Dear Idyllwild Arts Community,
The month of November is Native American Heritage Month. At Idyllwild Arts, we have demonstrated our reverence and dedication through a series of presentations and postings to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples for their significant contributions to humanity. In 2019, Idyllwild Arts adopted the following Land Acknowledgement Statement:
Idyllwild Arts respectfully acknowledges the Qawishpa Cahuillangnah (KA-WEESH-PA CAHUILLA-NGA), also known as Cahuilla Band of Indians, and all nine sovereign bands of Cahuilla people who have stewarded this land throughout the generations and continues to steward this land for all future generations.
Each year, we walk our students through the meadows on our campus to cultivate a sense of place and inspire respect for this land, which should be cherished every day. Cahuilla Bird Singers visit at the beginning of each year to wish our students a successful school year, and periodically return, sharing their culture and stories to help ensure that our students, who come from around the world, maintain a respect for Idyllwild and the Cahuilla people.
In a few days, many of us will celebrate the United States Thanksgiving holiday. We will be grateful to gather with families and loved ones to break bread and give thanks for the challenges we have overcome and the triumphs we have achieved during a year that has been difficult for many.
For me, November marks a month of gratitude. So as we recognize Native American Heritage Month and celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, we express gratitude to everyone who has supported our school community. We are grateful to parents who year after year choose Idyllwild Arts to provide the foundation for their children’s success and happiness. We are grateful to faculty, support staff, and administrators for their extraordinary efforts to reach and teach our students. And we are grateful to the Cahuilla people who have stewarded this land, and continue to steward this land throughout the generations.
Warmest regards,
Pamela Jordan
President
Idyllwild Arts Foundation
