When Robert Martin was first elected tribal chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians in 1983, gas was $1.16 per gallon, Return of the Jedi was the No. 1 movie, and Sunny Halo, with jockey Eddie Delahoussaye, won the Kentucky Derby.
Since then, in the 18 years as chairman and 11 years on the Morongo Tribal Council, Martin has advocated for tribal rights at the White House, before the U.S. Congress, and to California state and local governments. He’s been a leader in land use, water, energy, education, the environment, transportation and tribal gaming, and has helped lead generations of his tribe out of poverty through economic development.
Martin is retiring July 1 from the tribal government. He will be succeeded by Charles Martin (no relation).
“Hardworking, engaging, and entrepreneurial, Chairman Robert Martin’s leadership transcended generations and cultures,” said Charles Martin in a statement. “He is an inspiration and a role model for tribal leaders everywhere, and we look forward to benefiting from his continuing wisdom and counsel for many years to come.”
Robert Martin grew up on the Morongo Reservation near Palm Springs, California, helping his family raise cattle. After attending community college, he worked as a contractor and home builder before entering tribal government.
His first exposure to the nuances of politics came when California state and county officials tried to shut down high-stakes bingo and card parlors in 1986. Joining with the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. Martin led efforts to block that legislation and eventually secure the 1987 U.S. Supreme Court decision that affirmed the sovereignty of Indian tribes in the country and their right to establish gaming operations.
“There were some in Indian Country who told us to quit because they thought we were risking too much,” Robert Martin said in a statement. “Some thought we should be content with modest bingo halls and small card rooms. But I felt the issue was too important to give up.”
Robert Martin oversaw construction of the Casino Morongo in 1994, the development of the $250 million Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in 2004, and its expansion in 2020. He’s helped the Morongo tribe diversify its business portfolio with enterprises generating nearly $3 billion annually in regional economic activity and providing more than 2,500 jobs in Riverside County. And Martin also was instrumental in establishing a tuition-free college preparatory academy at the Morongo Reservation and supports college scholarship programs to help tribal youth secure higher education.
“I’m proud of the great progress our tribe and our Tribal Council have made together during my tenure as we created new economic and educational opportunities for our members, our region, and all of Indian Country,” Robert Martin said. “I am confident that the next generation of tribal leaders will continue the important work of advancing tribal sovereignty.”
Robert Martin plans to continue to serve the Morongo Band in an advisory capacity.
“Chairman Robert Martin has – and will continue to be a pillar in Indian Country,” said California State Assembly member James Ramos in a statement. “Chairman Martin serves as a role model for so many of us and I thank him for his teachings.”
