Yuhaaviatam reclaims its ancestral name

This shift follows the adoption of the tribe’s new constitution and signifies a return to its roots.

Before European settlement, the tribe was known as the Yuhaaviatam Clan of the Maara’yam. The name Yuhaaviatam — which translates to “people of the pines,” according to the tribe — reflects its deep connection to its land and ancestors.

The tribe says the name San Manuel Band of Mission Indians was imposed by the U.S. government in 1891, during a time of dispossession and trauma, and is a reminder of the lasting impact of colonization, including the tribe’s confinement to isolated and unproductive lands.

Reclaiming the ancestral name is a way to honor the tribe’s rich history and pay tribute to the strength of the tribe’s ancestors.

“A name is more than just a title or label — it is a proud connection to our identity, our history and our traditions,” Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Tribal Council, was quoted as saying. She added that the reclaimed name is a “symbol of the enduring legacy passed down through generations” and is “rooted in our spoken language” and “deeply embedded in our heritage.”

The name change coincides with the tribe’s ongoing efforts to promote awareness of its language and culture. In 2021, the tribe reintroduced the Maara’yam language with the opening of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino. Yaamava’ means “spring season” in the Serrano language.