Page 22 - April 2007 • Southern California Gaming Guide

April 2007 Tribes in the News
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Gives $3 Million to
TClaremont Graduate University
he San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians has provided a gift of $3 million to Claremont Graduate University for a program of study on historic and current events, governmental policies and laws that impact Indian tribal governments. e San Manuel Tribal Administration Certificate Program is designed to provide
a comprehensive professional development center for tribal government employees. It is a unique program for higher education in the nation. e endowment gift recognizes the successful pilot program developed by Claremont last year. e result of that trial was overwhelmingly positive from the tribe’s perspective.
“ ere is no entity in the world like an Indian tribe,” said Deron Marquez, former chairman of the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians and Claremont doctoral candidate. “Tribal governments will make progress by providing as much information and education as possible about the unique nature of Indian tribes and their governments. is will be a program with a central focus to provide that understanding.”
According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), tribal governments in the state employ thousands in a variety of job classi cations, and in 2006 created an estimated $200,000,000 in wages. is is attributable to Indian nations hiring tribal government employees to help expand their economies, build and improve infrastructure and expand social services.
Founded in 1925, Claremont Graduate University is an independent institution devoted entirely to graduate research and study. Claremont awards masters and doctoral degrees in 22 disciplines across its eight schools. As a member of the prestigious consortium of the Claremont Colleges, it is dedicated to diversity in study across the traditional discipline boundaries.
“ is is an important and exciting undertaking for the tribe,” stated Henry Duro, San Manuel tribal chairman. “For years we have discussed various ways of providing our employees with an opportunity to learn more about tribal governments as distinct and unique entities. is partnership with Claremont Graduate University will result in tribes being stronger employers and governments because our employees will better understand the nature of Indian tribes.”
Claremont President Robert Klitgaard underscored the value of the relationship with the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians.“ is gift solidi es a remarkable and vital partnership,” Klitgaard said.“San Manuel and Claremont will expand our work together
to create new opportunities for sovereignty to express itself fully and e ectively.”
Claremont’s program of study continues the tribal government’s emphasis on nation building. is one- of-a-kind program o ers tribal government employees the unique educational environment of an all-graduate university that is internationally recognized for its excellence and human scale. is program is designed to strengthen the tribe’s understanding of the myriad complex laws, rules, regulations, and policies that apply to tribal governments in today’s environment.
Additionally, the program will emphasize the unique status of Indian tribes and tribal government sovereignty.
Contributions by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Provide
SAanta Barbara County $1.4 Million
committee of city, county and Chumash tribal representatives approved more than $1.4 million in grants to public agencies as part of a state-mandated process of distributing tribal gaming pro ts. e funds are set aside in the Special Distribution Fund (SDF), then disbursed by a local group, the Indian Gaming
Community Bene t Committee. e committee is made up of representatives from the tribe, the county within which the tribe is located, and nearby cities. e committee consists of Tribal Chairman, Vincent Armenta and Reggie Pagaling as tribal representatives; Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors representatives Joe Centeno, 5th District; Brooks Firestone, 3rd District; and Joni Gray (alternate), 4th District; and Solvang City Council members Edwin Skytt, Linda Jackson and Jim Richardson. Mr. Centeno was elected as chairman of the
e fund is designed to help local governments handle o -reservation impacts of tribal gaming by permitting cities and counties to apply for grants funded by tribal contributions to the state SDF. e fund originated with compacts signed in 1999 by then-Gov. Gray Davis and tribal o cials. e compact agreements specify how the SDF money is to be distributed; the calculation is based on a statewide formula that takes into account how much each contributing tribe pays into the SDF.
To date, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has paid more than $15 million into the State’s Special Distribution Fund.
committee, Chairman Armenta remains as vice chair. e “We have a strong commitment to the community,
as demonstrated by our donations through our foundation and through the Special Distribution Fund,” tribal chairman Vincent Armenta said. “ e SDF grants will fund a wide variety of important projects—from the widening of the Alamo Pintado Bridge on Highway 246 in Solvang to additional law
total funding granted this year is $1.47 million. enforcement in Buellton to funding a re ghter/ paramedic position for the County of Santa Barbara.”
County Fire Chief John M. Scherrei said the grants for re ghter/paramedic positions at Fire Station 32 in Santa Ynez allow increased rescue power and re ghting ability along the Highway 154 corridor.
Sue Forbes
CA DRE #01308927
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Page 22
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
April 2007
Southern California Tribes in the News