This is the second fair Hurtado has hosted and said the purpose of the events is to get people out and for them to learn about ways they can promote strong mental, physical and spiritual health in their own lives and with their families. Amid upbeat music played by DJ Mike Nevarez, Hurtado checked in with each vendor.

“I want to bring different things to the people and let them know there is help out there if they need it,” Hurtado said. “Just being outside is healing. My goal for today is for everyone to relax, laugh and have a good time.” She feels it’s important to give young people productive things to do to keep them away from drugs and alcohol and her personal experience with addiction has made her want to help others avoid it.

“When my older children were little, I was on drugs really bad. My dad finally had enough and told me not to come home and that I couldn’t see my kids anymore. That was my wake-up call,” Hurtado said. “I was hurt, and I was also grieving for all the people we had lost, and I didn’t want my children to go through that and lose me, too. I went to Soboba Indian Health, got placed in a 5-day detox in the desert and I never looked back. I have been drug-free for 18-1/2 years.”

The mother of four has three grandchildren and said it took her awhile to put her life back together, but she did, and now wants to help others know where to find the resources they might need to start over or get on a healthy path.

Hurtado also likes helping small businesses promote their products and services by giving them a showcase like these fairs.

One of those is Emma Nevarez of Semi Homemade Momma who creates snackable containers of vegetables and fruits that look as good as they taste. Using the freshest ingredients, she assembles her grab-and-go boxes that sometimes include edible flowers. She started her business about three years ago so she could be a full-time stay-at-home mom to her three children who are 4, 5 and 6 years old. She said they love fruits and vegetables and pretty much everything she makes.

“I developed my own style and it’s therapeutic for me,” Nevarez said. “I started my own blog and post recipes and pictures of healthy foods to encourage others to cook and cook things for their kids.” Her blog can be found on Instagram @semihomemademomma.

Suvóova Sweet Treats was established in 2020 by Antiana Briones after she began selling her popular sweets at her sister’s Frybread Kitchen pop-up. She said her milk chocolate covered strawberries are a favorite with customers but she’s always trying out new treats such as mini funnel cakes.

Briones is also hosting her own event on April 3 at the Old Soboba Casino parking lot. The Autism Acceptance Market will feature food vendors, face painting and animal balloons, a sensory booth, music, raffles and information booths. It is open to the general public and all are welcome.

Sheila Pico from Pechanga began an Indigenous Wellness Market last August that has been very successful. It supports many creative arts and shares alternative medicine choices such as herbs and teas.

“We need to get back to our roots and use natural things from our ancestors; we can’t have our people depend on clinics,” she said. “Our focus is on healing within and getting to the root cause, not just putting a band-aid on it.”

Pico said the markets have given visitors the opportunity to reconnect and feel the good energy around them. She said all of that leads to positive results.

“Everything we touch we absorb into our bodies and it all affects our mind and body. Our body is like a tree. If it is fed the right minerals and food it will grow,” she said. “Food is medicine and we need to learn the right kinds to eat to help us heal.”

Her most recent market, at Pechanga Park, had about 50-plus vendors with everything from natural skin care products to locally sourced honey. Creative artists also had booths there.

“Doing beadwork has a lot of healing powers too,” Pico said. “It’s just a happy place to come.”

She is planning her next event for Mother’s Day weekend. For updates visit her on Instagram, @indigenouswellnessmarket.

Tiara Rogers from Ribbons of Sovereignty is a personal coach who helps clients get healthy in mind, body and spirit. She created an allergy salve for her son’s eczema that contains all-natural ingredients. She shares the recipe and sells the product because her goal is to help empower others.

“Sovereignty is about ownership and how we can govern ourselves and become empowered,” she said. “I want to help people bring back sovereignty within themselves.”

Rogers has been teaching health classes for about six years and helps clients find out what they need nutritionally and in other ways to bring balance into their lives.

Anthony Hurtado, Kelli’s nephew, shared an introduction to the Luiseño language, using words that were related to wellness and healing. Majoring in Public Health and minoring in linguistics at UC, San Diego, he picked a few words to share with attendees.

“Language is part of our identity – that in itself can be very healing,” he said. “You can repeat healing words to visualize, which allows us to manifest it. Language carries a lot of spiritual healing and I try to instill it in others when I get an opportunity to share. I’m not exactly fluent but I’ve been learning from a young age.”

Dave and Mary Trujillo opened the House of Pain Southern California boxing and fitness club in Temecula about two years ago. It is a place where young people can go to get in shape but also to be mentored. Many youth from Soboba train there including boxer Jimmy Nunez, who is soon to go professional. Dave Trujillo said just two years ago, Nunez was in a bad place doing drugs and alcohol and partying too much. In the past year and a half that he has been with House of Pain he has been totally clean, has transformed himself and is working his way through the amateur ranks.

“Now he owns his own destiny,” director and head trainer Dave Trujillo said. “We can’t hold him back – he’s untouchable.”

The Trujillos opened their club during the pandemic when they saw so many kids needing something to keep them busy. They started with about 20 members and are approaching 100 and growing. For more information, www.hopscboxingclub.com.

Jessica Escobedo of Jess of Cakes brought her unique flavored cupcakes to share. She makes all her items from scratch and offers Mexican-inspired flavors such as marzipan and horchata. Although she has been baking for a long time, it was during the pandemic that she started doing more of it because she enjoys it. After moving to San Jacinto about a month ago, she has really focused on making a go of her business. She is on Instagram and can be reached at jessofcakes@gmail.com.

“I like seeing smiles on people’s faces when they eat my cakes,” Escobedo said. “They’re not extremely sweet and they offer something different.”

Wayne Cortez, a peer support specialist with Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health Inc., shared his handmade prayer ties that he said can help release worries and fears. Other members of the agency offered information on mental health topics and important drug facts.

Hurtado is already planning for another Body, Mind & Spirit Wellness Fair this summer. Those interested in having a booth can reach her at KHurtado@soboba-nsn.gov.

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians | Contributed

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Middle school students were promoted during a drive-thru event in front of the school, that shares its large parking lot with the Soboba Sports Complex. Each student walked up to receive their diploma and a gift bag plus photo opportunities with Principal Donovan Post and family members if they chose to do so. Promoted eighth grade students were Isill Boniface, Babe Briones, Angelina Chavez, Victor Chavez, Daigan Cyhan, Crystal Devore, Mexeel Garcia, Johnny Gutierrez, Rosalina Hamilton, Davina Magante, Dena Magante, Joseph Morsa, Issac Oliva, Paakishla Valenzuella and Jesse Venegas.

The high schoolers’ ceremony allowed up to three cars per proud family to park and celebrate as their students took these milestone steps. Post welcomed those who gathered outside their vehicle and some who stayed inside, saying he was thankful everyone could come together for this momentous occasion. He said it has been a difficult year and a half for everyone and seeing the students and their families on a regular basis was what was missed most of all.

Soboba Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado welcomed all those in attendance and recognized fellow Council members, Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, Secretary Sally Moreno-Ortiz who also serves as Noli School Board’s Tribal Liaison, Treasurer Daniel Valdez and Sergeant at Arms Kelli Hurtado. She also recognized Noli School Board members President Antonia Briones-Venegas, Vice President Lucille Briones, Secretary Michael Placencia, and Members at Large Mia Basquez and Sandy Boniface.

“Congratulations Class of 2021. It’s great we all get to be out here semi-together in one place to take pictures and be with the ones we love,” Mojado said.

Before turning the microphone over to the two outstanding student speakers, Post said he was proud to announce that this was the first Noli Indian School graduating class that has five students who have completed the AVID program and have been accepted to top-notch four-year universities. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an in-school academic support program whose purpose is to prepare students for college eligibility and success.

“This is the class that has been in the AVID program for a minimum of four years and has succeeded the most, strived the most and done the most for the school and we are so proud of them,” he said.

Salutatorian Shania House, a member of the Navajo Nation, thanked staff and her friends and family for helping her achieve her goal of attending college.

“It is with great honor that I announce I will be attending the University of California, Irvine to pursue a degree in psychological science,” House said during her speech. “I plan to become a District Attorney then a federal judge. Without attending Noli, I don’t think I would be on this path to achieve higher education.”

She said her teachers believed in her and constantly reminded her that she was meant for something bigger and better.

“They taught me that hard works pays off and I’m standing up here today, so they were right,” House said. “For all the times I wanted to give up, I say thank you to every one of you that encouraged me and reminded me of my goals. And to the class of 2021: never stop believing in yourself, never stop working towards your dreams; you guys can do anything you put your mind to.”

Valedictorian Vanessa Fernandez spoke next, congratulating her fellow graduates. Also a member of the Navajo Nation, Fernandez announced her acceptance to the University of California, Berkeley where she will major in American Indian Studies and Fire Science.

“Going away to college is a climatic turning point in my life, and it’s been a while since I’ve last encountered something so intimidating, but I will use this opportunity of higher education to advance myself with integrity and dignity, as I continue to honor my Indigenous heritage,” she said. “Noli has been paramount to my academic success and has brought me to this point in my educational journey. The people here and their support of the students is something sentimental and gave off genuine fostering.”

Diplomas were then presented to each high school graduate by members of the Noli School Board. Along with the expected applause, cheers and popping of streamers, car horns honked after each name was announced. As the students accepted their diplomas, a short introduction was read for each one that included some of their accomplishments and their future plans.

Post then said, “Madam Vice Chairwoman, as principal, I do hereby certify that each and every one of these students has met all requirements set forth by the state of California and the Bureau of Indian Education and recommend them to be graduates of Noli Indian School.”

Mojado replied, “As Vice Chairwoman of the Soboba Band of Lusieño Indians, I hereby accept these students as graduates of Noli Indian School, class of 2021.”

Post instructed graduates to move their tassels to the other side of their caps to signify they have officially completed high school. “Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison, chosen as this year’s class song, was played as family members shared hugs, photos and gifts.

High school graduates from the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians who earned their diplomas were Norbit Arres, Adriana Briones, Jimmy Briones, Raymond Masiel, Sheila Pimental, Tanya Rivera and Vincent Vega. Other Noli graduates, with their Tribal affiliation were Vanessa Fernandez (Navajo Nation), Shania House (Navajo Nation), Shyla Marcus (Morongo Band of Mission Indians), Matthew Tewawina (Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians), Cannan Tubby (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians), and Mario Zaragosa-Castellano (Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians).

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