AICCCA President Tracy Stanhoff said Vivanco was nominated for the Warrior Award by members of the Chamber and past Warrior awardees and finalized in selection for this honor by the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Recipients are typically Tribal leaders, business owners, executives, or community advocates whose efforts have created measurable, lasting impact.

Isaiah Vivanco, a proud Tribal Member of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, is currently serving his third term as Chairman for the Soboba Tribal Council. This is his eighth Council term overall, having served as Vice-Chairman for four terms and one term as Treasurer. He is a former Executive Board member for the Compact Tribes Steering Committee and was recently re-elected to his fourth two-year term as Treasurer for CNIGA to assist with its efforts to promote and protect Tribal sovereignty and gaming.

He is the current Pacific Region Delegate on the national Indian Gaming Association Board of Directors. In 2021, Isaiah was elected to the California Fee-to-Trust Consortium Board of Directors, which assists Tribes in reclaiming lands and placing them into trust status. For eight years he served on the Soboba Foundation and was Tournament Chair for the annual Soboba Foundation & Soboba Casino Resort Charity Golf Tournament. Since 2022, Isaiah has served as Chairman of the Tribal Nations Advisory Council for the American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES). He is a member of the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association (SCTCA) and has been on the Riverside County District Attorney’s Tribal Advisory Board since 2023. He sits on the 7G Board of Directors as Vice President, supporting young Native athletes. He was elected to the First Nations Experience (FNX) Board of Directors, which supports television exclusively devoted to Native American and world Indigenous content.

Vivanco enjoys playing Peon and watching his children and now 10 grandchildren sing and dance at Bird Singing gatherings. He also likes golfing and fastpitch softball. Isaiah works hard to deliver strong leadership for his Tribe in promoting sustainable economic development. It is very important to him to provide for the current membership as well as future generations to come.

The AICCCA event took place during its 30th annual Native American Heritage Month Luncheon on Nov. 21 at the Disneyland Hotel/Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. At the luncheon, Vivanco was presented with its annual Warrior Award, which honors those who embody the spirit of a “warrior” in the contemporary sense—people who: champion Native entrepreneurship; advocate for Tribal sovereignty and Native economic self-determination; demonstrate exceptional dedication, courage, and integrity; serve their communities through mentorship, advocacy, and long-term commitment; and build meaningful partnerships between Tribes, Native businesses, and statewide industries.

The first person to speak as an introduction for Vivanco was Pechanga Tribal Member Andrew Masiel, who serves as a Pechanga Development Corporation Board member and has known Vivanco for a number of years. “As a young man growing up on the (Soboba) Reservation, he participated in a lot of activities with the Tribe,” Masiel said. “He exhibited a lot of ambition, a lot of desire and involvement.”

Tomas Tortez Jr., former Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Tribal Council Chairman, received the Warrior Award last year and said it was an honor to know Chairman Vivanco. “I’ve known him as a mentor during my eight-year chairmanship,” Tortez said. “I would see Isaiah in every aspect of advocacy for Tribal matters. I’d see him in Sacramento and Washington D.C. whenever there were legal battles to be held. It takes being away from the family to be there, so I appreciate that he not only spent time to do that but to talk to me about various issues, especially with us being a smaller non-gaming site. All events and activities and advocacy shared with Chairman Vivanco truly shows his worthiness of the Warrior Award. I think all the accomplishments he has done will carry on for generations. It’s more than showing up—you have to speak and be heard, which he articulates so well. When you’re running your government it takes a lot of dedication, a lot of time, a lot of effort—so thank you for all you do, Chairman.”

Audrey Martinez, Council Secretary for Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, said she has gotten to know Vivanco over the past few years and found him to be very dedicated with tremendous leadership skills. “And like Tomas said, he’s everywhere,” she said. “You need someone like that in these leadership positions. It takes a lot of time, dedication and effort when running your government. Thank you, Chairman, for all your hard work.”

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena, who also serves as Chairwoman of TASIN said, “I concur with all the words that have been said by others. Chairman, thank you for all the years you’ve been doing this. We are very appreciative of all the sacrifices that our Tribal leaders make to be somewhere, and we always say if we didn’t have the support in the home, it’s not going to happen. When you have that support at home and have the passion to love what you do, you go out and do it as it comes to dedication and commitment. Chairman Vivanco sits on many boards and now with many steering committees with different organizations. We’re very honored to see you getting this award and we appreciate everything you do with your Tribe; the collaboration, the work and the long, long hours. Thank you again.”

Soboba Tribal Member and former Tribal Council Chairwoman Rosemary Morillo was the last to speak before inviting Vivanco to the stage. “Council always faces many challenges. It’s constant juggling with all that has to be done. In leadership, you have the oldest to the youngest you have to be responsible for on your reservation; you have to include their needs. We want to take care of what we have currently but also plan for the future. In leadership you have to think of all those things and have contingency plans in place and help everyone understand this is why we do this, this is the process. He has a long list of accomplishments and all he is involved in but there’s more to those boards you’re sitting on. It takes a lot of time away from your family and from everyone but there can be good that comes out of it all. It takes a lot to be standing in leadership; it’s a lot of weight on you.”

Chairman Vivanco thanked the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California for the recognition. He also thanked those who offered such heartfelt words of support.

He praised his fellow Tribal Council members for being so engaged and active, which allows opportunity for him to serve, network, and maintain important relationships with various boards.

“Potential board appointments are discussed with our Council to weigh the pros and cons of how it will benefit Soboba,” Vivanco said. He was proud to be re-elected to the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) board by 57 California Tribes where he can continue to assist the group in its efforts to promote and protect Tribal sovereignty and gaming.

He said this is a critical time for all Tribes as the threat of illegal event contracts through prediction markets has never been more real or impactful. “CNIGA is at the heart of this fight and having a seat at that table is so important,” Vivanco said. “I’m grateful that we have such a strong Council that allows me to represent Soboba in trying to protect what we have.”

Serving on the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) board as Tribal Nations Advisory Council Chairman helps him keep pace with what is needed to ensure Soboba’s youth are getting the education and tools needed to have successful futures.

“If we do not continue to adapt to this rapidly changing, technology-driven world, we risk being left behind” Vivanco said.

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NCAI’s premier national gathering brings together thousands of Tribal leaders, delegates, and citizens from across Indian Country to conduct the vital business of the organization and elect its leadership. Following nominations and candidate speeches earlier in the week, NCAI delegates and individual members voted to elect the leaders who will guide the organization’s work for a two-year term.

“These elections are more than a procedural step — they are a statement of who we are as Tribal Nations,” NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. said. “At a time when a federal government shutdown, funding uncertainty, and travel disruptions could have kept people home, Indian Country chose to show up. Our delegates and members traveled long distances, navigated changing flight schedules and worked through real hardships because they understand the power of coming together. That commitment is what strengthens Tribal sovereignty and ensures our voices are heard at every level of government.”

The record turnout and successful elections demonstrate the resilience of Tribal leaders and communities. “Even when the federal government is gridlocked, Indian Country is not,” Wright continued. “We come together to debate, even disagree at times, but ultimately unite around a shared agenda for our people. The leaders elected this week carry the trust of their Tribal Nation and Indian Country as a collective. Together, we will press for stable funding, respect for Tribal sovereignty and solutions that reflect our Nations’ priorities.”

The newly elected Executive Committee will work alongside NCAI’s team, members, partners, and allies to advance policy priorities — including those reflected in the nearly 100 resolutions passed via consensus by NCAI membership this week — that uphold Tribal sovereignty, protect treaty and trust obligations, and improve the lives of Native people across the United States.

Mojado said her role will be “to uphold NCAI’s mission to protect and enhance treaty and sovereignty rights; secure our traditional laws, cultures, and ways of life for our descendants; promote a common understanding of the rightful place of Tribes in the family of American governments; and improve the quality of life for Native communities and peoples.”

She was able to take in some of the convention’s many workshops offered and particularly enjoyed Healing Sovereignty: Native women Leading Through Mentorship, Culture and Community Resilience.

“Mentorship as Governance is one slide that stood out to me,” Mojado said. “Mentorship that will connect generations, help build continuity in leadership, ensures emerging leaders are grounded in culture, preventing leadership gaps that weaken governance and looking at strengthening trust in community institutions. This would be something that we would like to pass on to our $ovóova Pó$wáamay ladies. Three Hearts nonprofit organization was the presenter and they serve as advocates for service, sisterhood and skill building.”

Soboba Tribal Chairman Isaiah Vivanco and Mojado joined youth from Soboba Tribal TANF that were attending the convention’s activities that were designed for young Tribal members.

“Chairman Vivanco and I make it a point to meet with our youth, take them to dinner and have a conversation about the conference and get to know them more,” Mojado said.

She said that by chance she and Vivanco were able to meet Darrell Hillarie, director of the production “netse mot: one heart/one mind” and take all of the TANF youth to see it at the Paramount Theatre on Nov 18. It was presented in partnership by Children of the Setting Sun Productions & National Congress of American Indians. “It was amazing to see all Native performers in different aspects from jazz music, opera singers, traditional dancing and book and poetry,” Mojado said.

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. NCAI advocates on behalf of Tribal governments and communities, promoting strong Tribal-federal government-to-government policies and a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people, and rights.

NCAI’s annual convention serves as the central forum for Tribes to collaborate, debate issues, pass resolutions, and set shared priorities for the coming year. It also provides critical opportunities for Tribal Nations to strengthen intergovernmental relationships and advance national advocacy efforts.

For more information, www.ncai.org.

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Stevens honored the extraordinary Native American women leaders whose strength, vision, and resilience have profoundly shaped Tribal gaming. Recognizing their critical roles in advancing Tribal sovereignty, promoting economic empowerment, and nurturing community wellbeing, this special tribute celebrates these pioneering women as true warriors whose leadership continues to inspire future generations

Rosemary Morillo of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians was among the 13 women to receive the inaugural honor, one of them posthumously.

“I was surprised and also proud to be a part of the honoring,” she said. “I was standing with women that are such great leaders, from past and present; there is a lot of strength and knowledge among them all.”

During the ceremony, held April 2, Stevens said, “The Indian Gaming Association proudly recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting Native American culture. These honorees have made lasting contributions to their communities through their leadership, advocacy and commitment to honoring tradition. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and acknowledge their role to ensure Native American heritage continues to inspire future generations. These extraordinary Native American women leaders’ strength, vision and resilience have profoundly shaped Tribal gaming, recognizing their cultural roles in advancing Tribal sovereignty, promoting economic development and nurturing community well-being. This special tribute celebrates these Tribal women as true warriors whose leadership continues to inspire future generations.”

Morillo served on the IGA board of directors for 25 years as both a delegate and alternate for the Pacific region. She chose not to run again. But Soboba will still have a voice at the table as Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco was elected by the Pacific region Tribes. The current members are Mark Macarro, Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians; Chairman Jack Potter from Redding Rancheria; Vice Chairman James Siva, Morongo Band of Mission Indians; and Vivanco.

“Mark will serve as the primary and us three are alternate delegates but share the same duties,” Vivanco said. “Our role is to communicate with our national board on any issue we may have in our region or nationally. It is also important to get national news to our regional tribes.”

In his opinion, the most important function of IGA is protecting sovereignty and exclusive rights to gaming for those that have it. “There are always threats to our industry and IGA is always on top of those issues,” Vivanco said.

Morillo feels the importance of belonging to IGA is for its support of protecting Tribal sovereignty and preservation for Tribal governments as IGA is an association of federally recognized Indian Tribes. She was on the Soboba Tribal Council for 15 years. She served as Treasurer and Vice Chairwoman and three terms as Chairwoman. Also on April 2, IGA Chairman Stevens presented Morillo with a 2025 Chairman’s Leadership Award.

“This being the inaugural class of inductees into the Matriarchs of Indian Gaming is very cool and Rosemary was deserving,” Vivanco said. “I was able to serve on Tribal Council while Rosemary was our Chairwoman and witnessing firsthand her fight to not only protect but preserve our right to game as a sovereign was amazing. She was always very active politically. Maybe that’s where my will to be active stems from.”

For more information, www.Indiangaming.org.

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More than 700 Native American and Alaska Native youth, aged 12-24, and advisors gathered for the 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference, which provided three days of professional leadership development, highlighting community service and advocacy for Indigenous communities.

A variety of professional development workshops and breakout sessions, as well as extracurricular activities that included the sharing of culture, music and art, were available for youth to continuously engage with one another. The focus of the midyear conference was “Digitizing youth voices, inspiring Indigenous stories.”

UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth) is excited to host several speakers and presenters that are passionate in supporting community service and advocacy throughout Native Country. Through a variety of programmatic activities, team building and collaboration, our Native youth leaders will actively engage with one another, brainstorming and building on new ideas to create change within their respective communities.

TANF PRC Site Manager Harold Arres, Senior Program Specialist Annalisa Tucker and Transportation Coordinator Nancy Gallegos accompanied nine youths, aged 12-17, from the Soboba program to Phoenix. Tucker said she enjoyed watching youth who haven’t attended a conference before coming out of their shell and really absorb what was being taught.

“I hope the experience showed them the importance of keeping their culture alive and to support and learn from other Native communities,” she said.

Aniyah Brittian, 13, attended sessions about mental health, education, Native identities and storytelling. “I learned the importance of speaking up and being proud of who I am.”

The high school freshman said she enjoyed learning about the different Native American traditions that other Tribes have.

Sixth-grader Nayeli Brittian also attended a session that focused on mental health. Watching people from other Tribes dancing is what she liked best about the conference.

Shania Guacheno participated in workshops about mental health, education, drug/substance abuse education and storytelling.

“I learned not to use drugs,” said Shania, 13. “I liked that I got to watch and learn other Tribes’ traditions.”

The purpose of the Native Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, DC is to bring Native youth leaders together by providing interactive learning sessions to strengthen leadership abilities. As the future leaders of Indian Country and defenders of Tribal sovereignty, participants engage in the larger conversation of protecting and maintaining Tribal sovereignty through a youth perspective.

Arres, Program Specialist Mayra Campos and TANF Riverside Site Manager Angela Diaz were joined by four youths, aged 15-19, at the Native Youth Leadership Summit. Arres said a highlight of the conference for him was witnessing the youth speak to John E. Echohawk about educational needs for Tribal nations.

Echohawk (Pawnee) is the Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund. He was the first graduate of the University of New Mexico’s special program to train Indian lawyers and was a founding member of the American Indian Law Students Association while in law school. He has been with NARF since its inception in 1970, having served continuously as Executive Director since 1977.

Echohawk has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America by the National Law Journal and has received numerous service awards and other recognitions for his leadership in the Indian law field including the 2023 Thurgood Marshall Award from the American Bar Association.

Arres said he hopes the youth who attended the summit learned how to advocate for themselves and why that is so important. He was glad to be given the opportunity of some sightseeing when they had some free time so they could explore some of the monuments on their own.

The annual event is held in different locations each year. Campos was attending the summit for the first time and found a highlight to be watching the youth interact with Julian Garcia, assistant to US Rep. Juan Vargas, and hear them advocate for important issues across Indian country.

“I hope the youth learned from this experience the power their voices hold,” she said. “If youth were to work together to help advocate for issues that the Native community faces, I believe great things could be accomplished; the youth could bring needed change to the generations to come.”

Campos enjoyed sharing free time with the youth as they walked around the Washington Mall and visited the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, WW2 Memorial, the White House and Capitol Hill.”

High school senior Temet Guacheno attended sessions “Democracy is Indigenous,” “Environmental Sovereignty” and “Advocacy 101” and said he learned the importance of communication skills. “I enjoyed the workshops and meeting new people,” he said.

Kimani Sanchez, said she learned about the important issues affecting Native land, including the challenges Indigenous communities face in protecting their rights.

“I’ve also gained valuable skills in advocating for change by learning how to effectively communicate with representatives about issues that matter to me,” she said. “What I liked best about the conference was the opportunity to meet new people and make great connections. It was fun to build friendships with others who share similar interests while also learning about important issues. The combination of engaging discussions and a welcoming environment made the experience both educational and enjoyable.”

The Native Youth Leadership Summit is sponsored by the National Congress of American Indians. Founded in 1944, NCAI is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities.

NCAI, a nonprofit organization, advocates for a bright future for generations to come by taking the lead to gain consensus on a constructive and promising vision for Indian Country. Since its founding, NCAI has remained true to the original purpose of the organization: to be the unified voice of Tribal nations.

Alongside the Native Youth Leadership Summit, NCAI hosted its annual Executive Council Winter Session, which was attended by Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado and attorney Loretta Tuell, a lobbyist for Soboba.

The NCAI Executive Council is one of NCAI’s three main governing bodies. This annual meeting presents an opportunity for Tribal delegates to hear from members of Congress and the Administration and helps to further the government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and the federal government.

Vivanco has been attending these meetings since he returned to Tribal Council in 2015. Mojado said she started going when she was first elected to Council in 2006, stating that Rosemary Morillo and she have always attended either the annual or midyear sessions.

“For me, our main focus was understanding how the new administration’s executive orders could impact us at home,” Vivanco said. “We also had the opportunity to work on Capitol Hill, engaging in discussion with many U.S. senators as well as congressional leaders, both Republican and Democrat. We were able to express to them our concerns with some of the executive orders as well as how it would impact Tribes. We need their support now more than ever. We are going to continue our outreach with congressional leaders to stress the importance of recognizing Tribes as sovereign nations while continuing to uphold their trust responsibility to us.”

Mojado said she enjoyed being able to have dinner with the TANF youth. “Even more so this time since Mr. Echohawk joined us and shared his story. It is always a pleasure to see Sharice Davids as well,” she said. “We have yet to see how this administration will work with Tribal Nations. It was nice to meet the newly appointed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.”

Vivanco said, “It’s always important for our youth to be exposed to organizations like NCAI, UNITY and AISES. NCAI provides a little more of a Tribal government atmosphere for them. I did get a chance to see them going to and from working sessions as I was doing the same. Aside from the networking, they are able to sit in on general session meetings and hear real time issues impacting all Natives. These are our future leaders and to get this type of firsthand experience is invaluable.”

Mojado agrees that it is very important for the youth to attend conferences such as UNITY and NCAI. “One, to inspire the future leaders and two, to see how Tribal governments unilaterally work with the United States government,” she said. “It is important for them to be in the know of how the federal government and states affect Tribes. We were inherent sovereigns before the United States was even born. We must continue to fight and educate about sovereignty.”

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