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Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians Makes a Historic Gift

Supporting American Indian Education

LA MESA, Calif. March 20, 2006 - The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians announced a historic gift of $25,000 to the American Indian College Fund (the Fund). The gift is in support of the Sovereign Nations Scholarship Fund (SNSF), a permanent endowment supported by Indian Nations, Native American owned businesses and individuals.

Richard Williams, President of the Fund stated, "We thank the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians for honoring our ancestor's belief in caring for the people and the unborn. The endowment will provide scholarships for our people forever. That is the true Indian way of giving."

The SNSF endowment was launched in 2001, with a gift from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Indian Nations, including the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay, contribute to the endowment, which provides scholarships in perpetuity to American Indian students at tribal colleges and mainstream universities across the country. SNSF represents a historic commitment from Indian Nations to provide access to education for all Native people.

Bobby Barrett, Vice Chairman of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians explained, "It gives our tribe great pride in being able to give back to our Native brothers and sisters. Not only do we strongly believe in the American Indian College Fund's mission, but we also strive to share in the responsibility of furthering the education of all Native Americans. It is evident the SNSF endowment serves this exact purpose."

Actively involved in community outreach, each year, the Viejas Band makes philanthropic donations to hundreds of community groups, schools, service and civic organizations. Deeply committed to sharing, not only within San Diego, the Viejas Band makes contributions from its business enterprises---the Viejas Casino, Viejas Outlet Center, Borrego Springs Bank, Ma Tar Awa RV Park and Alpine Springs RV Park.

The American Indian College Fund is the largest provider of private scholarships for American Indian students, supporting over 30,000 students attending 32 tribal colleges in 11 states.

To learn more about the American Indian College Fund, please visit www.collegefund.org.  For more information of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, please visit www.viejasbandofkumeyaay.org.

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