Tribal Government Departments
Our self-governing nation has established tribally-managed departments to support and enhance services on our Reservation.
Environmental Protection
Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) establishes a safe environment for all those who work and/or live on our Reservation and Casino. DPS works in partnership with the surrounding communities to protect lives, property, and quality of life within and around our Reservation. The Department is committed to creating the safest environment through continuous community service, training, and education. DPS works closely in aiding the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office to provide ongoing law enforcement under an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The department serves as an outstanding example of broader, cooperative, and government-to-government relationship that exemplifies San Manuel as a responsive and responsible tribal government.
CONTACT
Director of Patrol Services
Eric Charraette
[email protected]
Office Number (909) 863-5899 x10-2635
Fire Department
The San Manuel Fire Department (SMFD) provides emergency and non-emergency services to protect the lives and property of our Tribal Citizens, employees, patrons, and guests of our Reservation. SMFD also safeguards environmental, cultural, and economic resources.
Critical to the San Manuel Fire Department’s mission is to develop, implement, and maintain innovative prevention programs and strategies, as well as safety education and training for our community.
SMFD fosters partnerships with other tribal departments, as well as outside public safety agencies, to promote a dynamic emergency response capability.
SMFD operates from a state-of-the-art fire station in service since June 2004. This facility serves as headquarters, training center, and firehouse and encompasses approximately 14,000 square feet. The Fire Chief heads a department of 32 full-time employees, including administrative staff.
CONTACT
San Manuel Fire Department
[email protected]
Office Number (909) 864-6928
Tribal Family Services
Education
The San Manuel Department of Education (SMDE) assists in implementing our Tribe’s educational vision. SMDE continues to build its administrative foundation, expand existing educational services and programs, and develop exciting educational opportunities for Tribal families.
Want to bring a cultural presentation to your school/organization?
Fill out the Cultural Presentation Request Form and email it to the Education Department.
CONTACT
Community Educational Partnerships Associate Director
Yessenia Cervantes
[email protected]
Office Number (909) 686-7084
Construction & Development
Intergovernmental Affairs
The Intergovernmental Affairs Department (IGA) enhances, promotes, and protects the sovereignty of our Tribal and other Native American governments.
IGA works with Tribal leadership on federal and state legislation, while keeping our Tribe informed of any proposed public policy initiatives that could involve our community. In order to advance our Tribe’s government affairs agenda, IGA maintains and develops relationships with important legislative and political leaders. IGA also supports all departments within our Tribe that may be directly affected by legislative or policy changes.
CONTACT
Chief Intergovernmental Affairs Officer
Dan Little
[email protected]
Office Number (909) 864-5050
Tribal Community Services
Cultural Resources Management
The Cultural Resources Management (CRM) Department is tasked by Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (YSMN) Tribal leadership to advocate for, protect, preserve, and promote cultural resources of Tribal importance and concern throughout the Tribe’s 7.4 million-acre ancestral territory. As part of our Tribal consultation efforts with our local, state, and federal partners, the CRM staff conduct in excess of 200 individual consultation meetings, conference calls, and field visits each year. Furthermore, in a typical year, the Tribal Monitors representing SMBMI participate in no less than 3-4 dozen construction projects across Serrano territory—both on and off our Reservation.
In addition to the regulatory compliance-based work undertaken by the CRM Department, we also work to protect, preserve, and promote cultural resources by maintaining and developing the Tribal Cultural Resources Archive, which includes the Tribe’s basket collection, as well as over 250 linear feet of photographs, maps, documents, and artifacts.
Finally, to advance its heritage stewardship objectives, the CRM team also facilitates the Cultural Advisory Working Group gatherings; researches sacred and cultural landscapes and nominates them to state and federal registries of historic places; assists the Tribal Community in repatriating and reburying ancestors and funerary objects; and conducts and supports educational and cultural revitalization initiatives both within and outside of the Tribal Government and its businesses.
CONTACT
Cultural Resources Management
[email protected]
Office Number (909) 864-8933
