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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Students must pass all three components to graduate from Noli School. These include an essay, a slideshow and a presentation in front of an impartial panel. The final component took place on April 21 when five community members took time out of their busy schedules to help with the annual project. They were asked to interact with the speakers by asking questions relating to their topic and then scoring their presentation on a rubric. Each senior was judged on how well prepared they were, if they made good eye contact with the audience, whether they utilized props in a meaningful way, and other criteria.

Phillips gives seniors a checklist that involves about a dozen turn-in dates, which consists of a grade that will impact their final essay grade. If they miss a check-in, it’s two points off, but if they turn it in late, it’s only one point off. The deadline dates are for things such as topic, resources, outline, and their rough draft.

“Students can choose any topic, but I mostly look for school appropriateness,” she said. “I have never denied a senior topic yet.”

Phillips has been at Noli Indian School for the past 13 years, teaching a financial class in addition to 12^th grade English and being a reading specialist for the middle and high school students.

“Senior Presentations began before I started at Noli,” she said. “I feel students should leave high school with basic skills, which are necessary in this world. Students will be able to write an essay in MLA format, produce a technology component, and be able to present to an unknown panel. I truly hope students learn and understand the importance of senior projects—preparing them for the future, whether in the workforce or with their children.”

The students are given multiple opportunities to present in front of classmates and other grades, in preparation for their final presentation which should be at least 30 minutes in length. In addition, they are encouraged to present in front of family members. It was evident that the seniors took advantage of those opportunities when they entered the multipurpose room to share their projects.

The students shook hands as they introduced themselves to each of the panelists that included Michelle Steffani, Camilo De La Cueva, Brian Eddy and Angel Bill.

Babe Briones did his project on the seizure condition known as epilepsy. He described the different types of seizures and who can be affected by the disorder. He outlined the treatment and what can be done to help prevent seizures. He ended his presentation by sharing that a close family member was diagnosed with epilepsy and the family learned how to offer care when and if needed. He gave each attendee a purple ribbon, the symbol used to raise awareness about epilepsy.

Arionna Ward presented on “Keeping Traditions in the Modern World” while wearing a traditional necklace that was gifted to her and a bird skirt she made. She shared Cahuilla traditions and provided a history of her people which include mountain, desert and The Pass Cahuilla who have different versions of bird songs. Her props included a gourd rattle used by bird singers and a sage bundle for each panelist to take home. She shared that traditions have been passed down orally through generations. “I learned a lot during my research, but I know I still have a lot to learn,” Arionna said.

Daigan Cyhan focused his project on “Traditional Hand Games of Southern California.” He enjoys Peon the most but also shared details about sticks and dice games that are commonly played. After explaining how each game is played, he allowed the panelists to play the latter games to get an idea of how the scoring is done. He shared how the pieces are made for the games and brought samples of the raw materials (black willow branches, etc.) which gave a perspective of the craftsmanship that goes into creating the game pieces.

Johnny Gutierrez has had a long fascination with World War I and gave his presentation on “The People’s War.” He was dressed in an authentic Pioneer uniform. He outlined the history of the war that was fought from 1914-1918 and cost 10 million lives. He shared personal accounts from soldiers who fought in the war that were written in diaries and letters. Gutierrez had many pieces of attire and equipment and demonstrated how and when they were used. When asked, he said the most authentic motion picture on WWI is the original “All Quiet on the Western Front” from 1930. He said what he learned working on the project is “how insane humanity can be.”

Joseph Morsa is passionate about Motocross and came in full gear with his Yamaha 250 bike parked next to him as he gave his presentation. He has been enjoying riding dirt bikes his whole life for fun and his entire family loves riding. His presentation was on the sport of motocross which began in 1909 by the Auto Cycle Club when they hosted quarterly trials. Joseph talked about the importance of the bike’s maintenance and how he enjoys the freedom he feels when he rides. “I have been inspired by many riders, especially Ricky Carmichael, whose contributions to professional motocross and stock car racing have made a great impact in both sports.”

Steffani was participating for the third year and said every time she learns something. Bill, also there for the third time, said he enjoys the opportunity to be a mentor in a sense, interacting positively with the students. De La Cueva was helping out for the second time and said he loves seeing the young people talk because the skill of public speaking is so difficult to master, and he loves to learn. Eddy, also there for the second year, said he enjoys hearing some of the things kids are passionate about.

“I was very proud of my seniors this year,” Phillips said. “They were prepared and had awesome props. I know they’ll be ready for the world awaiting them.”

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On Thursday, May 23, about a dozen youths placed more than 50 flags at the gravesites of veterans who are buried at the cemetery. Many are relatives of the youths who were there that day, bringing another level of meaning to the task at hand. They were reminded how important to the community and to all those who served in the military to have them remembered in this way and that they should be proud of their involvement.

While there, the young men and women also tidied up the sites by removing debris and straightening overturned vases and more. Four members of the Soboba Fire Department took rakes and other tools to the parking area where guests would gather for the ceremony the following Monday, May 27. They raked up debris from shade trees and leveled out the surfaces.

Capt. Frank Martinez, who is part of the Wildland Urban Interface crew, made sure everyone had the proper tools to take care of the cleanup. Fire Apparatus Engineer Glenn Lindsey said the cemetery is a special project for the fire department, always keeping it clean and looking nice.

“It’s personal for me; I have family buried here and I want to make sure they are taken care of,” he said. “Me and my family come up here all the time to clean up and throw out dead flowers and things like that; it’s something you grow up doing around here.”

Soboba Tribal Youth Council membership is open to youth from 12-18 who are Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal members and those who are of Native American descent. Along with providing an understanding of the functions and responsibilities of Tribal government, participation provides leadership development and spiritual, mental, physical and social growth, as well as opportunities to attend cultural events. They host many fundraisers to cover expenses for the group’s activities.

In between the monthly in-person meetings, members and the Advisory Board stay connected through a group chat app where they can share information about upcoming events and make collective decisions. Officers are Chairwoman Rhianna Salgado, 16, Vice Chairwoman Raya Salgado, 14, Secretary Akwaalimay Resvaloso, 15, Treasurer Aniyah Brittian, 12, and Member-at-Large Nowaniiki Resvaloso, 13.

Advisory Board members include Parks and Recreation Director Andy Silvas and other department staff, Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado and Secretary Monica Herrera and parents of youth council members. The youth-led council, under the guidance of its Advisory Board, is affiliated with the United National Tribal Youth network, also known as UNITY.

The Soboba Tribal Youth Council constitution and bylaws outline the objectives of the group, which is to provide a collective voice and represent the Tribal youth in all matters that concern them; to serve as a means of mobilizing and coordinating the actions of the youth, other community members and organize them towards positive goals; to promote the development of future Tribal leaders; and to complete community service projects and provide opportunities for the youth to interact with the community for fun and fellowship.

The Memorial Day ceremony began at dawn when Gabe Herrera from Soboba Fire quickly raised the American flag to full-staff position and then slowly lowered it to half-staff to honor the fallen service men and women of this country. Veteran Richard VanDyke-Parker raised it back to full staff at 11 a.m. in recognition of living military veterans who served the country and it remained at full staff until sunset. Richard served in the U.S. Navy from 1975-1996. This action marked the end of the ceremony that had started with prayer from St. Joseph Catholic Church Reverend Earl Henley. A morning mass had been held at the church before parishioners joined him at the veterans’ memorial, a permanent fixture at the east end of the cemetery that is “dedicated to the memory of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and non-Tribal Members who gave their all for us.” Father Henley also called for a moment of silence for the fallen.

After a blessing of the marker, members of Soboba Tribal Youth Council took turns reading names in memory and honor of those who served in the military. Alphabetically, honored Soboba Tribal Veterans whose names were read during the roll call were M.J. Apapas,  Daniel Arres, Gordon Arres, Norbit Arres, Theodore P. Arres, Leonard Arrietta Sr., Ralph C. Arrietta, Robert Arrietta, Anderson Begay, Robert Bentiste, Larry C. Boniface, Paul Boniface, , Gabriel Castello, Peter F. Castello,  Gloria Cozart, Jessie M. Gilmore,  Benny C. Helms Sr., Reginald P. Helms, Romaldo A. Helms, Martin Hurtado, Joe John Lala, Tiefielo Francis Lugo, Kenneth Mathers, Marcus E. Mojado, Danny Navarro, David Navarro, Paul A. Resvaloso, Prudencio Resvaloso, Ernest Salgado Sr., Richard Salgado Sr., Albert Silvas, Allynn Silvas, Daniel Silvas, Frank “Chico” Silvas, Joe “Jody” Silvas, Eloy Soza, Frank E. Soza, Michael Soza, William P. Soza, John Vincent Valdez, Carmel Paul Valenzuella and Louis Vivanco.

Non-Tribal veterans, whose names were included in the roll call, were Eugene F. Arenas, Tony D. Basquez Sr., Bruce Cozart, Miguel R. Briones, Refugio R. Garcia Jr., Orvin D. Gilmore, Foster Hurtado Sr., Andrew Jackson, Ben Largo, Arthur R. Lopez Sr., Mariano Steven Largo,  Leonard Lubo, Senon Lubo, Richard Patrick Macy, Fred Miranda Sr., Peter D. Morillo Sr., Pio Morillo,  James Paul Navarro,  Phillip Rodriguez, Mariano Tortez and James Walker.

Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, who was invited to the microphone to say a few words, said it was great to see the turnout that seems to increase each year.

“I think it’s important that we come out and not only say thanks to our veterans but also to memorialize and remember those that have served and are no longer here with us. It’s important to make sure that we pay that tribute to keep their history and names alive.”

He introduced fellow Tribal Council members Geneva Mojado, Mike Bentiste, Monica Herrera and Daniel Valdez. “I also want to thank the fire department, Sports Complex staff Andy (Silvas) and Steve (Lopez) and youth council. Our youth council has been working to make sure the flags get out to those that need remembrance, making sure that all the graves of all our lost heroes are marked and remembered. It’s important that we continue that tradition and I think with the youth learning where these markers are at, that tradition will be carried on and that’s something we need to be thankful for.”

He said that under the tutelage of elder Marian Chacon, the youth are learning how to continue the traditions that are so important to the people of Soboba. Guests at the Memorial Day event were invited to a brunch at the Soboba Sports Complex after the ceremony and enjoyed delicious food served by members of the Soboba Youth Council who hosted the meal.

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Held this year at San Diego State University, DTI’s mission is to challenge Native youth to D.R.E.A.M., which is an acronym for Dedication, Responsibility, Education, Attitude, Motivation. The youth conference was started in 2007 by several Southern California Tribes and Tribal organizations. The dream began when local youth councils planned to organize a conference specifically for Southern California Native youth. After several planning meetings, the youth voted on a conference name and agreed to host the first ever Southern California Native Youth Conference on the Soboba Indian Reservation at Noli Indian School and the Sports Complex. The success of this conference marked the beginning of the Dream the Impossible Youth Conference becoming an annual event. Today there are more than 35 Tribes, Tribal organizations, and universities that contribute to the DTI Youth Conference.

Soboba Tribal TANF Program Regional Prevention Manager Harold Arres said he enjoyed listening to keynote speaker Assemblymember James Ramos, who talked about the resiliency of the Native people. Program Specialist Mayra Campos said a highlight to her was the number of youths that gathered for the event.

“This was my first year attending and I was amazed at all the different groups that attended from various areas. Everyone came together to participate and enjoy the event,” she said.

Ten breakout sessions were repeated throughout the day to provide students with the opportunity to attend three of their choosing. A variety of subjects were covered, including MMA is Not Just a Sport; Culture, Tribal Law, & Our Community Values; Stay Rooted in Indigenous Culture through Farming; and The Future of Native Filmmaking.

TANF member Reese Elliott, 16, learned about the difference between Western law and Indian Country law in a session facilitated by Dwight K. Lomayesva, Executive Director and co-founder of the American Indian Recruitment (AIR) programs that focus on serving underprivileged American Indians in education.

“My favorite part was being able to spend time with my friends and family and the Men’s Fancy and other dances,” said Reese, who also attended the filmmaking and Native Foods sessions. “What impressed me the most (about the SDSU campus) was the architectural design of the buildings. It really fascinated me.”

Zachary Guacheno also attended the Native Foods and Tribal Law sessions and learned that many college campuses have programs designed for Native American students. He also enjoyed the session on MMA, hosted by Eddie and the Native Youth Foundation. They explained how MMA offers a unique blend of physical, mental and emotional benefits such as boosting confidence and reducing stress.

“I was impressed with how big the campus is and I like how it’s close to the beach,” Zachary, 17, said. He also enjoyed the organized cultural activities, games and College Fair offered during the lunch break from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Andrew Velazquez attended sessions that taught him more about filmmaking, tribal law and Native foods. The latter was presented by Blossom Maciel who has been teaching the art of traditional basketweaving and Native plant use for the past 19 years. She is committed to learning, teaching and passing on her rich cultural heritage to her family and community.

Andrew said he learned much about moviemaking by attending “The Future of Native Filmmaking” presented by Vision Maker Media, whose mission is empowering and engaging Native people to share stories. VMM introduced participants to the power of storytelling and filmmaking for Native communities. Andrew hopes to use the knowledge he gained in the future. “My favorite part was that we had multiple and actual movie supplies in front of us,” the 16-year-old said.

After the all-day conference, the group headed back home. For more information, please visit https://dticonference.org.

Campos said, “I hope the kids were able to accept the overall message of the conference. DTI is all about believing in yourself and aspiring to do great things. It is important for the Native youth to have confidence and self-love in order to dream big.”

Arres added, “I hope that the youth learned that anything is attainable in life.”

On May 5, TANF members were invited to an exclusive screening of the documentary “Pá’Čapa: A Mt. Rubidoux Story” at the Soboba Tribal TANF center in Riverside. It was presented by the film’s creators and co-directors Blossom Maciel and Rosy Aranda.

Pá’Čapa is Cahuilla for “where the water bends,” which can be seen along the three-mile recreational trail that looks down on the bending Santa Ana River. The site attracts upward of 1,000 visitors a day. Monuments and plaques on the mountain focus on colonial history. Through community engagement with Tribal communities, this documentary seeks to present the voices of cultural bearers to highlight how this is a sacred Native place.

Aranda and Maciel introduced the film by telling the youth a little about the process of how it came to be. “We encouraged them to continue to visit Pá’Čapa because it is a place where our ancestors were,” Aranda said.

Soboba’s Kimani Sanchez, 15, said from the film she learned that some roads that we drive on were once used by Native Americans to do trades.

After the screening, the group hiked Mt. Rubidoux, joined by the filmmakers. Aranda said it was a great feeling having the youth up there.

This was Kimani’s first visit to the mountain and she said there was a lot to see and it was beautiful. “The best part was making it to the top and being able to see little animals and an amazing view,” she said. “I plan to share the information I learned with my parents and my cousins who were not able to go on the hike.”

Anthony Salgado, 18, is from the Cahuilla Band of Indians and was surprised to learn that the people from Pá’Čapa were mountain Cahuilla. “Climbing was the best part,” he said about making his first hike there.

Kevin Estanislao from Soboba discovered from the film that Native Americans were the first residents of Riverside and plans to share all he learned with his friends. “I liked the scenery,” the 14-year-old said about the hike. “The best part was climbing the steps to the cross.”

May 5 was also the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. “It was a beautiful day for us to do that ‘walk of reverence’ on MMIW day. We all had shirts with the red handprint as we made our way to the summit,” Aranda said. “Stopping to discuss different parts of the mountain like the dynamite explosions in the rocks and seeing Big Spring Rancheria from above were a few highlights.”

The next opportunity for the public to view “Pá’Čapa: A Mt. Rubidoux Story” will be Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when it will be playing on a loop at the Ya’i Heki’ Regional Indian Museum at Lake Perris, 17801 Lake Perris Dr. in Perris.

“We feel there is a need to share this documentary locally so concentrating on schools, colleges, universities and museums in the surrounding area is our focus. We have had a positive response from everyone who has seen it; the support has been humbling,” Aranda said. “We know how important this piece of Riverside history is and spreading awareness is the start of a conversation that helps bring change.”

For more information, please email abbyroro63@yahoo.com and blossom_maciel@yahoo.com or visit Instagram at @pa.capa documentary, @earthyblossom, @nichil.rosy and @motherearthclan.

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