Morongo thunder and lightning, Ayaqaych, and traditional music, detail of surprise artwork.
By JUNE SIVA
Dorothy Ramon Learning Center vice president
We attended the 13th annual Avellaka Inter-Tribal Sexual Assault Awareness Walk. The walk raises awareness of domestic violence, human trafficking, missing and exploited women and children. The focus is on healing and restoration.
The event began at 7:30 am April 30, 2023, with registration and snacks. Event organizer Angela de los Santos with Joanna Saubel welcomed participants, exhibitors, and all attendees to Morongo Reservation. James Trujillo, cultural adviser to the Avellaka program at La Jolla, talked about the importance of the event, and welcomed the walkers. He then sent them off on their 3-mile trek. They were led by our Learning Center board member and U.S. Navy veteran, Angelo Schunke, along with other veterans from Morongo. They were followed by many walkers of all ages.
The walkers (John Andersen Photo)
When the walkers returned, they were greeted by water bottles, swag bags, and welcomes! The ceremonies began then. Angela, who is Morongo’s domestic violence advocate, congratulated them, and Joanna spoke about a life-sized figure depicting Ernest Siva. It was created by artist Gloria “Toti” Bell of Banning.
Ernest Siva (Cahuilla-Serrano), president of Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, with the Ernest by artist Gloria Bell (June Siva Photo)
It shows him with a rattle in hand, and highlights many things important in his life, Dorothy Ramon Learning Center; the Pass Chorale, a community chorus that he directs; Ayaqaych (Mt. San Jacinto), so important to the Serrano and Cahuilla; songs from his Voices of the Flute book; and more, even Remy, our dog! Ernest didn’t know about this until he saw it at the event. He was moved and very grateful.
There was a women’s figure made by Angela de los Santos. The figures will go on tour for awhile with Joanna as she speaks at other events.
Ernest then blessed the event with the song of seven directions, and remarks about the importance of gathering together, sharing, and showing gratitude for all that we have.
Blessing the event. Art by Angela de los Santos at left. “Morongo Sacred Quilt” behind the bird singers is by Cathy Henderson. (John Andersen Photo)
Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Bird Singers followed, along with lunch and visits to the exhibits. Cathy Henderson created the quilt displayed behind singers. She’s a former employee of Morongo. The quilt is called “the Morongo Sacred Quilt” and it reflects the healing journey of survivors and their bond as Empowerment Sisters.
After lunch Daughter of Morongo Karma Norvell introduced herself in Cahuilla, and welcomed everyone again to Morongo.
The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Lyla June Johnston of the Dine people. She spoke of her own journey through drug use and violence at an early age, and how prayer helped her healing. She is now 10 years sober. There was loud applause for this. She sang two beautiful songs she wrote that helped her healing.
Joanna Saubel told her story of surviving drug abuse and extreme trauma. Her ex-husband threatened her life, he actually put a gun to her head, and it misfired three times! Her children witnessed this. She and the children managed to escape and hid under a bush, while he searched for them. What a frightening experience.
But the final message from both Lyla June and Joanna, was one of strength, resilience, and eventual forgiveness. Two strong women emerged from horrific experiences. They both are strong examples for those who follow.
The event closed with a beautiful prayer by Rob Necochea of Morongo Faith Chapel.
Thank you!
Thanks for supporting our nonprofit Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, led by Elder Ernest Siva (Cahuilla-Serrano), now in our 20th year of saving and sharing Southern California’s cultures, languages, history, and traditional arts. As always, thanks from Center leaders Ernest and June Siva and Editor Pat Murkland for reading, liking, subscribing, and sharing this FREE online weekly newsletter. We value you. We welcome your EMAIL. May 4, 2023.