Inland Tribes Donate $600,000 To Assist Victims, Families of San Bernardino Attacks

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Dec. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and Morongo Band of Mission Indians have committed to contribute a combined $600,000 to aid victims and families impacted by the San Bernardino terrorist attack, Arrowhead United Way announced Monday.

With the contribution by the two tribes, $1 million has been donated to the San Bernardino United Relief Fund created by the Arrowhead United Way to provide support for those affected by the Dec. 2 tragedy at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino.

"This region of southern California is our home, our shared community. San Manuel and Morongo have joined together at this time to reach out to those impacted so our community might recover to a place of normalcy," said San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena.  "As indigenous peoples of this region, our tribes are connected to this land, its peoples and are called upon to make this commitment to support our community as we heal together."

"We are committed to helping bring solace and healing to the innocent victims and families of this heinous attack," said Tribal Chairman Robert Martin of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. "We grieve for those who were lost and injured, and we will stand strong with the San Bernardino community as our region works together to rebuild the lives shattered by this act of terrorism."

Fourteen people were killed and 22 more were injured in a mass shooting that has brought the community closer together.  "Morongo's contribution of $250,000 combined with $350,000 from San Manuel, will help tremendously during the long recovery period," said Doug Rowand, President/CEO of the Arrowhead United Way of San Bernardino.

"We are extremely proud and honored to receive this pledge of support from San Manuel and Morongo. Together their commitment has allowed us to surpass our fundraising goal for the long term recovery and well-being of survivors, their families, and others affected by this tragedy," said Rowand. "Arrowhead United Way is organizing a committee of donors and community leaders including San Manuel and Morongo to help individuals and families fulfill lives of promise by offering ongoing support to address financial and educational needs."

With the contributions from the two tribes, the United Way has surpassed its initial goal to raise $700,000 to assist those impacted by the attack.

San Manuel and Morongo will join a diverse group of contributors who have already raised $400,000 for the recovery fund, including Muslims United for San Bernardino, Wells Fargo Foundation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Union Pacific Railroad, Arrowhead Credit Union, and the Arrowhead Family Medical Group in addition to over $100,000 raised through Arrowhead United Way's crowd-funding text campaign.

About San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
The San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians is a federally recognized American Indian tribe located near the city of Highland, Calif. The Serrano Indians are the indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys and mountains who share a common language and culture. The San Manuel reservation was established in 1891 and recognized as a sovereign nation with the right of self-government. As an indigenous community the origins and history of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians stem from our relationship with the land and to all who share it. Since ancient times we have expressed ourselves through a culture of giving. Today, San Manuel is able to answer the call of Yawa' (Serrano word meaning "to act on one's beliefs") through partnerships with charitable organizations. We have drawn upon our history, knowledge, expertise and cultural values to direct our philanthropic giving in our local region, as well as to Native American causes nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov.

About Morongo Band of Mission Indians
The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized American Indian tribe located in Cabazon, Calif.   Established in 1865, the Morongo Indian Reservation was one of nine small reservations created by President Ulysses S. Grant by executive order in 1876. As a sovereign nation, Morongo has long been recognized as a state and national leader in Indian Country and an untiring advocate of tribal self-reliance. Morongo helps preserve its rich cultural heritage for future generations by promoting interest and education in tribal history, languages and practices. Resilient and resourceful, the Morongo people have overcome adversity while remaining true to the tribe's core values, including a steadfast commitment to aid the less fortunate and those in need. For more information, please visit http://www.morongonation.org/ 

About Arrowhead United Way
The Arrowhead United Way is a volunteer-driven organization that actively supports health and human services by focusing on education, income, and health.  These services address the underlying causes of the community's issues and create lasting change. The organization was established in1891 and is led by prominent respected community leaders; it is one of the oldest United Way's in the country. AUW encourages individuals to become more involved in the community by giving, advocating, and volunteering.  For more information about how to become involved with AUW visit the website - www.arrowheadunitedway.org

SOURCE Arrowhead United Way

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