Johnny Hernandez, Jr.

Vice Chairman of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation

Johnny Hernandez, Jr. is serving his second term as Vice Chairman of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel  Nation, following service as Tribal Secretary and Tribal Council Member. His dedication to his Tribe is  built on the commitment to take care of one another and to preserve what is fundamentally valuable to  

the Yuhaaviatam, or “People of the Pines”, clan of Maara’yam, including their unique form of  government and culture within which the San Manuel Tribal community is deeply rooted. 

Vice Chairman Hernandez is dedicated to building a strong educational foundation for Yuhaaviatam of  San Manuel citizens. He believes that education is essential for a better future and a means toward  individual self-sufficiency, which is critical in the building of a community. Vice Chairman Hernandez  serves as Chair of the San Manuel Education Board, leading the board’s efforts on revitalizing the  Tribe’s Maara’yam language and culture.  

In addition, Vice Chairman Hernandez is a committed advocate for the protection of Tribal sovereignty  and gaming rights. California tribes have faced a serious threat to their gaming exclusivity by out-of state gaming operators. He continues to advocate and educate about the hard-won gaming exclusivity  and sovereign governmental gaming rights of Tribes in California. Through advocacy and strategic  partnerships, Vice Chairman Hernandez firmly believes that proactive education to community and  business leaders about Tribal sovereignty and Native American peoples is vital to ensure doors continue  to be opened for Native American engagement and leadership.