News

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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The Tribe’s 37^th 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 37^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 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.”

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’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.”

“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.”

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.