bird songs

Passages: Dr. Harry Paul Cuero Jr., former Campo tribal chair

Photo via SDSU  2011 news release

January 6, 2026 (Campo) – Dr. Harry Paul Cuero Jr., former chair of the Campo Band of the Kumeyaay nation, spiritual leader and educator dedicated to preserving Kumeyaay sovereignty culture and leading efforts to share indigenous Bird Songs with future generations, died on December 6 at age 65. 

Cuero, known as Junior, dedicated efforts to preserve and promote sacred Bird Songs that encapsulate the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth in Native American tradition. In his youth, he was profoundly influenced by the tribal history recounted through music, starting at a funeral he attended at age 8.

In 2011, San Diego State bestowed him with the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of Cuero as a cultural icon, mentor, leader, and oral historian. An SDSU news release at the time quotes Cuero discussing his mentorship of tribal young people. 


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VIEJAS CASINO OPENS STUNNING NEW BUFFET

 

“As one of the first called to the table at Buffet at Viejas, I wish to say, ‘Thank you for a memorable feast. It was delightful.’”—Ariele Johannson
 
by Ariele Johannson
 
May 23, 2012 (Alpine)--The new Buffet at Viejas had its grand opening on Tuesday morning.  The fanfare included a tribal blessing from Kumeyaay elder Virginia Christman and traditional bird songs led by tribal member John Christman. Viejas Tribal Vice Chairman, Robert “Cita” Welch, addressed a crowd of tribal elders, leaders, local dignitaries, Chamber of Commerce representatives, public and the press during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. With the smell of sage in the air being prepared for the smudging, he called the new buffet at Viejas among the best in the San Diego area.  

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