Gaining Legitimacy finds the tribe in a new era of prosperity. They have become a major force in the Inland Empire; bringing much needed jobs and economic revitalization to the area. Their journey from poverty has been difficult, however, as legal battles over their sovereignty continue to challenge their gaming venture.

Looks to the future and how the San Manuel Tribe is building a legacy beyond casinos. With new and diversified business ventures, the tribe has returned to their status as one of the most powerful, influential tribes in Southern California, as they were in antiquity.

The focus of the program encompasses the initial settlements established by the Spanish in the form of missions and presidios, changes that incurred due to Mexican Independence, and the eventual take over of California by the American government.

This program turns its focus onto the era of the gold rush, California statehood, and the birth of the reservation systems. The desire for Indian lands, anti Indian laws and Indian massacres are discussed.

Historians and Native Indians talk about the reservation system and the various manners in which California Indians fought to maintain and remain within their ancestral lands. Broken treaties, the Modoc Wars, and the perseverance of the Serrano Indians are discussed.

The various ways in which California's indigenous people were assimilated into American society are covered. Indian boarding schools, military service and the Indian extermination policies are presented and discussed.

Indian people from throughout California discuss the importance of maintaining their unique cultures to preserve this knowledge for future generations.

Begins the story arc that follows the Serrano people from their creation story which begins in Marra (near 29 Palms) and the top of the San Bernardino Mountains fo their ultimate settlement on the San Manuel Reservation. Jerry Paresa narrates.