Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel facts for kids
 |
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 250 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (California) | |
| Languages | |
| Ipai, English | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional tribal religion, Christianity (Roman Catholic) |
|
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Kumeyaay tribes, Cocopa, Quechan, Paipai, and Kiliwa |
The Santa Ysabel Band of Diegueño Mission Indians is a group of Kumeyaay people. They are also known as Mission Indians. The United States government officially recognizes them as a tribe.
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About the Santa Ysabel Reservation
The Santa Ysabel Reservation is a special area of land set aside by the government for the tribe. It is located in the northeastern part of San Diego County, California. Nearby towns include Santa Ysabel and Julian.
This reservation was created in 1893. It covers more than 15,000 acres (about 60 square kilometers). In the 1970s, about 110 people lived there. The tribe has around 300 members in total.
Nature on the Reservation
The Santa Ysabel Reservation is a mountainous area. Its elevation ranges from about 3,200 feet to 5,700 feet high. This land is home to many native plants and trees.
You can find seven types of oak trees here. There are also musky sage plants and green wild ferns. Bright blue lilacs and golden poppies grow along the hillsides. The reservation experiences all four seasons. It has blooming springs, warm summers, colorful autumns, and snowy winters.
How the Tribe Supports Itself
The Santa Ysabel tribe works to create businesses to support its members. They once owned the Santa Ysabel Resort and Casino. This included the Orchard Restaurant and the Seven Oaks Bar and Grill. These businesses closed in 2014.
The tribe then started Santa Ysabel Interactive. This company launched an online poker website called Private Table. The tribe believes it has the right to offer online gaming from its reservation. This is based on a law called the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
Tribal Businesses Today
In 2007, the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel created the Santa Ysabel Tribal Development Corporation. This group helps manage different tribal businesses.
Another important group is the Santa Ysabel Economic Development Corporation. This corporation oversees several businesses that offer loans. It also manages Santa Ysabel Roadside. This is a convenience store and gas station. Three board members manage these corporations. They are Melissa Barnet (Chairwoman), Tyler Vargas (Vice Chairman), and James Bucaro (Treasurer).
Tribal Activities and Celebrations
Every year in mid-November, the Santa Ysabel tribe holds a special Feast Day. This celebration takes place at Santa Ysabel Asistencia. It is an important event for the community.
