Maurice Lyons (Morongo)
Board President
Morongo Tribal Chairman
Banning, CA
Born in Riverside County as one of nine children, Maurice Lyons grew up on the Morongo Indian Reservation. "Life on the reservation prior to gaming was a hard life," said Lyons. "We didn't have electricity so until I was 7 or 8 we used kerosene lamps. We would stuff the cracks of our windows with paper to keep out the wind. Having that kind of a life to start with made me appreciate the importance of tribal self-sufficiency."
Lyons began his public service career in 1994 and has served as a tribal housing commissioner and as chairman of the Morongo Headstart Parent Policy Committee. He was elected tribal chairman in July, 2001.
The Morongo tribal members conduct elections annually to cast their ballots for a tribal chairperson and six members of their tribal council. Terms of office are for two years and are staggered. Chairman Lyons and the council establish policy and oversee the legal and business affairs, economic development, and community services for the tribe.
Chairman Lyons also works with both state and federal legislators on Indian issues and matters affecting tribal government and economic development.
"Today tribal governments are in a transition that began with independence, progressed through a long, difficult period of survival, and are now moving again to self-determination and control. We plan to continue our progress, protect the legacy of our sovereignty and provide for the future self-sufficiency of our people," Lyons said.
Lyons is deeply committed to youth programs and language programs designed to preserve tribal culture, customs and traditions. "Our heritage is everything and we are working hard to ensure our children learn our languages and traditions," he said.
Lyons attended Banning High School and in those days there were no classes available in tribal history or culture. "Governor Davis has signed two historic pieces of legislation that will provide for true Indian education in California and will protect our sacred sites and artifacts."
Lyons is also making it a priority to improve the quality of life on the reservation. "We are moving forward to take care of the children, families and elders who live on the reservation. Planning is under way for a new administration building and complex," said Lyons.
Lyons represents the Morongo tribe with the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), a 70-member state association of tribal governments and with the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN), a regional federation of 13 tribal governments based in the Riverside and San Bernardino counties.