Indian country mourns the passing of Richard Milanovich, 69, chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Richard was a man of wisdom, honor and grace. He was a visionary, with the foresight to see what Indian tribes can achieve through inherent sovereignty and tribal economic development. He was a mentor, colleague, and good friend. Chairman Milanovich is survived by his wife Melissa and his six children—Scott, Reid, Trista, Sean, Travis and Timmy.
Chairman Milanovich lived during an era of great tribal leaders, and embodied those great Indian leaders of the past who led with a true heart, loved their people and brought them from poverty to great success. His heartwarming smile kindled a fire in all our hearts to do the best for Indian Country.
As a leader, I knew Chairman Milanovich to be quick with a smile and a laugh, and one who could easily impart an important lesson about Indian sovereignty and the importance of living our tribal traditions. Serving on the tribal council over a period of more than 30 years and as chairman for almost 20 of those years, Richard Milanovich fought and won many battles over tribal sovereignty.
He met with presidents, senators and congressmen in pursuit of justice for Indian Country. He negotiated with several California governors while educating the state legislature on what it means to have sovereign tribes within state borders. Despite moving in these political circles, Chairman Milanovich never lost his connection with his people, neighbors and community.
Chairman Milanovich led the effort to preserve and consolidate tribal lands for the benefit of the Agua Caliente people. His list of legislative accomplishments is long and varied, but always in the interest of protecting his people and tribal lands.
• In 1992, under his leadership and against the advice of many, the Agua Caliente Band acquired the Spa Hotel in downtown Palm Springs.
• In 1995, he led the effort to establish gaming at the Spa Hotel and Casino.
• In 1998, Agua Caliente partnered with neighboring tribal governments to secure the passage of Proposition 5, authorizing tribal-state compacts with the state of California.
• In 2000, Chairman Milanovich worked with neighboring tribes to secure state constitutional amendments to recognize Indian gaming through the passage of Proposition 1.
• In 2003, he led a $95 million effort to remodel the Spa Hotel and Casino.
• In 2008, Chairman Milanovich led the effort to build the four-star Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage, California, with 340 guest rooms, five restaurants and 10,000 square feet of convention space. He helped build the Agua Caliente Casino Resort as a showcase for Indian gaming.
Chairman Milanovich led the way on Indian sovereignty by advocating to preserve the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, seeking amendments to federal labor laws to restore the treatment of Indian tribes as governments, and fighting for federal tax provisions to recognize the status of Indian tribes as governments.
Chairman Milanovich was also a strong proponent of Indian culture and Indian values. “He was one of the most highly respected leaders nationwide in Indian Country,” said retired U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colorado). “We call it living in two worlds. He was a strong practitioner and supporter of the ancient traditions, ceremonies and practices that are important to Indian people. But he was also a very strong leader in 21st century Indian America. He understood business and was a wonderful advocate for Indian enterprises.”
Chairman Milanovich was a man of his people and a true national Native leader. He narrated a video explaining Cahuilla culture and history at the National Museum of the American Indian’s historic Alexander Hamilton Customs House. One would often see Chairman Milanovich at the president’s congressional dinner, conversing with senators and congressmen, and other top national leaders.
Chairman Milanovich led the Agua Caliente in their support for the construction of the National Museum of the American Indian on the Capitol Mall in Washington, D.C. Under his leadership, Agua Caliente was a generous contributor to many charitable causes in the state of California as well as a primary contributor to the National Congress of American Indians.
In 2005, Chairman Milanovich was a recipient of the National Indian Gaming Association’s Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award, Indian Country’s most prominent tribal award for outstanding leadership, courage, generosity and statesmanship.
I will always remember Richard as a man with heart and kindness who never lost his faith and sense of optimism even during the most trying times. Indian Country will truly miss one of the most significant leaders of our time; most of all we will miss his smile. We offer our sincere sympathy, prayers and condolences to his family and his people.
