November 3, 2025 • 24 mins
🎙️ Covering Your Health with Evelyn Erives is presented by IEHP
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In this episode, Evelyn sits down with Alberto Jasso, Director of Strategic Philanthropy for the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, to discuss the Tribe’s recent name change and its powerful impact on identity and heritage. Alberto shares how San Manuel’s philanthropic efforts are transforming health outcomes for Native communities in the Inland Empire and beyond — from funding critical programs to shaping national conversations around tribal health equity. Discover how these initiatives are creating lasting change for area Natives and tribes across the country, and why cultural understanding is key to building healthier futures.
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For more information on this show's topic visit IEHP.org or (800) 440-IEHP.
To learn more about Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel visit SanManuel-nsn.gov or ANameHasPower.com.
Â
Reach out to Evelyn via Instagram @evelynerives or email her at EvelynErives@iHeartMedia.com
Â
In this episode, Evelyn sits down with Alberto Jasso, Director of Strategic Philanthropy for the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, to discuss the Tribe’s recent name change and its powerful impact on identity and heritage. Alberto shares how San Manuel’s philanthropic efforts are transforming health outcomes for Native communities in the Inland Empire and beyond — from funding critical programs to shaping national conversations around tribal health equity. Discover how these initiatives are creating lasting change for area Natives and tribes across the country, and why cultural understanding is key to building healthier futures.
Â
For more information on this show's topic visit IEHP.org or (800) 440-IEHP.
To learn more about Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel visit SanManuel-nsn.gov or ANameHasPower.com.
Â
Reach out to Evelyn via Instagram @evelynerives or email her at EvelynErives@iHeartMedia.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Here we are again another episode of Covering Your Health
with Evelini Revas, presented by IEHP. I hope you are
doing great today. Wherever this episode finds you, we really
are happy that you join us, even if this is
your first ever episode. You know, we're on two seasons.
We're almost wrapping up our second season, so we're I
(00:21):
would love for you to get caught up on some
of the other episodes. Most of them are very evergreen.
It's all about education and it is all about learning more
about what's going on in the community and keeping you healthy.
So today we have a very special episode. We'd love
to welcome Alberto Hasso to the microphone. Alberto is the
director of strategic Philanthropy for the Jajavia tom of sand
(00:45):
Manuel Nation, and he's sitting down with us to talk
about the tribe's name change. You may know that that's
what's happened. It's philanthropic endeavors we're going to talk about
as well as well as how it's changing the landscape
of health for the area natives as well as tribes
across the country. You're gonna find this so fascinating. I
(01:05):
know I did. Alberto himself is an Inland Empire native
who was born and raised in Banning, and he's very
proud of that. He's a Coyote. As a graduate from
cal State San Bernardino with a bachelor's in Public administration
and a master's in Business administration from Riverside's cal Baptist University,
he has years of experience working in local and tribal
(01:28):
government and in the private sector, as well as for
the tribe. His main responsibilities include supporting and guiding Jajavia
Thom's philanthropic strategy throughout the Inland Region, Nevada and Indian Country.
So we're so grateful to have Alberto join our Covering
Your Health family, especially since this episode will drop in
(01:50):
the month of November, which also happens to be National
American Indian Heritage Month. I don't know about you, but
I'm really excited to learn more about the tribe. Alberto himself,
You're gonna love this episode. Let's welcome him.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Welcome to Covering Your Health, a wellness podcast dedicated to
covering all areas of living a healthy and happy lifestyle,
from healthy hearts to understanding health plans and everything in between.
Each episode will provide you with a better understanding of
managing your health, preventative care, and staying on the right
path for your family's wellness journey. The Covering Your Health
(02:28):
podcast is presented by I e HP. Now your host,
Evelyna Revez.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Well, it is wonderful to have you here, Alberto Hassel, welcome, nice.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
Thank you for having us. Evan, it's great to see
you and meet you.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
Yes, it's wonderful to meet you. So okay, let's get started.
I want to start with you. I want to get
to know you as a person. Please tell me about yourself,
about your upbringing, you from the IE, I understand, yes, yes.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
Well, first of all, Evelyn, thank you so much for
allowing us the opportunity. Need to share more about myself
and more about the tribe. My name's Alberto Ojasso. I'm
a first generation you know. My parents immigrated from Nayei,
Mexico in the early nineteen nineties. I grew up in
the small city of Banning, California, so ververs money and
(03:19):
my career really really started at in Danning High School.
When I was admitted to cal State Tambordino to attend
or four year university, you know. And when I was
at cal State It really felt like someone removed the blindfolds,
right because I got exposed to a whole different new world,
you know, coming from a family that's very tied to
their vancho and their principals and growing up in a
(03:41):
small town, you know, it was it was a trip,
right to kind of get involved into this new world.
And just you know, just a fun fact, Like my
original career goal was to be a city manager, you know,
because I was like, hey, you can help run a
city and you know, parks and reg public works, and
and then I got him, you know, exposed to tribal government,
(04:03):
you know, which is very foundational. But then there's a
left turn, you know, because now you're looking for a
tribe that's been around for ten thousand years and it's
going to continue for another ten thousand years. And and
and we've been here for almost eight years, and it's
been a good it's been a good journey.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
Wow. You look very young for being so established in
your career. May I ask your age? Is that rude?
Should I not ask that? You could ask me to
I'm not like that person.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
Yeah, so yeah, a lot of people think I'm like forty.
They're like you said, I'm like an old man, but
I'm actually thirty one years old.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
You look very you look you look like you're I
thought I was like, you know, he's probably about thirty,
that's my guest.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
Well, well thank you. Normally I get like, oh.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
You look forty, you're no way, I think you look
very young.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
Yeah, well, well thank you. That's a that's a great compliment.
But yeah, you know, I've been very fortunate that I've been,
you know, blessed with a lot of opportunities, but of
course they've come with preparation and good values.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
So so.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Yeah, and cs USB great school to help you get
there too. My daughter recently graduated from there and she
graduated this year.
Speaker 3 (05:15):
So really.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
Her BA in business business, yeah, and marketing.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
Yeah. I'm a College of Business graduate as well. I
studied public administration, so that's also great school. Cal State
Humberd you know and all that.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
Yeah, and you know, it's just a wonderful school that
we have right here in our community. So that's you know, yeah,
extra little shout out for sure. Well, it's it's wonderful
to have you here. I'm very excited. Let's talk about
the tribe. Let's talk about this recent name change to
reclaim its ancestral name. First of all, we kind of
(05:53):
joked before we got on here. I wanted to make
sure I was going to say everything correctly. So can
you tell me a little bit about the name change
and how some of your grantees and other partners have
really supported this big change for you.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
Yeah, most definitely, and thank you Evil And you know,
the tribe in April of this year, they transition and
made the decision as a tribal government, as a tribal community,
you know, for for a very long time, Seminal Vanda
Mission Indians was the name that was given to the
tribe by the federal government, you know. And with time,
as the tribal government has evolved, and you know, our
(06:28):
citizens have made their decision to reclaim their aboriginal ancestral name,
which is of Seminal Nation, which is a great move
on behalf of the tribe. But also too a lot
of people say, a lot of people have said to us, oh,
they're just changing their name, and and that's not true.
They're reclaiming who they are as a people, you know,
(06:48):
And it's been really awesome to kind of see how
the community has been, Like I don't know how to
pronounce it, but I'm excited, you know, can you teach
us how to say it? And it's of Seminal Nation.
But I think one of the exciting parts for us
is that, you know, the tribe is taking back their identity.
You know, Seminal abandoned Mission India's will always be a
part of the tribe's history by Jojabaton of Seminole Nation
(07:10):
is still here and has always been here. And this
is their reclaimed names as the people of the Mind.
So that's been really exciting for us.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
Yeah, tell me how some of the your partners in
the community, how they've helped you to reclaim this name.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
Yeah, it's imported. Yeah, it's been really excited to see them.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
You know.
Speaker 3 (07:31):
One of the things I do want to call out.
We work with a lot of other tribal governments and
a lot of tribes like Yohaviaton. You know that they've
had names, you know that carried them because of Western
influence or the spanners, and now they're like, hey, we're
going to look into that because that's something that's very
important for us. It's like, because you're reclaiming who you
are as a people, a lot of our nonprofit partners
(07:52):
have been like heyl Verto, we're telling our third graders
that after school tutor tutoring program, I think together that
how to say yohaia, And that's been a really great experience.
We've also we have about seventy five team members that
work for the Tribe and the casino and some of
the different entities, and and they're also become ambassadors on
behalf of the tribe on their new name, which their
(08:14):
reclaimed name.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
My apology reclaimed name.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Well, and I've been I've been there on property before,
and I've seen the name before. I remember seeing it
years ago and I always thought, I'm like, I don't
know enough, I don't know enough about it. So it
is so beautiful for you to be sharing with the
community what it is, what it stands for, and who
you are, you know. So that's that's wonderful.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
Yeah, And I think my last one is you'll see
you know, we understand that it's going to take a
while for folks to kind of you know, yeah, help
I pronounce it, and but we're doing our best to
kryd of create billboards and the it ten, the two ten.
You know, it's Joaviatm, you know. But again, it's been
an interesting journey and I think for me as a
team member, I'm very proud of the tribe, you know,
because I think it's accordant to protect and preserve your.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Identity absolutely absolutely so here on covering your health, we
really talk about a lot of education. That's what we
do and that is why I'm really excited to dive
into as much as we can fit into this episode.
A lot of people associate the tribe with really only
your business business entities, and that's you know, that's fair
(09:19):
because that's what they see in the community. When they're
interacting with some of their favorite things, they'll see, you know,
the tribal name. But a lot of people don't know
about your work across you know, behind the scenes to
support the people of the Pines and other tribal communities
across the nation. Tell me why does this work so important?
Speaker 3 (09:40):
Yeah? And and Nevil and I'll just start off by
sharing some foundation. You know. Johabitta no Seminole Nation. They're
a federally recognized and dan tribe, you know, in which
their reservation is in the city of Highland and the
City of Sambordino. Right, So the reservation is about eleven
hundred acres and this is where the tribe has Yamaba
Resort and casino. But this is also where where the
(10:01):
Seminole tribal community lives.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
Right.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
But when you go back industry, their aboriginal ancestral lands
spand over seven point four million acres. So when you
take it back to Barstow, to eastern Lancaster to twenty
nine proms to the San Bordino riverside borders, those are
all at one point those were the Serrano ancestral lands
of the tribe, right, and now we're onnded to eleven
hundred acres. But you know the reason why this work
(10:25):
is so important that even though the tribe is now
on eleven hundred acres of reservation, you know, trust land.
They see this and it will continue to be their
responsibility ability to be good stewards of the land, right,
the animals, the people, the community facilities that we have.
You know, the tribe just can't pick up the reservation
and go somewhere else. They have been eight thousand years
(10:47):
and they will continue to be here for the next
seven generations. So for us it's important that we continue
to improve the quality of life for our community here
in the in their Surrondo ancestral lands.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
So speaking of improving the quality of life, there's a
statistic that is kind of jarring. According to the Indian
Health Service, American Indians and Alaska Natives born today have
a life expectancy of five and a half years less
than other US populations. How is the tribe working to
create a healthier community and really fix that number, get
(11:23):
that number changed. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
And one of the things you know that we recognize
is that not every tribe you know, is like Johabiaton right. Well,
you know, we're very humble, We're very blessed that we've
been able to you know, evolve as a tribal government,
evolve with our businesses, evolve from a philanthropic footprint to
and develop media relationships. But we also understand that there's
(11:45):
other tribes here in California across Indian country that are
still struggling to big to bring in basic infrastructure to
their reservations. And with that, you know, it's our call
of Yawa that you know, cause the tribe that we
need to make sure that we're calling on our beliefs
which means that we're supporting others. Right, So when we
hear these statistics about you know, Indian health services and
(12:08):
how about healthcare system is for tribal communities, we leverage
our Seminole Cares program to how do we help this
tribe build a brand new clinic on their reservation. How
do we work with the American Cancer Society so they
can bring on their national platform, their national program to
support these rural tribal communities. And that's the way that
we've been able to kind of work with our philanthropic
(12:30):
resources to bridge those gaps for those tribal communities.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Yeah, and I even I will I know, just by
being a part of this podcast and also it being
presented by IEHP. You've also partnered with IEHP on some
other community initiatives to help people with their health. So
that's beautiful.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Yeah, And I think one thing, like, you know, a
few weeks ago, you know, this tribe provided a two
million dollar grant to Bad River, which is a tribe
in Wisconsin and the last time they had any construction
was about thirty years ago when you talk about community facilities,
and we actually helped finish the completion for their infrastructure
for their health clinic, and I had me and my colleague,
(13:12):
we have the opportunity to go to the grand opening
and it was pretty amazing just to see how exciting,
you know, this was. You know that this travel community
was like, Hey, we finally have our own clinic where
we have our own travel doctors. You know, this is
going to be a place of healing but also a
place of services, you know. And one of the cool
things was that there was a health clinic, but there's
also community center and in Wisconsin it gets really cold,
(13:34):
and you have those two. You have those two components
right where people can go and take care of their health,
but also too they can go and gather as a
family with their children. So and those are the types
of projects that's said the Joabyts on people's support.
Speaker 1 (13:48):
Yeah, we've talked about this in the past, about in
episodes about how it is easier to go and seek
services from some one who looks like you and who
comes from your same background and you truly feel like
they're going to understand you more so to have their
(14:08):
own clinic, to have your own clique, that is power.
That is so much power right there.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
Yeah, and Evely, you bring a good point because when
you think about the concept of sovereignty, right, what does
it mean to be a tribal to be a sovereign right?
And for that community that I'm referencing is like, we
now have our own health care where we can take
care of our own people, and for us, we see
that as an opportunity. How do we help another group
that they can continue to protect and preserve their sovereignty
(14:36):
so they can continue to take care of their own people.
And that's the perspective that we bring on when we
do these gifts.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
That is really beautiful. I think you kind of touched
on this question. I was going to ask next, but
how are you also partnering with other tribal communities to
highlight these issues? Is there any other examples that you
can give?
Speaker 3 (14:54):
Yeah, most definitely, And I'll share a little surprise where
we still have public with it, you know, but recently
we partnered with a tribe in northern California and they
have been working on building an early head start program
for their tribal community where all the young children on
the reservation can go to school and start you know,
(15:16):
their pre K education. And one of the exciting things
is that you know, it's on the reservation, it's a
tribally ran school, and this was an opportunity where they
had a budget about just under four million, and they
had a gap about seven hundred thousand dollars, you know,
and when we looked at the project for us, it
was a no brainer. Right. You already have monies committed
from federal and state resources, the tribal community wants it,
(15:39):
the tribal leadership is on board. Let's do it, you know.
And that was at grant that we just approved. And again,
it's really exciting because right off the bat, when these
kids are three years old, four years old, five years old,
they're already learning their language. They have a space where
they can go to school. The nearest school for them,
their nearest public school is about a one hour bus
(15:59):
ride and just about three years old and having to
get on for an hour. I don't think that's that's
pleasant for a three year old, you know. But again
another example of how we're really elevating our travel partners
to protect their sovereignty.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
That is so beautiful. Oh, I love that. I think
that is really exciting. That is really exciting. And another
thing I just didn't even know, you know, and I'm
sure there's many people just like me who who don't
know these things that are happening behind the scenes with
the tribe. That is beautiful. So the tribe isn't shy
obviously about being out in the community. So why do
(16:36):
you feel like giving back is a part of the
tribe's mission really to drive the change in our region? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (16:44):
I think you know, the tribe has a concept about
investing in the next seven generations, right, Yeah, so every
decision that we make today tomorrow will impact the next
seven generations. So you know, for example, recently we provided
a ten million dollar grant to health for a federally
qualified health center here in San Bordino, and we understand
(17:05):
that that project is going to help thousands of people
for the next few years to provide preventative health in
a region that's underserved. When it comes down to helf
here in our in our communities, we have either we
have folks that are underinsured or uninsured at all. And
for us, we have that vision, it's like, how do
we get ahead of that, you know, to provide health
(17:27):
care services to our community members. And I think for us, again,
being good stores of our ancestral lands. It's important that
even though we're confined to eleven hundred acres of reservation,
trust Lane's steward it's still the tribe stewardship or responsibility
to take care of all those who reside on their
ancestral lands.
Speaker 1 (17:45):
Yes. Absolutely. Why do you feel like it is so
important for the tribe to amplify their voice?
Speaker 3 (17:54):
I think, you know, one of our tribal values that
salmonoel is unity. You know, when you think about unity
is not only bringing other tribes together, but it's also
bringing our community together because we're all invested. This is
where our children are going, this is where our families
you know, are building their lives, This is where our
elders are retiring and hanging out. You know. But I
(18:16):
think for the tribe, it's important to remind folks that
we are still here, like people have not left and
they have continued, then they will continue to be here
and they will continue to be to be good sources
of their serono ancestral lens. And it's not something you
know a lot of people always ask us like, hey,
what's you know, what's the tribe's CSR plan? You know,
the corporate social responsibility, right, and it's like we are one,
(18:40):
you know, and it's not a plan for us. It's
something that's embedded within the tribal values and in us. Yeah,
it is with that, you know, and I'm always like, well,
you're looking at one. But again, it's something that's rooted
in values and principles. It's not the new corporate thing
for us. It's something that the tribe has been, that's
been carried by their ancestors and they would continue for
(19:02):
the next generation of the tribal community.
Speaker 1 (19:06):
What do you wish people knew about the tribe and
their history and also with your work in the community,
I think, you.
Speaker 3 (19:17):
Know, I want to remind folks that, you know, there's
a lot of great tribes everywhere in California, you know,
from Alaska told Why to New York. There's a lot
of great tribes that are doing great things for their communities.
For here at Salmanoa, I would like, you know, for
folks to know that we're very intentional with our giving.
(19:37):
You know, we're very intentional about the decisions that we
make from a business standpoint, the decisions that we make
and how they will impact or benefit our team members.
Here we have over seventy five hundred team members. We
understand that the investments that we make in philanthropy make
the difference in education, healthcare, housing, homelessness, and all the
different challenges that we have. We have a disciplined approach.
(20:01):
You know, when you're awarding over four hundred and fifty
million dollars over the past twenty years, you can't just
be writing checks. You have to make sure that you
understand the community needs, that you're working with partners that
have capacity, that they that they look like their community, right,
And we have a very intentional and discipline approach, and
I think for the tribe that's what's very important for
them is that you know that folks understand like we're
(20:24):
here to support the community, but we also want to
make sure that we're working with people that have, you know,
the same mind as us.
Speaker 1 (20:30):
Yeah, no, no, no, I think that's very important for
people to understand and fully fully understand when they see,
you know, the different entities that you are all a
part of. So that's really good. Yeah, that's good. I'm
so sorry.
Speaker 3 (20:44):
No, I would just share. And I think too, like
we're all about the long term, right when you're thinking
about seven generations. You know, we we even are just
an interaction just today, right, it was my first time,
you know, meeting you. I've heard you in the past.
But you know, we hope that we can build a
long term relationship because we're all about the long run
and we understand that, you know, we want to continue
to improve the quality of life. We have to have
(21:06):
a vision of the future and how we can make
it better for all and doing.
Speaker 1 (21:10):
It all together. I absolutely agree. I absolutely agree. Yeah,
we've touched on like so many things, you know, briefly,
and I know that we could probably talk forever and ever,
but I want to give a very clear message to
our audience. What do you feel the three key takeaways
from today's conversation that you hope will resonate with people
(21:33):
after listening today.
Speaker 3 (21:35):
Well, you know, I think a lot of people when
they think about the Johabaton of Seminination tribe, they think
about Yamava, right, which is our business entity. And I
think the number one thing is that I want to
make sure that our folks understand that, you know, we're
a tribal government, We're the Jhabit semination tribe. They have
been here and they will continue to be good stewards
(21:57):
of their Serrano ancestral lens, and I think folks should
should always keep that in mind. I think number two
that this drive is is doing the very best that
they can with their resources and being good stewards to
elevate our community, you know, because I think oftentimes the
empire fortunately is forgotten, right, But we have a lot
of great people. We have great talents, we got great nonprofits,
(22:19):
We have a lot of good people like you, you know,
in our community that and are proud you know, to
be from here, you know, and our goal is to
elevate that. And lastly, you know, I think the tribe
has a big interest and you know, continue to find
ways to support other tribes, you know, and get them
to be the next few hobby Time and salmon O Nation,
you know, in their own way right and being respectful
(22:39):
of who they are as a people as well. And
those are probably the three things that I want to
make sure our listeners take away from today.
Speaker 1 (22:46):
Thank you so so so much. Thank you. How can
people follow along with the work of the tribe. How
can people be in touch with you, you know, get involved?
Do you have volunteer programs?
Speaker 3 (22:57):
I mean, like tell me you have most please, So
I have a few resource Number one is through our
Seminalcares dot org website. This is where you can find
more information about, you know, how to apply for grants
from the tribe, you know, some of the different things
that we're working on from from a philanthropy's point. We
also have a Name has Power website you know that
(23:18):
talks about why the tribe decided to reclaim their their
their name and most the most common way at Jojaviyaton,
which is our social media handles, and that's the best
way to continue to follow, you know, some of the
different things that we're going on here at Yojaviaton.
Speaker 1 (23:35):
Yeah, and that's a great way because let's just be honest,
everyone's on social media.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
So.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
You're already there, so that follow and learn more about
what's going on.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
Yeah, yeah, And and Evelin, I do want to say,
you know, thank you for you for all the great
work that you're doing to to highlight the great things
that are happening in the Inland Empire. And you know,
I sincerely appreciate your time this afternoon.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
Oh thank you, Alberto. It's been a complete pleasure. I
hope that we can, you know, do this again down
the road, maybe next year, and you can give us
another update on what's going on and how you know,
how the community is engaged, and all of those types
of updates will be beautiful. So thank you, albert Alberta,
thank you for your time, and I wish you all well.
Speaker 3 (24:21):
Yeah. Likewise, Evelyn, thank you so much for your time
and it's very nice to connect with you.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
Absolutely have a great day.
Speaker 3 (24:28):
Thank you.
Here we are again another episode of Covering Your Health
with Evelini Revas, presented by IEHP. I hope you are
doing great today. Wherever this episode finds you, we really
are happy that you join us, even if this is
your first ever episode. You know, we're on two seasons.
We're almost wrapping up our second season, so we're I
(00:21):
would love for you to get caught up on some
of the other episodes. Most of them are very evergreen.
It's all about education and it is all about learning more
about what's going on in the community and keeping you healthy.
So today we have a very special episode. We'd love
to welcome Alberto Hasso to the microphone. Alberto is the
director of strategic Philanthropy for the Jajavia tom of sand
(00:45):
Manuel Nation, and he's sitting down with us to talk
about the tribe's name change. You may know that that's
what's happened. It's philanthropic endeavors we're going to talk about
as well as well as how it's changing the landscape
of health for the area natives as well as tribes
across the country. You're gonna find this so fascinating. I
(01:05):
know I did. Alberto himself is an Inland Empire native
who was born and raised in Banning, and he's very
proud of that. He's a Coyote. As a graduate from
cal State San Bernardino with a bachelor's in Public administration
and a master's in Business administration from Riverside's cal Baptist University,
he has years of experience working in local and tribal
(01:28):
government and in the private sector, as well as for
the tribe. His main responsibilities include supporting and guiding Jajavia
Thom's philanthropic strategy throughout the Inland Region, Nevada and Indian Country.
So we're so grateful to have Alberto join our Covering
Your Health family, especially since this episode will drop in
(01:50):
the month of November, which also happens to be National
American Indian Heritage Month. I don't know about you, but
I'm really excited to learn more about the tribe. Alberto himself,
You're gonna love this episode. Let's welcome him.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Welcome to Covering Your Health, a wellness podcast dedicated to
covering all areas of living a healthy and happy lifestyle,
from healthy hearts to understanding health plans and everything in between.
Each episode will provide you with a better understanding of
managing your health, preventative care, and staying on the right
path for your family's wellness journey. The Covering Your Health
(02:28):
podcast is presented by I e HP. Now your host,
Evelyna Revez.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Well, it is wonderful to have you here, Alberto Hassel, welcome, nice.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
Thank you for having us. Evan, it's great to see
you and meet you.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
Yes, it's wonderful to meet you. So okay, let's get started.
I want to start with you. I want to get
to know you as a person. Please tell me about yourself,
about your upbringing, you from the IE, I understand, yes, yes.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
Well, first of all, Evelyn, thank you so much for
allowing us the opportunity. Need to share more about myself
and more about the tribe. My name's Alberto Ojasso. I'm
a first generation you know. My parents immigrated from Nayei,
Mexico in the early nineteen nineties. I grew up in
the small city of Banning, California, so ververs money and
(03:19):
my career really really started at in Danning High School.
When I was admitted to cal State Tambordino to attend
or four year university, you know. And when I was
at cal State It really felt like someone removed the blindfolds,
right because I got exposed to a whole different new world,
you know, coming from a family that's very tied to
their vancho and their principals and growing up in a
(03:41):
small town, you know, it was it was a trip,
right to kind of get involved into this new world.
And just you know, just a fun fact, Like my
original career goal was to be a city manager, you know,
because I was like, hey, you can help run a
city and you know, parks and reg public works, and
and then I got him, you know, exposed to tribal government,
(04:03):
you know, which is very foundational. But then there's a
left turn, you know, because now you're looking for a
tribe that's been around for ten thousand years and it's
going to continue for another ten thousand years. And and
and we've been here for almost eight years, and it's
been a good it's been a good journey.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
Wow. You look very young for being so established in
your career. May I ask your age? Is that rude?
Should I not ask that? You could ask me to
I'm not like that person.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
Yeah, so yeah, a lot of people think I'm like forty.
They're like you said, I'm like an old man, but
I'm actually thirty one years old.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
You look very you look you look like you're I
thought I was like, you know, he's probably about thirty,
that's my guest.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
Well, well thank you. Normally I get like, oh.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
You look forty, you're no way, I think you look
very young.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
Yeah, well, well thank you. That's a that's a great compliment.
But yeah, you know, I've been very fortunate that I've been,
you know, blessed with a lot of opportunities, but of
course they've come with preparation and good values.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
So so.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Yeah, and cs USB great school to help you get
there too. My daughter recently graduated from there and she
graduated this year.
Speaker 3 (05:15):
So really.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
Her BA in business business, yeah, and marketing.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
Yeah. I'm a College of Business graduate as well. I
studied public administration, so that's also great school. Cal State
Humberd you know and all that.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
Yeah, and you know, it's just a wonderful school that
we have right here in our community. So that's you know, yeah,
extra little shout out for sure. Well, it's it's wonderful
to have you here. I'm very excited. Let's talk about
the tribe. Let's talk about this recent name change to
reclaim its ancestral name. First of all, we kind of
(05:53):
joked before we got on here. I wanted to make
sure I was going to say everything correctly. So can
you tell me a little bit about the name change
and how some of your grantees and other partners have
really supported this big change for you.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
Yeah, most definitely, and thank you Evil And you know,
the tribe in April of this year, they transition and
made the decision as a tribal government, as a tribal community,
you know, for for a very long time, Seminal Vanda
Mission Indians was the name that was given to the
tribe by the federal government, you know. And with time,
as the tribal government has evolved, and you know, our
(06:28):
citizens have made their decision to reclaim their aboriginal ancestral name,
which is of Seminal Nation, which is a great move
on behalf of the tribe. But also too a lot
of people say, a lot of people have said to us, oh,
they're just changing their name, and and that's not true.
They're reclaiming who they are as a people, you know,
(06:48):
And it's been really awesome to kind of see how
the community has been, Like I don't know how to
pronounce it, but I'm excited, you know, can you teach
us how to say it? And it's of Seminal Nation.
But I think one of the exciting parts for us
is that, you know, the tribe is taking back their identity.
You know, Seminal abandoned Mission India's will always be a
part of the tribe's history by Jojabaton of Seminole Nation
(07:10):
is still here and has always been here. And this
is their reclaimed names as the people of the Mind.
So that's been really exciting for us.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
Yeah, tell me how some of the your partners in
the community, how they've helped you to reclaim this name.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
Yeah, it's imported. Yeah, it's been really excited to see them.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
You know.
Speaker 3 (07:31):
One of the things I do want to call out.
We work with a lot of other tribal governments and
a lot of tribes like Yohaviaton. You know that they've
had names, you know that carried them because of Western
influence or the spanners, and now they're like, hey, we're
going to look into that because that's something that's very
important for us. It's like, because you're reclaiming who you
are as a people, a lot of our nonprofit partners
(07:52):
have been like heyl Verto, we're telling our third graders
that after school tutor tutoring program, I think together that
how to say yohaia, And that's been a really great experience.
We've also we have about seventy five team members that
work for the Tribe and the casino and some of
the different entities, and and they're also become ambassadors on
behalf of the tribe on their new name, which their
(08:14):
reclaimed name.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
My apology reclaimed name.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Well, and I've been I've been there on property before,
and I've seen the name before. I remember seeing it
years ago and I always thought, I'm like, I don't
know enough, I don't know enough about it. So it
is so beautiful for you to be sharing with the
community what it is, what it stands for, and who
you are, you know. So that's that's wonderful.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
Yeah, And I think my last one is you'll see
you know, we understand that it's going to take a
while for folks to kind of you know, yeah, help
I pronounce it, and but we're doing our best to
kryd of create billboards and the it ten, the two ten.
You know, it's Joaviatm, you know. But again, it's been
an interesting journey and I think for me as a
team member, I'm very proud of the tribe, you know,
because I think it's accordant to protect and preserve your.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Identity absolutely absolutely so here on covering your health, we
really talk about a lot of education. That's what we
do and that is why I'm really excited to dive
into as much as we can fit into this episode.
A lot of people associate the tribe with really only
your business business entities, and that's you know, that's fair
(09:19):
because that's what they see in the community. When they're
interacting with some of their favorite things, they'll see, you know,
the tribal name. But a lot of people don't know
about your work across you know, behind the scenes to
support the people of the Pines and other tribal communities
across the nation. Tell me why does this work so important?
Speaker 3 (09:40):
Yeah? And and Nevil and I'll just start off by
sharing some foundation. You know. Johabitta no Seminole Nation. They're
a federally recognized and dan tribe, you know, in which
their reservation is in the city of Highland and the
City of Sambordino. Right, So the reservation is about eleven
hundred acres and this is where the tribe has Yamaba
Resort and casino. But this is also where where the
(10:01):
Seminole tribal community lives.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
Right.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
But when you go back industry, their aboriginal ancestral lands
spand over seven point four million acres. So when you
take it back to Barstow, to eastern Lancaster to twenty
nine proms to the San Bordino riverside borders, those are
all at one point those were the Serrano ancestral lands
of the tribe, right, and now we're onnded to eleven
hundred acres. But you know the reason why this work
(10:25):
is so important that even though the tribe is now
on eleven hundred acres of reservation, you know, trust land.
They see this and it will continue to be their
responsibility ability to be good stewards of the land, right,
the animals, the people, the community facilities that we have.
You know, the tribe just can't pick up the reservation
and go somewhere else. They have been eight thousand years
(10:47):
and they will continue to be here for the next
seven generations. So for us it's important that we continue
to improve the quality of life for our community here
in the in their Surrondo ancestral lands.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
So speaking of improving the quality of life, there's a
statistic that is kind of jarring. According to the Indian
Health Service, American Indians and Alaska Natives born today have
a life expectancy of five and a half years less
than other US populations. How is the tribe working to
create a healthier community and really fix that number, get
(11:23):
that number changed. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
And one of the things you know that we recognize
is that not every tribe you know, is like Johabiaton right. Well,
you know, we're very humble, We're very blessed that we've
been able to you know, evolve as a tribal government,
evolve with our businesses, evolve from a philanthropic footprint to
and develop media relationships. But we also understand that there's
(11:45):
other tribes here in California across Indian country that are
still struggling to big to bring in basic infrastructure to
their reservations. And with that, you know, it's our call
of Yawa that you know, cause the tribe that we
need to make sure that we're calling on our beliefs
which means that we're supporting others. Right, So when we
hear these statistics about you know, Indian health services and
(12:08):
how about healthcare system is for tribal communities, we leverage
our Seminole Cares program to how do we help this
tribe build a brand new clinic on their reservation. How
do we work with the American Cancer Society so they
can bring on their national platform, their national program to
support these rural tribal communities. And that's the way that
we've been able to kind of work with our philanthropic
(12:30):
resources to bridge those gaps for those tribal communities.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Yeah, and I even I will I know, just by
being a part of this podcast and also it being
presented by IEHP. You've also partnered with IEHP on some
other community initiatives to help people with their health. So
that's beautiful.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Yeah, And I think one thing, like, you know, a
few weeks ago, you know, this tribe provided a two
million dollar grant to Bad River, which is a tribe
in Wisconsin and the last time they had any construction
was about thirty years ago when you talk about community facilities,
and we actually helped finish the completion for their infrastructure
for their health clinic, and I had me and my colleague,
(13:12):
we have the opportunity to go to the grand opening
and it was pretty amazing just to see how exciting,
you know, this was. You know that this travel community
was like, Hey, we finally have our own clinic where
we have our own travel doctors. You know, this is
going to be a place of healing but also a
place of services, you know. And one of the cool
things was that there was a health clinic, but there's
also community center and in Wisconsin it gets really cold,
(13:34):
and you have those two. You have those two components
right where people can go and take care of their health,
but also too they can go and gather as a
family with their children. So and those are the types
of projects that's said the Joabyts on people's support.
Speaker 1 (13:48):
Yeah, we've talked about this in the past, about in
episodes about how it is easier to go and seek
services from some one who looks like you and who
comes from your same background and you truly feel like
they're going to understand you more so to have their
(14:08):
own clinic, to have your own clique, that is power.
That is so much power right there.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
Yeah, and Evely, you bring a good point because when
you think about the concept of sovereignty, right, what does
it mean to be a tribal to be a sovereign right?
And for that community that I'm referencing is like, we
now have our own health care where we can take
care of our own people, and for us, we see
that as an opportunity. How do we help another group
that they can continue to protect and preserve their sovereignty
(14:36):
so they can continue to take care of their own people.
And that's the perspective that we bring on when we
do these gifts.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
That is really beautiful. I think you kind of touched
on this question. I was going to ask next, but
how are you also partnering with other tribal communities to
highlight these issues? Is there any other examples that you
can give?
Speaker 3 (14:54):
Yeah, most definitely, And I'll share a little surprise where
we still have public with it, you know, but recently
we partnered with a tribe in northern California and they
have been working on building an early head start program
for their tribal community where all the young children on
the reservation can go to school and start you know,
(15:16):
their pre K education. And one of the exciting things
is that you know, it's on the reservation, it's a
tribally ran school, and this was an opportunity where they
had a budget about just under four million, and they
had a gap about seven hundred thousand dollars, you know,
and when we looked at the project for us, it
was a no brainer. Right. You already have monies committed
from federal and state resources, the tribal community wants it,
(15:39):
the tribal leadership is on board. Let's do it, you know.
And that was at grant that we just approved. And again,
it's really exciting because right off the bat, when these
kids are three years old, four years old, five years old,
they're already learning their language. They have a space where
they can go to school. The nearest school for them,
their nearest public school is about a one hour bus
(15:59):
ride and just about three years old and having to
get on for an hour. I don't think that's that's
pleasant for a three year old, you know. But again
another example of how we're really elevating our travel partners
to protect their sovereignty.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
That is so beautiful. Oh, I love that. I think
that is really exciting. That is really exciting. And another
thing I just didn't even know, you know, and I'm
sure there's many people just like me who who don't
know these things that are happening behind the scenes with
the tribe. That is beautiful. So the tribe isn't shy
obviously about being out in the community. So why do
(16:36):
you feel like giving back is a part of the
tribe's mission really to drive the change in our region? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (16:44):
I think you know, the tribe has a concept about
investing in the next seven generations, right, Yeah, so every
decision that we make today tomorrow will impact the next
seven generations. So you know, for example, recently we provided
a ten million dollar grant to health for a federally
qualified health center here in San Bordino, and we understand
(17:05):
that that project is going to help thousands of people
for the next few years to provide preventative health in
a region that's underserved. When it comes down to helf
here in our in our communities, we have either we
have folks that are underinsured or uninsured at all. And
for us, we have that vision, it's like, how do
we get ahead of that, you know, to provide health
(17:27):
care services to our community members. And I think for us, again,
being good stores of our ancestral lands. It's important that
even though we're confined to eleven hundred acres of reservation,
trust Lane's steward it's still the tribe stewardship or responsibility
to take care of all those who reside on their
ancestral lands.
Speaker 1 (17:45):
Yes. Absolutely. Why do you feel like it is so
important for the tribe to amplify their voice?
Speaker 3 (17:54):
I think, you know, one of our tribal values that
salmonoel is unity. You know, when you think about unity
is not only bringing other tribes together, but it's also
bringing our community together because we're all invested. This is
where our children are going, this is where our families
you know, are building their lives, This is where our
elders are retiring and hanging out. You know. But I
(18:16):
think for the tribe, it's important to remind folks that
we are still here, like people have not left and
they have continued, then they will continue to be here
and they will continue to be to be good sources
of their serono ancestral lens. And it's not something you
know a lot of people always ask us like, hey,
what's you know, what's the tribe's CSR plan? You know,
the corporate social responsibility, right, and it's like we are one,
(18:40):
you know, and it's not a plan for us. It's
something that's embedded within the tribal values and in us. Yeah,
it is with that, you know, and I'm always like, well,
you're looking at one. But again, it's something that's rooted
in values and principles. It's not the new corporate thing
for us. It's something that the tribe has been, that's
been carried by their ancestors and they would continue for
(19:02):
the next generation of the tribal community.
Speaker 1 (19:06):
What do you wish people knew about the tribe and
their history and also with your work in the community,
I think, you.
Speaker 3 (19:17):
Know, I want to remind folks that, you know, there's
a lot of great tribes everywhere in California, you know,
from Alaska told Why to New York. There's a lot
of great tribes that are doing great things for their communities.
For here at Salmanoa, I would like, you know, for
folks to know that we're very intentional with our giving.
(19:37):
You know, we're very intentional about the decisions that we
make from a business standpoint, the decisions that we make
and how they will impact or benefit our team members.
Here we have over seventy five hundred team members. We
understand that the investments that we make in philanthropy make
the difference in education, healthcare, housing, homelessness, and all the
different challenges that we have. We have a disciplined approach.
(20:01):
You know, when you're awarding over four hundred and fifty
million dollars over the past twenty years, you can't just
be writing checks. You have to make sure that you
understand the community needs, that you're working with partners that
have capacity, that they that they look like their community, right,
And we have a very intentional and discipline approach, and
I think for the tribe that's what's very important for
them is that you know that folks understand like we're
(20:24):
here to support the community, but we also want to
make sure that we're working with people that have, you know,
the same mind as us.
Speaker 1 (20:30):
Yeah, no, no, no, I think that's very important for
people to understand and fully fully understand when they see,
you know, the different entities that you are all a
part of. So that's really good. Yeah, that's good. I'm
so sorry.
Speaker 3 (20:44):
No, I would just share. And I think too, like
we're all about the long term, right when you're thinking
about seven generations. You know, we we even are just
an interaction just today, right, it was my first time,
you know, meeting you. I've heard you in the past.
But you know, we hope that we can build a
long term relationship because we're all about the long run
and we understand that, you know, we want to continue
to improve the quality of life. We have to have
(21:06):
a vision of the future and how we can make
it better for all and doing.
Speaker 1 (21:10):
It all together. I absolutely agree. I absolutely agree. Yeah,
we've touched on like so many things, you know, briefly,
and I know that we could probably talk forever and ever,
but I want to give a very clear message to
our audience. What do you feel the three key takeaways
from today's conversation that you hope will resonate with people
(21:33):
after listening today.
Speaker 3 (21:35):
Well, you know, I think a lot of people when
they think about the Johabaton of Seminination tribe, they think
about Yamava, right, which is our business entity. And I
think the number one thing is that I want to
make sure that our folks understand that, you know, we're
a tribal government, We're the Jhabit semination tribe. They have
been here and they will continue to be good stewards
(21:57):
of their Serrano ancestral lens, and I think folks should
should always keep that in mind. I think number two
that this drive is is doing the very best that
they can with their resources and being good stewards to
elevate our community, you know, because I think oftentimes the
empire fortunately is forgotten, right, But we have a lot
of great people. We have great talents, we got great nonprofits,
(22:19):
We have a lot of good people like you, you know,
in our community that and are proud you know, to
be from here, you know, and our goal is to
elevate that. And lastly, you know, I think the tribe
has a big interest and you know, continue to find
ways to support other tribes, you know, and get them
to be the next few hobby Time and salmon O Nation,
you know, in their own way right and being respectful
(22:39):
of who they are as a people as well. And
those are probably the three things that I want to
make sure our listeners take away from today.
Speaker 1 (22:46):
Thank you so so so much. Thank you. How can
people follow along with the work of the tribe. How
can people be in touch with you, you know, get involved?
Do you have volunteer programs?
Speaker 3 (22:57):
I mean, like tell me you have most please, So
I have a few resource Number one is through our
Seminalcares dot org website. This is where you can find
more information about, you know, how to apply for grants
from the tribe, you know, some of the different things
that we're working on from from a philanthropy's point. We
also have a Name has Power website you know that
(23:18):
talks about why the tribe decided to reclaim their their
their name and most the most common way at Jojaviyaton,
which is our social media handles, and that's the best
way to continue to follow, you know, some of the
different things that we're going on here at Yojaviaton.
Speaker 1 (23:35):
Yeah, and that's a great way because let's just be honest,
everyone's on social media.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
So.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
You're already there, so that follow and learn more about
what's going on.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
Yeah, yeah, And and Evelin, I do want to say,
you know, thank you for you for all the great
work that you're doing to to highlight the great things
that are happening in the Inland Empire. And you know,
I sincerely appreciate your time this afternoon.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
Oh thank you, Alberto. It's been a complete pleasure. I
hope that we can, you know, do this again down
the road, maybe next year, and you can give us
another update on what's going on and how you know,
how the community is engaged, and all of those types
of updates will be beautiful. So thank you, albert Alberta,
thank you for your time, and I wish you all well.
Speaker 3 (24:21):
Yeah. Likewise, Evelyn, thank you so much for your time
and it's very nice to connect with you.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
Absolutely have a great day.
Speaker 3 (24:28):
Thank you.
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