Saturday, January 21, 2017

Pechanga Indian Reservation: Travel Opinion Piece A Casino, Some History and DISENROLLMENT

An opinion piece in the Inland Empire Community News gets the story out about disenrollments while ostensibly discussing travel  BY G.W. Abershold PhD.  He gets some history incorrect, but it's good to have it okur ther
The Pechanga Resort and Casino is an Indian Casino on the Pechanga Indian Reservation in Temecula, California. It is the largest casino in the State of California. With 3,400 slot machines and about 188,000 sq. feet of gaming space.
Stella and I joined a bus load of people from the Highland Senior Center the other day for the Pechanga Casino. One hour to get there and one and a half to come home-traffic was bad.

On June 24, 2017, the $262 million PRandC will celebrate its 15th anniversary. The entire facility was designed to highlight the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians’ culture.
 In getting a clearer understanding of the Pechangans, a broader view of them must be taken. For example, the name itself. The term Pechanga describes a party or a fiesta. It originated from the Mexican Culture in Texas.

The Pechangans are generally known as the Luisenos after the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia. However, the Pechanga Indians believe life on earth began in the Temecula Valley. They also believe their ancestors have lived in the Temecula area for more than 10,000 years.

The first recorded Spanish contact was October 1797. The trip also included Lake Elsinore. The dominate presence of Mexico began many years of conflict, war and massacres. Each winning and losing. Hundreds of Pechangans were slaughtered by the rival Cahuilla Tribe. Hundreds were buried in a mound that can be seen from Highway 79.

Perhaps the most misunderstood period of history for the Native Americans revolves around the various mission established by Father Junipero Serra. Making history has glamorized their treatment. Which researchers branded the so-called documentation as lies.

The missions, from San Diego to San Francisco, enslaved most of the Indians. Their cultures were compromised; they were forced to become Christians, work long hours in the mines, and fields, eat food that was foreign to them and many other demeaning activities. Basically, poverty was their lot in life.

The problem with this behavior is that too often Native Americans have been classified as lazy, thieves, alcoholics and even criminals.

The establishment of resorts and casinos has changed the common perception. Men like James Ramos, Supervisor, and others have elevated the negative viewpoints concerning Native Americans.

This statement is a disclaimer regarding the following comments. In spite of the annual income of the Pechanga Casino-between 1 and 2 billion dollars a year-there is great contention within the ranks. Again, in spite of the fact that each tribe member receives between 300 and 400 thousand dollars per year.

The conflict is over disenrollment. The issue is over bloodlines. Who is and who isn’t a real Pechangan.

But those kicked out insist the issue is really about money. They are being deprived of healthcare, education opportunities for the children and monthly stipends. Two cousins, Rick Cuevas and Michael Medariaga, are the major combatants on the side disbarred in 2006.

Madariaga says, “We have the original deed signed by President McKinley.” He is the spokesman for those excommunicated. He also states, “It’s about money and political power.”

A recognized anthropologist is quoted as saying that the disenrolled are Pechangans. He also said, “I am surprised and dismayed that the tribe continues to maintain otherwise.”

The Pechanga leaders have refused repeatedly requests for an on-camera interview. However, the tribe chairman, Mark Macarro has said, “The issue is a question of ancestry.”  OP:  THERE IS NO QUESTION, we have PROVEN our ancestry, the question is the Macarro's honesty, and his unwillingness to do the right thing.

As of now, those “outside” have no legal recourse, BECAUSE INDIAN RESERVATIONS ARE SOVEREIGN. Meaning they are beyond the USA courts. “In the meantime, Cuevas and Madariaga are left with memories and nowhere to turn.” Cuevas said, “Now we can’t be buried here next to our relatives.”

Much of the material in this article was taken from a CBS News investigation.

Personally, I hope both sides will soon reconcile their quarrels and once again live together peacefully.  OP:  US too

Amen. Selah. So be it.

1 comment:

'aamokat said...

From the article, "In getting a clearer understanding of the Pechangans, a broader view of them must be taken. For example, the name itself. The term Pechanga describes a party or a fiesta. It originated from the Mexican Culture in Texas."

Where did they hear that?! Pechanga does not mean a party or a fiesta, it means "at the drip" for the dripping spring that was part of their water source. 'Pecha' means drip in Luiseno and the suffix 'nga' means 'in' or 'on' or 'at'. Pechanga in this context is not a Mexican term at all. It may mean that in Spanish but not in the native dialect which predates Spanish and English in the area.

It is humorous that some people think Pechanga means party as that is what some of the tribal members do with their money, party!