A Word from Ernest and June Siva
Dorothy Ramon Learning Center leaders Ernest and June Siva (All photos in this newsletter are by Carlos Puma)
The Dragonfly Gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of Dorothy Ramon Learning Center was beyond our imagining. There were many wonderful surprises. So many contributed and made it meaningful, as you can see in this article.
When we started Dorothy Ramon Learning Center in honor of the work of Ernest’s aunt, we wanted to save and share Native American cultures — languages, histories, songs and stories, traditional arts. It’s important to save what we can, it’s also important to share with the interested public. We can all celebrate these beautiful cultures which are part of our national heritage. We also wanted to bring people together, and the Dragonfly Gala definitely accomplishes that. It’s like a family reunion each year. We see old friends and meet new ones. We remember those we’ve lost.
We carry on the work of Dorothy Ramon. Her generation was the last to grow up speaking the Indigenous language first. She was steeped in her culture. She worked with a linguist to document her language and culture. We also heed the advice of Francisco Morongo of a previous generation. He saw the changes “younger brother” was to bring about and advised the young families to learn the new ways, but not to forget their language and culture. That’s why we save and share!
We thank all who took part in making it happen, and all who attended.
Yes, thanks to all for finding joy at our Dragonfly Gala!
At the gala bird singers all joined together for a happy tribute in traditional singing and dancing to co-founders Ernest and June Siva, the Center's president and vice president.
A beautiful moment came in the reading of this poem by Morongo School student Avayah Duro:
Hakupvu' 'a' ay Mr. Siva
We grew up listening to his voice. Stories of his past. Songs from his heart. I waited for the time of day when his comforting voice would calm the room. The admiration we have for a man so wise and so familiar, Grows stronger as we grow.
He gives us stories from our ancestors, And an appreciation of our culture, Something only few can. We hear him in our hearts and grow with his knowledge.
Ernest Siva, Through stories and songs, the generations of Morongo School Students are able to see into the past.
We will not be lost or wondering who we are, Because your presence will remain with us for generations.
Learning Center board members Carolyn Horsman (treasurer), Angelo Schunke (facilities, at microphone), Tom Long (secretary), and Pat Murkland (editor) honored the Sivas by presenting the Dragonfly Award for the Sivas’ soaring achievements in saving and sharing Native cultures.
Organizations shared cultural exhibits. A huge thank you to Angela de Los Santos and the Morongo Empowerment Program for offering dragonfly hats to all participants, sponsoring our fun photo booth, and for uncounted other acts of kindness and generosity in the spirit of the dragonfly and the open hearts that call in the dragonfly, as in the song that Ernest Siva sings. On display was the moving Empowerment quilt against domestic violence and inspiring the healing journey. Other artwork included the figure of Ernest Siva by artist Gloria Bell described here.
Thanks also to the Malki Museum, Morongo School, Native Lands Conservancy, California Indian Nations College, Isaac and Olivia Webb, San Manuel Education Department, Luke Madrigal Indigenous Storytelling Nonprofit, and Morongo Cultural Heritage Dept., which offered delicious tastes of Native foods and drinks. And speaking of delicious, Willie Pink prepared and donated the amazing dinner. Yum, yucca bread.
Those celebrating included the Madrigal Family Bird Singers and Dancers, led by Dragonfly Award winner Bill Madrigal; Torres-Martinez Bird Singers; and Dragonfly Award Winner Kim Marcus.
Enjoy this slideshow of Carlos Puma’s photos:
Thank you to all volunteers and our community celebrating and sharing the joy of Native American cultures.
As is our tradition, Elder Ernest Siva (Cahuilla-Serrano) ended the gala evening by singing the Dragonfly Song.
Thank you!
Again, thank you to all members of our dragonfly community who joined us to celebrate the 501c3 nonprofit Dorothy Ramon Learning Center's 20th anniversary of saving and sharing Southern California Native American cultures, languages, history, and traditional arts. And as always, thanks from Center leaders Ernest and June Siva and Editor Pat Murkland for reading, liking, subscribing, and sharing News from Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, your FREE online weekly newsletter. We love to hear from you. PLEASE EMAIL. August 17, 2023.