Intertribal Life Newspaper -

LOS ANGELES, Calif.-The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has awarded the Autry Museum of the American West a generous grant of $414,101, the largest gift the Autry has received from any tribe or Native community. The grant will enable the Autry to build and strengthen relationships with Native communities as well as provide significant access to its collections, particularly with the anticipated opening of the Autry's Resources Center.

"This grant would be notable enough just given its sheer magnitude," said W. Richard West, Jr. (Southern Cheyenne), president and CEO of the Autry. "What makes the gift truly special is that it is from a California Native community. The generosity of this act bears witness to and makes material the special bond the community holds with the Autry and the faith of that community in the Autry's mission of telling the diverse stories of the American West. I couldn't be prouder or more appreciative."

Specifically, the grant will support the museum's efforts to achieve Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) compliance for the Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection, starting with the archaeological collections from San Bernardino County.

Through this donation, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will also continue its long-time support of Native Voices at the Autry, the country's only Equity Theatre company committed exclusively to producing new works by Native American, Alaska Native and First Nations playwrights.

"It is the vision of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to honor our ancestors, culture, and sovereignty for all generations to come. We are proud to continue supporting such a multifaceted organization that works to preserve the past while amplifying the voice of today's generation through creative expression." said San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. "Our partnership with the Autry Museum of the American West will increase indigenous peoples' access, connections, and stewardship of their ancestors and material culture. It is our hope that not only our tribal community, but also many others across California, will benefit from the healing and joy that such interactions with our ancestors can bring."