Hamiinat Magazine - Fall 2024

THE MAGAZINE OF THE SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

SophiStication

I am delighted to share the Fall 2024 issue of Hamiinat, the magazine of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The magazine title translates to “hello” in the Maara’yam (Serrano Indian) language. This is also an extension of friendship, goodwill and Serrano hospitality, for which our people are well known.

Serrano Indians are indigenous to the San Bernardino Mountains and valleys, as well as the High Desert regions of Southern California. The people of San Manuel are the Yuhaaviatam Clan of Serrano Indians, whose rich culture and history are reflected throughout this wonderful magazine. We are most happy to offer you a glimpse into our Tribe and enterprises.

Our cover story is about San Manuel Pow Wow, our biggest cultural event that draws people from all over the United States and Canada for a three-day celebration filled with tribal culture, dance, music and songs. Inside we share how to get the most out of the experience as well as provide information on the dances and regalia so guests may gain a deeper appreciation of the event.

We meet tribal youth who have shared aspects of their heritage through a collaboration with the San Bernardino Cultural Museum, we learn how a tribal citizen is changing the trajectory of many lives through racing and we learn about an elder who made it his life’s mission to help others.

We explore a few of the Tribe’s philanthropic efforts – both in Las Vegas and the Inland Empire region of California, as well as ways San Manuel is raising awareness for Murdered and Missing Indigenous People and the criminal injustice endured by one man.

We look at a few of the fun ways the Tribe shows its appreciation for its team members and Club Serrano loyalty members as well as meet a few women in leadership at San Manuel who are creating more room for women in gaming.

Finally, we’ll focus on Native designers and learn how their heritages influence their work. We’ll look at top-notch food and drink experiences at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel and Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and explore special touches at Palms that make your stay one to remember.

We thank you for being our guest and can’t wait to share our many new and exciting offerings, as well as our Yuhaaviatam tribal culture, with you.

Chairwoman Lynn “Nay” Valbuena

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Kingpin Suite

Ghostbar

PÜMIA’ CAKIMIV

6 / COVER

San Manuel Pow Wow is a major cultural event filled with song, dance and regalia. Here’s how you can get the most out of it.

14 / GIVI NG BACK

A passion for service earns one tribal citizen recognition from a local nonprofit.

16 / HERITAGE

San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority acknowledges Nevada tribes as original inhabitants of the land on which Palms Casino Resort sits.

18 / PERSPECTIVE

A reflection on the life of an elder who dedicated his life to helping others.

21 / TEAM MEMBER

This San Manuel team member takes to the skies in pursuit of her passion.

22 / TR IBAL HIGHL IGHTS

One tribal citizen sets out to break harmful generational patterns, on the go-kart track.

24 / NEXT GENERATI ON Youth Committee weaves ancient wisdom with STEM subjects in collaboration with a local museum.

PUYU’HOUPKCAV

32 / LE ADER SHIP

See how this organization helps women achieve success in their gaming careers.

34 / PHILANT HROPY

A philanthropic grant from San Manuel to Mary’s Mercy Center helps unhoused community members transition out of homelessness.

37 / RECOGNITI ON San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority honors four organizations that share the same mission.

40 / CULT URE

A crew of Native documentary filmmakers casts new light on a decades-old case in an effort to find the truth.

44 / AWA RE NESS

A rodeo tradition morphs to take on an important cause: bringing focus to murdered and missing Native Americans.

46 / SU PP ORT

San Manuel shines a light on an epidemic plaguing Indian Country with its annual 5K.

48 / FA MILY

San Manuel’s annual celebration –filled with food, music and prizes – is one way the Tribe says thank you to each team member for their hard work.

M Ü CI S CK

52 / PR OFILE

Meet a Native jewelry designer who infuses traditional motifs with modern sensibilities.

52 / STYLE

Discover bold jewelry with Indigenous techniques and organic shapes.

60 / PA RT NER SHIP

Late-night legend Jay Leno joins forces with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino to make loyalty members’ car dreams come true

66 / SAVOR

Three chefs share the inspirations behind their signature dishes.

74 / EX PERIE NCE

A step behind the velvet rope with the lead butler at Palms Casino Resort.

76 / ON T REND

Animal print and fashion-forward textures liven up your style – all available at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

80 / CELEBRATE

The ultimate Las Vegas food fest for local chefs…and foodies.

83 / COLLAB O RATI ON Yaamava’ and a local brewery create a one-of-a-kind beer.

84 / RECIPE

Befitting an autumn soirée, this cocktail embraces the best of fall flavors.

H amiinat

TRIBAL COUNCIL

CHAIRWOMAN Lynn Valbuena

VICE CHAIRMAN Johnny Hernandez, Jr.

SECRETARY Audrey Martinez

TREASURER Latisha Prieto

CULTURE SEAT MEMBER Joseph Maarango

FIRST GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBER Ed Duro

SECOND GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBER Laurena Bolden

CONTRIBUTORS

Cherise Arnott

Elizabeth Brierty

Everton Clarke

Jacob Coin

Shoshawna Covington

LeeAna Espinoza Salas

Christopher Fava

Kevin Figueroa

Kevin Glass

Sonna Gonzales

Darcy Gray

Kristen Grimes

Kenji Hall

Serena Harper

Alberto Jasso

Thomas LaRocca

Angelica Loera

Marty Lopez

Ashley Lothyan

Chelsea Marek

Laurie Marsden

Amanda Martin

Summer Massoud

Tiffany Melendez

Alejandro Montalvo

Marcus O’brien

Stacia Olivas

Noel Olson

Tina Ramos

Steven Robles

Ken Shoji

Corey Silva

Jerry Tabije

Gregory Vanstone

Oliver Wolf

EDITORIAL

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING:

Tray Henry

Audrey Hernandez

Gauge Hernandez

Larry Hernandez, Jr.

Nekoli Hernandez

Sophia Hernandez

Moriah Martinez

Tom Ramos, Sr.

Thank you to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the entire tribal community for sharing their stories: past, present and future.

MANAGING EDITOR Laurena Bolden

MANAGING EDITOR Joseph Maarango

MANAGING EDITOR Jessica Stops

PRODUCTION MANAGER Julie Lopez

PUBLISHER Peter Gotfredson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lisa Thé

SENIOR DESIGNER Dana Smith

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jessica Villano

PÜ MIA ’ C ˇ AKIMIV

(puh-mee-ah chah-kee-meev)

Our Heritage

Pümia' C�akimiv: What we came with. The phrase describes our heritage, traditions, culture and all the songs and dances our people have passed down over many generations

In this section we explore the meaning and pageantry the San Manuel Pow Wow. We meet tribal youth who have taken an active role in weaving their heritage into cutting-edge science and learn about an elder whose life mission was to help others. We also learn about tribal citizens who are making positive impacts on their community through strong leadership and service, as well as see how San Manuel honors the Indigenous people of Nevada.

THE GAT H E RI NG of F RI ENDS

Everything you need to know about the great gathering of Native cultures at San Manuel Pow Wow.

By Richard Arlin Walker

The pow wow is a feast for the senses; the thundering pulse of the big drum,

the songs passed down through generations, the beauty of the elaborate regalia, the movements of the dancers –ranging from energetic to as gentle as a warm valley breeze.

But there’s also a spiritual significance to this event. Close your eyes and listen: The dancers are walking onto the pow wow floor that has been blessed by an elder. The pulse of the drum you hear is Earth’s heartbeat. The melodic sound of jingles on Jingle Dance dresses was born from a medicine man’s vision that healed his granddaughter during the 1918 flu epidemic. The songs and dances are powerful reminders of the resilience of the continent’s First Peoples.

The U.S. and Canadian governments at one time banned these songs and dances, but today they are being sung and danced again. The First Peoples – their nations and cultures – overcame and are thriving.

“Pow wows are sacred for Native people and hold a very special place in our heart,” said Tray Henry, a Fancy Shawl dancer and citizen of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. “The first pow wows were a coming together of people who were not allowed to sing, dance and speak the language of their ancestors, so being able to share that with all people is very special.”

Henry got involved in pow wow at age 10, when she was captivated by the Fancy Shawl dancers. “That was when I had my first regalia made and started dancing. I still have my first outfit and that is something I will treasure forever,” Henry said.

Those attending the San Manuel Pow Wow – Sept. 20-22 at California State University, San Bernardino – witness the largest pow wow in California and yet are drawn into the intimacy of the Yuhaaviatam orbit.

WE WERE TAUGHT, AS SOON AS YOU COME INTO TOWN, to

treat our guests well. To make sure they’re fed. To give them something to replenish them,” Ramos said.

The outdoor arena is backdropped by the mountains from which Yuhaaviatam Kiika’, or tribal leader, Santos Manuel led his people after years of violent confrontation by land-grabbers. Near the pow wow arena is the campus’ Student Union building that bears Santos Manuel’s name. His great-greatgrandsons founded the San Manuel Pow Wow and now the next generation of descendants is assuming leadership and responsibility for the event.

The pow wow operates according to the teachings of Santos Manuel’s granddaughter, Martha Chacon, passed on to her grandsons, pow wow founders Cruz Chacon and Tommy Ramos: The dancers, singers, drummers and vendors are guests and travel many miles to make money to support their families, she told them. Don’t charge them registration or vendor fees. Host them and feed them.

“We were taught, as soon as you come into town, to treat our guests well. To make sure they’re fed. To give them something to replenish them,” Ramos said. “That’s the same type of tradition that’s carried on, really, across most tribes. There’s that sense of sharing – you come in and if you need something, we’ll give it to you and we’ll help you out.”

And, Chacon told her grandsons, tell the Yuhaaviatam people’s story. “We have to know about each other in order to respect each other,” Ramos said. “She told us, ‘Respect each other and always share the culture as often as we can with whoever will listen. Whoever is out there that doesn’t know about us, give them something to learn about. Tell them about us.’”

Sharing the Yuhaaviatam culture is one of the things Henry enjoys about the pow wow.

“Every year I look forward to seeing family, old friends and to making new friends,” Henry said. “I love to share our culture and educate Native and nonNative people about our traditions, song and dance.”

YOUR FIRST POW WOW

Here are a few helpful hints for first-time visitors that will ensure a memorable pow wow experience.

Stand for Grand Entry.

A drum group will drum and sing an entry song to open each session of the day of the pow wow, and the color guard – carrying the flags of the U.S., the State of California, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and each branch of the military – will lead all dancers in a procession around the arena, or pow wow floor. Also, stand for

the closing song, memorial songs, prayer songs and songs honoring veterans.

Ask permission to take someone’s photo. If a dancer or drummer declines to have their photo taken, don’t take it personally, Ramos said. “When you ask someone, ‘Can I take your picture?’ and the response is, ‘No, not right now,’ there’s going to be anywhere from 500 to 700 other dancers you can get a picture of, so just be respectful of that,” he said. “You may run into the same person later that day and they may say, ‘Hey, do you still want a picture?’ and they’ll give you an opportunity.”

Ask questions. “There’s always a history lesson to be learned from the elders at pow wow,” Ramos said. “They want to be open and tell you about it because that’s the only way that Indian people ever will be

understood, by sharing our culture. And many of us know that.”

But respect people’s time. “Charlie Tailfeathers was one of our head emcees; he passed away during the COVID pandemic. He absolutely appreciated any time someone came up and asked him about his culture,” Ramos said. “He would tell them about his Tribe, about his relations and about the stories he carried. Many pow wow participants are the same way. The only time you’ll get them at a bad time is when they’re going to compete or are going onto the floor to dance.”

Ramos added, “If you approach someone and they’re not quite ready, that’s OK. More than likely, because you treated them with respect, they’ll come back to you later if they see you and they’ll sit down with you and tell you a little bit more.”

Admire, but don’t touch, regalia. Regalia is personal property that is composed of pieces that are earned, gifted or inherited.

“Beadwork, feathers and other regalia items are passed on from generation to generation,” Ramos said. “A lot of those feathers are old. You can’t replace a feather that’s been given to you by your grandfather. Most of the feathers, most of the regalia is earned. It’s been blessed. We clean our feathers by smudging them to make sure there’s nothing bad on them so that when we walk onto the floor everything is taken care of.”

Listen to the announcements. Ramos said the emcee will make an announcement when photographs or recordings aren’t allowed, namely during prayer or a sacred song. “If you miss the

announcement, the easiest thing to do is to look around,” he said. “If others are not taking pictures or recording, it may be wise to stop at that point and say, ‘Hey, is this appropriate?’”

Don’t walk onto the pow wow floor. One exception: if you participate in the intertribal dance, a non-competitive event that is open to all people, Native and non-Native.

DANCES AND REGALIA

Various dance styles and regalia represent the connection between Native peoples and their lands. Some dance styles are athletic and fast-paced, others are elegant and graceful in their movements. Here’s a look at the dance styles you’ll see during pow wow.

Men’s Chicken Dance mimics the movements of

“A

LOT OF THOSE FEATHERS ARE OLD. You can’t replace a feather that’s been given to you by your grandfather. Most of the feathers, most of the regalia is earned. It’s been blessed. We clean our feathers by smudging them…”

the Plains prairie chicken, with each move mimicking the movements and calls of the bird as it searches for a mate. Regalia includes beaded pants and shirt with chicken plumes, beaded cuffs on shirt sleeves, elaborately decorated dance apron, a roach (headdress) and beaded headband with medallion, copper bells tied around each ankle, a feathered bustle and an eagle feather fan.

Men’s Grass Dance is fast-paced, with fluid sweeping motions symbolizing grass moving on an open field. Regalia might include a beaded and fringed apron; beaded armbands, belt, breastplate and cuffs; a roach made of porcupine hair; ankle dance bells; and moccasins. A Grass Dancer will carry an eagle feather fan, dance hoop, mirror board or whistle.

Men’s Fancy Dance features fast-paced and intricate footwork, with rapid body spinning and twisting. “Originality also plays a part, with splits and back flips thrown in occasionally to add flair,” according to “A Gathering of Friends,” the pow wow program produced by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Fancy Dance regalia features eagle feather bustles; elaborate beadwork on arm- and headbands, aprons and belt cuffs; beaded medallions on the forehead and on the bustles; and sheep bells mounted on leather worn just below the knee. The apron may feature floral beadwork and trim with ribbon or fringe. The dancer will carry an eagle feather fan or a tubular whistle in each hand.

Men’s Northern Traditional tells the story of a warrior preparing for a raid or a hunter tracking and capturing his prey. The dancer wears face paint. His regalia includes a roach of porcupine hair; a beaded breastplate and choker; beaded knee bands with leather fringe; and an eagle feather bustle. A dancer will carry a warrior symbol, such as shield, weapon or staff. Dance movements include the crow hop, where the dancer hops to the beat of the drum; and the sneak-up, where the dancer imitates a warrior or animal looking for prey.

Men’s Southern Straight is a formal, tailored form of dance that depicts a story that is personal to each dancer. Regalia includes a roach with one eagle feather;

cloth or buckskin leggings; a ribbon shirt; an otter strip hanging down the back; a neckerchief secured by a silver slide; and an eagle feather fan or dance staff.

Women’s Traditional is distinguished by its sophistication and grace. Bending and gliding movements are executed in precise timing to the drum.

Regalia consists of a full-length white buckskin dress with intricate beading and fringed sleeves; beaded hair barrettes; knee-high beaded moccasins; fringed shawl; hair bone pipe breastplate and choker; assorted jewelry; and an eagle feather fan.

Women’s Southern Cloth is similar to Women’s Traditional in its dignity, posture and precision. Regalia consists of a cloth dress adorned with appliqué ribbon work; a fringed wrap; a belt with silver conchos; beaded leggings and moccasins; otter wraps that drape down below the waist; an eagle feather or plume worn in braided hair; and an eagle feather fan.

Women’s Jingle Dress dance is captivating and rhythmic and, as mentioned earlier, is rooted in a healing ritual envisioned by an Ojibwe medicine man. The dance gets its name from the rows of metal cones – traditionally made from rolled snuff can lids – attached to the dresses, which make a distinctive sound when danced. The dancer moves in time with the music and stops precisely when the music does.

A JINGLE DRESS MIGHT HAVE FRINGED, full-length sleeves; a beaded belt and apron; and beaded moccasins.

“There are few sights as mesmerizing as watching and hearing the women perform the light, elegant dance style in their Jingle Dresses,” Paul Gowder wrote on powwows.com.

A jingle dress might have fringed, full-length sleeves; a beaded belt and apron; and beaded moccasins. The dress might have as many as 365 jingles, one for each day of the year and each hanging on a ribbon sewn onto the dress. The dancer keeps her hands on her hips and, if dancing with an eagle feather fan, will raise it into the air as she dances to symbolize receiving healing.

Women’s Fancy Shawl is the most athletic of the women’s dance styles. The dancer’s head and body movements, as well as a fringed shawl that spans fingertip to fingertip, gives the appearance of a butterfly in flight. Regalia includes the shawl, featuring elaborate designs, appliqué and ribbon work; leggings and ankle moccasins; and a blouse and flared skirt.

Celebrating California Indian Culture, Heritage and Family

A Tradition OF SERVICE

Time for Change Foundation Honors San Manuel tribal councilmember with Community Champion Award

By Dakota Kim

AS LAURENA BOLDEN stepped up to receive Time for Change Foundation’s (TFCF) Community Champion of the Year Award at the 22nd Annual Awards Gala on April 19, she beamed with pride – not only for herself, but for her Tribe and family.

Bolden has achieved lofty goals in her diverse roles, including as a member of the Tribal Council of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the California Native American Heritage Commission and as a wife and mother of two boys.

“I am both humbled and honored by this recognition,” said Bolden, who grew up in Highland. “The highlight of the evening was having my entire family there in support of the event and the award presented to me.

The award is also a recognition of our family values of offering a hand-up when we can to those who need help to get back on track to a better life situation.”

Time for Change Foundation seeks to help disenfranchised, low-income individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency by building leadership through evidence-based programs and housing. Its Community Champions Awards honor “outstanding individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for our communities and continue to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Bolden said the strength of her family, and the valuable life lessons her family members taught her, encouraged her to volunteer with TFCF, as well as

with other family- and community-based initiatives.

“My upbringing was filled with lessons and guidance about family, community and cultural responsibilities,” Bolden said, crediting in particular her grandmother and great-grandmother. “I was taught that active involvement with matters that are important to you will help to improve conditions and quality of life for everyone affected by those matters. It is most fulfilling to know that your involvement stands to help someone whom you may not know who is facing hard times.”

It’s no surprise that Bolden isn’t discouraged by the hard work and high goals her family espouses. Though she’s involved in half a dozen community projects that occupy her time, she remains committed to her community. “Early in my life, guidance provided by my great-grandmother and grandmother served as a reminder of the compassion and strength to do hard work that were given to us by the Creator,” Bolden said. “Both qualities enabled our ancestors to survive harsh conditions and nearly insurmountable challenges in their day. We were encouraged to carry on these important qualities as we grew older.”

Bolden learned discipline early, partially through sports. A lifelong sports lover who played basketball and enjoyed horsing around with and training her two brothers, Bolden earned a first-degree black belt in taekwondo by age 11, and in high school, she practiced boxing. Now, she volunteers as a coach. “Volunteer coaching, supporting and teaching kids about sports and sportsmanship are my passions, as there is a great deal to learn about life through sports,” Bolden said. Together with her family, Bolden engages in philanthropy benefiting various nonprofits and foundations, including Time for Change Foundation and the pediatrics unit and behavioral health initiatives at Loma Linda University Hospital. In May, the Bolden family dedicated the Mathews Bolden Therapeutic Courtyard at the hospital, which Bolden said, “offers a calming and safe environment for patients to build their physical and social skills, contributing to their overall behavioral health and well-being.”

In Bolden’s work, preserving her community’s cultural heritage is paramount. “I am blessed with a deeply traditional family with an ongoing commitment to cultural growth and practices,” Bolden said. She volunteers with the San Manuel Cultural Awareness Initiative, which was co-founded by her uncle James Ramos and other tribal citizens to teach the Tribe, as well as students at schools, about Serrano culture and history. Through that initiative approximately 3,000

“My upbringing was filled with lessons and guidance about family, community and cultural responsibilities.”

fourth-grade San Bernardino City Unified School District students have been exposed to vital California Native American culture and history.

Bolden also serves as the co-lead for the Culture Pillar of tribal government, and in her work she works

to carry on the Serrano language. “This Pillar has broad authorities and obligations to protect, preserve and enhance the Yuhaaviatam tribal culture,” Bolden said. “We have been successful in revitalizing the Serrano language, which just a few years ago was doomed to be lost forever.” To perpetuate the beauty and importance of the language, the cultural arm of the Tribe she coleads published a Serrano dictionary and conducted language classes for tribal citizens.

On September 1, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Bolden, who has advocated at the California legislature for repatriation of ancestral remains and artifacts, to serve on the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), a state government agency that seeks to preserve Native culture. “The agency was established in 1976 to work with tribes regarding the protection of sacred and religious sites, burial sites, archeological sites and cultural resources,” Bolden said. Together with the other members of the agency, Bolden is responsible for identifying and cataloging Native cultural artifacts and resources, protecting sacred sites and ensuring tribal access to them, and preventing interference with Native American religious practices in California.

Above all, Bolden wants to continue to help and lift others up, especially those in a time of need. She believes volunteering for and donating to nonprofits like TFCF are the key to this work. “We are aware of the challenges that neighbors often face and will continue to support the organizations and the services they offer to those impacted families and individuals. These nonprofit partners are among the most productive and efficient groups anywhere with a deep commitment to serving their clients.”

Bolden encourages others to donate to Time for Change Foundation and consider them in annual giving. “TFCF has a wonderful reputation as an upstanding member of our Inland Empire community and deserves support from those who can do so,” she said.

To Bolden, community service is a part of being a member of the Tribe. “Our families are taught that Yuhaaviatam tribal principles and values continue to apply to this modern world,” she said. “For example, our values of humility, stewardship of our land and natural resources, protection of the natural world and caring for our neighbors and all those who dwell upon or visit our vast ancestral territory.”

HONORING ANCESTRAL TIES

San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority paid respect to Nevada’s Indigenous people.

DOZENS GATHERED at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on April 26 to take part in a land acknowledgement ceremony hosted by the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (SMGHA).

The Tribe invited the Nuwu Nations: the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe and the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians, known collectively as the Southern Paiutes.

“Being a welcomed guest on the ancestral lands of another tribe is a huge honor,” said Latisha Prieto, Chairwoman for SMGHA.

While recognizing the SMGHA’s second anniversary

By Nika Bartoo-Smith

of owning Palms Casino Resort, the ceremony paid honor to the ancestral lands on which the casino resort resides, which hold historical and cultural significance to the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe and the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians.

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is the only Native American tribe to fully own and operate a Las Vegas casino resort. Other tribes are in the process of following in San Manuel’s footsteps, including the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation – the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara

Nation – which recently bought land along Las Vegas Boulevard.

Joseph Maarango, Culture Seat Member of the Tribal Council, offered a blessing to start off the ceremony, which was followed by traditional bird songs, led by Tom Ramos, Sr., Vice President of Tribal Community Services for San Manuel.

“We’re honored to be here and to be able to get the permission to be here. We’re honored to sing for you as well,” Ramos said.

Dressed in ribbon shirts and beaded medallions,

the San Manuel Bird Singers offered songs, followed by salt songs from the Southern Paiute Singers.

As the men sang traditional songs paying respect to Mother Earth and welcoming the community in, audience members danced, a rainbow of ribbon skirts swaying back and forth.

The blessing and songs helped set the tone for the rest of the land acknowledgement ceremony, creating a welcoming environment to offer thanks

“We learn from our ancestors that acknowledgment of tribes and their lands on which you will establish a presence is the highest sign of respect.”

and remembrance to those whose ancestral lands the Palms Casino Resort resides upon.

“As we were undergoing the complexities of the transaction involved with the purchase of Palms, we knew that outreach to the Indigenous tribes of the region was absolutely necessary,” Prieto said. “We shared with them our plans for coming to Las Vegas as guests of the Nuwu in southern Nevada. Today, we formalize that acknowledgement with respect and

appreciation for the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe and the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians.”

Many speakers stepped forward to offer thanks and share what this ceremony means to them and for their nation. Some notable speakers included Ila Yazzi, Vice Chairwoman of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe; Alfreda Mitre, Councilwoman and former Chairperson for Las Vegas Paiute Tribe; and Vickie Simmons, Chairwoman of the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians

Speakers and community members shared hugs and smiles, gathering around the land acknowledgement placard to take photos of this historic moment. The placard will find a permanent home within the entrance to Palms Casino Resort, greeting all visitors who pass through the doors.

“Thank you for sharing this historic moment of friendship and respect between three sovereign nations,” said Carla Rodriguez, Secretary of SMGHA. “We learn from our ancestors that acknowledgment of tribes and their lands on which you will establish a presence is the highest sign of respect.”

TRANSFORMED A tribal elder’s journey from hardship to spirituality.

By Moriah Martinez

SOMETIME IN THE year of 1948, a young boy hid himself behind a shrub in the hills of the San Manuel Indian Reservation. He was drawn up a familiar path by the sound of a saxophone. It was Guy Brown, an older man known for being a wino. Roy was fascinated as he watched the shy man play a song from a hymnal likely given to him by missionaries. Seeing Roy, Guy called him over and asked him to hold his music book, previously propped between Guy’s worn-out shoes. He let Roy try blowing the horn. Roy was hooked! Roy continued to visit Guy, who taught him the basics of playing sax. Roy had many happy childhood memories of running in the hills of the Reservation and later said of the land, “I had a big playground.” He loved nature and lay for hours in the wild grass, watching the birds. Though he didn’t have much, he thought himself rich at that age. He would carry the love of nature and music with him all his life.

Roy Chacon was born in 1940 to Raul and Martha Manuel Chacon. He was the second oldest of six siblings. Roy’s happy childhood memories were contrasted by serious issues facing his Tribe at that time. Indoor plumbing and electricity were not available on the Reservation. Tribal citizens used outhouses and lived in small adobe houses or cramped trailers that a local newspaper described as “hovels.” At night, fighting would break out and, for some, family violence would occur under the influence of alcohol. One day, Roy saw a wino lying on the ground about a quarter of a mile from his home. He had passed out and died in the cold. As Guy Brown continued to struggle with alcoholism, Roy would sometimes pull him out of the hot sun into the shade. Eventually, Guy Brown too would pass away as a victim of alcoholism.

Off the Reservation, Roy experienced much prejudice while trying to keep up in a school system that offered him no assistance. Still, he found joy playing saxophone in the school band. He was also a very talented baseball pitcher. In junior high, he would meet the blonde-haired, blue-eyed love of his life, Beulah Drake. They were married after high school in 1959. Beulah was a good ear for Roy and helped him with reading and spelling. Roy worked hard to provide for her and their two children. Among other jobs, he was a school bus driver and

a janitor at San Bernardino County Museum. Director Gerald Smith shared all the museum’s knowledge of San Manuel and the Serrano people with him. He continued to play saxophone in various venues.

In the 1960s, Roy became a heavy equipment operator for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He maintained roads on various reservations in California. Around that time, Roy was elected as tribal Chairman for San Manuel. He worked to get grants to bring indoor plumbing to the Reservation, provide roof repairs, build new homes and put proper electricity in existing homes. As Chairman, he tried to raise awareness of the hardships facing tribal youth. He told a local paper how tribal students couldn’t bring friends home due to the condition of their housing. He shared how, due to poverty and lack of confidence, the young people struggled to finish high school or college and find decent jobs.

In 1970, Roy moved his family to Bishop, CA, to work as a heavy equipment operator and miner for Union Carbide. The work was difficult, and he experienced intense prejudice there. One of Roy’s tasks was to place dynamite at explosion sites. Under this intense environment, he drank heavily to cope with the stress and anger. With Beulah’s support, Roy later became a Bishop city councilman. However, all the rejection Roy had experienced to that point had deeply impacted him. Being a street fighter from his youth, more and more he was in the bars playing his sax, drinking and fighting. One fateful day, all this would change.

On June 16, 1985, Roy had an extraordinary spiritual experience that led him to dedicate the rest of his life

to following Jesus Christ. Finally, the deep anger and heartache Roy carried his whole life was washed away by the love of Jesus! Beulah saw a peace in him that he never had before. He never fought again and gave up alcohol. At this time, Roy worked with troubled youth in the area. To this day, people from that group tell Beulah they would not be here without Roy’s impact.

Roy spent the rest of his life as a minister. With Beulah by his side, he traveled to 20 countries, telling his life stories with beautiful hymns he played on the sax. He ministered on radio and TV stations and on many Indian reservations. Roy’s journey in this life ended January 27, 2021. He had a gift with people and a fantastic sense of humor. Individuals from all walks of life loved him.

If you would like to hear Roy tell his stories, visit his YouTube channel @RoyChacon4496.

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We have accommodations for the entire family. * Rollaway bed & cribs available * Enjoy an exquisite selection of American-style bistro specialties, 24/7 in-room dining & complimentary 24/7 shuttle service to Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

SKY ’S THE LIMIT

Meet the San Manuel team member who throws caution to the wind…and ends up soaring thousands of feet above ground.

By Angelica Loera

BRITTAN SPENCER is a beacon of ambition – by day she is a staff attorney in San Manuel’s legal department dedicated to growing in her role; off the clock, she is a passionate skydiver in pursuit of adrenaline-fueled adventures.

Brittan first took to the air at 18. After four leaps of faith, she was hooked. In 2010 she obtained her skydiving license, which has afforded her exhilarating moments 12,500 feet above ground. Highlights thus far include soaring over the pyramids of Egypt in November of 2023 and diving onto an icy tundra in Alaska. This year, she plans to jump in Marion, Montana for a fourth time, as it is one of her favorite spots, and on the horizon are dream

destinations like Hawaii and Belize.

In a world where skydiving is often sensationalized as a daredevil pursuit, Brittan offers a refreshing perspective. Through her years of experience, Brittan can attest to the rigorous safety measures and meticulous training that underpin the skydiving community. She also emphasizes that most skydivers are ordinary individuals with everyday jobs, much like herself: doctors, teachers, truck drivers, engineers and legal professionals, all who find liberation in the boundless skies above.

So, what words of advice does she have for those who are thinking about leaping into the great wide open? “Try it! You won’t be disappointed!”

“[Brittan] emphasizes that most skydivers are ordinary individuals with everyday jobs, much like herself. ”

GENERATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

How a go-karting team is breaking destructive patterns and putting kids on the road to success.

By Jessica Villano

LARRY HERNANDEZ, JR., tribal citizen of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, characterizes his own past as troubled. As Hernandez explains, growing up into substance abuse and alcoholism created chaos, one he was finally able to overcome. And now, through his go-karting team Native Racing, he’s helping kids out of inherited chaos –and catching the younger ones before they ever start down that road.

“I’m trying to break my children’s generational curses so they don’t have to do or deal with what I did when I was a kid,” Hernandez explained. “The goal of Native Racing is to put kids on a better path to a greater future.”

Along with stopping the cycle of addiction, Hernandez has a vision of being the first Native American-owned racing team to go pro. Here he talks about big goals and chasing dreams.

Tell us about the growth you’ve seen with the kids?

When they started, they didn’t want to race; they were scared. But once they got training, they learned to do everything on their own. They know how to work on their own karts, change their own oil, check their tire pressures. They know how to suit up and go out and to dominate the track.

What about the adults?

Go-karting gives us something positive to do on the weekends. We train during the week and then race on the weekends. Everybody loves that we have built a big family.

Larry Hernandez, Jr.

“The goal...is to put kids on a better path to a greater future.”

—Larry Hernandez, Jr.

How does Native Racing help your own kids?

It brings everybody together. Instead of them being on their phones all the time, they’re getting their bodies in shape to maintain the racing status. And they’re doing really well in school because if they don’t do well at school or home, they’re not able to race. Racing builds discipline and competitiveness, teaches them to be safe and show good sportsmanship.

Tell us about being sponsored by Factory Karts, USA

They are the first manufacturer out of Southern California and they’re dominating the scene with their shifter karts, two-cycle karts and four-cycle karts. We run their chassis and they help us with whatever we need. We’ve gotten multiple podiums in them. They don’t flex like other chassis and don’t get damaged that easily.

What is your vision for the future?

Going global. Go-karting originated in Europe and our goal is for our drivers to have the skills, mindset and confidence to race those big-time series in Spain, Italy and France. Last year, one of our drivers raced

in the Tillotson T4 Nations Cup in Spain and got 10th place out of 40. This year, four of our drivers are going back. It’s a big race and everybody’s on the same kart, same chassis, same motor. So it gives equal ground and determines if you’re a good driver or not.

How close are you to that goal?

Our cadet kids (age nine to 13) are working hard to go to Spain. It pushes them to get better, dial everything in, make no mistakes. If they make mistakes, they can do it again and try to do it better. Just work, work, work. Try to get it perfect.

Do any of your drivers want to pursue a career in racing?

My son, Anakin, wants to go into F1 racing. As soon as he turns 13, I can get him into an F4 Academy where they can teach him everything he needs to know to grow into F1, which is really hard to get into. But if they have the drive for it, we can get ‘em into it.

Any last advice?

Always follow your dreams. If you don’t follow ‘em, they’ll disappear.

INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY

San Manuel Youth Committee helps create a STEAM space infused with elements of their heritage.

By

Terria Smith / Photography by Steven Robles

SAN BERNARDINO County Museum and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians have collaborated to build a new interactive exhibit Exploration Station: A Steam Lab for Kids. This space will aim to help museum visitors (especially youth) engage in science, technology, engineering art and math (STEAM). The Tribe is supporting the endeavor financially with a $100,000 grant, while also giving the museum the opportunity to engage with tribal youth who are sharing their culture.

“The museum has been working very closely with the Tribe since 2015, especially on exhibits and repatriations,” said the museum’s Chief Deputy and Curator of Anthropology Tamara Serrao-Leiva. “But we really started exploring the potential of involving the Youth Committee first with our land acknowledgment installed a few years ago; the idea was to have a young voice speaking the Serrano language to welcome every visitor that arrives at the museum.”

From that time on, Serrao-Leiva said they have continued working with San Manuel youth on projects including the mosaics of the Mojave exhibit in Victor Valley as well as a project focusing on rock art, which are relevant to the petroglyphs near Victorville, Apple Valley and Hesperia.

“The most valuable thing I’ve learned while participating is that showing people different cultures and ways of living is life changing,” said Youth Committee member Audrey Hernandez, who participated in the collaborative program between the museum and Tribe.

“The idea was to have Indigenous technologies represented,” Serrao-Leiva said. “Especially now with more and more agencies and institutions realizing

traditional knowledge is the way forward.”

For a very long time, there was an idea that traditional tribal ways conflicted with modern science. This exhibit is an example of how the two exist in harmony.

According to the museum’s website, the new STEAM space is set to feature interactive stations including an augmented-reality sandbox, circuit bench, wind-turbine maker station, Lego building

station, Everbright color wall, weaving station and other interactive elements. Some of the ideas specific to tribal knowledge include integrating language and music into the space, Serrao-Leiva said.

Sharing language is something that makes San Manuel Youth Committee member Nekoli Hernandez proud. “It’s good they are interested in learning something that means so much to me and my Tribe,” Nekoli said.

For a very long time, there was an idea that traditional tribal ways conflicted with modern science. This exhibit is an example of how the two exist in harmony.

To Youth Committee member Gauge Hernandez, the experience that resonated most was the collaborative effort. “It was really fun to use my critical thinking and creative mindset to help bring my thoughts alive for this play space,” Gauge said.

“The youth committee worked as a team and turned it into one big project.”

Youth Committee member Sophia Hernandez agreed, saying, “I love helping out on projects, especially this one because it was for an important cause.”

The San Manuel youth were a vital part of the coordination of the STEAM space project, as they are helping to create the lifeline to the youth from the public who will be visiting the museum.

“When we came together with the Tribe, we realized the goal for the STEAM space was to flip a typical gallery space on its head,” Serrao-Leiva said.

“Usually, a museum will bring an object out from the collection to tell a story, but this is a kid’s space that will allow our audience to write the story and interact with the world around them. We wanted to speak directly to children, so involving the Youth Committee was incredibly meaningful because their contemporary work and design will be highlighted and celebrated.”

Before the play space opened, the museum offered a lot of tribal content to enjoy, including a collaborative exhibition with San Manuel titled “Sacred Earth” that features items and shares stories of the Serrano, Cahuilla and Chemehuevi peoples.

Serrao-Leiva also said there could be more programming with San Manuel youth, including field trips with the Tribe’s youth summer academy. And for those who are not a part of the Tribe but would like to learn more, she suggests that everyone should attend San Manuel’s cultural events that are open to the public.

Discover more about the play space at museum.sbcounty.gov.

NOVEMBER 2024

In November, Indigenous communities across the United States celebrate Native American Heritage Month. We remember the values, struggles, and triumphs that define our shared history as Native peoples.

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is proud of its deep-rooted Serrano culture and history in the Inland Empire.

Join us this month in reflecting on what we have done together to make this region and country a stronger place for all future generations.

FROM THEN TO NOW

A look at the resilience and determination of the Yuhaaviatam to remain self-sufficient and sovereign.

Since Time Immemorial

Maara’yam people inhabit the mountains, valleys and deserts of Southern California.

1700s-1820s

Spanish missionaries and military encounter the Yuhaaviatam (one clan of the Maara’yam), which they call “Serrano” or “highlander.” Many Maara’yam are forced into the mission system as slave labor for Spain.

1880s

Native American boarding schools are established in the U.S. with the primary objective of “civilizing” or assimilating Native American children and youth into EuroAmerican culture, while destroying and vilifying Native American culture.

Early to Mid-1900s Tribe adapts and adjusts to reservation life. U.S. government continues to dictate what the Tribe can and cannot do.

1966

Articles of Association are adopted by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

President Ford signs the Indian SelfDetermination and Education Assistance Act, a federal policy of Indian selfdetermination, first declared by President Nixon. CREATION

1850s-1860s

American settlers invade Serrano territory. CA governor instructs militias to exterminate Native people. Yuhaaviatam are killed and chased out of their territory.

1866

Raids and bloodshed decimate the Tribe. Kiika’ Santos Manuel makes a decision to courageously bring the remnant of his people from the mountains to safety on the valley floor.

1879

Carlisle Indian Industrial School opens in Carlisle, PA. Thousands of Indian children are shipped from their homes and families to the school to “Kill the Indian, save the man,” to assimilate them into mainstream society.

December 29, 1891

US President Benjamin Harrison signs Executive Order establishing the San Manuel Indian Reservation with 640 acres. Serrano ancestral territory encompassed 7.4 million acres in California.

1934

Indian Reorganization Act is enacted by U.S. Congress, aimed at decreasing federal control of American Indian affairs and increasing Indian self-government and responsibility.

1970

In address to Congress regarding the federal policy of terminating relationships with tribes, President Nixon states, “This policy of forced termination is wrong.” He then outlines a policy of svelfdetermination rather than termination.

1975

Photo courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library

1980s

SMBMI seeks new business opportunities to strengthen sovereignty and journey towards selfsufficiency.

1978

Indian gaming movement begins with Seminole Tribe of Florida.

SELF-DETERMINATION

1986

San Manuel Indian Bingo opens.

1987

California v. Cabazon: U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision affirms right of tribal governments to conduct gaming on their lands.

1988

Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passes, creating statutory framework for Indian gaming.

1990s-2000s

Tribe takes an active role in passing Proposition 5 and Proposition 1A.

1994

San Manuel Indian Bingo adds gaming operations and advances goal of economic selfsufficiency.

1998

Proposition 5 is supported by 63 percent of voters in favor of gaming by Indian tribes in California. A lawsuit by a labor union causes the measure to be struck down by California Supreme Court.

2000

Proposition 1A, supported by 65 percent of California voters, changes the state constitution and provides exclusive right to Indian tribes to operate a limited scope of casino-style gaming on Indian lands, in accordance with federal law.

2006

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians breaks ground on San Manuel Village in Highland, CA, a mixed-use, offreservation, commercial development.

2007

Residence Inn by Marriott opens in Sacramento, CA. The project is from the Three Fires intertribal economic partnership, which includes San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

2008

Hampton Inn and Suites Hotel opened in Highland, CA, at San Manuel Village, a development of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

2019

San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority forms to explore economic growth opportunities.

2021

San Manuel Casino becomes Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

Yaamava’ expansion project opens including gaming spaces, new restaurants, lounges and hotel tower, as well as retail, spa and pool amenities.

Hamiinat magazine launches

2005

New San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino opens.

Residence Inn by Marriott opens in Washington, DC. The project is from the Four Fires intertribal economic partnership, which includes San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

2016

SMBMI acquires sacred lands in San Bernardino Mountains with purchase of Arrowhead Springs Hotel.

2018

Opening of the Autograph Collection, The Draftsman Hotel, in Charlottesville, VA, a joint venture that includes the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

US Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA); open door to state-authorized sports gambling.

2022

San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority opens the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

San Manuel leads defeat of sports gambling ballot initiative in California; 83% of voters reject Prop 27.

2023

San Manuel Landing opens.

POW WOW EXHIBITION

NATIVE STORIES AND DANCERS OF POW WOW

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

NOON & 3PM

YAAMAVA’ THEATER

FREE EVENT

New Club Serrano Members will receive $25 Free Play after attending the exhibition

Must be 21 or over to enter.

PUYU’HOUPKC ˇ AV

(poo-yoo-hope-k-chahv)

Together

Puyu’houpkcav: together. When all are together as one, we accomplish more. We strive each day towards unity of purpose and spirit.

In this section we learn about the Tribe’s philanthropic grants to nonprofits in Southern California and Nevada. We learn how both San Manuel team members and rodeo riders are raising awareness about murdered and missing Indigenous people and see how a team of Native filmmakers are trying to bring justice for one man. We also see how leadership at San Manuel says thank you to its team members and remains committed to helping them attain success in the business of gaming.

LEADERSHIP

GLOBAL GROWTH

One

organization helps women get the guidance and skills they need to excel in the gaming space.

“SAN MANUEL HAS a unique culture that cultivates growth for women in gaming and we have many leaders that are hungry to nourish their selfdevelopment,” said Cathy Shink, Director of Guest Services at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

One way that the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI) has supported team member growth is by sponsoring a chapter of Global Gaming Women (GGW), of which Cathy Shink is a Committee Co-Chair.

“Global Gaming Women is all about three core values: courage, leadership, and integrity. Its mission is to support, uplift and provide resources for women in the gaming industry,” said Heather Jerrytone, Director of VIP Services at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino l and Committee Co-Chair of the San Manuel GGW chapter.

Global Gaming Women was created in 2011 as a development program by the American Gaming Association to nurture emerging female leaders in

By Lissa Townsend Rodgers

the gaming industry and was later launched as a charitable organization.

Today, 7,000 members across five continents are offered training programs, speakers, panels, networking and more for women in the gaming space. Education is a big part of the GGW mission: opportunities are available for all, from the emerging leader to the seasoned executive, and vary in intensity from a two-hour talk to a multi-week class.

“Much of the teaching happens between members. We make a conscious effort to provide regular events to keep members engaged and to provide support. We are the most active regional chapter, and our membership continues to grow,” said Dianna Scina, Committee Co-Chair and Director of Experiential Marketing for SMBMI.

GGW at San Manuel provides a yearly leadership training for emerging leaders, supports 5k walks

for Murdered and Missing Indigenous People and breast cancer awareness and organizes an Adopt a Family Christmas drive with team members. It also supports wellness by introducing members to yoga, kickboxing and golf.

“We do so many events where we’re learning from one another,” Shink said, “those kinds of experiences, the networking, the collaboration, the sharing from one woman to another.” San Manuel GGW members can connect through panel discussions, leadership trainings, dine arounds, yoga classes, volunteer opportunities or other events, as well as through structured mentorship.

Mentorship is done through lean-in circles, which can be a few people on-site or a larger group across states. The group can be focused on developing a skill like public speaking, or a strategy such as negotiating salary; it can function as a place to workshop new

GLOBAL GAMING WOMEN IS ALL ABOUT THREE CORE VALUES: COURAGE, LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRITY.

ideas, discuss mistakes or share experiences.

“There’s great knowledge-sharing that happens from both the mentee and mentorship side. We continue to provide resources and tools to equip ourselves to become better leaders and better people in our communities,” said Jerrytone.

Shink feels that the GGW programs don’t just benefit the members, but San Manuel in general, as team members expand their understanding of the gaming space.

“It’s the networking opportunities that exposes us to different walks of life within the entire enterprise,” she said.

Jerrytone feels that an organization like GGW can reflect the changes that have happened in the gaming industry and expand upon them. “In 2014, there was an article in the Harvard Business Review that said men will apply to a job if they have 60% of the qualifications and women won’t apply until they have 100%. I really related to the article,” she said. “When we were given the ability to create our own chapter here, I wanted to provide confidence and opportunities, not only for myself, but for others.”

“Our goal is to be inclusive, and promote diversity,” she added, “we just want to continue to pay it forward to emerging leaders, continue to collaborate with all leaders who are working on their own development and ultimately give back to the Tribe in the form of strong leadership.”

FOSTERING COMPASSION

Mary’s Mercy Center collaborates with San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to provide critical services for the region’s homeless.

By Matt Villano

VISIT MARY’S MERCY Center in San Bernardino and you’ll see a slogan just about everywhere you look: Blessed are the poor. These four words epitomize the philosophy that drives this critical nonprofit.

The organization serves the unhoused population across the Inland Empire, a swath of Southern California that comprises Riverside and San Bernardino counties and includes the Riverside, San Bernardino and Ontario metropolitan areas.

It is one of the largest homeless service providers in the region, helping thousands of individuals every year. According to local officials, San Bernardino County alone saw a 26% increase in homelessness from 2022 to 2023. Over a five-year period dating back to 2018, the total homeless population in the area has doubled.

Against the backdrop of this harsh reality, the impact of Mary’s Mercy Center has been remarkable. According to recent statistics, the center administers 72,000 meals, more than 4,800 showers and more than 6,700 food bags each year. The center now also offers more than 150 long-term transitional beds for men, women and children.

To deliver these services, Mary’s Mercy Center partners with several private and public agencies across the area. San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has been one of these partners, and Mary’s Mercy Center Executive Director Dan Flores said contributions from the Tribe over the years have been invaluable to supporting the mission.

In 2020, an $8.2-million grant from San Manuel funded a part of the center that provides long-term transitional housing to men.

“Homelessness and poverty are complicated issues, and the solutions are as varied as the individuals we serve,” he said. “We feel we have a moral and social obligation to lift up others.”

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Today, Mary’s Mercy Center comprises three operations: Mary’s Table, Mary’s Haven and Mary’s Village. Each endeavor helps the local unhoused population in different ways.

Mary’s Mercy Center has been serving the community for more than 30 years. The story began in the mid-1980s with a vision shared by members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Center, under the direction of Fr. Michael Barry.

Volunteers began to reach out and serve the poor in the local community, working in local parks with supplies of food and money to cover utility bills. The effort became known as Mary’s Table and opened a soup kitchen at Our Lady of Fatima Church in San Bernardino. Soon, the Lutheran Church of Our Savior added their hands and hearts; and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church followed with a larger kitchen and dining facility.

By 1990, Mary’s Table had expanded to five days a week and was serving more than 5,000 hot meals each month. In 1996, Mary’s Table added free medical screenings, a clothes closet, an emergency food bag program and other services. Mary’s Table still serves 200 free meals a day, and about 150 food bags per week.

“Food is the most basic of needs,” Flores noted. “This has been a priority since day one, and it continues to be a priority today.”

EVOLUTION OF A MINISTRY

But Mary’s Mercy Center offers much more than food – it offers shelter, too.

These efforts go back to the early 1990s. In 1992, Mary’s Mercy Center purchased its present building on Roberds Avenue in San Bernardino and became incorporated as a non-profit public benefit corporation.

In 1993, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate

Word provided a substantial grant for the purchase of an old convent that would be transformed into Veronica’s Home Of Mercy, a transitional housing facility for women with young children. The first Veronica’s Home of Mercy opened in 1995; with support from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the City of San Bernardino, a larger, new Veronica’s Home of Mercy opened in 2009. The facility was later renamed Mary’s Haven.

Over the years, the facility added wraparound services such as substance use disorder and domestic violence recovery services, counseling, financial literacy classes, daycare and more.

As Flores explains it, transitional housing is designed to provide a bridge between homelessness and more secure shelter. Most residents stay an average of one – two years.

“The idea is to make the transition smoother,” he said.

HELP FROM FRIENDS

After that $8.2-million grant from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Mary’s Mercy Center officially

opened Mary’s Village. Designed to serve homeless and unhoused men, this facility is a 30,000-squarefoot home that provides transitional housing, on-site case management and wraparound services.

All told, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has donated more than $9 million to Mary’s Mercy Center over the years. Flores said the Tribe has been incredible in helping his organization meet the needs of the community.

“We have a lot of great donors, but the Tribe has gone above and beyond,” said Flores, who added that San Manuel also have connected Mary’s Mercy Center with other organizations that are eager to help. The Tribe agreed that the best part of the partnership is that it’s as personal to Mary’s Mercy Center as it is to them.

“San Manuel’s support of Mary’s Mercy Center is part of a broader commitment to philanthropy and a larger effort to address homelessness in the Inland Empire overall.

The common goal is to eliminate the need for these services because that would mean the community is no longer faced with these social challenges. But in the

“WE FEEL WE HAVE A MORAL AND SOCIAL OBLIGATION TO LIFT UP OTHERS.”

meantime, the Tribe continues to collaborate in order to touch the hearts of those seeking a second chance.”

WHAT’S NEXT

According to Flores, Mary’s Mercy Center continues to evolve. The first phase of Mary’s Village was a group housing environment; the second phase, which wrapped up earlier this year, was individual apartments.

As more and more men participate in the program, Mary’s Village will grow to accommodate them.

Flores said Mary’s Mercy Center has land upon which it can expand and noted that the organization is aiming to put together a 5- to 10-year plan for expanding services and programs across the board. He said the organization also has been working with local lawmakers to lobby for additional funding to fight homelessness across the region.

“We want to be part of the larger conversation that drives policy decisions to eliminate homelessness,” he said. “There’s still a lot of work to do.”

PARTNERS IN HOPE

San Manuel celebrates the nonprofits that uplift and strengthen Southern Nevada communities.

By Matt Jacob

AS THE BUSINESS ENTITIES of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians have grown, so has the Tribe’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. This dedication to impactful philanthropy is rooted in the concept of Yawa’, a Serrano word that means: to demonstrate one’s beliefs through actions.

The Yawa’ spirit was on full display April 25 at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, where dozens of philanthropic-minded business leaders gathered for the inaugural Forging Hope Yawa’ Awards.

Honoring four nonprofit organizations for its efforts to uplift the Southern Nevada community, the Yawa’ Awards were presented by the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (SMGHA), which has become a trusted and valued

business and philanthropic partner across the Las Vegas Valley – including as owners and operators of Palms Casino Resort.

“Since 2022, we’ve invested more than $4 million in the Las Vegas community with more than 136 organizations,” SMGHA Chairwoman Latisha Prieto said at the Forging Hope Yawa’ Awards ceremony. “We know that if we want to make a difference in our communities, we must come together to support those in need. All of you are here today because you’re following your call of Yawa’.”

The event, held at Palms’ majestic 53rd-floor MoonFantasy tower overlooking the Las Vegas Strip, began with a nod to Serrano culture. Members of San Manuel and Las Vegas’ Paiute Tribes sang bird

songs, while attendees – both Native and non-Native – danced to the beats.

Each Yawa’ Award honoree was presented with a glass-encased Serrano gourd rattle, handcrafted by San Manuel Youth Committee members. The organizations also received a $25,000 award to support their needs.

“Today’s honorees exemplify Yawa’ in areas we believe are key to strong and thriving communities,” Prieto said. “We are proud to partner with organizations that care for the basic needs of our communities, inspire others through education, uplift Indigenous people and address health and wellness issues.”

Here’s a closer look at the four recipients of the inaugural Forging Hope Yawa’ Awards:

DISCOVERY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

DISCOVERY Children’s Museum is an interactive space in downtown Las Vegas that spans 58,000 square feet across three floors.

During its 33 years, the museum has welcomed more than 260,000 children and families who benefit from STEAM-centric (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs, as well as collaborative cultural events.

Among the most recent events: a pop-up exhibit that celebrated Native American cultures. The museum also organizes an array of activities during Native American Heritage Month.

In addition to serving the educational and cultural needs of Southern Nevada’s children, the museum supports the entire community through its outreach program, DISCOVERY on Wheels: House Calls. Created 15 years ago, this initiative has offered hands-on health science education to more than 10,000 elementary school students.

“Over the past three years, the partnership we’ve forged with San Manuel has been transformative, and has transcended financial support,” said Caitlin Shea, the museum’s Vice President of Development, as she accepted the Yawa’ Award.

“They’ve provided us with their time, relationship building and resources to think innovatively about creating competent cultural programming, enabling us to celebrate and honor the rich heritage of our region’s Indigenous people.”

“Today’s honorees exemplify Yawa’ in areas we believe ARE KEY TO STRONG AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES.”

GREEN OUR PLANET

Founded in 2013 by two filmmakers/entrepreneurs, Green Our Planet connects students in the Clark County School District with nature in a hands-on way. In addition to learning about science in outdoor school gardens and indoor hydroponic laboratories, students discover how to plant and cultivate healthy food.

Along the way, teachers instill in students important STEM lessons while also sparking curiosity about conservation, nutrition and entrepreneurship. Students are even trained to host farmers markets at their schools and in the community.

Thanks to a donation from San Manuel, Green Our Planet was able to establish 15 outdoor gardens at Las Vegas-area schools – mostly in disadvantaged communities.

“Every student has the right to joy and justice in education. We put our beliefs into action by empowering our teachers to make school fun and joyful for students,” said Green Our Planet CoFounder and Co-CEO Ciara Byrne. “And we respect and honor Indigenous values that place the earth at the center of cultural, social and judicial systems, which makes this award so meaningful to us.”

THE JUST ONE PROJECT

Food insecurity plagues communities throughout the world – including Southern Nevada.

Which is where Brooke Neubauer comes in.

In 2014, Neubauer launched The Just One Project, a nonprofit whose clients, community partners and volunteers rally around a profound mission: to increase access to food, resources and services to build a stronger, healthier and more connected community.

Among the ways in which Neubauer and her team fulfill this mission is by providing in-need Southern Nevada residents, including homebound seniors, with fresh groceries, pantry items and wraparound services – all free of charge.

In all, the organization serves more than 20,000 people each month.

“Without a million kind gestures, The Just One Project would not be here today. We shall continue dancing in the spirit of Yawa’ and inspiring others

to dance along with us,” Neubauer said. “My heart is filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the magic that San Manuel embodies. … To know your culture is to love it, respect it and admire it.”

VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

Medical services can be difficult to access, even for those with a steady income. For those who aren’t so fortunate, it is nearly impossible to receive proper medical care.

That is what prompted Dr. Florence Jameson and her husband, Gard, to launch Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada in 2010.

“My wife and I observed that the Clark County coroner was tagging death after death as natural,” Gard Jameson said upon accepting the Yawa’ Award. “We recognized that these were deaths that could’ve been prevented with basic medical care.”

Today, Volunteers in Medicine operates two clinics

that provide medical and dental care – as well as medications and social and behavioral services –to more than 1,400 uninsured, low-income earning patients each month.

While the Jamesons birthed the idea of the nonprofit, they’re hardly a two-person team. Medical providers offer pro bono services, and the organization is supported by more than 90 community and educational partners, as well as corporate, foundational and personal financial donations.

One such gift came from San Manuel, and it funded a new prenatal program for expectant mothers who otherwise have no access to prenatal care.

“There will be a culture in the future, and we are laying the seeds now for that culture,” Gard Jameson said. “And as Indigenous traditions suggest, we throw the arrow out seven generations. So in our prayers and thoughts, we should always be thinking about the seven generations ahead of us.”

By Sandra Hale Schulman

SEEKING REDEMPTION

A new film from an award-winning Native documentary team brings Leonard Peltier back into spotlight.

A LIGHTNING ROD FOR

Native American activism, Leonard Peltier (enrolled Turtle Mountain Ojibwe, Lakota, Dakota and Cree) has been imprisoned for 50 years for a crime wrapped in false allegations and inconsistencies.

Leonard Peltier, born September 12, 1944, was a member of the American Indian Movement (AIM); the Indigenous rights advocacy group worked to counter racism and police brutality. The 1970s were a volatile time in the pursuit for Native rights, and it was during this era that hundreds of Native people and AIM members were invited by the Oglala Civil Rights Organization leaders to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota to help the Oglala Sioux tribal community find solutions to the challenges they were facing at the time.

On June 26, 1975, FBI agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams drove through the Reservation in pursuit of Jimmy Eagle, a Native man wanted in connection with theft and assault. A shootout followed and the agents were killed in a volley of gunfire.

Peltier was there, along with two other AIM members, Darrelle “Dino” Butler and Bob Robideau, and in March 1977, after a five-week trial before an all-white jury, Peltier was convicted of murdering both agents and sentenced to two consecutive life terms. His charge was later changed to aiding and abetting but the sentence is the same; Butler and Robideau were acquitted. Peltier has always maintained his innocence.

And now, for the first time, a Native film creative team from Public Square Films – with a grant from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians – will tell the story as it stands today. This is the first documentary film in 30 years and will feature a generation of leading figures speaking candidly for the first time about these events.

The film will include interviews from legal representatives, leaders, elders and community members within Indian Country who were involved with his case and will examine the record of FBI and prosecutorial misconduct against Peltier, using character-driven archival footage and recreations to bring viewers though the story of his efforts for release.

“I was first contacted by David France, our co-director, last year,” said executive producer Bird Runningwater (Mescalero Apache), a 20-year veteran of the Sundance Film Institute and a current member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences. “He had gotten Leonard’s blessing to make a documentary about where things are with him now and what the future may hold.”

They worked steadily to create what Runningwater called a stellar team: Emmy-winning producer of Prey, Jhane Myers (Comanche) as creative producer; former Special Assistant to the President on the White House Domestic Policy Council under the Obama Administration, Jodi Archambault (Hunkpapa and Oglala Lakota) as an executive producer; and director of Lakota Nation vs. the United States, Jesse Shortbull (Oglala Lakota) as co-director.

Runningwater said the goal is to support Leonard’s efforts of being released; his legal teams are pursuing two paths beyond parole: Presidential pardon and compassionate release for elders with serious health issues, through the White House. He said that time is of the essence as many of the younger generations don’t know about Peltier, and the people of his generation have all started to pass on.

“We’re very fortunate to be able to interview people who are still around who know the story,” Runningwater said.

The film crew was on the scene in Florida at the Coleman Maximum Security Prison on June 10 for Peltier’s parole hearing. Peltier’s attorneys argued for parole based on his age, nonviolent prison record and declining health.

“We filmed the two legal teams rehearsing their cases, we filmed the outside of the prison and the legal teams leaving the prison,” said Jhane Myers. “We got good footage.”

The hearing lasted seven hours. In attendance were Nick Tilsen of NDN Collective, Peltier’s doctor, an official from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and an FBI representative and victim’s rights coordinator; the FBI remains vehemently opposed to parole for Peltier.

In early July, Peltier’s plea for parole was denied. While his lawyer plans on appealing, he would not be eligible for another full hearing until 2039; he would be 94 years old.

The company producing the documentary has a strong track record, including winning Emmys, Peabodys and BAFTAs, as well as an Oscar nomination. Funding from San Manuel will cover production and postproduction expenses and an impact campaign.

The organization also will work on an educational component to be used as curriculum for schools and tribal communities; there will be media and film screenings across Indian Country and potentially the White House as well.

“Leonard’s story has been studied in countless ways through publications, writings, films, audio and radio shows,” said co-director Shortbull. “So as we get further away from the event and the trial, there’s an opportunity to look at it from a macro and a micro sense to help people see why it all happened. Why were the 1970s such a pivotal decade? Why did these forces come to a head at that time?”

Shortbull explained there was a cultural shift, and the film will allow them to explore the forces that tie it all together. He went on to explain that 50 years ago there was not a team of filmmakers that could tell this from a Native perspective. Along with access to Leonard and his statements, the co-director feels the best way to learn about justice and history is to learn it from the people themselves.

“Why has San Manuel stepped in to be a major sponsor?” Archambault asked. “Because it’s part of every Native person’s history. You can’t have Native DNA without having this affect you. I knew this story as a young woman. My parents knew this story. My grandparents knew this story. It affects us by generation. Leonard is still in there, we pray for him. No person should ever have to endure this level of injustice.”

“THE WOUNDS OF COLONIZATION CAN ONLY HEAL WITH TRUTH, RECONCILIATION AND JUSTICE.”

— LEONARD PELTIER

Myers expressed her gratitude for the support from San Manuel saying it was why they could hit the ground running. “Each day that passes is a day too long,” she explained. “We’re up against the clock while trying to get this done responsibly. San Manuel has an emotional and personal feeling about the film’s subject, this is not just a commercial project to invest in.”

Supporting the film was a demonstration of the San Manuel’s concern for an aging citizen from a federally recognized Tribe who is currently suffering from numerous health issues.

“For nearly 50 years, Leonard Peltier has been imprisoned for crimes prosecuted under questionable circumstances. With deteriorating health, at 79 years old, Peltier is being subjected to harsh and inhumane conditions in federal prison,” said San Manuel Tribal Council. “Compassion requires that Leonard be treated equitably and allowed to return to his ancestral homeland to be among his people for the remaining days of his life.”

San Manuel hopes the film will send a message of compassion and justice and will reignite the interest and drive to get him home. It would also bolster America’s reputation as a beacon of hope for all the world.

The filmmakers want to get more people talking about Peltier, more people saying his name, more people demanding justice for him and organizing around his release. “The more people that put pressure on members of Congress, on the administration and on the decision makers, the more that it’s in the media, the better,” Archambault said. “If this can happen to Leonard this can happen to you. You can get convicted and go to jail without a reasonable doubt.”

Shortbull added, “It’s a historical injustice to Native people, we’re telling this story along with Leonard as Native filmmakers supported by San Manuel. It’s a huge honor for San Manuel to step up the way that they have as this is a difficult project for anybody because it is asking the hard questions about what justice means in the United States. That’s a very powerful thing.”

TELLING THE STORIES OF INDIAN RODEO

How a Native-funded, Native-run production company brought INFR to life.

AUTUMN IS RODEO time in Las Vegas – the one time of year when you can count on cowboy hats to outnumber baseball caps around town.

While most people are familiar with the National Finals Rodeo, those from Indian country get excited about a very different competition: the Indian National Finals Rodeo, also known as INFR.

The INFR is an annual championship event that celebrates Native American rodeo talent and culture.

This year’s INFR will be the 48th annual and will be held October 22-26 at the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa in Las Vegas.

INFR brings together top Native American cowboys and cowgirls from across North America to compete in traditional rodeo events, such as bull riding, barrel racing, team roping and bronc (or bucking horse) riding. The INFR season has rodeo events throughout the US and Canada and serves as a platform to showcase the rich heritage and skills of Native American communities, emphasizing both competitive excellence and cultural pride.

Held over several days, the Las Vegas finals event includes multiple rounds of competition, including events for juniors (16 and under) and seniors (50 and over), culminating in the crowning of champions in each category.

With its rich blend of tradition, competition and culture, the INFR never fails to provide an exciting experience in the heart of Las Vegas.

By Matt Vilano

INDIGENOUS IMPACT

While the best way to experience INFR is to witness it in person, another great way to understand the excitement is to watch two new documentaries from First Nations Experience (FNX), a production company devoted exclusively to indigenous content. These documentaries were filmed at the 2022 INFR and released earlier this year and underwritten by a grant from the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF).

The first film, titled “Indian Rodeo: Voices from the INFR,” winner of a Regional Emmy®, is a 26-minute feature on the INFR in general, complete with footage from events, interviews with participants and context from organizers.

The second film, titled “Native Hope Champions: Riding for the Missing,” is only eight minutes long, but it focuses specifically on how many of the cowgirls (and some cowboys) dedicate their involvement to raising awareness about the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, (MMIW).

In all, the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs estimates there are more than 4,200 missing and murdered person cases that have gone unsolved to date.

The driving force behind the documentaries was the dynamic duo of Sahar Khadjenoury and Frank Blanquet, two producers with FNX.

Blanquet (Yucatec Maya) noted the 2022 INFR was literally his first rodeo and that the experience left him with a new appreciation for horsemanship.

“These animals and the people who ride them capture your heart.”

“These animals and the people who ride them capture your heart,” Blanquet said. Both films contain up-close-and-personal interviews with several cowgirls, all of whom wear red on a specific day of the rodeo to raise awareness about MMIW. Several of these women have direct connections to people who have gone missing.

Bailey Bates (Navajo), a cowgirl who won her second world championship title in breakaway roping at the 2022 INFR, admitted to being anxious when she is riding alone with her dog.

“I’m grateful that INFR is putting the spotlight on [the MMIW issue],” she told her interviewers. “Our safety should be a number one concern and priority, especially being Native women.”

Neither of the films would have happened without the grant from IWMF. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians also was a key player; FNX was created as a shared vision between the San Manuel Tribe and the San Bernardino Community College District in Southern California.

In addition to raising awareness about MMIW, the films have laid the groundwork for additional features. Specifically, the second film has led to the creation of the “Native Hope Champions” series: documentary films produced and directed by Khadjenoury that focus on the contributions, talents, advocacy and impact that Native Americans are having in the sports world. These films are available on demand through FNX and many PBS affiliates.

TAKING STRIDES TOWARD JUSTICE

How a local 5K is raising awareness about an epidemic throughout Indian Country.

MISSING AND MURDERED Indigenous People (MMIP) is a nationwide epidemic that has gone unchecked for decades, despite desperate calls for help from the loved ones of those left behind.

But all of that is changing. Through relentless efforts to raise awareness about MMIP, we’ve seen new initiatives – like the Feather Alert program, established with the passage of AB 1314 in 2022, and AB 44 in 2023, which approved access to the California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS) by the law enforcement agency or tribal court of a federally recognized Indian tribe – that bring hope for change and justice.

I n an effort to keep the momentum of awareness going, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ MMIP advocacy group held its second annual 5K walk/run at California State University, San Bernardino on April 28, 2024.

Approximately 200 participants trekked in solidarity with those whose voices have been silenced, every stride raising funds for Ohkomi Forensics, a nonprofit organization that provides forensic services to Indigenous families and communities affected by the MMIP crisis.

On the sidelines, Ohkomi Forensics and recipients of the funds from the 2023 MMIP 5K, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women and Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition, offered resources and education. The powerful display of commitment also served to kick off MMIP Awareness Month (May) and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Day on May 5.

With each successive year, the MMIP advocacy group hopes the MMIP 5K event will expand its reach and impact. The members firmly believe that by reaching more hearts and minds, they can inch closer to subduing the MMIP epidemic, bringing about the change that Indigenous communities so urgently deserve.

By Angelica Loera

Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

Path To Healing

The impact of Ohkomi Forensics is twofold: it advances the field of forensics and brings healing to Indigenous communities. The Indigenous-led nonprofit provides forensic services to Native families and communities that have been tragically impacted by the MMIP epidemic; services include anthropological analysis, fieldwork, excavations and DNA testing.

By intertwining tribal expertise and contemporary scientific methods, Ohkomi Forensics strives to ensure proper identification, recoveries and evidence processing for the search and return of Indigenous people. As this year’s beneficiary of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians MMIP 5K, the nonprofit will channel the funds toward its services and the development of the first Native-led forensic laboratory.

HAKUP A’AI

Tribe thanks Yaamava’ team members with annual celebration

By Thomas LaRocca

THERE ARE town hall meetings; forums, conferences or symposiums; even assemblies and pep rallies before big games.

And then there is Hakup A’ai – the Serrano word for thank you.

Hakup A’ai is the event during which 7,000+ members of the team convene to celebrate successes, receive important updates from leadership on business objectives and, most importantly, feel the gratitude of the Tribe for all their hard work.

And what better way to celebrate than with t-shirts, food trucks and raffle prizes?

During the three sessions on Tuesday, April 23, team members packed the Yaamava’ Theater donning their plum-colored t-shirts as the San Manuel Bird Singers sang their traditional gathering songs – even inviting members of the Yaamava’ family to join in the dancing.

Floral arrangements adorned the stage in a celebration of spring. The event kicked off with a presentation of the Colors by the San Manuel Honor Guard and an electric-guitar rendition of the National Anthem by Roger Fair, who works as a Serrano Language Teacher for the Tribe and finished second in

the Y-Factor Talent Show for team members last year. Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena and the Tribal Council addressed the crowd, followed by speeches by CEO Laurens Vosloo, GM Kenji Hall and CGO Peter Arceo, all expressing gratitude for the work that has been done while also sharing the vision for the organization and the opportunities that await each team member.

These opportunities were illustrated by An Tran, in her 28th year with the organization. Tran spoke of her career trajectory from “summer job” to VP of Human Resources. Sarah Webster, Vice President of

Finance, also shared about her time with San Manuel, talking about her 23 years growing with the team.

The event spilled out to an outdoor area where team members enjoyed tunes from a DJ and sampled food from 13 food trucks – including InN-Out Burger. Thirty lucky team members won prizes including Ring Doorbells, Samsung Galaxies, Nintendo Switches, Air Pods, Play Stations, Roombas and Beats. There was also a t-shirt design contest where three team members won Amazon gift cards for their designs: Jessica Opitz - 1st place, Tracey Gomez - 2nd place and Vanessa Manolatou - 3rd place.

“I was more than happy just being a part of this competition because it was a lot of fun. Never did I think I would actually win. The prize is incredible! It will help me pay for household items and birthday gifts for my loved ones,” Opitz said. “Hakup A’ai is always one of the best events because that’s when each team member is celebrated for their hard work, and I am more than grateful for all that Yaamava’ provides. Every year it gets better and better!”

HAKUP A’AI IS THE SERRANO WORD FOR THANK YOU

M ÜC ˇ I SCK

(muh-chish-chk)

Favorites

Müčisck: your favorite things. A word to acknowledge all those things in life you find yourself drawn toward.

In this section we meet an Indigenous designer whose jewelry is inspired by her heritage. We learn how the butlers at Palms Casino Resort elevate your stay and how Las Vegas chefs celebrate local talent. We also see how chefs at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and Palms are bringing the best ingredients and ideas to their menus. And finally, we see what happens when a car enthusiast gets to choose the cars given away to Club Serrano members.

Photography by Robert John Kley

This Indigenous jewelry designer takes traditional Native elements into the future with her handcrafted pieces.

MAK I ng I t

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT JOHN KLEY

Styled by Christie Moeller

Style Assistant Tiffany Weekes

Model Isabelle Laporte / Lizbell Agency

Hair and Makeup by Etienne Lovelle

Over The past YEAR

Jennifer Younger’s handcrafted jewelry has garnered widespread acclaim, with her work gracing the cover of Vogue and worn by celebrities such as Lily Gladstone. The allure of her jewelry lies not just in its aesthetic but also in the narrative it carries. The Tlingit jewelry designer was raised in Yakutat in Southeast Alaska and belongs to the Eagle Kaagwaantaan clan. Today she calls Sitka, Alaska home and draws inspiration from traditional Tlingit formline designs.Younger believes in looking back while moving forward, infusing her creations with a modern flair. Each piece is a labor of love, meticulously handcrafted; every engraving is unique, created with a one-of-a-kind freehand design. We sat down with Jennifer to learn about her artistic process, her inspiration and how she combines the traditional and modern with her Indigenous art. By Christie Moeller

Q: Tell us about your childhood and how it influences your designs? I grew up in a very small town, about 600 people. The only way in is to fly in or by boat, so it’s isolated. I spent a lot of time in nature, which influenced my designs. I incorporate local plants and floral patterns and I like my pieces to be somewhat rustic.

Q: What elements from your heritage do you incorporate into your designs? I incorporate traditional Tlingit formline design, which is made up of balanced shapes that create a figure or animal, into floral patterns to create something that’s contemporary. It’s traditional yet modern, something the next generation will want to wear. I try to carry the designs forward.

Q: Where did your passion for jewelry come from? My grandmother was Tlingit and wasn’t allowed to practice her culture. We were in this small town surrounded by our culture but not immersed in it. As a child she was put in a boarding school where she couldn’t practice open and freely. I have always been proud of my heritage but I didn’t know a lot about it. As I got older, I wanted to feel connected to my culture. I wanted my children to take pride in who they were and where they’re from so I learned things like spruce root basket weaving. Then I had the opportunity to work with a master carver in Sitka. He told me I could do whatever I wanted, but just do proper formline because there are protocols to the balance and flow. It’s such a beautiful art. It blew my mind. It’s been about 10 years and I’m still obsessed. I have so many ideas and I just want to go, go go.

Q: Can non-Natives wear your jewelry? A lot of non-Native people are hesitant to purchase and wear Native-made designs. The one thing I could say to

that is, I wouldn’t make anything and sell it if it was inappropriate or was regalia. What I make can be worn by anyone, Native or non-Native.

Q: Over the past year we’ve seen First Nations people, such as Lily Gladstone, on a bigger stage. And on TV shows, feature films and magazines we’re seeing more Native actors, clothing designers and jewelry artisans getting great exposure. What are your thoughts on this? In just the short time that I’ve been involved, it’s changed so much – in a good way. More appreciation instead of appropriation. There’s still a lot of work to be done but I’m always an optimist and I feel like we’ve come a long way.

Q: You were a big part of Fashion Daze at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. What was that experience like? It was awesome to work with Kelly Cutrone, who has so much experience with fashion shows. To have the opportunity to work with someone with that level of knowledge and to learn

Opposite: Abalone and Engraved Copper Earring; Butterfly and Wild Rose Copper Cuff; and Butterfly Necklace with Czech Crystal and Wampum Beads by Jennifer Younger, available at jennifer youngerdesigns.com.

Previous page: Brass and Dentalium Wild Rose Earrings; Brass Devilfish (octopus) Tináa Chest Plate; Silver Monogrammed Ovoids Cuff with flare by Jennifer Younger, available at jennifer youngerdesigns.com.

from them behind the scenes was amazing. It was a beautiful venue and I made so many connections through that show! Lily Gladstone’s stylist found me because of Fashion Daze and I’ve had the opportunity to accessorize Lily for many occasions. It’s been a whirlwind of a year!

Q: You have done so many amazing collaborations with First Nations and Native American designers and artisans. Tell us a little about some of those. Collaborations are one of my favorite things to do! I’m very excited about what I do and have lots of ideas, but I just love the opportunity to combine ideas! I worked on a boot design with Manitoba Mukluks; I did a collaboration with GINEW for their new Raven jeans and have another one with them coming out soon; and I’m working on hat band designs with Thunder Voice Hat Company. These collaborations are really uplifting. I feel like we can further each other and share each other’s work and rise up together, and I find that really special.

I’m working on hat band designs with ThUnder Voice HAt CompAny.

These collaborations are really uplifting.

Thunder Voice x Jennifer Younger Hat 10 in a Restiol 8x by Thunder Voice Hat Co. Heritage Jacket 01 by Thunder Voice Hat Co, both available at thundervoiceco.com.

This page: Abalone and Sterling Silver Body Chain; Sterling Silver Hummingbird and Wild Rose Cuff; Antler and Engraved Butterfly Earrings by Jennifer Younger, available at jennifer youngerdesigns.com.

Opposite: Scout Trench Coat by Sky Eagle Collection available at skyeaglecollection.com. Sterling Silver Wild Rose Dagger Earring on Hoop and Antler and Sterling Silver Butterfly Necklace by Jennifer Younger, available at jennifer youngerdesigns.com.

This page: Gala Morning Star A Liner Dress by Sky Eagle Collection available at skyeaglecollection.com.

Brass and Vintage White Heat Trade Beads Earring engraved with formline salmon; Gold-filled Body Chain adorned with salmon bone; and Brass Bracelet/Anklet engraved with formline salmon eggs by Jennifer Younger, available at jennifer youngerdesigns.com.

Opposite: Sterling Silver Forget-Me-Not Wrap Ring; Green Patina Copper Wild Rose Earring; Copper Wild Rose Bracelet; Copper Ovoids Cuff; Copper Urchin Shell Necklace by Jennifer Younger, available at jennifer youngerdesigns.com.

JAY’S PICKS

Legendary

By Thomas LaRocca

Tonight Show host shares his passion for automobiles with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

JAY LENO LIKES CARS.

In fact, he has more than 200 in his incredible collection, not to mention the 168 motorcycles. Jay Leno really likes cars.

And, as it happens, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel likes to give away cars. The casino has given away more than 300 luxury vehicles since 2016 in its incredible Thursday night promotion. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino really likes to give away cars. Seems like a match made in…. Burbank?

Leno has partnered with Yaamava’ to give away luxury cars as part of Jay’s Picks, where the legendary comedian and late-night host selects the vehicle of his choice to give away to Club Serrano members.

“Yaamava’ is a dream casino,” Leno said from his garage in Burbank. “Why not win your dream car at your dream casino? It is fun finding the cars that I think will appeal to people because these are the cars nobody needs, these are the cars people want. People dream about having cars like these, and it is not always possible.

“But head down to Yaamava’ and play and you just might win one!”

Leno followed his love of comedy into one of the most coveted positions in the television industry: host of The Tonight Show on NBC, replacing Johnny Carson, a position he held from 1992-2009 and 2010-14.

Meanwhile, Leno also followed his love of motor vehicles into amassing an incredible collection, which DuPont has valued as worth more than $50 million,

“YAAMAVA’ IS A DREAM CASINO, why not win your dream car at your dream casino?

in his 140,000-square-foot garage, which led to the CNBC and YouTube program Jay Leno’s Garage from 2014-22, where Jay shared his passion for all things automotive.

“I never started collecting cars,” Leno joked, “I just never sold anything. There is no rhyme or reason to it, it is just stuff that I like.”

And while every car in his collection is street legal and fun to drive – whether it be a century-old steamengine car, his famed McLaren F1 or a 1966 Lincoln Continental owned by Marilyn Monroe’s former roommate that he describes as “driving a swimming pool” – it’s the vehicle’s story that piques his curiosity.

“There was an old man named M. Allen Swift, his dad gave him a brand-new Rolls Royce in the 1920s for his birthday. He put over 100,000 miles on it before he passed away in 2005,” Leno said of the 1928 American Rolls Royce Piccadilly P1 Roadster,

on display at the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.

“What a great story – a lot of times it’s the story as much as the car.”

The rarest vehicle, a 1925 Doble E-20 Steam Car, is located in a room in his garage dedicated to steampowered transportation.

“It was built in the ‘20s and it was the last of its kind. It was one of the most sophisticated as it is the only steam car you can start with a key,” Leno said. “Most you have to get underneath and heat the pilot with a torch, an incredibly involved process; the Doble made it a turnkey affair. It’s very rare and there are no parts, you have to make your own parts!”

Leno does not just collect cars – he works on them and drives them too – once hitting 278 MPH in a jetpowered steam car on a dry lakebed at El Mirage. It’s a hobby that led to a partnership with Yaamava.’ “This

YAAMAVA’ IS PASSIONATE about giving away cars – handing the keys to over 300 winners just about every Thursday since 2016.

is something I’m passionate about and want to share with people,” Leno said.

And Yaamava’ is passionate about giving away cars – handing the keys to over 300 winners just about every Thursday since 2016. The promotion kicked off in December 2016, when four lucky Club Serrano members won 2017 GMC Yukon Denalis; in January, Yaamava’ gave away four 2017 Dodge Challenger Hellcats; in February, four lucky Club Serrano members drove off in Limited Edition Infiniti Q60 Neiman Marcuses.

The giveaways continued every Thursday, with a pause during COVID, totaling $26 million in luxury vehicles. Porsche, Maserati, Jaguar, Lexus, McLaren,

Mercedes, Corvette, Cadillac, Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio.

Last November, the casino celebrated its 300th car giveaway with a 2023 Rolls Royce Ghost, valued at more than $400,000.

“I like high performance cars. I’m used to noisy cars that go really fast – and this is the complete opposite of that,” Leno said of the Rolls Royce. “It is like being in a sensory deprivation chamber, as if you are not moving at all. You buy a Ferrari because it’s fast; you buy a Rolls-Royce because it’s quiet and luxurious.”

Ironically, the next vehicle given away was a Ferrari Portofino at Palms during Super Bowl weekend.

“The Ferrari Portofino is a dream car that seems unobtainable,” Leno said. “First, they only make so

many, so even if you can afford it, you’re on a waiting list. It has 612 horsepower, a V8 engine, twin turbo 8-speed dual clutch transmission and classic Italian styling. It’s black with the beautiful red interior and you have the classic Ferrari steering wheel with all the controls right on the steering wheel, just like the racing car.”

After starting with luxury, then moving to speed, Leno shifted to eco-friendly in May with the 2024 GMC Hummer EV.

“The gas-guzzling Hummer is now electric,” Leno said. “That means sustainable, renewable electricity. And you’re looking at 830 horsepower and over 11,000 pounds of torque. This is one of the most powerful vehicles you can buy.

“It is incredible to drive, with the crabwalk feature, which means you can drive up the side of a hill – it is amazing technology. I drove this thing off road and had a great time.”

Each win comes with a tour of the famous Jay Leno Garage.

“I like these cars so much; I would love to see them again. So, if you win the car, I will give you a tour of my garage and show you the cool stuff we have here.”

Stay tuned for more of Jay’s Picks, hand-picked vehicles for the best club members in the industry.

DIVERSE CULINARY JOURNEYS

From childhood influences to global cuisine.

CHEF ALEJANDRO PLACERES

Pork Tomahawk Chop with Crispy Yucca Escabeche & Traditional Mojo

BY MELINDA SHECKELLS

When chefs create a dish, they share a labor of love influenced by many things – inspiration from travel or a mentor, childhood memories, exploration of flavors and textures or a must-have bite to entice their audience. Rising to the challenge, three chefs from Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel present their signature dishes and the origin stories of these masterworks. Each one tells an important personal tale of heritage, technique and countless hours of practice and the response from those lucky enough to taste a resounding “chef’s kiss, no notes.”

CHEF MARTY LOPEZ Steak Tartare, Crispy Rice, Nori Radish Ponzu

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALAN DE HERRERA / STYLED BY JUDEAN SAKIMOTO

CHEF ALEJANDRO PLACERES

Executive Chef

YAAMAVA’

“I had the bug for cooking since I was little,” said Chef Alejandro Placeres, who oversees culinary operations at Yaamava’. “I was in a restaurant all day … my dad was a restaurant manager and his family had a successful restaurant in Puerto Rico when I was growing up.”

Chef Martin Yan, and his television show Yan Can Cook, captivated Placeres with his knife skills.

“He was my idol. Watching all those shows just inspired me to go for this career,” he said.

Placeres moved from his native Puerto Rico when he was 17 to study culinary arts at Johnson and Wales University. After graduating, he worked for Disney before starting at JW Marriott. Placeres has spent more than 17 years in the hospitality industry in properties under JW Marriott and the Westin in Florida and California. Now, he develops innovative menu concepts and presents food with best-in-class service for each dining option at Yaamava’.

Placeres’ upbringing, professional geography and passion for Spanish cuisine heavily influence how he conceptualizes his signature dishes. For example, his Pork Tomahawk Chop with crispy Yucca Escabeche and Mojo is very traditional in Puerto Rico.

“I reminisce about all the stuff I miss from back home,” he said. “This is one of my favorite dishes, so I went back to when I lived in Puerto Rico and got all the inspiration from there. I wanted to share it.”

The pork chop is 36 ounces and comes with a wow factor. “You get everything on the pork – loin, rib and belly,” Placeres said. “It’s hard to cook because it has different muscles. But it is a great bite and shareable because it’s so big.”

Another signature dish is Risotto de Gandules and Chorizo Iberico, which has traditional roots but with added Spanish flavor. “This dish is again very traditional, served year-round, but it typically appears during Christmas. It marries well with the pork,” he said. With Chorizo Iberico involved, Placeres sends a love letter to Spain. “I have an affinity for Spain. Spanish food is amazing. Nobody can do better,” he said. “I love chorizo, I love the black foot pig. It pairs well with everything, so I decided to do a twist. Traditionally, the dish doesn’t have any chorizo. Iberico gives it that enhanced flavor.”

With the philosophy that you eat with your eyes first, Placeres always wants guests to be wowed from presentation to bite. “When I eat, I like to feel inspired by the food like ‘wow, that’s just awesome.’ I want to ensure that every taste and every bite you get is a wow-experience,” he said. Whether cooking to surprise and delight or sharing tradition, Placeres is in his element at Yaamava’. “I love what I do here,” he said. “I love the team and the energy. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had and I’m passionate about being here daily, collaborating with my team and ensuring they’re successful at the same time.”

Risotto de Gandules and Chorizo Iberico

CHEF EVERTON CLARKE

Executive Chef YAAMAVA’

Chef Everton Clarke embraces a progressive philosophy when creating dishes for four of the quick-serve restaurants at Yaamava’.

“The phone eats first,” he said of the push to present social-worthy dishes. “I have to take a shot of this before I try it. Then, once you put down the camera and take a bite, you say, ‘This tastes good.’ My approach to cuisine is to ensure that the audience first will talk about it, take a photo and then dig in.”

Clarke’s signature dishes reflect the trifecta of his West Indian heritage, classical culinary training and passion for trends.

Born in Jamaica and raised in the UK, Clarke came to the U.S. when he was 10 and with him came a love of the meat-forward cuisine of the West Indies. Later he received his Bachelor of Science in food service management from Johnson and Wales University.

Throughout his multi-decade career, Clarke has traversed the globe in executive culinary roles at JW Marriott properties. But at Yaamava’, he creates and implements menus based on current food trends, regional tastes, seasonality and concepts.

“Jerk chicken, goat curry, braised oxtails – we like meats closer to the bone,” he said of the braised dishes he favors from his upbringing in a Jamaican household.

Through his research and development, he created a signature Braised Beef Short Rib and discovered a new presentation known as Thor’s Hammer that ticks the show-dish box while tasting good.

“It’s an impressive cut of meat with the bone sticking out and once you see it you go, wow,” he said. “I’m a meat and potatoes guy. I love to braise and slow-roast beef, develop the flavors, put it in the oven and forget about it,” he said. “Think of the aromas of cinnamon, bay leaf, apples, cloves – these play into the braising. It gives you that warm, cozy, comfortable feeling. It melts off the bone.”

He notes that the collagen from the bone enhances the sauce’s flavor, giving it viscosity and an incredible sensation of “lips glued together.”

By contrast, another of his signatures, the refined Steak Rossini, consists of a filet mignon placed on a potato pancake and doused in a Madeira-wine reduction with foie gras and truffle shaving.

“It’s a decadent dish and it plays well with my background of classical training, but I put a modern twist,” he said, noting the artful stacked presentation that surely will demand a snap or two.

Steak Rosstini

Braised Beef Short Rib

CHEF MARTY LOPEZ

Executive Chef / Chef de Cuisine

Scotch 80 Prime, Palms Casino Resort

Marty Lopez, Executive Chef of Scotch 80 Prime, has been working on his craft since he was six when he started cooking with his grandfather in the Philippines.

“He took care of our whole family. We spent weekends together going to the wet markets of Manila, shopping for the family, coming home and breaking down a whole fish. He was my first teacher,” he said. That prep led to what Lopez describes as a Sunday marathon of cooking and eating with the extended family.

“Sundays were always big family days with five generations in one house – an all-day affair from breakfast to dinner with snacks in between.”

His love of culinary craft developed after moving to Las Vegas at 12. Like many, Lopez started in the kitchen as a dishwasher before graduating to prep cook within three months and eventually moving to the line at 18. Over the years, he has cooked in some of the city’s most lauded kitchens and received classical French training from Chef Andre Rochat.

Lopez’s signature dishes, which he serves to his loyal customer base at Scotch 80, reflect that thumbprint and may surprise steakhouse loyalists. One of his favorites, the Shrimp Toast, pays homage to his Asian heritage and is beautifully presented on Hokkaido Milk Bread.

“I grew up eating shrimp toast. My family loved dim sum. It’s even something my brother and I would make at home when we were kids,” he said. “It’s comfort food for me. I like serving things I eat, not just because they’re pretty. I think shrimp toast is super underrated and I wanted to introduce it to a broader audience as it’s not common on the steakhouse menu.”

Doing it his way means using a house-baked, squid-ink marbled milk bread. “It’s the little details that make it uniquely Scotch 80,” Lopez explained.

Another Lopez signature is the Olive-Oil Poached Halibut, which he describes as “one of the most difficult to execute in terms of technique, which is crucial when you prepare something so simple. Your timing needs to be right; your temperature needs to be correct. That is something etched into me from my French-chef mentor. I practice this a lot and that’s why that dish means a lot to me. The simplicity of a brown butter sauce is difficult enough to execute on its own. It’s harder to cook simple food versus throwing 25 ingredients together.”

Success means that the texture of a fish remains velvety and the vegetables come vibrant and flavorful. This process, preparation and thought indicate his desire to innovate beyond the typical meat-and-potatoes fare. “At Scotch 80, you can eat through the menu without touching a steak; there is inspiration from Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. We pull from different cuisines around the world,” Lopez said.

Olive-oil

Shrimp Toast on Hokkaido Milk Bread with Chili Jam Aïoli and Ikura.

Poached Alaskan Halibut with Lemon and Caper Brown Butter Sauce and Roasted Spring Vegetables.

UNVEILING THE EXQUISITE

Palms’ team of butlers delivers the ultimate guest experience, with confidentiality and care.

By Danny Palumbo

SAUL CORRAL knows Palms Casino Resort like the back of his hand – suites, stairwells, halls, shortcuts, nooks and crannies. That’s because he’s been a butler at Palms since 2012, and the butler always has a bird’s eye view.

Today, Corral is the lead butler but he started his career in room service at Palms Place in 2008. After working a few catered events, where there was always a butler in attendance, the butler team took note of his personality and work ethic. Soon they asked him to cover butler shifts and eventually offered him a spot on the team once there was an opening. Corral jumped at it.

Corral covers both the graveyard shift, where

needs and requests might be a little more personal or impulsive, as well as the casual, more ceremonious early morning shift. He’s an extremely affable and helpful gentleman who beams with casual confidence. But Corral also has plenty of secrets. He’s seen it all, but he’ll never tell.

“We have a lot of knowledge at our hands, but we can’t share it. One of our main tenets is confidentiality. We guard our guests’ privacy,” Corral said. “It’s part of creating a relaxing experience…our guests are comfortable, knowing they don’t have to be on guard, knowing the butlers are looking out for them.”

So what are a butler’s duties exactly? In short, the butler makes sure guests have an experience

of a lifetime, which begins when they are escorted to their suite and shown how the room’s unique amenities work. Depending on where you stay, that could be something as simple as the TV or drapes; but if you’re staying in one of the high-end suites, it can involve so much more.

The two-story, 10,000-square-foot Hardwood Suite has a basketball court and locker room, the Kingpin Suite has a bowling alley and the Cinema Suite has a 98” screen and plush red velvet chairs. There are also a few lavish Blush Suites, perfect for bachelorette parties. And with each, comes a butler to show guests how the room operates and make sure they have everything they need.

While Corral and his team provide necessary assistance and hotel information, they are also excellent coordinators; with a vast tome of knowledge, they are more than happy to set up dinner reservations within the casino or cabana reservations for the pool.

Photograph of butlers by Alan De Herrera

“We are, first and foremost, focused on service. WE PROVIDE EXCELLENT SERVICE TO THE GUEST SO THEY CAN RELAX.”

“We are, first and foremost, focused on service,” said Corral. “We provide excellent service to the guest so they can relax. They let us know their desires, and we create their itinerary.”

Corral’s goal is to provide top-notch hospitality and, sometimes, that means being a confidant. He’s always listening, always helping and always keeping confidentiality with his guests, who are sometimes notable public figures. He’s adamant that privacy is the secret to true relaxation.

Butlers are the essential team players that may go unsung but are critical to winning the championship. They are always seeking to create the ultimate guest experience and a big part of that is communication – of desires, requests and needs.

“I think that’s what makes it special,” Corral said. “Our team of six butlers always knows what’s happening with our guests, no matter who is on duty…it’s like we’re passing the baton of information, that way we can always meet their needs.”

ANIMAL MAGNETISM

From bold big-cat print to always-classic

camel, add a piece to elevate your ensemble. Gloria Scarf by Pia Rossini available at 1891 Boutique; Alice Leather Jacket with removable hoodie available at 1891 Boutique; Gigi Coat by Pia Rossini available at 1891 Boutique; Dylan Shoulder Bag by Cleobella Bags available at 1891 Boutique.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALAN DE HERRERA / STYLED BY JUDEAN SAKIMOTO

WILD &FREE

Each issue we gather a few things that stand out from the rest. This time we’ve found touches to bring out your animal nature. All available at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

Elevate your style with CRISLU jewelry, featuring rings, necklaces and bracelets crafted with exceptional artistry. Whether your taste is classic or contemporary, 1891 Boutique offers the perfect pieces to complete your look with elegance and sophistication.

DARK & MYSTERIOUS

in scents and accessories to create a sophisticated vibe.

Layer

Sunny Sunglass Case by Mytagalongs and Leopard Phone grip by Lovehandle available at Cache & Carry; Vintage Fragrance by John Varvatos available at HIS; Dali Wile Fragrance by Salvador Dali available at 1891 Boutique; Bourbon Cedar Collection by Barrel and Oak available at HIS.

UNSTRIPPED

The Vegas food festival by local chefs for local chefs.

By Jessica Villano

There are two sides to up-scale dining in Vegas: the celebrity-chef spots along The Strip and the burgeoning off-Strip culinary scene. Vegas Unstripped is all about that local scene, specifically, putting the spotlight on cutting-edge chefs from the Vegas valley. During the event, these chefs are challenged to synthesize their skills and creativity to create standout dishes that reflect their culinary vision, all in front of an audience filled with foodies. Held at Palms Casino Resort in May, a portion of the May 2024 Vegas Unstripped proceeds went to local charities that make a difference in Las Vegas. This year, Odobo Collective, Families for Effective Autism Treatment and Hope Christian Health Center received funds for their missions.

“One cannot think well, love well, SLEEP WELL IF ONE HAS NOT DINED WELL. ”

—Virginia Woolf

MELLOW

OUT

The people at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel are old friends with the folks at Brewery X, a self-described “patchwork of professional brewers and beer lovers” who are committed to creating a life built around what they want to do, not what they have to do. And part of that is creating great craft beer. You’ll find quite a few Brewery X beers at 909 Sports Bar at Yaamava’…and now there’s one more: Mellow Mo, a collaboration between Yaamava’ and Brewery X, available on tap and in a can. The light blonde ale is crisp, clean, dry and reminiscent of Czech-style pilsner beers thanks to the Czech Saaz hops. Best enjoyed poolside on a hot sunny day.

THE LAST SIP

Pumpkin spice may be the darling of fall flavors, but one sip of the Gilded Apple and you’ll have a change of heart. It’s like a grown-up apple cider with kick. Find it at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.

GILDED APPLE

1 ½ oz. Rye

¾

1 ½ oz. Apple

½

½

2 dashes of Aromatic

1. Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Shake thoroughly and strain into a cocktail glass with fresh ice.

3. Garnish with sliced apples and fresh grated cinnamon.

Whiskey

oz. Sweet Vermouth

Cider

oz. Lemon Juice

oz. Maple Syrup

Bitters

Photography by Alan De Herrera Styled by Judean Sakimoto

For generations, our Tribe has answered to Yawa’ — the call to act on one’s beliefs. It’s the reason we donated nearly $400 million since the early 2000s and why we continue to partner with communities across California. Because when we work together, we all prosper.