Once upon a time, the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel thrived here. Today we explore the Santa Ysabel Reservation. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Kumeyaay Indians. This federally recognized tribe has deep roots in this land.
The Santa Ysabel Reservation was founded in 1893. It is located in northeastern San Diego County near Santa Ysabel and Julian. The reservation spans over 15,000 acres. Its mountainous terrain ranges from 3,200 to 5,700 feet in elevation.
Imagine the landscape. Seven species of oak trees dot the hillsides. Musky sage plants perfume the air. Verdant wild ferns carpet the ground. Blue lilacs add splashes of color. Waves of golden poppies dance along the ridges of Volcan Mountain. The Santa Ysabel Reservation experiences four distinct seasons. Blossoming springs give way to warm summers. Colorful autumns lead to snowy winters.
The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel is a sovereign government. It has its own constitution established in 2007. This constitution protects their culture lands and rights. It also promotes equality and justice. The government is divided into four branches. They are the General Council, Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The General Council is the supreme governing body. It consists of over 700 adult voting members.
The Santa Ysabel Band is headquartered right here in Santa Ysabel California. A democratically elected tribal council governs them. Bernice Paipa is the current tribal chairperson. Brandie Taylor serves as vice chairwoman.
The tribe once owned and operated the Santa Ysabel Resort and Casino. The Orchard Restaurant and Seven Oaks Bar and Grill were also tribal enterprises. They faced economic challenges and closed in 2014. The tribe has since ventured into other economic activities. Santa Ysabel Interactive was established. They launched the I-gaming poker website Private Table. This allowed them to offer Class II gaming through internet servers located on tribal lands.
In 2017, the Santa Ysabel Tribal Development Corporation launched a high-level cannabis operation. It includes Mountain Source Dispensary and SoCal First Nations Distribution. The Santa Ysabel Economic Development Corporation oversees tribal lending enterprises. It also manages Santa Ysabel Roadside a convenience store and gas station.
The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel celebrates a Feast Day at Santa Ysabel Asistencia in mid-November. This event showcases their rich cultural heritage. It is a time of community and tradition. The Santa Ysabel Reservation stands as a symbol of resilience. It represents the Iipay Nation’s commitment to preserving their identity. It is also a testament to their journey toward self-determination.