A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in political science, Mark Macarro has served as tribal chairman of the Penchanga Band of Luiseno Indians for 16 years. In this role, Mark Macarro is responsible for leading the tribe toward economic self-sufficiency, political self-determination, and the maintenance of the group’s cultural identity.

1. Pechanga Cultural Center
Preserves Cultural Heritage
Mark Macarro

2. Introduction
 A graduate of the University of California,
Santa Barbara with a degree in political
science, Mark Macarro has served as
tribal chairman of the Penchanga Band of
Luiseno Indians for 16 years. In this role,
Mark Macarro is responsible for leading
the tribe toward economic self-sufficiency,
political self-determination, and the
maintenance of the group’s cultural
identity.
One of the ways the Penchanga Band of
Luiseno Indians aims to protect and share
its cultural heritage is by operating the
Penchanga Cultural Center. The center
houses objects of historical and artistic
relevance, maintains archival and oral
history materials, and acts as an activity
center for cultural enrichment for
members of the tribe.

3. Pechanga
CulturalCenter
 The 12,000-square-foot facility is
comprised of three buildings that house
the tribe’s administration, and provide
meeting spaces. Additionally, the center
includes on on-site nursery and
Monitor Program dedicated to the
conservation of native plants and
wildlife. During the summer, the center
acts as a site for the tribe’s Traditional
Summer Youth Program, where young
Pechanga students between the ages of
12 and 17 have the opportunity to
develop traditional skills practiced by
the Luiseno, including basket weaving,
making arrowheads and arrows, and
pottery.
To find out more about the Pechanga
Cultural Center, visit pechanga-
nsn.gov.