Vincent Armenta: Chumash Tribe wishes city happy 100th birthday

Thursday, February 3, 2011  

"Last month our Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation provided the Solvang Centennial Committee with its first major donation to help sponsor three key events during the city’s centennial celebration throughout 2011.

When the Solvang Centennial Committee’s grant application was presented to our Business Committee — the governing body that makes decisions on grant requests — we discussed the long history our tribe has had with the community of Solvang.

We also discussed our role in the community as a good neighbor and how important it is for us to step up to the plate and give generously to a myriad of community projects, like this one. It was a unanimous vote. We all wanted to ensure that we helped support the citizens of Solvang in their celebration.

Over the years, the citizens of Solvang have been supportive of various tribal projects — including participating in reservation fundraisers to help us bring indoor plumbing to our Chumash reservation way back in the early 1960s. They worked with our tribal community toward a common goal on a variety of projects.

Our tribal government has worked with the Solvang city government over the years and in spite of any differences we may have experienced at times, we have always been respectful of Solvang’s city officials. And we have never forgotten the kindness and support of Solvang citizens throughout the years."

Get the Story:
Vincent Armenta: Tribe wishes city a happy birthday (The Solvang Valley News 2/3)