November 9 – 30 Kumeyaay Artists exhibition with Johnny Bear Contreras
November 16 – Gathering of Nations event; Video from 2023 GON by Eddiebear60

3rd Annual gathering held on traditional Kumeyaay lands in the Sweetwater Valley.

Saturday, November 16 celebrates the 3rd annual Gathering of Nations at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center and the Bonita Sunnyside SD County Library. The gathering celebrates indigenous cultures, highlighting craftspeople, storytellers, food and educational resources held on traditional Kumeyaay lands. The museum and event will take place in the Greg Cox Civic Complex located at 4355 Bonita Road, in Bonita CA. 91902. The events are free and open to the public.

The event will be opened by tribal elders and delegates and includes Kumeyaay Bird Singers. The cultural bird songs, of which there are 300 in the takut cycle, are a metaphor for life. On stage find presentations and regalia from “Soaring Eagles” dancers, presentation of powwow culture with visiting tribal members.

Visitors will find educational resources from Kumeyaay College and a new exhibition curated by Kumeyaay artist Johnny Bear Contreras, inside the main gallery of the museum.  Artists in the exhibition include Johnny Bear Contreras, Chuck Contreras, Rita Reed, Juan Reynoso and  Aurelia Ojeda Melendrez. 

See KPBS article about Aurelia and son Ángel in San Jose de la Zorra

Statement from the curator, As a public artist, I believe it’s essential for Native artists to showcase their work in spaces that encourage critical thought and engagement. Museums have a unique opportunity to support this vision by being open to exhibiting Native artists in environments conducive to dialogue. We, as Native artists, carry the responsibility to activate these spaces and present our perspectives authentically, fostering a deeper understanding of our culture and artistry. Working together to create platforms that elevate our voices and stories.

The exhibition includes Kumeyaay/Kumiay artists from both sides of the border including the tribal community of San Jose de la Zorra, Baja California, Mexico, featuring basket weaver Aurelia Ojeda Melendrez. Aurelia is famous for her coiled rattlesnake basket patterns and Kumeyaay basket hats.

Also featured in the exhibition:

Student artwork from Barona Cultural Center & Museum
“Muuyaawkeh! (You Should Know!)” is a project Heritage Project by the Students from Barona Indian Charter School.
These projects show their knowledge is shared with others, contributing to the perpetuation
and preservation of the Kumeyaay culture.

Inside the museum, visitors can discover the history of the Sweetwater Valley as well as explore the elements of a new Kumeyaay permanent exhibition opening in 2024. The Bonita Museum & Cultural Center is currently gathering funding to create an exhibition about Kumeyaay past and present in the Sweetwater Valley. This exhibition will allow visitors to see and hear the Kumeyaay language including the names of places, objects and animals. The language will be spoken by members of Kumeyaay College’s language department. The exhibition will be implemented by Kumeyaay College students with exhibition designer Michael Connolly of the Campo Band of Kumeyaay.

The Bonita Museum & Cultural Center is located in the Sweetwater River Valley near ancient Kumeyaay village sites including the village of Apusquel. The Gathering of Nations is coordinated by the museum’s Indigenous Cultures Educator Heather Gallana. For more information about events, please find the museum online at Bonitahistoricalsociety.org.

About artists:  Aurelia Ojeda Melendrez, Ja Kuatay Arte Kumiay

 

Sponsors for the annual event include the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and DAR, Linares Chapter. The Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, located in San Diego County, is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Information about the exhibition and programming can be found on the website www.bonitahistoricalsociety.org. The museum is located at 4355 Bonita Road, Bonita California. Exhibitions are free and open to the public.

If you would like to be a part of the program, please contact coordinator Heather Gallana at 619 267-514

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Indigenous Cultures Educator
Heather Gallana
Proud Blackfeet & Gro Ventre descendent
USMC veteran

Thank You to Sponsors:

County of San Diego, District 1