JDRF is pleased to honor The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. The Viejas Band, one of the remaining 12 bands of the Kumeyaay Indian Nation, resides on a 1,600-acre reservation in the Viejas Valley, east of the community of Alpine in San Diego County, California. The Viejas Band is recognized as a sovereign government by the United States, with which it maintains a government-to-government relationship. The Kumeyaay, referred to as Diegueño by the Spanish, were the original native inhabitants of San Diego County. The Kumeyaay, Yuman-speaking people of Hokan stock, have lived in this region for more than 10,000 years. The Viejas Band has become one of the nation's most respected gaming tribes for its entrepreneurial success and political advocacy of economic sovereignty and for the example it has set for tribal government businesses throughout the nation. Under the umbrella of Viejas Enterprises, the Viejas Band is the sole owner and manager of Viejas Casino, Viejas Outlet Center, and Ma-Tar-Awa Recreational Vehicle Park, all located on the reservation. The Viejas Band also owns Borrego Springs Bank and the Alpine Springs Recreational Vehicle Park.

The Kumeyaay Indians, whose ancestors welcomed explorer Juan Cabrillo to San Diego with open arms in 1542, continue ancient traditions of hospitality and sharing. These traditions are manifested today through the consistently generous contributions to a wide variety of charitable and community organizations. Each year, the Viejas Band makes philanthropic donations to hundreds of local community groups, schools, service and civic organizations, as well as charity events sponsored by other commercial businesses. Such support comes directly from the Viejas Tribal Council and its wholly owned business enterprises - Viejas Casino, Viejas Outlet Center, Borrego Springs Bank, and two RV parks. Any society that sees a marked increase in health care, education and general welfare has a bright future. Under the careful leadership of its democratically elected tribal government, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians will continue to grow their government programs and teach their children to care for the people, the land, and nurture the Kumeyaay spirit for years to come. JDRF is grateful for the past support of Viejas in our Walk to Cure Diabetes, and for their involvement this year as honorees and sponsors of the 2008 Promise Ball ~ Picture the Cure.

Bobby L. Barrett is serving his fourth consecutive term on the Viejas Tribal Council. After three terms as vice chairman, Barrett takes great pride in stepping up as chairman of one of the premier tribal enterprises in Southern California.

As the full-time chairman, Barrett focuses on increasing tribal business revenues and planning and implementing long and short-term economic diversification goals. He is working to strengthen Viejas culture, leadership and maintain critical alliances with the state, national American Indian community and non-Indian communities alike.

Prior to serving on the council, Barrett left a decade-long career in management at Viejas Casino, where he acquired management and leadership skills, as well as hands-on experience in employee relations and customer service, all of which add to his strengths as chairman. He is also a problem gambling counselor, certified by the California Council on Problem Gambling, which the Tribal Council has supported financially over several years.

He is a trained and able communicator in the areas of American Indian rights, gaming and culture. He believes the best way to secure the rights and status of the Viejas Band in the new millennium is by being proactive - anticipating challenges and opportunities and taking actions that integrate the will and desires of Viejas tribal members.

Aside from his role as chairman, Barrett also serves as chairman of the newly formed California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA), which was created to protect the Tribal government gaming industry, and to create strategic alliances with a wide group of businesses and industries. CTBA, comprised of a select group of California's largest and most politically active and philosophically progressive gaming tribes, provides lawmakers with information and counsel about all tribal issues and the gaming industry.

His accountability extends far beyond the scope of operations and administration of the council. One of Barrett's top priorities is ensuring the Council's accountability to Viejas tribal members. Actively involved in infrastructure and housing for the band, he builds upon the business and government foundation initiated by prior councils to add and strengthen government programs that improve the quality of life of tribal members. An advocate of the Viejas Housing Program, Barrett's commitment to tribal members ensures that each member of the tribe will have a home they can be proud to own on the reservation.

True to his conviction and compassion for others, Barrett founded The Bobby Barrett Foundation, which believes that all people are entitled to live with respect and dignity, and that the welfare of our communities as a whole can be improved by showing compassion and empathy for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Recently, the Foundation, in conjunction with Sharps and Cor-o-van health care, coordinated the donation of over 40 hospital beds and various other medical equipment to two hospitals in need south of the border. In 2005, Barrett also led the charge to establish the Indian Nations UNICEF Tsunami Relief Fund to assist the survivors of this cataclysmic event with a special emphasis on the children.

Believing children are symbolic of innocence, Barrett feels it is his duty to protect that innocence through education. Barrett encourages tribal children to participate in many educational programs offered by the tribe designed to provide physical, emotionally safe, secure, and supportive learning environment.

In his spare time, he finds gratification in helping those less fortunate and receives pleasure in being in the company of family and friends. He also enjoys golfing and is an avid reader.