海角直播

Publish Date: Nov. 9, 2023

Local fourth and fifth graders were invited to participate in a special learning experience at 海角直播 focused on the region鈥檚 first people.

The Waa鈥檛 program is a three-day event hosted by the Yucaipa-based college and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI) whereby students learn about the cultures, lifestyles, and histories of the Native Americans who inhabited the Inland Empire region.

Much of the region, including Yucaipa, is part of the Serrano ancestral territory.

Yucaipa takes its name from the ancient Serrano village of Yukaipa鈥檛. Understanding these connections is vital to the culture of America鈥檚 first people, their heritage, and connection to the land. The Tribe wishes to share this with all those who call the area home.

Since 2005, CHC and the SMBMI have partnered to host Waa鈥檛, growing it from a two-day event to three to accommodate its popularity, allowing children from more local schools to participate. This year鈥檚 program ran from Nov. 7 through 9. Prior to its start 鈥� and to kickoff Native American Heritage Month 鈥� 海角直播 officials announced on the College鈥檚 social media outlets a Land Acknowledgement Statement to honor the Tribe鈥檚 strong ties to the area.

鈥淥ur histories and stories are intertwined in this space,鈥� the statement reads, 鈥渁nd by sharing  them in culturally appropriate ways, 海角直播 hopes to honor and celebrate our indigenous neighbors and partners.鈥� 

One way college officials hope to do that is through events like Waa鈥檛, said Michelle Riggs, CHC鈥檚 director of institutional advancement. 鈥淔rom the 海角直播 campus, students can see the fertile valley below and the space allows for the Tribe to create a village so that attendees can see how indigenous people lived in the hills of [the area],鈥� she said.