Highland, CA (April 20, 2026) — Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation invites guests to experience the beauty and cultural significance of the region’s native landscape through its annual Yucca celebration, featuring a vibrant and immersive exhibit at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, on view now through the end of May.
The whimsical, larger-than-life installation transforms the space into a living expression of the region’s natural environment, with oversized blooms, sculptural plants, seed pods, and pollinators including hummingbirds, bees, and moths, each element reflecting the intricate ecosystem of the San Bernardino region.
The display was created through collaboration between Yaamava’ Resort & Casino horticulturists and Tribal Citizens to reflect Marra’yam (Serrano) lifeways in a culturally appropriate way.
At the heart of the celebration is the yucca plant, which has long held deep cultural, practical, and spiritual significance for Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. For generations, yucca has been harvested and used in a variety of ways, from weaving and cordage (rope) to food and ceremonial practices, and continues to serve as a living connection to ancestral knowledge and tradition.
The green “Y” in the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino logo is inspired by the leaves of the chaparral (whipplei) yucca plant, a species deeply rooted in the cultural and ecological landscape of Southern California. Yucca represents far more than a native plant. It is a symbol of growth, renewal, and resilience, particularly in its ability to endure fire, drought, and changing conditions.
The Yaamava Yucca exhibit serves as both a celebration and an educational experience, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the native flora and fauna that define the region, as well as the enduring traditions that continue to shape Yuhaaviatam identity today.
Through art, scale, and storytelling, the installation brings to life the interconnectedness of plant, animal, and human communities, highlighting the Tribe’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing its cultural heritage.
This connection extends beyond the exhibit itself and into the surrounding landscape. Across the San Bernardino region, yucca plants are now in bloom, with native species like Chaparral Yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei) flowering from late spring into early summer. Peaking in spring, their tall stalks of creamy-white blossoms rise across hillsides and mountainsides, marking a seasonal moment long tied to Yuhaaviatam cultural practice and connection to the land.
Guests are invited to explore the exhibit throughout its run at Yaamava’, experiencing a unique blend of creativity, culture, and natural beauty that reflects the spirit of the Yuhaaviatam people.