Max Mazzetti, a former chairman of the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians of California, died on March 25. He was 88.

Mazzetti led the tribe from 1947 to 1960 and was the longest-serving chairman. He successfully fought efforts to terminate tribes in southern California.

“He was a really good leader. I really believe if it wasn’t for Max Mazzetti, we would have lost our reservations,” former Pauma Band Chairman Ben Magante told The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Mazzetti's son, Bo, currently serves as chairman.

Get the Story:
Former Rincon tribal chairman, fighter for Indian rights dies (The North County Times 4/2)
Max Mazzetti: Ex-Rincon chairman, advocate for tribes (The San Diego Union-Tribune 4/2)