Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Meet Your Neighbors

Learn more about local Native American people and share in conversations, in "Cultural Perspectives," a Dragonfly Lecture at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10.

Michael with daughter Alice. Carlos Puma Photo.
Michael Contreras Jr. will share local Native American culture and history in the lecture at Dorothy Ramon Learning Center's San Manuel Gathering Hall, 127 N. San Gorgonio Ave., Banning.

Born in Banning in 1975, Contreras is currently the Cultural Heritage Program Coordinator for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. He is charged with management and protection of local sacred and archaeological sites, management of the Morongo Collection (baskets, artifacts, and archival photos), cultural preservation and revitalization efforts for the Morongo School and for tribal members. 

Join us as he offers a brief cultural, historical overview on local Native people. And to follow an open discussion and exchange, as Contreras offers his own personal stories and opinions on current local cultural situations and contemporary issues throughout Indian Country.

Come learn more about the Natives who have always occupied these lands and share in our conversations on the matter. 
  
A $5 donation at the door will benefit the nonprofit Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, which saves and shares Southern California's Native American cultures, languages, history, and traditional arts. Information: 951.849.7736 or www.dorothyramon.blogspot.com.