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HONORING OUR ELDERS
Title IX Pow wow 2001 |
This is the ninth year that the Indian Education Title IX program
is honoring a Kumeyaay elder. In the past the Title IX coordinator,
Vickey Gambala, has sought out the council of this year's honoree.
We are delighted with the selection of Jane Dumas. Jane is committed
to the success of the Title IX program. She continues to demonstrate
her commitment again and again. She participates in many of the activities
that offer avenues to tribal traditional ways. She is a very traditional
tribal women. She is an outstanding representative of the ongoing
drama of tribal Americans in a complex urban context. She has endured
for many decades. |
Jane Dumas is a lineal descendent of the last Chief, Manuel Hatam.
He was the well recognized leader of the Tribal people living on this
Balboa Park location. For thousands and thousands of years Kumeyaay
people lived all over this coastal area ie. Florida canyon, Indian
point, and Chollas Creek. We might ask ourselves, where are they today?
The answer is, Right Here! That is correct! There are hundreds of
tribal people still living near to their original locations. Many
more have been scattered by events: historical, political or military.
Too often sickness and the pressures of modern life have taken the
greater toll on the local Kumeyaay populations.
We all hope, in a small way, our selection of this lady will encourage
our non tribal institutions and residents to recognize the awesome
legacy we all owe the original stewards of this land; the Kumeyaay.
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This is a view of the Indian Human Resource Center, IHRC,
sponsored Culture Days Pow Wow Honoring Dance. IHRC board chairman,
Joe Renteria and the Arena Director Ral Christman lead in the IHRC
employees: Vickey Koteen and June Hudson. They are followed by the
rest of the dancers. |
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The day presented a positive message. Visible here as the
wind unfurled the flag we read,"Not Forgotten," underscoring the cultural
drama of the people coming together in a traditional way to have a
good time. Standing are Jane Dumas and the beautiful Lorraine Swenson.
Lorraine is a former Title IX princess. The San Diego Indian community
is very proud of this young lady for her commitment, to serve our
country, in the U.S. Navy. |
Enthusiastically Jane Dumas and her family presented
a handmade Kumeyaay pottery olla to the Title IX organizer and staff
person, Vickey Gambala. Vickey Gambala produced the luncheon tribute
and selected Jane Dumas to be this year's Pow Wow honoree. Also in
the picture are Lorraine and Jane's daughter Dee. |
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These four ladies are the pictures of elegance,
beauty, and tradition. Anna Sandoval, Jane Dumas, Virginia Christman,
Gloria Castanada were seated center stage. We are proud to acknowledge
these ladies' many achievements with respect and dignity. Their presence
and support is always well received.
Thank you all! |
Roy Cook - Editor * Webmaster - Ben Nance * americanindiansource.com |
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