Page 23 - September 2005 • Southern California Gaming Guide

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
Morongo Tribe Donates 14 Tons of Construction Materials to Habitat for Humanity
In August the Morongo Band of Mission Indians delivered more than 14 tons of building materials to the Greater Los Angeles Habitat for Humanity. e
thousands of construction items were surplus from the building of the Morongo tribe’s new casino resort. e materials will be used by Habitat for Humanity to provide a ordable housing for low-income families throughout Southern California.
“We have a special appreciation for Habitat for Humanity’s work in helping families realize the dream of
having a home,” said Maurice Lyons, Morongo Tribal Chairman. “Growing up on the reservation, many of us lived in homes where we had to stu paper in the window cracks to keep the wind out. Most homes had no running water. So we know how important it is to have safe, reliable housing. Our construction surplus was a tremendous opportunity to furnish materials that would make new homes possible for low-income families.”
e donated items included new toilets, windows, bathtubs, closet doors, electrical and plumbing supplies,
rolls of chain link fencing, paving stones and cotton waddles. e value of the materials was estimated over $40,000.
“ is is one of the most extensive donations of building materials our chapter has ever received,” said Erin Rank, president and CEO for the Greater Los
Angeles Habitat for Humanity. “ e Morongo tribe’s generosity will touch the lives of hundreds of families in the years to come.”
Powwows Celebrate California Indian Culture
There are ve opportunities this month to join in the celebration of traditional Indian Powwows in Southern California. Powwows are tribal
gatherings open to the public that celebrate life with dancing, drumming, games, fantastic food and craft sales. Southern California tribal casino hosts have spectacular powwows that give a glimpse into Native American culture and traditions and are not to be missed. Admission is free. Bring chairs and prepare for the sun and heat. Please note than alcohol is not permitted at powwows, and please ask for permission before you take any photos of tribal members in their regalia.
35th Annual Barona Powwow: Sept. 2–4, Barona Baseball Field, Barona Indian Reservation, Lakeside, CA. Call 619-443-6612. Almost 10,000 people are expected at the three-day event, with tribal dances, food, and arts and crafts.
Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation Traditional Gathering & 16th Annual Pow-Wow: Sept. 9–11, Sycuan Reservation, El Cajon, CA. Call 619-445-7776. Drummers from Alberta, Canada and Oklahoma are featured along with dancing, crafts, and great food.
22nd Annual California Indian Days Celebration: Sept. 17–18 at Balboa Park, San Diego; sponsored by the American Indian Culture Center and Museum. Call
619-281-5964. Includes cultural presentations, musical performances, crafts and food booths, demonstrations and storytelling.
Soboba Band of Luiseño Mission Indians 9th Annual Pow Wow: Sept. 16–18, Soboba Casino. Call 951-654-2765. Includes drummers, dancers, Bird Singers and wonderful food and fun.
Morongo Band of Mission Indians 15th Annual Pow-Wow Thunder and Lightning: Sept. 23–25 at the Pow-Wow Grounds adjacent to Casino Morongo Resort & Spa. Call 1-800-252-4499. Dancers, singers and artisans from Indian tribes throughout the U.S. and Canada gather. Indian market begins Friday at 4 p.m.
September 2005 Page 23
Tribes in the News (Continued)