Me Yah Whae Fall-Winter 2021

Me Yah Whae Fall-Winter 2021 is a magazine devoted to the Agua Caliente story; past, present, and future. Me Yah Whae features contributions by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians relating to art, the environment, business, leadership, entertainment, hospitality, and other issues affecting the Coachella Valley. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians represents one of the most significant cultural histories in California and is a dynamic force in the Coachella Valley with its economic development efforts, philanthropy and civic leadership.

FEATURES

'I Felt This Empowerment and Joy'
Tribal culture means everything to Makaila "Makala" Pete, aka Miss Agua Caliente.

We Are the Cahuilla
A brief history of the Coachella Valley's first residents.

Cahuilla Territory
For the Agua Caliente people, the greatest riches are land, spirit, and identity.

Cultural Inspiration
Every aspect of the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is designed to share the Tribe's story for generations to come.

A Plaza for the People
Tribal members create a special place to celebrate and share Agua Caliente culture.

Legacies of Leaders
From the 1800s through today, the Agua Caliente leadership bespeaks the trajectory of a thriving and prosperous Tribal government. In this issue, Me Yah Whae focuses on Barbara M. Gonzales Lyons.

COMMUNITY

GENERATIONS - Never Slow Down
For Vincent Gonzales Jr., it's not crossing the finish line that matters most but everything he's learned along the way.

TRADITIONS - Beneath the Surface
The discovery of thousands of artifacts at the site of the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza adds a stunning new chapter to the Tribe's history.

GIVING BACK - Spreading the Love
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians gives back to the community.

STEWARDS OF NATURE - Everlasting Spring
The Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring shaped the desert's First People and continues to be a sacred source of water for the Tribe.

VALLEY PARTNERS - Culture Meets Tourism
The Greater Palm Springs CVB promotes the Tribe's heritage-rich experiences to attract visitors to the Coachella Valley.

VALLEY PARTNERS - History, Hands-On
A trailblazing partnership brings Agua Caliente history and culture to local classrooms.

LIVING

DINING - Spice it Up!
Home-style south-of-the-border-style dishes spice up the dining options at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City.

GOLF - Refresher Course
Enhancements to the Indian Canyons' South Course make for more beautiful game.

SPA - Taking of the Water
The Spa at Sec-he, situated on the sacred site of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, offers a world-class experience in a setting reflective of the Tribe's cultural heritage and healing traditions.

OUTDOORS- A Deeper Sense of Place
The Agua Caliente Oasis Trail is a gift to us all.

LUCK

WHAT'S HOT- Fuel Up and Win!
Agua Caliente Fuel and car-charging station opens in Rancho Mirage.

AT YOUR SERVICE -
His Goal is Aiming for Excellence
As General Manager of the Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, Michael Facenda finds satisfaction in creating a fun locale.

BY THE NUMBERS - Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City
Tons of materials and hard work went into those glorious jackpots. Here's a look at what it took.

LESSONS FROM THE TABLE - A Winning Hand
One card game at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City offers "bonus" payouts to sharp players.

HOSPITALITY - We've Got SPIRIT!
Meet the top talent from the Agua Caliente Casinos.

IN EVERY ISSUE

Chairman's Message

Ancient Origins

First Look

Go. See. Do.

Deep Impressions

ON THE COVER
A discovery during construction of the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza changed everything known about the sacred site.