Independent Filmmaker/ Producer/Photographer Indigenous Blogger...Learning about California Bird Singing,
Preservation and Cultural Documentation
www.NativeImagesPG.com
www.WeAreBirdsDocumentary.com
Contact us at, NativeImagesPG@Gmail.com
Birdsinging is a form of music traditionally sung by the First Americans of the southwest. These rhythmic songs accompanied by handmade gourd rattles are known to have been out here for at least 10,000 years, although according to oral tradition, they are even older, perhaps even 25,000 years old! These songs of our earliest ancestors are still sung by our people today. Locally, the Cahuilla peoples have a birdsinging tradition that honors each day of the year, with a body of songs numbering over 365. In addition, the Creation Story tells of a time when we were all birds, and flew three times around the world before finding a permanent home in what is now Southern California. To honor this flight, bird songs are traditionally sung over a period of three days. Other groups around the Cahuilla people traditionally shared our songs and sang and shared their own, along with other traditions, which has given the southwestern Natives a long history of cultural connectedness. Bird songs have become a linkage between neighboring tribes and between generations, and are the heart of a growing revitalization movement demonstrating that cultural loss is not the only story to be told about Native Americans.
SYNOPSIS
The Native people of Southern California who sing Bird Songs, along with their immediate neighbors such as other Southwestern tribes , have practiced a tradition called "Birdsinging" for well over 10,000 years -- some would say for as long as 25,000 years. As part of a complex web of cultural practices, Birdsinging brings people together from different tribes and is an integral part of social gatherings, seasonal rituals, mourning practices, and cultural teaching. We Are Birds is a documentary film project focusing on the Head Bird Singers who are currently leading the tribes in their cultural traditions. The Head Bird Singer fulfills a critical role not only as a cultural leader, but also as a preservationist of songs and the traditions that go with the performance of these songs. In a time where Native American languages are critically endangered, traditions such as Birdsinging are vitally important because they keep the language alive. We Are Birds will examine a variety of perspectives from leaders of different Cahuilla bands and neighboring tribes, as well as the people who sing with them or support the related traditions in a variety of ways. Told from an insider's perspective, this film aims to not only highlight the important cultural revitalization movement that is currently developing around Birdsinging, but also to share this culture with a broader audience.
What is Birdsinging?
Birdsinging is a form of music traditionally sung by the First Americans of the southwest. These rhythmic songs accompanied by handmade gourd rattles are known to have been out here for at least 10,000 years, although according to oral tradition, they are even older, perhaps even 25,000 years old! These songs of our earliest ancestors are still sung by our people today. Locally, the Cahuilla peoples have a birdsinging tradition that honors each day of the year, with a body of songs numbering over 365. In addition, the Creation Story tells of a time when we were all birds, and flew three times around the world before finding a permanent home in what is now Southern California. To honor this flight, bird songs are traditionally sung over a period of three days. Other groups around the Cahuilla people traditionally shared our songs and sang and shared their own, along with other traditions, which has given the southwestern Natives a long history of cultural connectedness. Bird songs have become a linkage between neighboring tribes and between generations, and are the heart of a growing revitalization movement demonstrating that cultural loss is not the only story to be told about Native Americans.
Goal:
The accumulation of footage/audio of these interviews with people of the southwest in the wab documentary will be shared with the people and their respective museums, archives, and families that are interested in preserving their own culture. The purpose for this film is to create an awareness that is currently not there in the public, in the education system, and local communities
The local native americans let alone their music styles are unknown to the outside communities and the goal is to inform and share…..
We Are Birds Documentary will feature a variety of Head Birdsingers , from Experienced Tribal Leaders and Preservationists to the First people in their tribe to restart birdsinging in their communities where there had been no birdsinging before.
The We Are Birds Documentary will feature all of these views and in between, with each person telling their own story from their own perspective of why preservation is important and what it means to them as an individual.
Joshua had invited Dr. Larisa Broyles and I to attend at on at UCR... this was the first time we have been invited ... and we wanted to pay respect back to Joshua and NASA for helping the Native day Programs at Moreno Valley college where Larisa is a Professor of Anthropology. Joshua has been on top of things for a while out there at NASA... it's an honor to help out when I can. Bill Madrigal and his lovely Wife and daughters were at today's noon event. I was Singing with Mr. Madrigal and Joshua... and didn't get a chance to Video anything... although I did "BRING" my Zoom Hn4... I could have got some Audio down... But i let my nerves get me....
Anyhow, It was also good to sing with Mr. Madrigal... When I was Working with Alvino Siva , Preserving Songs , Cahuilla Language and other Cahuilla projects... I clearly remember how Alvino Told me ," He's Strict. , if you have a chance to meet him... Be respectful."
<~<< Josephine Montes Villa >>~>
I have not been at UCR's campus in years... I was surprised on all the changes.. all the Interested Students that showed up for today's noon event... Only goes to show how hard the students of NASA and Joshua are working to get the word out about First Americans.. Great work NASA!!!
Here is a Video I did get of Josie, and the White Rose Singers!!!! ENJOY!!
On Friday, my wife Larisa and I ... along with my production assistant and good friend Alvin Rosa ,went to visit Lorene
Sisquoc (Museum curator of the Sherman
Indian Museum and Good friend…) at the Sherman Indian Museum… and also to take
part on Friday’s smudging ceremony.
This time when we went to go visit Lorene, we brought some
visitors from Beijing China… They are:
ProfessorZhao Lifang… with her students from her University in Beijing : Ma Xingyuan, and Ren Jie.
As Professor Zhao says, “We all come from Minzu University of
China * (MUC, as a
distinguished comprehensive and national key university in China, is regarded
as the cradle of graduates and professionals of 55 Chinese ethnic groups.) Professor Zhao remarked during her visit with
Lorene that she got to see through the eyes of Lorene, a person I really
respect, of how others abroad should see our Native peoples by someone who's
actually living it every day. I was
happy that Professor Zhao got to have such a positive experience and learn from
someone who grew up within the culture… and Learned from Her mother and Grandmother
before her about our Native way of life…
I
was especially proud to have the honor of connecting someone as important as
Lorene with people who really want to know about us and what we are doing…
Sharing a smudging ceremony with the visitors was priceless… and unforgettable
to our guests from China… Professor Zhao shared with Larisa…“I really
appreciate you and Albert for showing me and my students the Native American
culture. It is amazing experience for all of us.”
I wanted her to
experience the real world of native people that most people don't get to see
everyday. I am very happy and express my
deepest gratitude to Professor Zhao Lifang… And the students from Beijing… For their interest in our culture and our people... and Lorene for Sharing and being a Cultural Leader...
Next
Friday, on California Native day, she will be accompanying us along with two additional
students from MUC:Zhai Hui and Wang
Yajun, to see more examples of what
we do out here in Native California…
… And before I go I want to mention… It was great to have
met some of the young people at Sherman Indian High School, and talk with them
about what their interests were towards preserving what they have learned so
far. We also met the White Rose singers
, an all-female hand-drum group led by cultural leader Josephine Montes Villa, and got to hear
them sing songs for our guests to enjoy.
Friday was a great day to witness Sharing in progress...
With people from another part of the world that want to know more about us…
When you embark upon the study of Native history and
culture, the most complete way to learn is by embracing a three-dimensional
approach.
My Father, David Chacon and myself in 1986
The first dimension is documented history. What does the written word tell us? What stories have been put down on
paper? You can look up some history on
the internet, and see what books are available at the library. If you are of Native ancestry yourself, begin
looking for documentation on your own tribe and learn your own people’s
history. But remember that this is only
one dimension of learning. Most Native
American histories have been written by non-Native peoples. Most of the Native languages were passed down
orally rather than in writing, and even today much knowledge is only beginning
to be written down as a means of preserving traditions of the elders. You will need to look beyond just
documentation.
The second dimension of Native history and culture involves
seeing aspects of the culture yourself rather than just reading about it. Taking a Native American Cultures and/or
History class at your local college might be a good start. Go to a museum, especially ones that have
been created and maintained by Native people.
If that is not available, see if there are Native American exhibits at your
local county, regional, or topical museum (for example, a “Western” themed
museum may very well cover the history of local Native tribes). Visit local reservations, if possible, or
attend a Native powwow or traditional gathering (there is a difference!). Look
to see if a tribe has stories, songs, dances, or other traditions available in
audio/visual format. With these efforts,
you will begin to have a better sense of the personality, the sounds, the look,
the landscape, and the feel of a particular group and its history and
culture. Not all tribes wore large
feather bonnets, rode horses, and lived in teepees. Not all Indians are Cherokee. Now you will have first-hand knowledge to
begin seeing the unique qualities of each tribe, which is especially important
if you are trying to honor your own heritage.
Finally, the third dimension of Native history and culture
involves immersion into the culture and taking an active role in learning. At this stage, you are trying to get past
being an interested observer, to actually being a participant. Find opportunities to get involved if
possible. If there is a powwow, native
gathering, or similar event happening in your local area, see if you can volunteer
to assist. It is a great opportunity to
talk to people and experience culture firsthand. For Native people who want to get in touch
with their own culture, find ways to learn traditions that others have set for
us to follow, from basket weaving, to gourd-rattle making , to beadwork,
gathering and using native plants, to learning and sharing traditional songs
and dances.
Sharing , immersing, learning and preserving through participation.….
Some common themes throughout my journey on finding my Native American Roots…
We need to continue to Practice our Traditions in order to Preserve them for the Future, We have always done it this way... and should continue to do so. It has worked this way for Ions...changing what has worked for us can possibly lead to loosing what is ours. from Land to Practicing Unknown traditions... it's important to up keep those traditions. Share them.... don't put them in a box and put them away....
* The Third Annual Basketweavers Gathering will be held at the Haramokngna for a three day event. Workshops, basketry exhibition, and much more * Basketweavers Gathering Friday August 5th 12:00pm to Sunday August 7th, 2011
Featuring: Basketry exhibit in the Toypurina Gallery Workshops by So Cal Weavers Gathering sites information.
Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center is the realization of many people in greater Los Angeles, where Native American people gather to share their culture, their history, and their heritage through storytelling, dance, music, and arts.
The Center has become a destination for many to learn more about the five regional California Indian tribes' history while enjoying the outdoor scenery and trails. Haramonkngna features a Museum, a Gallery, and Learning Center where you get hands on activities.
Southern
California Indian Basketweavers Summer Gathering
July 22-24, 2011
Agua Caliente Spa Resort, Palm
SpringsCalifornia
This event is sponsored by The Agua
Caliente Cahuilla Culture Committee.
Agenda:
Friday:
6pm - Cahuilla Language Class.
Early
registration and check in if staying the weekend (a block of rooms are reserved
under “Basket Gathering” for Friday and Saturday, July 22 and 23, at the Tribal
rate of $75.00 per night)
Saturday:
8:30 to
5:00pm- Basket weaving workshops and weaving
circles. All workshops will be Southern California Indian Style Weaving. (Workshops and teachers to be announced)
Breakfast and lunch on your own
6:30pm – Dinner provided by Agua Caliente Culture Committee,
followed by Bird Singing/Dancing and Culture Sharing.
Sunday:
Weave until 3 PM. and or
fieldtrip to the AguaCalienteCultureMuseum at 11:00am.
CONGRATULATIONS DAN! We know how valuable you are to "Us", Glad to see other's do as well!
INLAND: Forest's tribal relations program manager honored
By DIANE A. RHODES Special to The Press-Enterprise
San BernardinoNational Forest Tribal Relations Program Manager Daniel McCarthyhas worked with Native American tribes at local and state levels for the past 30 years.
He recently received the National Office of Tribal Relations Lifetime Achievement Award.
"It's rather heartfelt to be the first recipient of this award," said McCarthy, of Riverside.
2009 / The Press-Enterprise
Daniel McCarthy, tribal relations program manager for the San BernardinoNational Forest, received the National Office of Tribal Relations Lifetime Achievement Award. Here he shows off what could be a a metate, or grinding stone, near Big Bear Lake.
The Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 opened up many opportunities for theForest Serviceand tribes to work more closely together. The program covers nine regions that serve 17 national forests.
"Daniel has always been eager to lend a hand and participate in many of the tribal traditional programs within the San Bernardino National Forest as well as within Indian Country," said Carrie L. Garcia, cultural program manager for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.
McCarthy's Parry Pinyon Pine Protection Project uses volunteers to reduce hazardous fuels on the Santa Rosa Reservation near Hemet and the Ramona Reservation near Anza. He is raising pinyon seedlings and reintroducing them in burned areas in conjunction with the forest's botanists. The trees produce nuts and acorns that are harvested and used as food sources.
Steven Estrada, the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians' Tribal Council secretary, met McCarthy more than 10 years ago when his grandmother, Jomay Modesto, introduced them during an agave harvest at the Santa Rosa reservation.
"He gave me my first job (after high school) in cultural resources working for theForest Service," Estrada said. "My grandmother and other elders like Alvino Siva always spoke very highly of him and appreciated everything that he did."
McCarthy regularly participates in the gatherings of the CaliforniaIndian Basketweavers Association. He is also a co-founder, and current board member, of Nex'wetem, formerly the Southern CaliforniaIndian Basket Weavers.
"Daniel has been instrumental in helping tribal members from the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians access the forests for traditional uses," said Rosemary Morillo, Soboba Tribal Council member and a fellow co-founder and board member of Nex'wetem. "The Forest Service realizes its trust responsibilities to provide access for Native Americans for gathering and accessing religious/sacred areas and Daniel has been a reliable contact for many years. He protects the sacred sites."
McCarthy, an archaeologist, has been a key participant in the annual Agave Roast at the Morongo Band of Mission Indians reservation near Cabazon.
"I'm delighted to see Daniel receive an award that acknowledges his commitment to our people," said Michael Contreras Jr., Cultural Heritage Program coordinator for Morongo. "... Daniel has always been devoted to sharing his deep understanding of our rich culture with others to help further our ongoing efforts to promote cultural preservation and revitalization."
Even with 10,000 years of prehistory in California, McCarthy said the Native Americans still have a viable culture and people can learn a lot from them.
"My favorite part of this job is learning about traditional uses of plants and sharing my knowledge of the prehistory and archaeological sites with the tribes," he said.
Diane A. Rhodes is a Press-Enterprise correspondent. Reach her at 951-763-3461 or dianealease@hotmail.com.
