support has made a remarkable difference in our community, and we are truly grateful,” Archuleta said. “The holiday turkeys we receive from the Tribe not only provide nourishment but also bring joy and warmth to the families we serve, helping to create cherished moments during this festive season.”

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 2025.

Nation’s first-ever EMS-tribal partnership reduces emergency response times by 60%

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Morongo-AMR Air Ground Tribal Alliance — a pioneering partnership between American Medical Response (AMR) of Riverside County and the Morongo Reservation Fire Department, on behalf of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians — has been honored with the 2024 California Ambulance Association Service Excellence Award for Innovation.

This partnership, the first of its kind between a tribe and an EMS provider in the U.S., has reduced response times by an impressive 60%, dramatically improving access to emergency care for tribal members and the surrounding community.

Morongo’s Chief Administrative Officer Jason Carrizosa initiated the collaboration to address the challenges of providing EMS coverage in the rural Morongo Reservation. “This partnership has been instrumental in ensuring our community receives faster, more efficient emergency care,” Carrizosa said. “By bringing together the expertise of the Morongo Fire Department and AMR, we’ve developed a model that can transform EMS response in underserved regions.”

The alliance features a ground ambulance stationed on the reservation and staffed by Morongo Fire Department employees. It works alongside Morongo’s first responders, significantly enhancing the speed and quality of care. The partnership also includes an air ambulance dedicated to serving the San Gorgonio Pass region, with plans to relocate it onto tribal land for even greater impact.

Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin emphasized the lifesaving benefits of the collaboration.

“The historic partnership between Morongo and AMR is saving lives on our reservation and across the San Gorgonio Pass by delivering immediate emergency medical care to the injured and ill,” said Martin. “We are humbled that the California Ambulance Association has recognized this collaboration, which we believe can serve as a nationwide model for future partnerships between tribes and forward-thinking EMS providers like AMR.”

The California Ambulance Association Service Excellence Award recognizes ambulance operators across California for excellence, innovation and resourcefulness in four categories: Community Impact Program, Clinical Outcome Project, Innovation in EMS and Employee Programs.

To view the partnership announcement video, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xim6rspz7Ug

Yellowstone star Mo Brings Plenty was on hand for the free celebration of Morongo’s cattle ranching history on Saturday Oct. 12 at the Morongo Indian Reservation.

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – Amateur and professional ropers and riders competed for cash prizes at the 11^th Annual Open Ranch Rodeo, a celebration of Morongo’s cattle ranching history, held Saturday, October 12 at the Morongo Indian Reservation.

Mo Brings Plenty, star of the hit Paramount Network series Yellowstone, greeted the crowd to kick off the day’s events. An enrolled Lakota who hails from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, his traditional name — given to him as a young boy — is Ta Sunke Wospapi (“catches his horse”); which befits a man who enjoys spending more time on his horses than anywhere else.

“The Morongo Rodeo is an amazing experience that holds true to the legacy of Indian ranching and celebrates our deep connection to horses and riding,” said Mo Brings Plenty, who chairs the board of the non-profit Bronc Riding Nation. “Rodeos hold a special place in our culture, symbolizing the rugged and enduring spirit of Indian Country. They embody time-honored values such as strength, perseverance, and the importance of resilience in the face of challenges.”

Morongo Tribal Council Member Brian Lugo, the rodeo president, thanked Mo Brings Plenty for being part of the annual Morongo Rodeo, and all of the riders, ropers and spectators who came to the event.

“Morongo’s annual rodeo is always an exciting event that commemorates the long history of cattle and horse ranching on our reservation that began generations ago and continues to this day,” Lugo said.

The free, daylong event was open to the public as riders and ropers competed for thousands of dollars in prize money in a variety of events, such as open and team roping, Calcutta, ribbon roping, and ranch-style steer stopping. Youth riders also joined in the fun with competitions like mutton-busting and youth barrel racing.

“As always, this year’s Morongo Rodeo was a great event that gave fans a chance to see some of the best riders and ropers in the country,” said Aaron Tsinigine, a 2015 PRCA Team Roping World Champion. “The Morongo Rodeo is one of my favorite stops as the Tribe always puts on an awesome event.”

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

The annual Rodney T. Mathews Jr. Scholarship has awarded $630,000 to Native American students, the most underrepresented group in higher education.

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – Four Native American students from California have each received a $10,000 scholarship from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians near Palm Springs through the Tribe’s 19th Annual Rodney T. Mathews Jr. Scholarship Program.

Since its launch, Morongo’s Mathews Scholarship Program has provided $630,000 in scholarships to 62 Native American students attending universities across the country. These scholarships are only accessible to enrolled members of the 109 federally recognized tribes in California.

“Morongo’s annual Rodney T. Mathews Jr. Scholarship program is dedicated to reversing the historical underrepresentation of Native Americans in higher education,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “This initiative provides vital support to scholarship recipients while fostering the development of future tribal leaders. Empowering Native students to advance their education and skills creates pathways for driving meaningful progress that will enhance our tribal communities for generations to come.”

The 2024 recipients are:

Keseloh McQuillen of the Yurok Tribe, is working on her Master of Arts Degree in the Language Teaching Studies Program at the University of Oregon. She grew up on the Yurok Reservation, which is near the traditional village of Turip in Klamath, California. Her goal is to return to her community in Humboldt County after receiving her masters. She believes that with the knowledge gained from the Language Studies Program, she can add strengthen language development within the Yurok community.

“Receiving this scholarship from the Morongo Tribe gives me relief. This assistance relieves financial strains and enables me to focus entirely on my academic goals. I am driven to take advantage of this opportunity to succeed and to finish my program in 11 months. I appreciate the Morongo Tribe’s commitment to education,” McQuillen said.

Cody Goodwin of the Wailacki Tribe, is working towards his bachelor’s degree in Aviation Airport Design at San Jose State. His goal is to join the U.S. Airforce with hopes to one day pilot C-17 Globemasters, the largest military transport aircraft ever developed for Air Force. He also aspires to become a Flight Instructor.

“For me, this scholarship is very significant since it allows me to continue with my pilot training and earn my commercial and multi-engine ratings. It’s an important step toward achieving my aviation career goals. It also helps with some of my living expenses, which allows me up to concentrate more on my training and studies. I am incredibly appreciative of this support,” Goodwin said.

Kathleen Keller-Manuelito of the Bishop Paiute Tribe, is pursuing her degree in Nursing at the University of Kansas.  She previously graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University in 2016 with a bachelor’s in business administration. In the past she worked with the American Indian Records Repository, which preserves treaties between the U.S. Government and Native Americans. While obtaining her clinical hours for nursing, she hopes to work with Indian Health Services. Her career goal is to create and open an Indigenous birthing center for women.

“I want to thank the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for offering the Mathew’s Scholarship to all California Natives. Being awarded this scholarship relieves a great deal of worry for me as a working mom of a toddler who is getting ready to move across the nation. This scholarship will not only help with living expenses such as daycare costs, but it will also provide me the opportunity to devote all my attention to my studies this fall semester. Once again, I want to thank the scholarship committee, the Morongo tribe, and everyone else who made this opportunity for a life-changing award possible,” Keller-Manuelito said.

Yamahni Duncan of the Berry Creek Rancheria of Tyme Maidu Indians, He is in his final year at the University of California, Berkeley, where he is working towards bachelor’s degrees in both Psychology and Philosophy. He intends to pursue a doctorate in philosophy or psychology. By advancing his knowledge, he hopes to have an important impact on his Tribal community.

“I applied for this scholarship from Morongo in part because it would be really helpful in paying for my housing costs. Despite the fact that my college provided funding for my education, I had to deal with the costs of finding housing on my own. That burden has been greatly reduced as a result of receiving this scholarship, allowing me to concentrate more on my education,” Duncan said.

The Morongo scholarship program honors the late Rodney T. Mathews Jr., a Morongo tribal member and Hastings Law School graduate who passed away in 2004. He worked as an attorney for 20 years before serving as a judge pro tem for more than a decade.

His mother, Eunice Mathews, said the scholarship program recognizes her son’s lifelong commitment to equity and education. “We are so proud of all that Rodney accomplished and are touched by how the Mathews Scholarship continues to honor his legacy.”

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 tribal dancers and 20 drum groups from across the U.S. and Canada gathered to celebrate traditional Native American music, dance and art.

Morongo Indian Reservation – More than 30,000 spectators celebrated Native American music, art, and dancing at the 33^rd 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.

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.

Tribes assembled at the former St. Boniface Indian School and Cemetery to recognize the landmark ruling affirming the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).

(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.

“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.

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.

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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The donation will help establish a comprehensive Women’s Health Program; it follows Morongo’s record-breaking $5.6 million donation in 2022.

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.”

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 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.”

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 Dec. 8 ceremony signifies a milestone step for strengthening public safety in the region as the Morongo Fire Department marks its 25 anniversary.

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.

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.

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