Sycuan Donates $10,000 to Tonga Disaster Relief Fund

This week,  Sycuan Casino Resort presented PIFA with a $10,000 donation for the relief efforts in Tonga.

“When we heard about the tsunami and all the damage that was suffered in Tonga, we knew we had to do something to help the indigenous people of the island,” said, Cody Martinez, chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. “There is so much of a correlation between the Pacific Islanders and the Native American culture. Not to mention, our team members and guests whom many of them also represent that culture. Through the Kumeyaay spirit of giving, we’re happy to be here today to pay it forward and do what we can to help.”

PIFA said, “PIFA and Sycuan Casino Resort have a partnership that goes back to PIFA’s first festival at the Embarcadero. In 1995 the Hokule’a was visiting San Diego.  The ship was greeted by local islanders and representatives from the Kumeyaay Nation. At this festival the Kumeyaay joined in the celebration, and they offered blessings onto our festival, the Hokule’a and its crew. 26 years later, Sycuan Casino Resort remains committed to the Pacific Islander community and continues to support us in many ways.”

If you would like to learn more or contribute to the relief efforts in Tonga through PIFA, please send an email to tongadisasterrelief@pifasandiego.com.