Ramona Band of Cahuilla
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Our Mission

Our Projects

News & Events

From Our Chairwoman

On behalf of the Ramona Band of Cahuilla, we welcome you to our Tribal website. As Chairwoman, I invite you to explore our site and learn not only about our rich history, but also of the projects, initiatives, and developments that we as a Tribe are currently pursuing. From developing our Reservation entirely off-grid, to utilizing our hand crew to complete a variety of field-based projects, to the environmentally conscientious initiatives undertaken by our EPA department, the Ramona Band remains committed to providing for its people in a way that is sustainable and promotes Tribal sovereignty.

Although we often reflect back on our past and on all of the challenges and hardships we have had to endure, today we also tightly focus our eyes forward and remain optimistic of the groundwork we are establishing for our future generations.

Sincerely,

Danae Hamilton Vega
Chairwoman

News & Events

History

Established in 1893, the Ramona Band of Cahuilla is a federally-recognized Tribe situated in Anza, California, approximately ninety miles northeast of San Diego. Nestled at the base of Thomas Mountain at about 4,800 feet elevation, the Reservation encompasses 560 acres of land and has been developed entirely off-grid. Comprehensive solar arrays and battery systems, coupled with small-scale wind turbines, provide consistent power to the Tribe’s residential homes and facility buildings.

Projects

Projects undertaken by the Ramona Band often foster land stewardship, environmental protection, and community engagement. For example, in 2023 the Tribe paved the dirt road extending to and through the Reservation, allowing for smoother traveling both in and out of the Reservation and the reduction of harmful particulate matter in the atmosphere. The Tribe’s EPA department has also implemented sweeping land protection initiatives, including water quality sampling, development of legal ordinances, and solid waste management. Lastly, the Tribe routinely outreaches to the surrounding community vis-à-vis participation in local interest groups, hosting of Earth Day events, and development of a community park for local Tribal members.

New Housing Construction

In 2024, the Tribe began construction of new housing on the Reservation. Each home has been designed for off-grid living and will help the Tribe continue its energy saving practices.

The Tribe’s Environmental Department helps to oversee a broad range of initiatives on the Reservation, including water quality sampling, renewable energy development, land assessment, erosion control, wildlife assessments, as well as community outreach.

Partnering with the US Department of Energy (DOE) and other federal agencies, the Tribe installed an ecotourism center comprised of five yurt structures. This off-grid center has functioned as a case study for the Tribe on how economic development can be initiated in an environmentally sustainable manner on rural Tribal lands.

The Ramona Band of Cahuilla established the Red Hawks hand crew in 2012. The Red Hawks protect and preserve natural resources by creating a safer environment both within the Reservation and other surrounding areas.

In order to facilitate a healthy and active lifestyle for Tribal members, the Tribe partnered with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to initiate the build-out of a community park.

There is one access road into and out of the Reservation. When the Reservation would experience extreme weather events (such as flooding or heavy snow), it jeopardized Tribal members ability to enter and exit the Reservation. To mitigate this, the Tribe partnered with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to pave the 3.1 mile road. Road construction was completed in Summer 2015.

Where We Are

Ramona Band of Cahuilla

MAILBOX

PO Box 391670
Anza, CA 92539

HOURS

Monday-Friday: 8am – 4:30pm

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