Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 120 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (California) | |
| Languages | |
| Tipai, English | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional tribal religion, Christianity (Roman Catholicism) |
|
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Kumeyaay tribes, Cocopa, Quechan, Paipai, and Kiliwa |
The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation is a Native American tribe. They are part of the Kumeyaay people, one of the first groups to live in San Diego County in Southern California. The Sycuan Band is officially recognized by the United States government. They live on their own land, called a reservation, located east of El Cajon.
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Where is the Sycuan Reservation?
The Sycuan Reservation is located at 32°46′57″N 116°49′59″W / 32.78250°N 116.83306°W. It is near small communities like Dehesa, Harbison Canyon, and Crest.
The leader of the Sycuan Band is called the tribal chairman. Currently, Cody Martinez is their chairman.
The tribe manages many important services for their community. They have facilities that clean water, making sure it's safe to drink and use. They also have a small medical clinic and a dental office to help people stay healthy. For safety, the tribe has its own fire department and tribal police force.
How does the Sycuan Band support itself?
The Sycuan Band has developed several businesses to support their community. A big part of their economy comes from gaming. This idea was first led by Anna Prieto Sandoval, a former chairwoman of the Sycuan Band.
In 1983, they opened their first gaming place, the Sycuan Bingo Palace. This was very successful and led to them opening a larger casino. They also own and operate a golf course.
The Sycuan Band has also invested in other businesses outside their reservation. For example, they bought the historic U. S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego in 2003. They also advertise a lot with the San Diego Padres baseball team, showing their support at Petco Park and during games.
Sycuan Casino Resort Expansion
The Sycuan Casino has grown a lot! In 2019, they opened a large new hotel and casino area. This expansion cost $226 million. The casino now has 2,800 slot machines and 80 gaming tables where people can play games like blackjack and poker.
Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming
The Sycuan Band also helps support education and research. They provide funding for the Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming at San Diego State University. This institute studies how gaming affects Native American tribes.
Education for the Sycuan Community
The Sycuan Band created the Kumeyaay Community College. This college helps students learn about their culture, history, and modern skills. It is open to both Native and non-Native students. The reservation also has schools for younger students, including the Dehesa Elementary School District and Grossmont Union High School District.
