Washington, DC – The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is proud to announce that the appointment of Vice Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena to the board of trustees for the National Museum of the American Indian was ratified recently by the Smithsonian Institution’s board of regents. Valbuena’s initial three-year term as trustee began Jan. 1.

NMAI was established in November 1989 and is the first national museum in the country dedicated exclusively to Native Americans, the first to present all exhibitions from a Native viewpoint and the first constructed on the National Mall since 1987. A number of tribal nations made significant financial contributions to the development and construction of the museum.

“I am honored to have been considered for this important appointment by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.,” Valbuena said. “The National Museum of the American Indian has an opportunity to serve a critical role in bridging the cultural divide between indigenous people of the Americas and the rest of the world. It’s a wonderful place to learn about indigenous cultures and I look forward to contributing to its success.”

The board of trustees currently includes 25 members representing various sections of the Western Hemisphere. NMAI is a part of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, which operates numerous public museums in Washington, D.C. and other cities in the country.

“Vice Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena is precisely the kind of board member we need,” said Kevin Gover, director of the museum. “With her leadership skills, knowledge of museums and other non-profits, she will contribute greatly to the museum’s mission.”

Valbuena has been actively involved with national, regional and local organizations, including service on the governing boards of the National Indian Gaming Association, the Autry National Center, San Bernardino Valley Lighthouse for the Blind, and the YMCA San Bernardino. She is currently chairwoman of the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, an organization of tribal governments throughout south-central California. For more than nine years, Valbuena has been active member of the Advisory Council for the California American Indian Chamber of Commerce.