Anthony W. Purnel

Born and raised in the Coachella Valley, Anthony W. Purnel stands in a lineage that stretches back thousands of  years. “We’ve been here since time immemorial,” he reflects, speaking of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. “Generations of ancestors lived on this land before us, and it’s my responsibility to carry their legacy forward and help our community.”

That commitment runs in the family. Purnel’s grandmother, aunt, and uncle served on the tribal council before him, inspiring his own path to leadership. Now, as vice chairman of  the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, he is one of five council members guiding policy, supporting tribal membership, and stewarding the land. “Helping out our membership in any way I can and doing anything we can with the community” brings the most gratification. That support extends beyond tribal members: The tribe is one of the largest employers in the valley, and its impact touches every corner of the region.

Purnel advocates for education to share the tribe’s story with future generations, pointing to the opening of the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza and the tribe’s third-grade curriculum program as milestones. “Educating the community and telling them who we are is the most important thing,” he says.

For Purnel, leadership begins with listening. If  he could offer his 20-year-old self advice, it would be this: “Listen to your family members, listen to your community, listen to your ancestors,” he says. “Appreciating the time you spend with your family is the most important thing.”