Springtime means harvest time for the yucca plant, which is an age-old tradition for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI). The yucca is used as a food source, and also to make rope, twine and soap. But climate change is threatening their ancient tradition.
As climate patterns change, so does the harvest season. The SMBMI is a federally-recognized Indian tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. San Manuel exercises its inherent sovereign right of self-governance and provides essential services for its citizens by building infrastructure, maintaining civil services, and promoting social, economic and cultural development. As the Indigenous people of San Bernardino, the Serrano people of San Manuel have called this area home since time immemorial and are committed to remaining a productive partner in the San Bernardino region.
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