Nearly 1,000 people gathered in the area to celebrate Indigenous pride and resilience. The parade began at 10 a.m. on the Capitol Mall, a major street and landscaped parkway in downtown Sacramento that connects West Sacramento to the California State Capitol. The iconic boulevard serves as a gateway to the downtown area and a popular venue for public events.

Five STTP youth spent three days in Sacramento and enjoyed being part of the parade. Agustin Salgado and Christopher Lagunas carried the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians flag. Nayeli Brittian, Aniyah Brittian, and Shania Guacheno joined many other Native women in bird dancing.

Agustin, 16, from Soboba, said he liked walking with the flag along the parade route filled with enthusiastic spectators. Nayeli, 12, also of Soboba, said what she enjoyed most was seeing everyone and their different cultures. She plans to spend time with family and friends for the remainder of Native American Heritage Month.

“I enjoyed seeing everyone coming out to celebrate,” said 15-year-old Christopher, from the Cahuilla Band of Indians. “This month, I’m taking part in more cultural events, learning more about Native American culture than mine, and supporting Native artists and creators.”

Soboba’s Aniyah and Shania, both 14, liked bird dancing with others along the parade route.

The annual parade is hosted by the California Legislative Native American Caucus to celebrate the contributions, achievements, cultural diversity and impact of California’s First People. Assemblymember James C. Ramo, a lifelong resident of the San Manuel Indian Reservation and member of the Serrano/Cahuilla tribe, became the first California Native American state lawmaker in 2018, and serves as Caucus Chair. Organizers say the annual event is more than a celebration, it’s also a time for reflection and education about injustices faced by Native communities throughout history.

At the end of the hour-long, half-mile parade route there were cultural performances and free food at the Capitol West steps. STTP Regional Prevention Manager Harold Arres said, “Our youth also had the opportunity to participate in cultural booths and explore the numerous resource tables.”

Along with Native American Heritage Month activities planned at the Soboba site, Arres said youth also attended the 82^nd annual NCAI (National Congress of American Indians) convention and marketplace in Seattle.

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The Tamale Festival will kick off at 11 a.m. and go until 7 p.m. on April 26 at White Park in downtown Riverside.

The theme this year is “Celebración de la Familia” and is meant to honor the significance of family and togetherness, according to its organizers, the Spanish Town Heritage Foundation.

At its core, the festival has always been a day meant to recognize history and celebrate culture, but organizers aim to take that sentiment further this year by raising money toward the restoration and preservation of the adobe.

The Trujillo Adobe was built in 1862 by the Trujillo family and was recognized in 2021 as one of America’s 11 most endangered historic places. It was built before the city of Riverside was founded and named a historical point of interest in 1968.

The Press-Enterprise reported that organizers aim to raise $50,000 for the adobe.

Attendees can expect a large selection of tamale vendors offering everything from traditional to vegan fillings. Folklórico, mariachi, lucha libre wrestling, Latin jazz and more will fill the entertainment stage throughout the day.

A beer garden, VIP room and shopping will also be on tap.

Tickets to the tamale festival start at $20 and children under 12 are free. Get tickets here.

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Preschoolers invited family members to the Soboba Sports Complex for a Fall Feast that included entertainment from each of the classes. The event began with a prayer from Soboba Elder Marian Chacon who thanked the Heavenly Father “for all the gifts you have given to us. We ask your blessings on all the children, parents and family here today and especially on all the teachers and helpers who do such a wonderful job teaching our children; and this food we are about to receive.”

Preschoolers performed two songs they learned about scarecrows and falling leaves, which was partially in the Luiseño language. Pre-K students had songs about leaves on the trees as well as one titled, “Hello Mr. Turkey.” Kindergartners delighted the audience with their “Turkey Dance,” followed by the Cha-Cha Slide, a dance they enjoy in class almost every day.

Preschool staff and teachers scooped out turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce and vegetables as guests made their way along the line of hot serving pans filled with great smelling food.

The gymnasium walls were decorated with class projects. Teachers shared 18 reasons why they are thankful for their kindergartners such as “Jensen’s leadership,” “Kai’s dance moves,” “Anthony’s singing,” and “Palkí’s kindness to all.” Preschoolers filled up turkey feathers with what they are most thankful for and Brian Chacon III said, “Making rainbows for Violet and mom and dad and grandma.” Willow Valdez said she is thankful for “Mom and dad loving me.”

Cheyenne Chacon, whose son Anthony Ortega is in kindergarten, said she likes the preschool because it is in the community where they live. “And it teaches the children about our culture,” she said.

Hope Chacon, wife of Brian Chacon Jr., said their daughter Violet Chacon graduated from the preschool and is now in first grade at San Jacinto Valley Academy. Their son Brian is in preschool and really likes his teachers. Anthony and Brian III are great- grandsons of Marian Chacon, who has 10 other great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Palki Herrera is in kindergarten and her mother, Alyssa Salgado said she likes the preschool because it is very family oriented. “They have events like this where we can all come together,” said Alyssa, whose son Gabriel Herrera graduated last school year. “Also, I got to go to school here so my kids get to experience what I did.”

Soboba Elder Alice Helms enjoyed the morning with her great-grandson Jonathan Helms Jr., 5. His parents, Jonathan Sr. and Evelyn said they like the school because they do a lot of things revolving around culture, like teaching the children their (Luiseño) language.

In the weeks leading up to the Fall Feast, the children enjoyed having Carrie Garcia share acorn games and acorn tops with them. Bird dancing and singing was offered every Friday, when students were encouraged to wear their bird skirts and ribbon shirts. On Nov. 18, Tashina Miranda Ornelas, Culture Department Coordinator/Instructor at Noli, visited to help the kids make acorn necklaces. Soboba Tribal Member Tekla Diaz, who teaches a Fancy Shawl dance class for the community twice a month, put on a demonstration for the students. Preschool Director Lenora “Ponie” Mojado said it was like a mini-pow wow and everyone loved it. She added that Soboba’s Tribal Council Secretary Monica Herrera comes to the school every other week to work with the students on proper pronunciation of words in their native language.

A potluck “Honoring Our Elders” was held at noon at the Noli campus with cultural sharing through traditional songs and dances. A combined lunch for middle and high school students allowed all to participate at the same time.

Mrs. Ornelas welcomed everyone to the annual event. “On behalf of all students and staff, I want to personally thank all of our Soboba Elders first for always supporting our students and student programs here at Noli. I’d like to say thank you to all of our Elders who have shared in the past and continue to share their experiences and cultural knowledge and traditions with us here at the school. And I would also like to thank all the elders who are here with us today to continue this tradition of sharing song, dance and food together. And lastly, I would like to honor and thank our Elder relations who are not able to be present with us here today but who still remain here with us in spirit and in memory.”

She then introduced Soboba Tribal Member Damon Miranda who opened the event with prayer, followed by some bird songs. Elders were then invited to be served first, followed by the community, as is customary.

Helping to plate the meals of turkey, dressing, potatoes and more were Noli staff members Tanya Rivera, Seandee Brown and Camille Diaz. They planned on serving 200 meals, half of which were for students. An entire table dedicated to desserts from pumpkin and pecan pies to cookies and chocolate covered strawberries was enough to satisfy everyone’s appetite.

The Pechanga Singers and Dancers invited students to join them. The Desert Cahuilla Singers and Dancers from Torres Martinez included some of Ornelas’ family members, which was an added treat.

The Elders potluck had been held for many years but was discontinued for a while. Ornelas said she wanted to revitalize it so the students could have a connection to the generations that came before them and started holding it again in 2023.

Leading up to this year’s event, students had been shown portions of Soboba’s heritage video which includes first-person remembrances from Elders about what things used to be like on the reservation when they were growing up. Several came to the school to talk to the students in person and answer any questions they had about the past after viewing the video.

“Some of the Elders came to the classes, sharing their experiences of life on the reservation; what life was like prior to gaming,” Ornelas said. “Many of the students were shocked to hear the Elders share their stories and it was eye opening for them to compare their lives to how they live today; it helps them appreciate what they have now.”

Caroline Post, mother of Noli Principal Donovan Post, was one of the guest speakers and recalled when you could buy a hamburger, fries and a drink for 40 cents. He said the stories of their lives at Soboba were not negative, just honest. Such as sharing how there was a time when they had to have water trucked in from the city of San Jacinto and now there are 15 or so wells and aquifers on the reservation.

He said, “It’s so great having the Elders come by and talk to the kids and have them listen and be able to ask questions. Many from that generation are gone so it’s important to hear their stories now. There has been so much change and so much progress has been made in the past 25 years. These kids today never grew up needing a lot. I think it’s important for them to hear the stories from when there wasn’t much here to learn what they came from.”

He said the students always enjoy having the bird singers visit and a combined lunch is rare. “It’s nice to have everybody together,” Post said.

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This year, MSJC also celebrates its 23rd anniversary as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Since earning this designation in 2001, the college has been committed to serving a vibrant community, with 52% of its students identifying as Hispanic—well above the 25% threshold required for HSI status. This milestone highlights MSJC’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

“Latine Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and significant contributions of the Latine community,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, MSJC President/Superintendent. “By embracing evidence-based practices and focusing on the unique needs of our Latino students, we contribute to a stronger, more equitable future for all. Our goal is to create a campus where every student, regardless of background, can thrive. By doing so, we do not just advance Latino student success—we enhance the educational experience for everyone.”

MSJC’s mission statement proudly states, “As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, we serve a diverse student population from various identities, cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, life experiences, abilities, and educational needs that represent our community. MSJC is committed to learning and achievement through inclusive and culturally affirming environments that celebrate student voices and create space for self-exploration and growth.” Latine Heritage Month provides a unique opportunity to highlight this commitment.

MSJC will host various events throughout the month, including cultural showcases, educational panels, and community engagement activities, all designed to celebrate the cultural heritage and academic achievements of its Hispanic students and the broader community.

For more information about MSJC’s Latine Heritage Month events, please visit https://msjc.edu/hsi/latine-heritage-month.html.

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The children had surprise gifts for their moms, too. They decorated canvas tote bags and filled out questionnaires “All About Mom.” Preschooler Nadia said her mom’s name is “Mommy” and that she is really good at “everything.” A classmate of hers said their favorite thing about their mom is “when she gives me cookies.”

Pre-K students used colorful handprints in a circle to resemble a flower to which green stems were painted on. Inside was a jar candle decorated with a mosaic made from colorful tissue paper. Kindergartners colored flower pots that were printed on the totes and decorated plates that were put inside each one. Grandmothers received keychains with mini handprints on them.

Glori Lindsey said her daughter Avareign, 6, did a “berry good job” with all the gifts she made. “I love everything so much,” she said. Glori was able to spend some valuable time with her family, which also includes two sons, on the official Mother’s Day of May 12 at a resort in Palm Springs.

Celena Morillo and her daughter, Menyil Tohee, 5, enjoy everything the preschool has to offer. “I like all the different things they ask them to make; they are very creative,” Celena said. On Mother’s Day her family cooked her breakfast and then all her sisters came over for lunch and to spend time together outside.

Rosemary Morillo is great-grandmother to Avareign and grandmother to Menyil and shared the time with fellow grandmother Nancy Beltran. Another great-granddaughter of Morillo’s is Nehsoon Salas, 5, who filled in the blanks “All About My Mom” by saying if she could tell her mom one thing, it would be, “You are gorgeous.” The kindergartner’s mother Avelaka Gonzales said this is the first year her daughter has attended the preschool.

“She has learned so much about animals and plants and she’s having fun while she’s doing it so that’s the best part,” Gonzales said. On Mother’s Day she was treated to a spa day while Nehsoon and other family members cleaned the house for her.

Morillo, who offered a blessing before the brunch was served, said, “It’s always an honor to get together with all the mothers,” she said. She asked the Creator to bless all family members in attendance and reminded everyone to “cherish these moments with your young ones, as time goes by so fast.”

Preschool teachers and staff served up mini cold cut sandwiches, two kinds of salad, chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and pasta salad. There were also bags of chips and other crunchy snacks, a huge bowl of fresh berries and strawberry topped cupcakes and Rice Krispie treats. All of this was washed down with lemonade, bottled water or a refreshing strawberry drink.

Corryn Salgado-Flores enjoyed the morning with her daughter Love Salgado-Flores, 3, and son Ace Covington, 5, along with their grandmother Becky Flores. Corryn said she likes that the preschool offers her children a chance to learn their Native language. “They also get to go to school with a few of their cousins,” she said.

The event provided an opportunity for all siblings and relatives who are in different classrooms to be together to celebrate as a family.

Tribal Council Secretary Monica Herrera has two grandchildren who are students there; Pre-K student Palki and kindergartner Gabe who were with their mom, Alyssa Salgado.

“I like the themes they do every year; it’s always super cute,” Herrera said. “I love that the school does this to bring the community together.”

Cyndi Lemke, whose grandson Iggy Alcala is in the kindergarten class, had a great personal Mother’s Day. “All the moms came to my house,” she said. “All us ladies had snacks and watched movies while the guys made and served breakfast. It was also my birthday, so I got extra flowers.”

Soboba Tribal Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado said, “I came to celebrate with all these special moms.” Mother of two, she enjoyed her own Mother’s Day on May 12. “We had Sunday brunch at the casino, which was amazing.”

One of the newest moms in attendance was Daise Burton with her five-week-old son, Jobi, who has an older brother Joseph, 8, and an older sister, Loovi, 4, who is in Ana Garcia’s Pre-K class. The kids were joined by their “glamma” Dondi Silvas, who serves as Soboba Foundation President and Housing Specialist for Soboba Housing.

Sierra Mendez had a second son six weeks ago and was at the event with her four-year-old son, Kuyvaxish Mendez, who is in Lenora “Ponie” Mojado’s class. Sierra also has a stepdaughter, who is 10. She was pleased to be one of the lucky raffle prize recipients and chose a satin sleep mask and pillowcase set, sure to be well used in the future. Other choices were handbags and cast-iron pans.

Preschool teacher Mojado has two sons; Mac is 10 and Eli is 8. She had spent Sunday with family at the Soboba Casino Resort’s brunch. “It was amazing; they had a buffet with different items,” she said. “Then I went shopping at Bath and Body Works and later I went to my sister’s house for family dinner. It was the perfect Mother’s Day of relaxing and shopping.”

She enjoyed giving out prizes at the raffle and said the mothers in attendance seemed to feel really appreciated and enjoyed the food they were served.

“My favorite part about working with children is they make me laugh and smile,” Mojado said. “We always joke around in my preschool class. I always make the children laugh and carry on a conversation. It’s always a fun time in the preschool room with all my little friends.”

Julissa Garcia is an Instructional Aide in the pre-kindergarten classroom. Celebrating Mother’s Day with her almost one-year-old son included going to dinner with her mother and aunt.

“My son and his dad also shared gifts and gave me a couple extra hours of sleep,” she said.

She enjoyed the feeling of togetherness at the preschool’s brunch.

“I liked seeing all of our children’s families show up for them and their reactions to the handcrafted gifts they made in class,” Garcia said. Her favorite part of working with the young children is “seeing them grow and progress each day and being given the opportunity to help foster lifelong learning.”

Preschool staff have already begun preparations for a Father’s Day luncheon on May 31.

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