Chairman Robert Martin of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians is a recognized and respected leader across Indian Country, the U.S. and California. He has served more than 25 years in Morongo’s tribal government. He was first elected tribal chairman at the age of 32 and has served several terms as chairman since.
A champion of self‐reliance, Chairman Martin led Morongo in its landmark 1987 U.S. Supreme Court case that confirmed the sovereignty of Indian tribes and their right to establish gaming operations.
Chairman Martin has worked closely with city, county, state and federal lawmakers on issues related to economic development, land use, water, energy resources, education, the environment, transportation and tribal gaming.
Chairman Martin oversaw the development of the original Casino Morongo and, years later, the $250 million Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa. During Chairman Martin’s tenure on the council, Morongo has diversified its business portfolio with new ventures in finance, health care and agriculture, and expanded its holdings to include the premier Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon.
Today, Morongo’s business enterprises generate nearly $3 billion in annual economic activity and provide more than 3,000 jobs.
A passionate defender of Morongo’s rich culture and tribal traditions, Chairman Martin is equally committed to developing the next generation of tribal leaders and helped establish a new tuition‐free preparatory academy at the Morongo Reservation – the first of its kind in the nation.
Martin’s has served on the boards of numerous organizations including the California Indian Manpower Consortium, the California Indian Child Welfare Consortium, Riverside/San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc., and the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association.
