Full Season of Special Educational and Cultural Events Scheduled
08-22-2008
by Agua Caliente
Cultural Museum
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum presents a full season of diverse educational and cultural events for the 2008-2009 season, including lectures, classes, exhibitions, performances, and cultural events.
Museum Education Director O’Jay Vanegas said of this season’s programming: “Our schedule of events for 2008-09 builds on last year’s amazing programs, and we’re excited to be continuing our well-loved series like Living Traditions (formerly Preserving the Spirit) classes and Spirit Keepers lectures. And, of course, we’ll have several Native performances at VillageFest, and the Festival of Native Film & Culture in March. One of my favorite events - Singing the Birds (Wikitmallem Tahmuwhae): Bird Song and Dance Festival – will also return in December to help sustain the rich legacy of the Cahuilla and other Native peoples.”
The 2008-2009 programs begin in September. The State of California has declared the fourth Friday of September Native American Day. In celebration of this special occasion, a series of Museum-sponsored events begins on Wednesday and concludes on Saturday – honoring the beliefs and traditions of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and other Native people.
Native American Day celebration opens with a proclamation issued by the City of Palm Springs. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 24, at 9:30 am at the Palm Springs City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.
On Thursday, September 25, 2008, in observance of Native American Day, dancers, singers, and storytellers perform at VillageFest, in the heart of downtown Palm Springs at the intersection of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way.
For two days only, the Museum will exhibit one of the most famous baskets of the Cahuilla culture. Never before displayed at the Museum, the famed Ramona Basket will be exhibited on Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27, 2008.
The love story of Ramona Lubo (Cahuilla) and her husband, Juan Diego, has been told in film and on stage. Presented each year at the Ramona Pageant in Hemet, CA, the story recalls the marriage of Ramona and Juan, and culminates in 1877 with Juan’s tragic death. In her bereavement, Ramona created a basket with a large five-point star in the center, surrounded by small star forms and crosses symbolizing her desire to join her husband in death. The basket is now a focal point of the
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