Zev Safier

Four nonprofit organizations were presented with the Yawa’ award at the 14th Annual Forging Hope Yawa’ Awards, held at Yaamava' Theater March 19. The organizations were recognized for their dedication in serving communities in ways that fulfill the Tribe's Giving Pillars: Inspiring Our Future Through Education, Empowering Lives, Reinforcing Healthy and Resilient Communities, and Preserving Cultural Traditions and Empowering Indian Country. These organizations embody the time-honored Serrano concept of Yawa’ by making a significant impact in their communities. This year’s recipients are:

•   California Indian Nations College  
•   Keres Children’s Learning Center   
•   National Indian Child Welfare Association   
•   The Salvation Army   

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians served as a priority sponsor of the 2nd Annual 5K at the Runway, held at the Ontario International Airport. The event was held February 4 and celebrated the USO’s 83rd birthday. The 5K provides an opportunity for participants to get a rare glimpse at an airfield during the three-lap course. It also raises awareness of, and funds for, the USO at the Ontario airport. This new Tribe sponsorship of the event intends to reinforce a healthy and resilient military community. The Ontario USO is the third-largest in the country, processing thousands of service members each year traveling in and out of Southern California's numerous military bases.

SMBMI Sponsors Highland Y Run For the fourth consecutive year, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians served as a Platinum sponsor of the YMCA of the East Valley’s Highland Y Run, the longest-running 5K activity in the city of Highland. San Manuel and Yaamava' team members were among the 449 runners. The event was held on January 28 to fundraise for financial assistance services at the YMCA. The proceeds aim to make it more affordable for youth and families to have access to group exercise, camps and sports programs, wellness center, basketball gym and aquatics center. Through this sponsorship, the Tribe hopes to engage youth and families in positive activities that can result in a healthier and resilient community.

On January 12, Crafton Hills College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their new Public Safety Training Center, made possible with the help of a $1.8 million grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The training center will provide simulation experiences that firefighters would encounter in real-world situations, including fire-burn props for bedroom and kitchen simulations, additional room for rope rescue and ladder drill training and a live fire training facility. This donation was rooted in the Tribe's pillars supporting education and empowerment to advance opportunities and safety in their local communities. Area residents and alumni joined San Bernardino County Community College District Chancellor Diana Rodriguez, Crafton Hills college president Kevin Horan, San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe and the SBCCD Board of Trustees to celebrate the center’s opening. The ceremony included comments from Michael Smith, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Vice President of Emergency Services who also serves as a Director of the Crafton College Foundation.