LAWTON, Okla. (September 18, 2025) —The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation has announced more than $13.5 million in grants to support impactful programs across the region and the nation. Among the recipients is the Tribal Leadership Council that was awarded $50,000 through the 2025 San Manuel Cares grant cycle to strengthen its training programs and expand opportunities for new Tribal leaders.
“We are deeply grateful to Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation for their generous support and belief in our mission,” said TLC President Justin Barrett. “This grant will allow us to expand training programs about governance for new Tribal leaders, and to continue building partnerships with Tribes, universities, and organizations for specialized instruction. These new leaders are responsible for economic development, health, education and the welfare of their communities, so investing in training helps create good leadership.”
The goals of the Tribal Leadership Council align with the San Manuel Cares “Empowering Lives” giving pillar, which supports underserved and at-risk communities through essential services such as food, housing, legal aid, senior care, and workforce development.
“For over two decades, the call of Yawa’—a Serrano value meaning ‘to act on one’s beliefs’—has guided our giving programs and community efforts,” said Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. “We are proud to support organizations like the Tribal Leadership Council that uplift our communities by reaching some of the most vulnerable populations to provide critical services.”
About the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
Since the early 2000s, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation has awarded more than $425 million through the San Manuel Cares program, investing in critical causes across Serrano Ancestral Lands and Indian Country.
The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. The Tribe, formerly known as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, proudly reclaims their ancestral name—Yuhaaviatam (pronounced “yu-HAH-vee-ah-tahm”)— honoring the deep-rooted heritage and enduring legacy of their people. Exercising their inherent sovereign right to self-governance, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is committed to providing essential services to their citizens by building infrastructure, maintaining civil services, and promoting social, economic, and cultural development.
As the Indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys, mountains, and high deserts, the Yuhaaviatam have called this region home since time immemorial and are committed to remaining a productive partner in the San Bernardino region. For more information, visit sanmanuel-nsn.gov
About the Tribal Leadership Council
The Tribal Leadership Council (TLC) is a national organization committed to advancing the sovereignty, leadership, and long-term sustainability of Tribal nations across the United States. Founded with a mission to build capacity and strengthen Tribal governance, TLC provides dynamic programs, professional development opportunities, and practical tools that empower Tribal leaders, administrators, and policymakers to create lasting, positive change within their communities.
TLC serves as a hub for leadership training, strategic planning, and intergovernmental collaboration, offering a variety of in-person and virtual events throughout the year – including its signature Annual Tribal Leadership Conference and a series of hands-on regional trainings and workshops. These gatherings provide Tribal officials and staff with access to industry experts, peer-to-peer networking, and proven strategies for addressing today’s most pressing challenges in areas such as economic development, governance, public health, infrastructure, and community engagement.
To learn more about TLC’s programs, resources, and upcoming events, visit: https://triballeadershipcouncil.com/