Robert Salgado, tribal chairman of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, at his home on the Soboba Reservation. We are a sovereign nation, Salgado said. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Charles Prudencio Resvaloso Sanchez, one of the 15 graduating students of Noli Indian School in San Jacinto, at a graduation ceremony held June 5. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
An image of Robert Salgado is projected on the screen as he addresses the graduation ceremony at Noli Indian School. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Delbert Briones, 7, takes part in a Bird Singers performance at the graduation ceremony at Noli Indian School. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Rosemary Morillo, a former tribal chairwoman, lost her 26-year-old son Eli last month in a gun battle with deputies. Another son, Peter Morillo, 27, was fatally shot in a 2002 confrontation with officers. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
