While many attendees have been weaving since they were very young, others have just returned to the tradition in recent years so they can pass down the skills to their own children and grandchildren. Starla Madrigal is serving her third term as CIBA Chairperson and previously served as secretary for two years. The last time the gathering was held at the Soboba Indian Reservation was 2006.

She said the purpose of the event is to carry on weaving traditions with teachings on Friday and demonstrations on Saturday, showcasing different styles and materials. Madrigal has been weaving her whole life and recalls helping her mother with gathering materials when she was only 5 or 6 years old.

The three-day gathering began with a day of teaching for voting members only. Skilled instructors walked students through the process of making various types of baskets, from coiled to twined. On Saturday, June 28, the public was invited to share in the learning through demonstrations from several talented weavers who used various materials for their works.

At the entrance to the Soboba Sports Complex, CIBA Secretary Ericka Lopez, from Pechanga, was working on a hat for her young cousin’s coming of age ceremony. She has been with CIBA for two years. One of the items available for purchase at her table was the official tee shirt for this year’s event, featuring a logo graphic designed by Soboba Tribal Member Mariah Morreo.

The interdisciplinary artist explained the inspiration behind her design was a story about her three-time great-grandmother Juana Apapas who wove a basket that incorporated the Milky Way because of a spiritual experience she had.

“Without Juana Apapas, her Milky Way basket, and her strength obtained by Indigenous traditions and knowledge, my entire family and I would not be here today,” Morreo said. “My ancestor’s resilience exists through me and my art.”

Morreo’s grandmother is Rosemary Morillo, also of Soboba, who is a CIBA member and enjoyed Friday’s classes and seeing lots of familiar faces during the weekend.

“The past remains, influencing the present shaped by the hands of the past,” Morillo said.

Natalie Smith has been a CIBA member for many years, following in her mother’s footsteps. She has taught and demonstrated at several events and shared how to make a Mono miniature white root hoop used to make miniature baby-carrier baskets for dolls. From North Fork in the Sierra Nevada mountains, she is actively involved with the Sierra Mono Museum & Culture Center. The nonprofit is hosting its annual Indian Fair Days and Pow Wow Aug. 2-3. This is one of California’s longest running pow wows, which attracts thousands of attendees. Those seeking more information, can email monomuseum@gmail.com, call 559-877-2115 or visit www.monomuseum.org.

Smith said that as a teacher it fills her heart with joy when she sees her students teaching another student. “Teachers are so important,” she said. “It takes patience, preparation and readiness to be able to teach a class.”

She explained that it can take a full year of gathering materials that are available in different seasons to be ready for one class. She also said that nobody is left behind because when they are ready, they can come and learn, and she will teach them.

Smith’s sister, Jodie Bowlan Ramirez, demonstrated to eager learners how to split and core redbud so it can be used to weave a trinket basket. It is a strong material that is more flexible when it is split. She shared that baby-carrier baskets and doll-carrier baskets traditionally use redbud.

Ramirez said that among the 14 Mono Tribes recognized in the state, there are more than 2,000 Tribal Members. She said she attempted to make her first basket when she was 13 and has been gathering and learning how to split redbud for years. She has been an Indian dancer since the age of two and began teaching that to others when she was only four.

“I’m so grateful to be here,” Ramirez said. “I have my mom (Haroleen Bethel Bowlan) in me.”

One of the weavers at her table, Janice Mendez, is from Bridgeport in Mono County and found it interesting to learn about using different materials and to learn from others. She has been a CIBA member for five years. She said this year’s gathering has been very enlightening, educational and really exciting.

“The knowledge here is out of this world,” she said. “I’m now teaching my children and grandchildren so they will learn these arts and carry it on.”

Mendez said being part of CIBA has given her the opportunity to learn how to take care of the environment and to understand it. She said cultural burning is essential. “We are always lobbying to build partnerships and collaborations so we’re safe when gathering,” she said, noting that the park services department at Yosemite National Park works closely with Native Americans that gather there.

Mark Farris, from the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, was demonstrating how to make various twining baskets. He has been a CIBA member since 2009 and a demonstrator for the past three years. Utilizing yucca hearts, sumac for color outlines, juncus for the coil and deergrass for the rods, he had a large variety of baskets on display at his table. Most of those who chose to weave copied the sample he had of a small tray used for game pieces or other small items. He said in 2009, he sat in with Eva Salazar who taught him how to weave his first coiled basket.

“I haven’t put it down since,” Farris said. “I work on something every day.”

Johnny Sartuche, from Fresno County, stayed busy demonstrating how to make decoy ducks from tule. Almost 20 years ago, he took a class like this and kept improving until he got to the point he could start teaching it to others. “It’s fun for kids and adults—that’s what I like about it,” he said.

He took time to explain that tule grows in marshy areas and the city of Tulare got its name from Tulare Lake, where it is found in abundance. He said the Natives there use it in many different ways. The reeds are used to make huts, boats and mats and the roots would even be eaten but today the water is probably too polluted to consume them. He enjoys recreating the decoy ducks that have been traditionally made for hunting.

Soboba Tribal Member Carrie Garcia taught a class on Friday and let her students as well as newcomers join in weaving with juncus on Saturday. On Sunday she offered to lead a caravan into the canyon to gather juncus for anyone that wanted to join.

One of the weavers at her table was Marquita Polk, of the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe. She has been a CIBA member for about three years and was using juncus for the first time. “I love learning about baskets and plants and bringing them back,” she said. “I love using Native plants—it awakens something inside of you.”

Another highlight of Saturday’s event was the Basketweavers Showcase, held in a separate room at the sports complex. A photo of the weavers holding their work, accompanied by a detailed explanation was included with each basket on display. CIBA Chair Madrigal shared her open-weave basket with lid that is traditionally used for gathering and leaching. “It’s special because it was made from juncus at Cahuilla where I have been gathering since I was a child,” she wrote. “Juncus is strong and resilient like our people.”

Garcia shared a spaghetti jar basket she had made. “I’m always experimenting with different styles and techniques to help shape the basket,” she said. She also displayed a twined gathering basket made from green and red willow she had gathered in the spring and peeled.

“For many years, I’ve admired baskets made by Wilverna Reece, Ennis Peck, Shiwaya Peck and Dee McDaniel. I finally decided to give it a try after getting one of the books Wilverna and Carolynn Ann Smith had written,” Garcia said. “I’m going to keep this basket so I can look at it and learn from it in my future baskets.”

Her young daughters, Clementine Swan and Clover Swan, also made baskets they were proud to display at the showcase. Clementine chose to weave a twisted juncus basket and Clover made a twined open-weave bowl. “My basket makes me happy,” Clover said.

Soboba’s Avareign Lindsey, who is headed into fourth grade in the fall, shared a Cahuilla open-twined basket she had made. “This is my first basket and I’m giving it to my daddy,” she wrote.

CIBA was established not only to increase the number of active California Indian basket weavers but to also increase awareness of California basketry and Native California cultural traditions among both Native and non-Native audiences. CIBA was created out of a deep concern shared by a small group of weavers who feared that traditional basketry knowledge was rapidly disappearing and that soon living “master weavers” would cease to exist. Today CIBA has grown its membership to nearly 1,000 people. CIBA works hard to provide these members with access to programs and activities that build a larger community of California Indian basketweavers.

CIBA’s vision includes increasing California Indian access to traditional cultural resources on public and Tribal lands and traditional gathering sites and encouraging the reintroduction of such resources and designation of gathering areas on such lands. And also to monitor and discourage pesticide use in traditional and potential gathering areas for the safety of weavers, gatherers and others in Tribal communities.

The organization also hopes to preserve, promote and perpetuate California Indian basketweaving traditions while providing a healthy physical, social, spiritual and economic environment for basketweavers by raising awareness and providing education for Native Americans, the public, public agencies, arts, educational and environmental groups of the artistry, practices and concerns of Native American basketweavers.

For more information, www.ciba.org.

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Nominated by their peers, honorees exemplify leadership, initiative, and dedication, making significant contributions to their professions and communities. This year’s awardees were recognized at the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) from March 10–13 at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

“Each of these remarkable individuals has shown a commitment to going beyond boundaries to build a bright future for Indian Country,” said Chris James, President and CEO of The National Center. “They join more than 600 past honorees in what has been an increasingly tight-knit and collaborative group.”

Estrada, who is a member of the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians in Mountain Center where he serves as Tribal Council Chairman, said he is not one who seeks the spotlight or recognition, so he was blown away when he was notified of his selection.

“Being considered was an honor in itself, but this is so much more than me, because the efforts I am being recognized for are not just for me, but for my Tribe and the Tribe I work for,” he said. “I am incredibly proud of my Tribe, especially my Tribal Council. We have a really good group and have been making huge efforts and steps over the last 15 years: economic development, Tribal governance, and cultural revitalization and preservation.”

Estrada said he is grateful for the amazing support his Tribe receives from the rest of the General Membership. “I am incredibly proud of the work we have done and the work we continue to do; and incredibly thankful and proud of the hard work and dedication our team does, especially our Tribal Administrator, Vanessa Minott,” he said.

He said it was an honor just to be nominated for The National Center’s award but being selected as one of only 40 individuals from across Indian Country was incredible. “What made this really special was that two others from Southern California Tribes were also selected: Savana Saubel, from Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who I have known for many years, and Lindsey Dollman from the Pechanga Band of Indians,” he said.

Estrada is also thankful for the opportunity and support Soboba has provided to him. As Tribal Executive Officer, he serves to support Tribal leadership, provide recommendations, and execute directives given. “I enjoy being able to grow within the organization with the support of not just leadership but also the more than 300 talented team members that I work with,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of this dynamic organization and doing what I can as they serve its membership and advocate for their Tribe.”

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Chairman Isaiah Vivanco said, “Steven is not only a great administrator, but an outstanding person and I feel honored to call him my friend. His dedication to cultural preservation aligns with my personal goals. I have seen him implement many programs and projects for his Tribe as well as throughout Indian Country that have brought awareness and action to this important subject. Steven is also a remarkable role model for our youth as a goal-driven, passionate, culture-oriented Native American who is accomplishing so much at such a young age.”

Estrada was first elected to the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Council in 2007. He is now beginning his third term as Chairman, having previously served in roles as Councilmember, Secretary, and Vice Chairman.

Raised at Séwya (original place name for Santa Rosa), Estrada began attending Tribal meetings before he turned 18 so he could observe how the Tribal government functioned. His grandmother was a traditionalist and always involved with cultural activities and Tribal issues. This sparked his interest at a young age, especially when learning about plant usage for basket weaving.

He is passionate about Tribal matters, especially cultural preservation, and is actively involved in traditional activities and practices. Estrada said he is thankful for what he has been taught by his elders, especially his grandmother, Josephine Lubo Modesto from the Cahuilla Reservation.

“Individual Tribal members have a responsibility to the Tribe; it’s not just what the Tribe provides for the individual,” he said. “Each person had a place and purpose in traditional society, so that the Tribe could survive overall. I am forever thankful for the foundation she provided; also thankful for all the sacrifices my mother made not just as a mom, but also as a Councilmember and former Chairwoman for Santa Rosa, always trying to serve the Tribe. And I am also thankful for my husband, Andrew Vallejos, for all the support and encouragement he has shown, and the example he provides of a strong work ethic and dedication that many strive for.”

Lynn R. Valbuena, Chairwoman for Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, said, “I have personally witnessed Chairman Estrada’s growth and development as an elected Tribal leader of the Santa Rosa Cahuilla. As with most Tribal nations, Santa Rosa is in a rural, mountainous area of southern California that provides limited real opportunities and seemingly endless challenges. Despite these conditions, Steven is currently serving his third term as chairman where his leadership is characterized by his vision, commitment, and a strong cultural foundation.”

Estrada holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of La Verne where he is currently pursuing his law degree, all while working full-time and volunteering for Tribal activities at Santa Rosa and Soboba.

“The 2025 class of Native American 40 Under 40 awardees reflects the depth of talent, dedication, and leadership within our communities,” said Lillian Sparks Robinson, Vice Chair of The National Center’s Board of Directors. “These individuals are shaping the future of Indian Country and setting a powerful example for generations to come.”

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado said, “As Tribal members and Tribal Council leaders, we always want what is best for our people. It is a great responsibility to make sure we choose the very best people to fill critical roles in our government and we have found no one better than Steven to do this for us. He has proven himself to be an outstanding colleague. He also gets involved in community outreach events through his position with us and interacts with our Tribal members in a friendly, respectful and considerate way.”

Each recipient received free registration to the conference, and Estrada said it was nice to attend the breakout sessions, and general assembly. He said there were several topics that are beneficial to Tribal governments such as leadership, workforce development, partnerships, and Tribal governance.

“This was my third RES Conference,” Estrada said. “NCAIED always provides a well-planned and beneficial array of workshops and breakout sessions that are impactful to Tribes nationwide.”

For more information, www.ncaied.org.

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