Native American Evening Program In Honor Of Native American National Holiday

Nearly 500 Redlands and Yucaipa fourth graders learned, and celebrated, the cultures and histories of the Serrano and Cahuilla tribes of San Bernardino and Riverside counties during the annual California's First Cultures: A Celebration at Crafton Hills (Waa’t) on Nov. 19 and 20. The Waa’t Celebration, named after the Serrano word for Juniper tree, is held in recognition of National Native American Heritage Month, proclaimed by President Obama each November in observance of Native American Heritage Day on Nov. 27. The proclamation calls on Americans to commemorate the month with appropriate programs and activities that build awareness for and celebrate Native American cultures. The Waa’t Celebration took place within a recreated Indian Village. Believing that cultural expressions are best taught in person, students took part in hands-on lessons basketry, art, music languages and storytelling lessons that have defined these tribal nations since time immemorial. “In the classroom, many of us have been led to believe that California history began with the arrival of the first explorers, that all Indians lived in tepees and used drums for music,” said program coordinator and San Manuel Tribal Unity and Cultural Awareness Coordinator James Ramos. “By participating in Waa’t, we can better share our unique cultures, timeless traditional practices and contemporary roles in today’s society to the children of our future.” The Waa’t Celebration began in 2004 to celebrate and teach the factual history and cultures of the first people of this region to students in the Yucaipa and Redlands school district. This event is done in accordance with the social science curriculum standards for fourth graders directing that they learn about the state’s tribes as part of learning early California history.