Morongo Tribe Vice Chairwoman Mary Ann Andreas Honored by State Assembly

Morongo Band of Mission Indians Vice Chairwoman Mary Ann Andreas and three other tribal leaders were recognized this week by the California State Assembly for promoting and preserving California Native American history and culture, a spokesman for the tribe announced.

The honor coincided with the Legislature's passage of ACR 72, a resolution declaring November as Native American Heritage Month, Morongo Band of Mission Indians spokesman Michael Fisher said in a statement.

The resolution was introduced by Assemblyman Luis A. Alejo, D-Salinas, and coauthored by 67 Assembly members, Fisher said.

"I am delighted that Assemblyman Alejo and the State Legislature are honoring the many accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices made by California Native Americans," Andreas said. "Our rich culture and heritage are woven within the fabric of California, and continue to help shape the future of our great state."

The State Senate approved ACR 72 on Wednesday, a few days after the resolution was approved by the State Assembly, Fisher said.

ACR 72 recognizes that despite enduring tremendous hardships, California Native Americans have persevered to make vital, continuing contributions to the strength and diversity of society in areas such as law, medicine, business, education, and the United States Armed Forces, Fisher said.

Alejo presented individual resolutions to Andreas, Chairman James Ramos of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Chairman Mark Macarro of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians and Vice Chairwoman Nancy Ayala of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, Fisher said.

"Andreas was recognized for advancing the views of Native Americans on local, state, and federal levels of government," Fisher said. "She has worked to protect tribal sovereignty and has focused on economic development, housing, child welfare, health care, vocational training, education, transportation, water and land resources and environmental protection."

Andreas has also served as a board member of the Malki Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the cultures and traditions of Southern California Indian tribes, Fisher said.