Contributor Profile

Lynn "Nay" Valbuena is Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Currently serving a third consecutive term as Chairwoman, she has held numerous elected positions within the tribal government over 28 years. Valbuena has a lifetime of service and leadership with regional, state and national organizations, including the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN), California Nations Indian Gaming Association, National Indian Gaming Association and the National Congress of American Indians. Valbuena is currently serving her 25th year as TASIN Chairwoman. She currently serves on board of trustees for the Autry National Center, and previously served as a trustee for the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Lynn is also a member of the advisory board for the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California with San Manuel being among its original members. In addition, Valbuena's career of service to Indian Country has been recognized through her induction in 2015 into the American Gaming Association's 'Gaming Hall of Fame' and her awarding of a honorary doctorate degree from Northern Arizona University in 2018.