Morongo Indian Reservation

Morongo Indian Reservation
Name	Morongo Indian Reservation
Coordinates	33.95, -116.83
State	California
County	Riverside County
Tribe	Morongo Band of Mission Indians
Population	913
Population as of	2000
Area	35,000 acres

Morongo Indian Reservation is a federally recognized Indian reservation located in Riverside County, California, near the San Gorgonio Pass. The reservation is home to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, a federally recognized tribe that is a combination of Serrano, Cahuilla, and Cupeño Native American tribes. The reservation is situated near the San Bernardino Mountains and the Coachella Valley, and is close to the cities of Banning and Cabazon. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is a member of the National Congress of American Indians and the California Nations Indian Gaming Association.

Geography

The Morongo Indian Reservation is located in Riverside County, California, and covers an area of approximately 35,000 acres. The reservation is situated near the San Gorgonio Pass, which is a mountain pass that connects the Coachella Valley to the Inland Empire region of Southern California. The reservation is also close to the San Bernardino Mountains and the San Jacinto Mountains, and is near the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has a treaty with the United States government that recognizes the tribe's rights to the land and resources within the reservation, as outlined in the Indian Reorganization Act and the Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994. The reservation is also home to the Morongo Creek, which flows into the San Gorgonio River and eventually into the Santa Ana River.

History

The Morongo Indian Reservation has a long and complex history, dating back to the early 19th century when the Serrano, Cahuilla, and Cupeño tribes first encountered Spanish and Mexican settlers. The reservation was established in 1865, when the United States government signed an executive order setting aside land for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. The tribe has a rich cultural heritage, with traditions and customs influenced by the Mission San Luis Rey, the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, and the Mission San Juan Capistrano. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has also been involved in various Native American rights movements, including the American Indian Movement and the National Tribal Chairmen's Association.

Government

The Morongo Indian Reservation is governed by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, which is a federally recognized tribe with its own tribal government. The tribe has a tribal council that is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the tribe, and is led by a tribal chairman. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is also a member of the National Congress of American Indians and the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, and works closely with other Native American tribes and organizations, such as the Navajo Nation, the Cherokee Nation, and the Intertribal Council of California. The tribe has a constitution that outlines its governance structure and laws, and is recognized by the United States government as a sovereign nation.

Economy

The Morongo Indian Reservation has a diverse economy, with a mix of agriculture, tourism, and gaming industries. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians owns and operates the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, which is a major casino and hotel complex that attracts visitors from across the United States and around the world. The tribe also has a number of other businesses, including a gas station, a convenience store, and a smoke shop. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has also invested in renewable energy projects, including solar power and wind power, and has partnered with companies such as Siemens and General Electric to develop these projects. The tribe is also a member of the Native American Rights Fund and the Indian Land Tenure Foundation.

Education

The Morongo Indian Reservation has a number of education programs and facilities, including the Morongo Unified School District and the Cahuilla Desert Academy. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians also has a tribal education department that provides scholarships and other support to Native American students pursuing higher education at institutions such as Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of California, Los Angeles. The tribe has also partnered with organizations such as the National Museum of the American Indian and the Smithsonian Institution to develop cultural education programs and language preservation initiatives.

Infrastructure

The Morongo Indian Reservation has a number of infrastructure projects and facilities, including roads, highways, and utilities. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has invested in transportation infrastructure, including a tribal transit system that connects the reservation to nearby cities such as Banning and Cabazon. The tribe has also partnered with companies such as AT&T and Verizon Communications to develop telecommunications infrastructure and provide internet access to residents and businesses on the reservation. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is also a member of the Federal Highway Administration and the National Association of County Engineers.

Category:Indian reservations in California