"Our tribe prides itself on being partners in the community. Giving back has long been a tradition of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

Our cultural and educational programs teach our next generations that their responsibilities not only include looking out for the well-being of our tribe, but also for the greater community.

We also recognize that our past generations benefited from the generosity of others. In the 1960s, for example, residents from throughout the county helped raise money to bring running water to our reservation. There were everything from bake sales to schoolchildren soliciting donations.

Even in those days, our ancestors still were generous with what they did have. Our tribe, in 2005, decided to continue this tradition of giving in a more structured way. Our tribal government established the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation on this principle: To build partnerships and work together to make our community a better place to live."

Get the Story:
Vincent Armenta: A foundation for giving back (The Solvang Valley News 11/8)