The blossoms of Panu'ul (Cahuilla) and Uumuc (Serrano), or chaparral yucca plants (formerly yucca whipplei, now scientifically named hesperoyucca whipplei) (Pat Murkland Photo)
The yucca are blooming in the foothills, and the tortoise has emerged from its desert burrow. Spring is definitely here. And we’re finally here to catch you up on some upcoming events and (add music here) exciting announcements.
The other day our leader, Elder Ernest Siva (Cahuilla-Serrano), was reflecting that in-person gatherings are essential for community wellness. Here are a few.
Our cross-cultural Fourth Sunday concerts are a great way to share a pleasant Sunday afternoon. That’s THIS Sunday, April 28, 2024.
FLUTES, FLUTES, and MORE FLUTES
FEATURED MUSIC: Jackie Aronowitz and the Silver Sounds Flute Ensemble will present a flute choir concert.
“You will hear the high flute, low flutes, and everything in between!” Dorothy Ramon Learning Center vice president June Siva says. “Jackie and her group have presented concerts for us in the past. We hope we can get a good audience out to support this wonderful group of flute players.”
WHEN: 2:30 pm, Sunday, April 28, 2024
WHERE: San Manuel Gathering Hall at Dorothy Ramon Learning Center,
127 N. San Gorgonio Ave., Banning.
YOUR $10 will support the programs of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Dorothy Ramon Learning Center and our work to save and share Southern California Native American cultures. We thank you! All are welcome to join the fun.
CULTURAL WELLNESS, INSIGHTS, INSPIRATION
Art shared by a young poet at one of Dorothy Ramon Learning Center’s Native Voices Festivals.
Since December we’ve been meeting for one hour (1-2 pm) once a month (every first Wednesday) with author Renda Dionne Madrigal to explore her Mindful Family Guidebook.
You’re invited to the next session, 1-2 pm Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
In The Mindful Family Guidebook: Reconnect with Spirit, Nature, and the People You Love, Renda Dionne Madrigal (Turtle Mountain Chippewa), a licensed clinical psychologist, helps us find insight and inspiration in more than 80 fun, creative, and profound activities that draw on traditional Native stories and Indigenous circle practices.
The program is FREE, and anyone interested is welcome to join us. We provide the book and related materials. DETAILS: In person (127 N. San Gorgonio Ave., Banning 92220) or ONLINE via Zoom. For a link, RSVP HERE.
For these sessions, Dorothy Ramon Learning Center has partnered with Morongo Empowerment Program, a federally funded project that strengthens Morongo families, supports community wellness, and works to end domestic violence. The project empowers survivors to thrive and live a purposeful life. Again, these sessions are open to all who are interested.
(Note: This project is supported by Grant No. 2015TW-AX-0037 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice, and the opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.)
NATIVE PLANTS AT GILMAN RANCH
White sage, qas'ily (Cahuilla), qáṣil (Luiseño), khapshīkh (Chumash dialects), qaarqc (Serrano) (Pat Murkland)
Spring is a great time to visit the native plant garden at the pioneer stagecoach stop and 1800s ranch, the Gilman Historic Ranch and Wagon Museum in Banning. On May 4, 2024, Dorothy Ramon Learning Center and the Sarah Gilman Creative Corps Project (Pat Murkland) will be outside the garden, sharing Native American uses of plants. It’s all part of the 12th Annual Wild West Festival & Western Art Show, which features Western art, music, family-friendly fun, historic activities such as gold panning, and tours of the ranch and home.
Details: 10 am to 4 pm, May 4-5, 2024, at 1901 W Wilson St, Banning, CA, $5 per person or $10 per car. (Note: Our Native plants exhibit will be there only on May 4.)
Why is there a native plant garden at the Gilman Ranch? The Banning pioneer M. French Gilman, born in 1871, as a child stayed with his cousin out at the Whitewater stage stop, where he befriended Cahuilla people and gained a lifelong fascination with native plants and birds. His cousin Frank Smith spoke Cahuilla and had learned many medicinal and food plant uses. French Gilman continued to study Native uses of plants in Southern California and Arizona throughout his life. After his wife, Sarah Morris Gilman, taught him the science end, he became a highly sought-after naturalist. Both promoted uses of native plants in back yards and gardens. The duo organized an annual Wildflower show that drew hundreds of people each year to Banning.
… AND TRAVEL to the 1800s
AS SEEN FROM A SIDESADDLE: Explore Banning, Morongo Reservation, and the world of the San Gorgonio Pass in the late 1800s and early 1900s through the eyes of a young teacher. Boarding schools were spreading throughout the United States and many “teachers” were trying to erase Native cultures and languages. NOT Sarah Morris (later married to French Gilman), the day-school teacher on Morongo Reservation. Starting in 1888 she lived on the reservation, taught bilingual education, and fought for basic rights in education for Native American children.
DETAILS: San Gorgonio Pass Historical Society, 7 pm, Thursday, Beaumont Woman’s Club, 306 E. 6th Street, Beaumont, CA. FREE. Co-sponsored by Dorothy Ramon Learning Center. This Creative Corps activity with historian Pat Murkland is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency.
CELEBRATE MALKI MUSEUM!
Malki Museum is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
Dorothy Ramon Learning Center will celebrate Malki Museum at our 2024 Dragonfly Gala! Join us to give the Dragonfly Award for high-soaring achievements in saving and sharing Native American cultures to MALKI!
SAVE THE DATE AND WATCH FOR DETAILS!
DRAGONFLY GALA!
AUGUST 10, 2024,
MORONGO COMMUNITY CENTER,
13000 Malki Road, Morongo Reservation.
Our 2024 Dragonfly Gala is supported by our major sponsor, Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Thank you, Morongo!
Bird singing and dancing, cultural exhibits, our epic silent auction, and a delicious dinner are all traditional parts of the Dragonfly Gala.
Want to sponsor? Volunteer? Get ahead of the crowd and reserve a table now? Share a Malki memory? CONTACT US HERE.
UPCOMING!
One exciting project Dorothy Ramon Learning Center is developing with Morongo Empowerment Program is a new podcast, called DRAGONFLY LIFE, is which Elders and Culture Bearers share cultural traditions for healing. Stay tuned for more info!
THANK YOU.
Center leaders Ernest and June Siva and Editor Pat Murkland thank you for supporting the 501c3 nonprofit Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, saving and sharing Native American cultures for more than two decades. As always, thanks for reading, sharing, and subscribing to News from Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, your FREE online newsletter. We welcome your ideas and contributions. PLEASE EMAIL. Tuesday, April 23, 2024.