“At this 17th Dragonfly Gala, we reflect on the deep losses of our Elders and other beloved community members during the past year, while we remain thankful — and joyful — for the cultural resiliency that the ancestors have given, and the knowledge that our Elders shared with us, to teach new generations.
As the song says, “Powva' aarnk hye'kam tum haiti' a'aye'ci' peepamkw … Their eyes open to see a bright future.”
This is how our Elder, Dorothy Ramon Learning Center President Ernest Siva (Cahuilla-Serrano) opened the 17th Dragonfly Gala on August 14, 2021.
A traditional blessing opened the Gala, with, from left, Ernest Siva, Raymond Marcus, and Kim Marcus ( © Carlos Puma for Dorothy Ramon Learning Center)
We thank all who shared with us.
Here is a selection of Dragonfly moments from among the many photos of the 17th Dragonfly Gala by our longtime friend, photographer Carlos Puma.
Photos feature:
Opening welcome song and blessing with Ernest Siva, Kim Marcus and his son, Raymond Marcus.
Cahuilla Bird Songs by Painiktem Bird Singers and friends
Gala participants enjoying the silent auction and cultural displays. Thank you to all donors and volunteers. Thank you for your enriching cultural displays to Kat High (Native plant tastes, honoring elders), Kim Marcus (watch for a photo of him showing Louie Marcus’s gourd rattle), San Manuel Reservation linguists, Morongo School and Morongo Cultural Resources, Malki Museum, Luke Madrigal Indigenous Storytelling Nonprofit, and Native American Land Conservancy.
Flute players Gary Arnold, Brian Woodyard
Food and kitchen volunteers led by the amazing Henri Mascarro. The meal featured pit bbq beef and turkey by Roy Mathews and a host of other delicious foods, including baked desserts of cakes and cookies by Juanita Diaz. A huge thank you!
Dragonfly Award 2021, (© Carlos Puma for Dorothy Ramon Learning Center)
Center leaders Ernest and June Siva awarding the Dragonfly Award to Kim Marcus for soaring achievements in saving and sharing Native American cultures. On behalf of the Morongo Band Tribal Council, Mary Ann Andreas also gave Kim Marcus a blanket. A shoutout to California Native Glass for designing and making the beautiful art glass Dragonfly Award.
Kim Marcus, his son Raymond Marcus, and Ernest Siva singing some Serrano bighorn sheep songs.
Then, Ernest Siva ending the Gala with the Dragonfly Song.
Ernest Siva, (© Carlos Puma for Dorothy Ramon Learning Center)
(Yes, the Learning Center has no sound recordings of the traditional cultural singing or other memorable moments at the 17th Dragonfly Gala. Do you have any videos or photos to share? We welcome your EMAIL. )
Thank you
It was especially rewarding to hear from different cultural presenters how much Ernest Siva and the Center have supported them; we are all enriched by Dorothy Ramon Learning Center’s 501(c)3 nonprofit mission to save and share Southern California Native American cultures, languages, history, and traditional arts.
Next week, News from Dorothy Ramon Learning Center is going to share one of our new projects with you. We love to hear from our community: EMAIL. Subscribe, share! Thank you! Pat Murkland, Editor. August 18, 2021.