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Centralized collection of Kumeyaay artifacts, curated museum pieces and extensive scholarly collection housed for research, education and outreach
Source: Sycuan
December 23, 2016 (Sycuan Indian Reservation) -- Initiated with traditional Kumeyaay Bird Singers and Dancers, native blessings and a traditional sage smudging purification, the Sycuan Tribe unveiled the Sycuan Cultural Resource Center and Museum to a large crowd and rave reviews earlier this month. The new facility centralizes and secures an enormous amount of ancient Kumeyaay artifacts, museum quality collections, and a vast array of scholarly research featuring the famous “Shipek Collection” of Kumeyaay archives.
“The Sycuan Tribe is extremely proud to open to the public our new Cultural Resource Center and Museum,” stated Tribal Chairman Cody Martinez. “The history and spirit of the village of Matamo courses through and infuses the facility, exhibits and programs that will be offered here. We encourage all Native Americans -- and all San Diegans -- to visit and learn about Kumeyaay history and culture through viewing of these ancient artifacts, accessing a comprehensive collection of scholarly research, and enjoying programs and services that will foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich Kumeyaay culture.”
The new center and museum, located on the prehistoric Kumeyaay village of Matamo, will be a gathering place for museum quality curated artifacts, housing research and educational materials for use by tribal members and the general public, as well as a host location for exhibits, programs and other services. Through a well-rounded presentation of Kumeyaay culture and history, the center and museum will promote thoughtful dialogue and foster an appreciation for the deep and rich heritage of the original Native Americans of the San Diego County region.
Three special components will reside at the center and museum: the Florence Shipek archival collection of oral histories, textual records, language materials and field notes; thousands of ancient artifacts from the Everly subdivision; and the Wallberg collection of Kumeyaay baskets. Numerous displays with educational components, historical photos, pre-contact artifacts and other cultural material serve as vibrant visual displays to further the research and educational experience. A wall-length timeline and pictogram serves as a striking summation of more than 12,000 years of Kumeyaay history over the ages and into the modern era.
About Sycuan:
Members of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation have resided in and around the foothills of the Dehesa Valley for more than 12,000 years. Today they are a modern government providing public services to their members, employees and neighbors. The Sycuan Tribal Government operates one of the region's most successful Indian gaming and resort facilities, the Sycuan Casino and Resort. The Sycuan Tribe demonstrates its strong commitment to the San Diego region through the support of hundreds of civic and charitable organizations.
The Tribe, through the Sycuan Tribal Development Corporation (STDC), also seeks to reinvest back into the San Diego community with a progressive business development effort. To date, STDC has purchased the former Singing Hills Country Club and the historic U.S. Grant Hotel; is an investor in Hotel Solamar near Petco Park; and is owner/developer of the Marina Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in National City. Combined, these enterprises now employ nearly 4,000 San Diegans. For more information on Sycuan visit www.sycuantribe.com
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