SAN DIEGANS COMMEMORATE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S DAY

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: Screenshot of Indigenous People’s Day video posted by San Diego Miramar College on Facebook.

October 10, 2023 (San Diego) -- Indigenous People’s cultural awareness day was celebrated in different ways in San Diego County in 2023. Here are some of the events and activities that took place:

At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians hosted an all-day event that included tellings of the tribe’s cultural stories and exhibitions of the tribe’s art and craftsmanship. There were also traditional foods available throughout the park. There was an opening blessing ceremony at 10 a.m., a closing prayer at 4 p.m., and live music performed by members of the San Pasqual band.

At San Diego Miramar College, there was an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration with free frybread tacos and a musical performance by the Soaring Eagles of Southern California.

The Native Resource Center at San Diego State University hosted an Indigenous Peoples Day Week of Action, which included harm reduction training, a lecture on the legacy of cultural genocide in California, and an event focused on supporting humanitarian efforts.

Several Native American organizations and allies held a rally and march in downtown San Diego to demand justice and recognition for Indigenous peoples. On the date also known as Columbus Day, the tribal groups also called for the removal of the statue of Christopher Columbus at Horton Plaza Park, which they consider a symbol of oppression and genocide.

The Kumeyaay Nation organized a sunrise ceremony at Cabrillo National Monument to honor their ancestors and reclaim their sacred lands. They also performed traditional dances and songs and shared their history and culture with visitors.

Monica Montgomery Steppe, candidate for Supervisor, stated in a press release, “This is a time for honoring the survival, resilience, and impact of Indigenous communities. We all live, work, and build Community on Indigenous Peoples’ land. San Diego County is the rightful home of the Kumeyaay, the Kuupiaxchem, the Acjachemen, the Ivilyuqaletem, the Quechnajuichom, and the Cahuilla.  The mere recognition of this day is not enough to remedy centuries of cruelty and persecution while the fight for sovereignty, rights, and recognition is ongoing… As your Supervisor, I will continue dedicating myself to ensuring local Indigenous communities are included and heard in County government.”