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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