Tribes unite in Coachella Valley
PALM
SPRINGS (AP) — Four Coachella Valley tribes have formed the Four Winds
Coalition to work with local governments on economic development issues.
The
coalition includes representatives of the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians,
Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and
Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians.
Torres
Martinez chairman Raymond Torres, who has been elected chairman of the
coalition, says in a statement, “We want to be responsible neighbors.”
Cabazon
chairman John James says the coalition will be a stronger unified tribal voice
for broader community outreach.
The
tribal coalition will work with desert community leaders and Riverside County
on a variety of development issues, including an entertainment zone to lure
guests to tribal casinos in Coachella, Indio and the Salton Sea areas.
The
coalition will also focus on water projects, including clean up of the Salton
Sea, solar power and joint promotion of tribal casinos.