Dorothy Ramon Learning Center
has missed our community family at our events — but is looking forward to
seeing everyone in many new ways.
The
Coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on the nonprofit Learning
Center. The Center had to cancel all events at its downtown Banning venues starting
in March. “We miss the faithful supporters of our 4th Sunday
concerts and Dragonfly lectures,” vice president June Siva said.
“We are also
sad that we’ve had to postpone our 17th Dragonfly Gala until
2021, the major gathering and fund-raiser for the Center. We will miss what we
think of as our annual ‘family reunion.’ Next year will be a big celebration
when we can gather with you all again and celebrate Native American cultures
with good food, singing and dancing, exhibits, and more! At this time we
don’t know when our Gathering Hall events and concerts will resume, but watch
for that good news!”
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Ernest and June Siva
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Meanwhile, join the Center
online and in other ways. Dorothy Ramon Learning Center’s theme for 2020 is a
celebration of resiliency. The Center is working to nurture our community and
bring everyone even closer together, embracing its 501(c)3 nonprofit mission
since 2003 of saving and sharing Southern California’s Native American
cultures, languages, history, and music and other traditional arts.
Center
President and Elder Ernest Siva said: “As we wait for things to calm down and
confidence returns and fear flies away, let's turn our attention to good and
uplifting things around us, and what we can share with one another, the simple
things in life. The song says: ‘Powva'
aarnk hye'kam tum haiti' a'aye'ci' peepamkw,’ their eyes open to
see a bright future.”
Join the Center in online events
Connect with
one another and the wonder of our Southern California Native American cultures.
Discover and explore the tools of resiliency, reciprocity, and healing in
Native American cultural ways and traditions, and stories and songs. Explore
how to connect with the world and deeper understandings of our region’s
vitality and uniqueness.
A Few Upcoming Online Dragonfly Adventures (watch for
details on how to connect):
Monday, July
20, 6 pm.
Healing through the Art of Storytelling.
Online interactive family workshop in partnership with
the Luke Madrigal Indigenous Storytelling Foundation, led by Madrigal
family members Renda, Sophia, and Isabella Madrigal. Donations welcome.
Monday, August
17, 6 pm.
A Raptor as a Guide: Connecting with the Wilderness through Hawks,
Eagles and Falcons.
(Co-sponsored by
the Rivers and Lands Conservancy)
Journey online with longtime falconer Rebecca
K. O’Connor into the wild, as seen through the perceptive views of the wild
birds she calls her partners. Refresh your vision of the natural world around
us, and the wonders in your own back yard. Donations welcome.
Monday,
September 14, 6 pm.
Pal Et Qwapi! Water is Life!
Savor the essence of the world with Sean Milanovich, Cahuilla Culture Bearer. Donations welcome.
