Page 9 - April 2003 • Southern California Gaming Guide

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
Tribal Government Contributions to Problem
TGambling Prevention Highlighted
he contributions tribal governments have made to the education, prevention, and treatment of problem gambling were highlighted during the week of March 10 – 17, designated as “Problem Gambling Awareness Week” by the California
State Legislature.
“Since 1997, tribal governments have voluntarily contributed $453,757 to the California Council, more than the combined contributions from the State’s
Since 1997, tribal governments have voluntarily $1 billion. Part of that money, to be appropriated by contributed $453,757 to the California Council, the State Legislature this year, will go to education
Jacob Coin, executive director of the California “Although only a small percentage of adults
Nations Indian Gaming Association, and Bruce may suffer from gambling disorders, tribal
Roberts, president of the California Council on governments are particularly concerned with lottery, racetracks, and card rooms.”
Problem Gambling, Inc., were presented with the proclamation, which was signed by Senator Dede Alpert (D-San Diego), and Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy (R-Monrovia). The proclamation noted that problem gambling is a treatable public health issue affecting millions of adult Americans. Researchers estimate that about 1% to 5% of the adult population suffers from problem and compulsive gambling.
issues of addiction, and will do all they can to help,” Coin said.
more than the combined contributions from the State’s lottery, racetracks, and card rooms.
Also, a portion of tribal gaming revenues is being paid into a Special Distribution Trust Fund, which over the next eighteen years will generate more than
and treatment programs dealing with problem and compulsive gambling.
“The Tribes have absolutely stepped up in their support of the council, Roberts said. “We de nitely appreciate how they’ve worked with us.
Cabazon Band of Mission Indians Holds
ISpring Powwow
n the history of North America, Native American tribes come together to trade, socialize, and honor feats of bravery and achievement. Spring gatherings celebrated the end of winter, and allowed the people to trade items made over the winter months.
The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians keeps this cultural tradition alive by holding semi- annual powwows. The Indio Powwow, as it
is called, is a three-day celebration held the
last weekends of March and November. Tribes from throughout the United
States and Canada come in elaborate rega- lia to show their skill in dance and singing competitions. But these celebrations are for everyone, not just Native Americans.
A highlight of the powwow is the Grand Entry, when all the dancers form a procession,
winding around the arena in a clockwise direction. Preceding the dancers are the Eagle Staff and
the Color Guard.
The 20th Indio Powwow was held March
28–30 on the Cabazon Reservation in Indio. Visitors to the Indio Powwow had the opportunity to taste Native American foods such as Indian fry bread and shop
among vendors for jewelry, weavings, dream catchers, and other types of Native American art. And there were opportunities to join dancers
in the arena during noncompetitive intertribal dancing.
The Grand Entry at the 20th Indio Powow
Models of Healing for Indigenous Survivors of Inter-Generational Trauma Conference at Sycuan Reservation April 15–18, 2003
Over thousands of years, Indigenous nations and peoples have evolved highly developed languages, cultures, spirituality, economic practices, and oral history. On the other hand, for more than ve centuries, Indigenous
nations and peoples have been subjected to policies of conquest and colonization, resulting in a damaging legacy that has left deep social and psychological scars in our respective communities. Without exception, every Indigenous community is dealing today on a daily basis with the trauma of colonization, which is manifested in deep emotional scars, patterns of dysfunction, and physical health problems.
The Takini Network has created a process to make people aware of the fact that unhealed and unresolved trauma gets transferred from generation to generation. Community members af icted with this trauma carry a tremendous amount of grief and pain, which negatively impacts their immune system and their biopsychology. Symptoms of this syndrome include high levels of stress, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, diabetes, and other physical maladies, as well
as domestic violence, and extremely high incarceration rates. The cycle of dysfunction continues until the community is able to come to terms with the trauma and release it through an intensive and ongoing healing process. Healing unresolved trauma is a collective process.
The Models of Healing for Indigenous Survivors of Inter-Generational Trauma Conference will combine Western and Indigenous knowledge to confront the legacy of a destructive colonial past that is very much embedded in the present. The conference is being sponsored by D-Q University at Sycuan, and co-sponsored by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and the Takini Network.
The conference will be held on the Sycuan Reservation on April 15, 16, 17 and 18. General admission is $325; Students attend for $125, and Seniors attend for $75. To register online visit www.KumeyaayCC.com or call D-Q University at
Sycuan at 619-445-6917.
April 2003 Page 9
Tribes in the News