Hundreds honor Ray Patencio, Agua Caliente leader

Monday, February 19, 2007  

Hundreds attended the funeral of Ray Leonard Patencio, a longtime leader of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of California.

Patencio died February 8, on the eve of his 61st birthday. He was suffering from cancer.

Patencio served 10 years as chairman of the tribe, 11 years as chairman of the Agua Caliente Gaming Commission, and six years as chairman of the Agua Caliente Election Board. "His whole life was one of service to the community and to the tribe," said Richard Milanovich, the current chairman.

Patencio was the son of the tribe's last ceremonial bird singer.

Get the Story:
Hundreds honor area tribal leader (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 2/18)
Ray Patencio, leader in the fight for Agua Caliente sovereignty, passes (AP 2/19)

$rl Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians - http://www.aguacaliente.org

Agua Caliente leader joins Palm Springs Walk of Stars (3/21)