Two tribes who were the hardest hit by southern California fires are relying on a number of sources to rebuild their communities.
The Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians will be able to use gaming revenues to help tribal members who lost homes. "That's guaranteed, so don't worry about it," Chairman Bo Mazzetti said, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
The La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians isn't as lucky. With most of the reservation burned, the tribe is depending on the federal government, charities and others.
"We're really relying on those outside the reservation," Chairman Tracy Nelson told the paper.
The Poomacha Fire started October 23 at La Jolla. It burned 50,000 acres in the area -- 92 percent of the 8,500 acres at La Jolla and 84 percent of the 4,300 acres at Rincon.
At La Jolla, 59 homes were burned. The Rincon Band lost 65 structures, including a historic church.
Get the Story:Common history, divergent future (The San Diego Union-Tribune 11/5)
Press Release: Artman Meets with Tribal Leaders Impacted by SoCal Fires (BIA 11/1) Relevant Links:
After the Fires Fund - http://www.sdfoundation.org/fire2007 Related Stories:
California tribes begin fire recovery efforts (10/31)
Artman to survey fire damage in southern California (10/30)
Tribal firefighters battle California blazes (10/26)
Two tribes among hardest hit by California fires (10/25)
Fires strike southern California reservations (10/24)
BIA cancels consultation due to California fires (10/23)
