Savana Saubel

Savana Saubel spent her childhood swimming in the streams of the Indian Canyons, learning bird dances from her father, and immersing in the traditions of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Today, she serves as secretary-treasurer of the tribe’s governing council, overseeing tribal finances, cultural programs, and partnerships.

“I went to my first tribal council meeting in middle school,” she recalls. “I remember seeing the tribal leadership and thinking it was something I wanted to do when I was older.” A lifelong resident of the Coachella Valley, Saubel has worked across tribal departments — from youth programming to casino regulation — before being elected to the council in 2022.

In her current position, she advances economic development, outreach, and cultural initiatives, while strengthening the tribe’s philanthropic support. “Without the work these great organizations do,” she notes, “people would just be lost.”

Saubel makes it a point to share Cahuilla culture. She teaches traditional bird dances to local youth and speaks regularly at schools and events. “I love inviting the community to enjoy our heritage, look at our culture, see our traditional ways,” she says. “Sharing that is the best.”