JDRF is pleased to honor the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation for the 2008 Promise Ball. As a Native American Indian tribe, Sycuan is an independent, sovereign nation with their own democratically elected government, the Tribal Council. Sycuan people abide by tribal laws as well as state and federal laws. As an independent nation and independent government, Sycuan maintains government-to-government relationships with the city, county, state and United States governments.

Above all else, Sycuan is a people. Incredibly, Sycuan ancestors have lived in the San Diego area for nearly 12,000 years. Currently, there are 130 Sycuan tribal members who work hard to respect many time-honored traditions to keep their heritage and customs alive.

Sycuan continues to diversify as a business enterprise. To date, the state-of-the-art casino has been their most noteworthy economic success. To realize their goal of diversification, the Sycuan Tribal Development Corporation (STDC) was established. STDC's first acquisition was the beautiful golf course and resort property of Singing Hills, making Sycuan the first tribe in San Diego to offer guests a true resort experience. Since then, STDC has been busy with development projects in downtown San Diego and National City, purchasing the historic US Grant, beginning a capital management firm and becoming boxing promoters with Ringside Promotions by Sycuan.

Being a good neighbor is central to Sycuan’s identity. The generosity of the Sycuan has been experienced over the years by a wide variety of charitable and civic groups and individuals throughout San Diego County. Sycuan's spirit of sharing goes beyond this financial assistance, however. Neighbors in East County and beyond have experienced Sycuan's hospitality first-hand as the tribe has opened its facilities and resources to the surrounding communities. These resources include a Fire Department, Medical and Dental Center, Education Department with various instructional programs and the Kumeyaay Community College.

According to their website, “it is an obligation that we have taken upon ourselves to help out neighbors and make San Diego, our native homeland, a better place.”

JDRF is grateful for the continued support that Sycuan has provided every year, and we are thrilled to partner with them in the 2008 Promise Ball.

As former chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), and former Vice Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Daniel Tucker is one of Indian country’s strongest advocates of tribal sovereignty and a well-known and respected Native American leader.

In his role as CNIGA Chairman, he led more than 70 California tribes working to protect tribal government gaming rights. He is responsible for introducing the first legislation in California history to win bi-partisan support for tribal gaming. As NIGA vice chairman, he was a highly visible spokesman for Indian issues on the national front.

Currently Tucker is Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation in San Diego. During his term he has overseen the growth and success of one of the largest facilities in the state of California to offer all forms of legal gaming at one venue, employing nearly 4,000 San Diegans. Under his leadership, the Sycuan Tribe has continued its long tradition of giving back to the community through charitable contributions and sponsorships exceeding $4 million per year.

A true entertainer at heart, Tucker has a strong passion for music. He currently resides on the Sycuan Indian Reservation with his wife Jackie.