Tribal Government
Chairman Darrell Mike
Personal Statement:
“I believe in learning from the past in order to create a better future”
Chairman Darrell Mike was born in Palm Springs, California and has been a long-time resident of the Coachella Valley. Growing up, he attended Desert Valley schools before later graduating from Palm Desert High School. At the age of eighteen, he became an adult voting member of the Tribal Council in 1990. After years of dedicated service and recognition for his efforts in building a brighter future for the Tribe, Chairman Mike was elected to his first tenure as Tribal Chairman on January 1, 2007, serving consecutive terms ever since.
As Tribal Chairman, Darrell Mike oversees official tribal meetings, preserves our heritage through cultural initiatives, and manages the day-to-day operations of our government. He maintains and strengthens government-to-government relationships, forging partnerships from the Coachella Valley to Washington, D.C. His leadership extends beyond governance, as he actively engages in community outreach and organizes charitable events through affiliated entities such as the Four Winds Coalition, Native American Land Conservancy, and the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation.
Chairman Mike has led transformative changes within our Tribe, including revamping our government structure, implementing new tribal laws, updating policies, and improving governmental efficiency. Under his leadership, we have expanded our enterprises to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the Tribe. Chairman Mike’s vision is rooted in higher education, maintaining a strong business plan, economic diversification, and tribal self-sufficiency—paving the way for a thriving and independent future for our people.
HISTORY OF THE TWENTY NINE PALMS BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
We are the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, a federally recognized Chemehuevi tribe with deep ties to the desert landscapes of Southern California. Our ancestral home is the Oasis of Mara (Mar’rah), located near what is now Joshua Tree National Park. For centuries, our people thrived in this region, moving throughout the Mojave Desert between the Colorado River and the area now known as Twentynine Palms.
Our Mission Statement
As we, the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, we are building a strong foundation that ensures a bright and self-sustaining future for generations to come. Our vision is rooted in independence, mental strength, and a profound respect for our natural surroundings.
Our true wealth is not measured by material gain but by the thriving spirit of our younger generations. For generations, we have understood that family standing shoulder to shoulder is more important than anything else. While friendships may come and go, we remain steadfast in our commitment to each other, always ready to provide a safe place to call home. Loyalty strengthens our unity, ensuring that we put family first and protect the tender hearts that share our Tribal blood. We are a unique blend of history, culture, beliefs, and heritage—rich beyond measure in ways that can only be preserved through generations. The value of our traditions cannot be quantified; it is upheld by our commitment to pass them on.
When faced with difficult decisions, we rely on our past. We remember what has worked for us and what has not. Our history has taught us to stand firm in our beliefs, make decisions with conviction, and prioritize what is best for our people. We have earned valuable wisdom through experience, always moving forward with honesty, hard work, and integrity.
Our dedication to self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and self-governance remains unwavering. We have built a reputation of sincerity and forthrightness in business and personal relationships. The honor of being part of this Tribe is immeasurable, and yet, we remain grounded and humble, true to our roots. Our strength and values will echo resoundingly for generations to come.