History

During the 1700s, the California Mission System was established, leading to the murder of thousands of indigenous people. Those that survived long enough to be absorbed into the Missions were forced to give up their traditions in favor of western ways of life.

Many of our people, the Maara’yam (Serrano), were taken from the Antelope Valley, Mojave River region, and even the Inland Empire, and placed at the San Gabriel Mission, established in 1771. Mission records report contact with clans at the villages of Guachama and Yukaipa’t, and the subsequent baptisms of those Maara’yam (Serrano) people at Mission San Gabriel in 1776.

In 1775, the Missions established new rancho outposts, or estancias, across the region, increasing their influence by creating a system or chain of structures that would become essential in their communities. 

An estancia in Redlands, modernly known as the Asistencia, was established in 1819. This outpost held many Maara’yam (Serrano) people as well as other indigenous people from nearby regions, using them as labor for mission support. One notable feat was the building of the Mill Creek Zanja, a massive irrigation system that extends from the base of the San Bernardino Mountains through Mentone, Redlands, and Loma Linda. This feature supported agriculture across the region and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places with the notation that it was built by Serrano men.

In addition to the Mission system and the agricultural industry, opportunities related to mining and the Gold Rush drastically changed California, bringing in new settlers who created ranches, farms, mines, and logging camps. Not only did these newcomers want to establish ownership over the land, they also wanted to use it without obstruction. As a result, indigenous people who remained on their ancestral lands were viewed as a nuisance and were often the victim of harsh treatment and violence.

One such group of people was our clan, the Yuhaaviatam ("People of the Pines”) of Maara’yam (Serrano) people, who had remained in our homelands across the Big Bear Valley. In 1866, as anti-Native American sentiment ran high, a skirmish between settlers and non-Maara’yam (Serrano) Native Americans in the Summit Valley triggered a month-long killing spree of our peoples across the Big Bear area by a San Bernardino militia. Our Kiika’, (Tribal Leader) Santos Manuel, led the remaining Yuhaaviatam - numbering only 20-30 people - away from our mountainous homelands into the San Bernardino Valley.

Over the next few decades, our people ventured through the valley along Warm Creek, running into unwelcome settlers who reacted harshly to our presence. We first settled near what is now the National Orange Show Event Center, moved on to Meadowbrook Park, and then made our way to the Harlem Springs area before being completely removed and placed on the San Manuel Reservation in 1891.

The Act of Relief for Mission Indians was passed in 1891, which recognized the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ inherent rights to self-govern as a sovereign nation, as bestowed upon them by the Creator. 

Following the establishment of the Reservation, the federal government would continue to make decisions on our behalf, dictating what we could and could not do as an independent nation. Our Tribe fought to rebuild our community in a way that remained true to our culture and tradition, as well as honored the gift and responsibility bestowed upon us by our Creator. 

In the 1960s and 70s, nationwide protests strengthened relations between Native Americans and the federal government. Following a message by President Richard Nixon recommending a policy of self-determination for Indian Tribes in 1970, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act was signed into law in 1975 allowing San Manuel and all federally recognized tribes to finally exercise our retained inherent right to self-governance.

The introduction of Tribal Government gaming on the Reservation in the mid-1980s brought about a more secure economy and enabled our Tribe to rebuild its governance capacity. With our government-recognized independence intact and our future in mind, we began to explore opportunities for new businesses both on and off the Reservation.

Our Tribal Government oversees many governmental units, and focuses on building infrastructure;  maintaining civil services; and promoting social, economic, and cultural development. The San Manuel Entertainment Authority, a Tribal instrumentality, owns and operates Yaamava' Resorts & Casino at San Manuel.  The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, a Tribal instrumentality, owns the subsidiary entities that hold and operate Palms Casino Resort. We support neighboring communities and Indian County through financial contributions for education, health and wellness, economic development, and cultural projects.