Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation honors nonprofit organizations

On May 13, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation honored four nonprofit organizations for making an exceptional impact in their communities. Now in its 16th year, the Forging Hope Yawa’ Awards celebrated and recognized remarkable organizations who best exemplify the Tribe’s four pillars of philanthropic giving: Inspiring Our Future Through Education; Empowering Lives; Reinforcing Healthy and Resilient Communities; and Preserving Cultural Traditions and Empowering Indian Country.

This year’s festivities took place at the historic Arrowhead Springs Hotel on the Tribe’s ancestral lands in the foothills of the San Bernardino mountains. Many know this location as a once popular resort and spa catering to Hollywood’s elite.

In addition to a $25,000 unrestricted gift, each honoree received the prestigious Yawa’ Award, presented by Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Vice Chairman Johnny Hernandez on behalf of the Yuhaviataam Tribal Council. The Yawa’ Award is a hand-crafted gourd rattle created by the Tribe’s youth – each one unique, intentionally made and reflective of the time, care and cultural knowledge invested in its creation. The Yawa’ Award is a symbol of the Maara’yam cultural value, the spirit of Yawa’—to act on one’s beliefs. Yawa’ is central to the Tribe’s philanthropic giving program and reflects a deep-rooted care directed toward all beings living who are part of the Tribe’s ancestral lands, as well as brother and sister tribes across Indian Country.

“I look forward to the Forging Hope Yawa’ Awards event each year. It is an opportunity to recognize organizations from our region and Indian Country who are inspiring and empowering others to succeed,” said Johnny Hernandez, Jr., Vice Chairman of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. “Our Tribe remembers being in a place when these services were so impactful during our time of need. We honor those who carry on the vital work of service to others by exemplifying Yawa’—acting on one’s belief – and know the positive impact it will have for generations to come.”

2026 Forging Hope Yawa’ Award Honorees:

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV): Together, UNLV’s Boyd School of Law and the Harrah College of Hospitality are preparing both Native and non-native students to become future leaders in their respective fields – grounded in the legal, political, cultural and economic foundations of Tribal Nations and the enterprises that sustain them.

Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation: A federally recognized Indian Nation of Tolowa Dee-ni’ People who, for over 20 years, have successfully woven cultural preservation and language revitalization into early childhood education for its tribal youth ages three to five, and soon to be expanded from birth to five. By uplifting their people, preserving their culture and educating their youth, they are building a strong foundation for their future.

St. Jean de Lestonnac Free Clinic: Provides free health care services to low-income and uninsured residents in Southern California, through the support of volunteers and donors. As one of the few remaining free clinics in California, the Lestonnac Free Clinic offers services at no cost, improving quality of life, restoring dignity and relieving pressure on emergency rooms and public health resources.

YouthHope Foundation: Promotes self-sufficiency for homeless, runaway, trafficked and at-risk youth by providing a support system in a safe and caring environment so they may grow to be healthy, self-sustaining adults and productive members of their community. The organization serves youth at three locations throughout San Bernardino County: a drop-in center in Colton, another in Redlands and a local park twice a day.

To learn more about the Tribe’s philanthropy program and its giving pillars, visit sanmanuelcares.org.