Sharing a few of our happy 2022 Dragonfly Gala moments with all of you:
In a joyful moment, Elder Ernest Siva, President of Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, embraces Gerald Clarke after Center leaders Ernest and June Siva awarded him with the 2022 Dragonfly Award for soaring achievements in saving and sharing Southern California Native American cultures. (Carlos Puma Photo)
Elder Ernest Siva, President of Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, June Siva, vice president, and artist Gerald Clarke of Cahuilla Reservation, winner of the 2022 Dragonfly Award. The glass award was created by California Native Glass. (Carlos Puma Photo)
Gerald Clarke then announced he was giving Dorothy Ramon Learning Center this special painting, “Cahuilla Rhythms,” which he had painted for the Gala celebration and brought to the Gala.
(Pictured here discussing the painting afterward, and how all the elements portrayed in front of the Hemet Maze Stone petroglyph reflect the Cahuilla cultural relationship with the landscape and all living things. Carlos Puma Photo)
Another joyful moment when June and Ernest Siva reacted happily to Gerald Clarke’s announcement of his generous gift. (Carlos Puma Photo)
There was also lots of eating delicious BBQ beef by Roy Mathews and a wonderful dinner, lots of shopping at our silent auction and Center booth …
Bird Songs led by Walter Holmes. Bill Madrigal also led songs. (Carlos Puma Photo)
Dancing to bird songs! (Carlos Puma Photo)
Saving and Sharing
As part of the Gala’s exhibits, San Manuel Reservation Serrano linguists, who have worked with Ernest Siva and Dorothy Ramon Learning Center for years, discussed their projects.
Morongo Reservation Cultural Department brought yummy treats made with native plants, and art. (Carlos Puma Photo)
Morongo School gave away all kinds of dragonflies made by students and had translated “Think about it, then create it,” into Cahuilla and Serrano for badges and other giveaways. (Carlos Puma Photo)
Lorene Sisquoc shows some art in the Sherman High School art display. Mother Earth Clan also shared art that people could make of their life with yucca brushes and traditional style pigments. (Carlos Puma Photo)
Thank you to Malki Museum for all your support! Also presenting displays were California Indian Nations College and Native Lands Conservancy. (Carlos Puma Photo)
Thank you!
With your support, the 501c3 nonprofit Dorothy Ramon Learning Center since 2003 has saved and shared Southern California Native American cultures, languages, history, and traditional arts.
Big Dragonfly Gala thank-yous to all who attended and celebrated Southern California’s Native American cultures with us! To all who volunteered! A big thank you to our gala sponsor, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, and to a shout out to those who purchased tables. Bighorn table: Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples; Carolyn Horsman; Arlene Craft; Denisa Torres; and California State University, San Bernardino. Deer table: Angelo Schunke (2); Ernest & June Siva; Sandra Martin (2); California Indian Nations College (2); Melissa Costello.
Thanks from News from Dorothy Ramon Learning Center Editor Pat Murkland, Aug. 18, 2022. Thanks for your support: