Tribal Leadership Council receives $50,000 grant from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
The funding aims to support the expansion of leadership training programs for new tribal leaders across the US.
Key points:
– Tribal Leadership Council awarded $50,000 grant from Yuhaaviatam of the San Manuel Nation
– Funding will expand leadership training and partnerships for new tribal leaders
– The grant is part of $13.5m distributed this year through San Manuel Cares
The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation has awarded the Tribal Leadership Council (TLC) a $50,000 grant to expand its training programs for emerging tribal leaders.
The funding is part of the 2025 San Manuel Cares grant cycle, through which more than $13.5m has been distributed to support initiatives across Indian Country and the wider region.
Commenting on the significance of the grant, TLC President Justin Barrett stated: “We are deeply grateful to Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation for their generous support and belief in our mission.
“This grant will allow us to expand training programs about governance for new tribal leaders, and to continue building partnerships with Tribes, universities and organisations for specialised instruction.
“These new leaders are responsible for economic development, health, education and the welfare of their communities, so investing in training helps create good leadership.”
Good to know: The initiative aligns with San Manuel Cares’ “Empowering Lives” giving pillar, which supports underserved and at-risk communities through essential services and workforce development
Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation added: “For over two decades, the call of Yawa – a Serrano value meaning ‘to act on one’s beliefs’ – has guided our giving programs and community efforts.
“We are proud to support organisations like the Tribal Leadership Council that uplift our communities by reaching some of the most vulnerable populations to provide critical services.”
Since the early 2000s, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation has contributed more than $425m through its San Manuel Cares program.
The grant announcement comes amid ongoing legislative developments affecting tribal gaming interests in California. The state assembly recently passed Bill AB 831, which would ban sweepstakes-style casinos and daily fantasy sports if signed by Governor Newsom.
The legislation has divided tribal communities, with some supporting the measure to protect gaming exclusivity while others oppose it due to potential economic restrictions.
James Ramos, the assembly’s only Native American representative and member of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, abstained from the unanimous 79-0 vote.
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