Dr. Sean Milanovich dedicated his doctoral dissertation, The Treaty of Temecula: A Story of Invasion, Deceit, Stolen Land, and the Persistence of Power, 1846-1905, with the words in Cahuilla: “Nemingkem'ika, Alowah pish Muchingax pish Chemqal Ivax!” Thank you, relatives, for looking forward, so we could be here today!”
Dr. Milanovich, who is from the Agua Caliente Band, plans to discuss in his May 2, 2022, Dragonfly Lecture at Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, how the Cahuilla, Cupeño, Luiseño, and Serrano attached their marks to the Treaty of Temecula to unite their communities and prepare for a new world that included the survival of their people.
They were thinking of the Native American people of today.
Under duress, more than two dozen leaders put their marks in January 1852 on the treaty for their families and their communities, attempting to save small amounts of their homelands from invasion. However, the treaties were based on deceit, according to Dr. Milanovich. In July 1852, the United States Senate rejected the treaties, and kept them secret.
The last page of the Treaty of Temecula, with the signatory marks of Juan Antonio(identified in the treaty as Juan Antonio "Coos-woot-na"), Juan Razon (identified in the treaty as Leonardo "Parlewet"), Francisco Javiel, and Jose Cabazon (Identified in the treaty as Jose "Coos-pa-óm-niwit"), all Cahuilla leaders. The hand-drawn seals of certification, “L.S.,” are to the right of each “X” mark. (Courtesy of Sean Milanovich.)
The homelands were overrun. Despite massive losses, genocide, incarceration, and lack of resources, the people persevered and continued to thrive, Dr. Milanovich found. “The people were vigilant and kept hold of their traditions, stories, and persisted to live on the land as they adopted new ideas and ways to move forward.”
Family Members
In looking at some names of tribal leaders on the 1852 treaty, we realize that we know their descendants and relations 170 years later.
Some are teaching cultural strengths to new generations. Dorothy Ramon (Serrano), for example, the namesake of the Learning Center, and her nephew, Elder and Center President Ernest Siva (Cahuilla-Serrano), are descended from a Morongo family member who signed the treaty.
The net from the Cahuilla Wanakik clan, Yginio Gabriel, whose name was recorded on the Treaty of Temecula as “Ginio” of “Wah-nepe-ah-pa” (a version of the Cahuilla name for Whitewater Canyon, according to Dr. Milanovich), was the great-uncle of Jane Penn, who co-founded the Malki Museum.
And one of Cahuilla leader Juan Antonio’s relatives was Rupert Costo (1906-1989), Cahuilla writer, publisher, and founder of the American Indian Historical Society. His UC Riverside endowment is co-sponsoring Monday’s lecture.
These are but a few of the ancestors who were thinking ahead to future generations. Come learn more about these ancestors and the story of the 1850s, which has transformed our nation’s history, and our story, today.
May 2, 2022, Update
Here’s an update on the reception and Dragonfly Lecture on the Treaty of Temecula, when we return on Monday, May 2, 2022, to saving and sharing Southern California’s Native American cultures at in-person events.
RECAP: The nonprofit Center will reopen at 127 N. San Gorgonio Ave., Banning, starting at 5 p.m. on May 2, 2022, with a public reception, followed by a 6 p.m. Dragonfly Lecture by Dr. Sean Milanovich, "The Treaty of Temecula: A Story of Invasion, Deceit, Stolen Land, and the Persistence of Power." The signing of this treaty changed history in January 1852, but most scholarly work leaves out the Native American voice — until now.
Read more about the Dragonfly Lecture co-sponsored by the San Gorgonio Pass Historical Society and the Rupert Costo Endowment of University of California, Riverside HERE.
5 p.m. Reception update: We’ll start with a traditional blessing to re-open the Learning Center.
Then, visit with friends and renew acquaintances. Relax to traditional music. Shop for Native American jewelry and art; 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Learning Center. Enjoy food and beverages courtesy of the Rupert Costo Endowment of UC Riverside.
Your $10 donation for reception and lecture will help support our future in-person programs and activities.
Thank you!
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We welcome your EMAIL. Thank you from Editor Pat Murkland, April 27, 2022.