Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Tours Twenty-Nine Palms Band Economic Development Projects
Coachella, Riverside County, California — The Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland, joined by Deputy Assistant Secretary Ken Bellmard, toured economic development projects led by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians on October 22, according to a Bureau of Indian Affairs press release issued that day. Accompanied by Tribal Chairman Darrell Mike, they visited sites including Spotlight 29 Casino and Thermal Airport, home to Coulson Aviation's Air Attack wildfire protection operation, and inspected locations designated for advanced manufacturing and expanded power generation.
The release said the tribe's investments and initiatives are creating thousands of jobs across the Coachella Valley and greater Riverside County, demonstrating the impact of tribal-led development supported by federal funding and regulatory assistance. Kirkland said the visit showcases what is possible with increased economic ties and coordination between the administration and tribal communities, that the Twenty-Nine Palms Band is fueling growth and opportunity across Riverside County and Southern California, and that his office looks forward to continuing to support those efforts.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：内政部印第安事务助理部长 Billy Kirkland 一行与 Twenty-Nine Palms 部落领导层在部落徽记地面前合影，为该次巡访官方照片。图片来源：美国印第安事务局（BIA）官网新闻稿配图（bia.gov）。
