Welcome to the government page of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. 

We are honored to share our history, our culture, and the progress we’ve made in our government and economic development.

The Santa Ynez Reservation is located in Santa Barbara County and was established and officially recognized by the federal government on December 27, 1901. Today, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians remains the only federally recognized Chumash tribe in the nation. The tribe is a self-governing sovereign nation and follows the laws set forth in its tribal constitution.

Members of our Business Committee — including four elected members and myself, the elected Tribal Chairman — are our government leaders. The Business Committee oversees the legal and business affairs of the tribe and makes recommendations for the overall good of tribal membership, which then votes on the recommendations made by the Business Committee. The tribal members also conduct elections every two years to select these leadership positions.

The tribal government of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians is democracy in action. Through this carefully constructed framework, we are able to honor the legacy of our ancestors. Their spirit will continue far into the future because of the actions we are taking in the present, and tribal families of today have more opportunities than ever before.

It’s one of many ways that we can celebrate the Chumash spirit of growth — which has brought us where we are today.

Sincerely,
Kenneth Kahn
Tribal Chairman

Members of the Chumash Business Committee are elected to their office for two years to serve in non-paid positions. They spend upwards of 40 hours per week serving on behalf of the tribe. Each member brings a varied skill set and a tremendous amount of passion for serving as an elected tribal government official.

Our tribe’s Business Committee is responsible for establishing policies and overseeing the legal and business affairs of the tribe, while providing for the economic well-being of its members. The Business Committee must obtain approval from the general Santa Ynez Chumash tribal population for issues regarding managing and directing tribal revenue.

All tribal members over the age of 21 are designated as voting members of the general population and are encouraged to vote in the elections.

Kenneth Kahn

CHAIRMAN Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

Kenneth Kahn’s involvement and deep interest in tribal government and politics developed at an early age. At 19 he made his first trip to Sacramento to represent the tribe’s interests. Kahn was elected to the tribal leadership team in March 2003 when he was just 25 — making him the youngest person to ever serve on the Chumash Business Committee. 

Mike Lopez

VICE CHAIRMAN Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

As Vice Chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Business Committee, Mike Lopez is responsible for establishing policies and overseeing the legal and business affairs of the tribe, while providing for the economic well-being of its members.

Maxine Littlejohn

SECRETARY-TREASURER Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

Encouraged by her mother to let her voice be heard, Maxine Littlejohn has been a part of tribal government all her life—from attending General Council meetings as a child to serving on the Business Committee for more than ten years during her professional career.

Raul Armenta

Business Committee Member Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

Elected to the Business Committee in 2016, Raul Armenta joined the board with significant tribal government experience after serving more than two decades on the tribe’s Gaming Commission.

Gary Pace

Business Committee Member Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

Elected in 2004, Gary Pace serves as a Business Committee member having been re-elected every two years since being nominated to run for the tribal leadership board in a special election nearly 20 years ago.

The Tribal Elders Council consists of enrolled members who are 50 years of age or older. The Council is governed by a board of seven members with the purpose of maintaining the tribe's heritage, history, and traditions. 

The Elders Council Governing Board oversees the relocation of human remains and religious artifacts, as well as the organization and oversight of culturally sensitive dig sites.  This also entails coordination and collaboration with historical, local, state, national, and international societies and museums concerning recognized sensitive sites.

The Chumash Casino Resort has quickly become one of the most successful and complex business ventures in the Santa Ynez Valley. As with any business, there are certain regulations and rules that must be followed.

The Santa Ynez Gaming Commission is the regulatory arm of the tribal government and is responsible for ensuring that casino operations are in compliance with the appropriate gaming regulations. The Chumash Casino Resort currently follows regulations as set forth by the National Indian Gaming Commission, the State of California, and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

Made up of Commissioners serving three-year terms, the Gaming Commission ensures complete compliance is met on all levels to guarantee the continued success and compliance of gaming operations.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Tribal Hall and the Tribal Health Clinic are located on the Chumash Reservation at 90 and 100 Via Juana Lane, respectively.

Along with the day-to-day tribal government operations, Tribal Administration provides programs to support education, vocational, and professional development. The administration also oversees youth programs for creative arts and athletic achievement, as well as community philanthropic support and environmental management.  The administrative offices have also enabled the tribe to host various meetings and events. 

The Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic (SYTHC) continues to serve our tribal community, as well as the neighboring areas, to provide medical and dental care. This facility has expanded the care offerings to serve tribal members and the surrounding community.