Land of the First People
November is Native American Heritage Month and we are excited to share a new way to learn about the Native American heritage of San Diego! This digital tour entitled “Land of the First People” is a project by the Kumeyaay Nation and California State Parks.
On this tour you will hear a Kumeyaay song about a crane stabbing a fish in the San Diego River, performed by Stan Rodriguez of the Santa Ysabel Band of the Iipay Nation. You will discover the meaning of the Kumeyaay Constellations Mosaic located in the park, as well as watch a video demonstration of how to make Shawii, a traditional Kumeyaay acorn dish.
We know we'll be actively exploring "Land of the First People" during the month of November as we seek to further unlearn the settler colonial narratives we were raised on, and to honor and lift up the people who were here before us. We hope you'll join us! The tour includes these words:
Photo credit: Earl S. CryerWe Are Still Here
Adaptation is a hallmark of the Kumeyaay civilization. Our Kumeyaay ancestors adjusted to the changes brought by colonial invasion and expansion. To survive, we became ranchers and enlisted in the military while continuing our customs and traditions. Today, we work in a variety of professions, yet we are still Kumeyaay.
To learn more, visit the Kumeyaay Diegueño Land Conservancy.
Keep an eye on coming newsletters, as well as SURJ SD's Instagram and Facebook accounts for more resources as Native American Heritage Month begins. Want more? Email surjsandiego@gmail.com to learn more about our Kumeyaay Action and Education team, and the hands-on learning they are doing about—and from—the first peoples of this land.