Native American

Bernadette Smith in Pomo dress. Photo by Johnny Oliver. Bernadette Smith of Sacramento has been a traditional dancer for over 30 years and a songholder for over 17 years. The art of traditional Coastal Pomo song and dance has been practiced since time immemorial here in California. Songs and dances, known…

Melody holding a canoe basket made by her grandmother Della Campbell. Photo by Buffie Schmidt. Melody Williams of Arcata, began her weaving journey at 22, learning from her grandmother, Della Campbell. She later reconnected with traditional basket weaving through her aunt, Christine Hamilton, who taught gathering and weaving techniques…

Benita Martinez Sosa started learning how to weave when she was 8 years old and by the time she was 12 she knew how to weave. She was taught by her parents and grandparents in her hometown of Teotitlán del Valle, in Oaxaca, Mexico. This tradition has always been a…

Deborah McConnell

Kumeyaay Community College is a public community college in California. Established in 2004 by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, it is located on the Sycuan Indian Reservation near El Cajon. Living Cultures Grant 2023 Kumeyaay Community College Summer Solstice Week…