Whitewater Preserve » Native American Heritage Month Celebration
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION
AT WHITEWATER PRESERVE
November 8 - 12, 2024
Join us at Whitewater Preserve as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month! Throughout November, we honor Indigenous peoples' rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories, acknowledging their important contributions to land stewardship and conservation at Whitewater Preserve and across the California desert.
Enjoy a variety of free public programs for all ages, including volunteer service opportunities, educational talks, and more! Learn, connect, and celebrate the enduring relationship between Indigenous communities and the land we all cherish.
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
NAHM TRAIL EXPLORATION PROGRAM
Friday, November 8, 2024
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Join our naturalists to explore the unique animals that call Whitewater Preserve home and learn about the Cahuilla people who have lived on and stewarded this land for generations. Discover the cultural significance of safeguarding their language through a matching skull game in the Cahuilla language. Afterward, create your own animal medallion necklace or charm.
Note: Crafting materials will be available while supplies last.
No registration is required.
BASKET WEAVING WORKSHOP
Led by Sienna Thomas
Saturday, November 9, 2024
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Don’t miss this hands-on basket weaving workshop led by Sienna Thomas, where you’ll learn about traditional and modern weaving techniques, the diverse indigenous uses of baskets, and get the opportunity to create your own woven basket to take home. This workshop is perfect for those interested in exploring indigenous craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Sienna Thomas, a former naturalist at Whitewater Preserve, is a dedicated conservationist with over 20 years of experience in natural resource protection and cultural resource conservation. As a member of the Piipaash and Tsitsistas tribal nations, Sienna is passionate about being a culture keeper and sharing the deep significance of indigenous culture and traditions. We are honored to welcome her as she continues to share her knowledge and love for preserving cultural heritage. Limited spaces are available, and registration is required. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!
NAHM TRAIL EXPLORATION PROGRAM
Sunday, November 10, 2024
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Join our naturalists to explore the unique animals that call Whitewater Preserve home and learn about the Cahuilla people who have lived on and stewarded this land for generations. Discover the cultural significance of safeguarding their language through a matching skull game in the Cahuilla language. Learn about indigenous games and create your own stave game or ring toss.
Note: Crafting materials will be available while supplies last.
No registration is required.
DANZA AZTECA DANCE WORKSHOP
Sunday, November 10, 2024
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Experience the vibrant traditions of Aztec dance in this engaging workshop led by Danza Azteca Citlaltonac, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Mexica culture through education and advocacy. Participants will immerse themselves in the rhythms, movements, and meanings behind each step, exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Mexica people.
The workshop offers an opportunity to learn various dance techniques while understanding the storytelling woven into the movements. Suitable for all levels, this session promises a lively and uplifting atmosphere where both seasoned dancers and curious beginners can come together to celebrate culture through dance!
VOLUNTEER DAY
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Give back to the land and join us for our Native American Heritage Month Celebration Volunteer Day. Whitewater Canyon was first stewarded by the Wanikik (Cahuilla) and Maarrenga’yam (Serrano) peoples. Help us continue their legacy by working alongside the Wildlands team in collecting plant cuttings for the restoration of riparian habitat. Your efforts will support the preservation and regeneration of this vital ecosystem for future generations.